2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update

Crafting a Vision for Open Space and RecreationCon Com 11.10.23

During 2023, the Town of Franklin will begin the process of updating the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).

"Open Space and Recreation Plans allow a municipality to maintain and enhance all of the benefits of open space that together make up much of the character of the community and protect the "green infrastructure" of the community. Planning this "green infrastructure" of water supply, land, working farms and forests, viable wildlife habitats, parks, recreation areas, trails, and greenways is as important to the economic future of a community as planning for schools, roads, water, and wastewater infrastructure." (OSRP Workbook, 2008)

The OSRP process will be led by the Town of Franklin’s Conservation Commission with support from the Conservation Agent, Department of Planning and Community Development and the Department of Recreation. Over the course of 10 months (December 2022 - August 2023), the Town will engage the community through monthly focus groups, 3 public hearings as well as a community visioning survey. At the conclusion of the OSRP process, the Town of Franklin will submit the proposed plan to the State of Massachusetts for approval and begin implementation upon authorization for 2024 - 2031.

The development of open space planning across the state is overseen by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS). Having an authorized and current Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is required to apply and receive state funding programs related to open space and ensures resident input is embedded in the plan. The OSRP outreach and research process ensures the goals and objectives outlined in the seven year action plan are reflective of resident priorities. 

Get involved!

There will be ample opportunity to provide direct feedback during the development of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. The primary engagement timeline is outlined below...

Public Engagement Opportunities

Timeline

Location

OSRP Resident Survey:

Resident participation in the survey will allow Town staff to craft a vision for the OSRP that is reflective of resident priorities. The survey will be available digitally and physically at various locations around Town, and at the first and second public hearings.

February 13 – April 16, 2023

Survey available at https://forms.gle/hV2jT5xr6rhpHMFC7

 

Hardcopy surveys available upon
request to bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Public Hearing 1:

Attendees will learn more about the Open Space and Recreation Plan and review the progress from the previous 2016 OSRP.

February 21, 2023

6-8 pm

Franklin Town Hall
Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Public Hearing 2:

Town staff will present the 2023 OSRP goals and objectives based on resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms.

April 25, 2023

6-8 pm

Franklin Senior Center
Multi-Purpose Room
10 Daniel McCahill St

Franklin, MA 02038

Public Hearing 3:

Town staff will present a draft of the 2023 OSRP and will be seeking feedback from the community.

June 20, 2023

6-8 pm

Franklin Town Hall
Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Comment Period:

A month long comment period will occur
during the time of the third public hearing while the draft 2023 OSRP is available to the public. 

 

June – July 2023

All public comments will be accepted,
considered, and included in the 2023 OSRP.

Comments can be submitted
in person at the third public hearing, via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov,
via a Google Form, or via letters delivered to the Conservation Department (355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038).

All public hearings can be accessed remotely on Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon) and via Zoom. For residents that do not have cable, the public
hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel. Please visit the Conservation calendar for public hearing agendas and updated Zoom login information. In the event of inclement weather, please visit the Conservation webpage > News and Announcements to view meeting cancelations. 

For project updates and other Conservation related news and information, you may subscribe for Conservation updates.

To submit a written comment or idea for the 2023 OSRP please fill out this Google Form. You may also send an email to bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Resources: 

Archive of OSRP Meetings

January 12, 2023 - Recreation Sports and Programming Presentation
January 26, 2023 - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks
February 09, 2023 - School Recreation Facilities and Parks
February 21, 2023 - Public Hearing: Overview of the 2023 OSRP Update, Overview of Current Open Space/Rec Areas, 2016 Goals, Successes, Ongoing Efforts, Missed Opportunities
February 23, 2023 - Schmidt's Farm
March 09, 2023 - Riverbend Conservation Area
March 22, 2023 - Maple Hill (Call 508-520-4847 or email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov for recording)
April 06, 2023 - DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond
April 20, 2023 - Forests, Trees, Greenspace, and other Conservation Areas
April 25, 2023 - Public Hearing: Goals and Objectives of the 2023 OSRP Update