Every seven years, the town’s Open Space And Recreation plan expires. Natick’s expired in June 2019 and an updated plan is currently with the state waiting for feedback.

 

According to Marianne Iarossi, AICP Open Space Planner & Conservation Agent in Natick’s Community & Economic Development Office, the Town of Natick and Open Space Advisory Committee started working on the update at the end of last year.

 

 

At press time, the draft of the new plan was with the State's Department of Conservation Services. Iarossi didn’t expect too much feedback, but said there’s always a chance.

 

“In my experience, the state usually has some sort of comments but I am not expecting any high level issues,” she said.

 

The plan, which was a revised version of the official 2012 plan, include specific actionable projects that need to be addressed. Feedback was provided by the town as well as community members.

 

Iarossi said, “We asked the community and ourselves ‘What projects do we want to see come to fruition? What improvements are a priority?’ Those projects that were frequently mentioned and were priorities were included in the Action Plan.”

 

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, that feedback was sought and given in slightly different forms this year.

 

“Normally we would have had in-person public meetings, but due to social distancing requirements, we had to be creative here. A self-running powerpoint was created in lieu of a presenter, and we utilized multiple channels (social media, Zoom online meetings with various entities, digital newsletters, website, email outreach, online survey, flyers around town, etc.) to educate the public on the project and solicit feedback,” she explained.

 

Iarossi also noted that community feedback was not just limited to text.

 

“Additionally, we asked the public to send us their open space and recreation photos in Natick which as you will see have been disbursed throughout the plan. We love this because it adds more visual interest to the plan while also providing a way for the community to be directly involved in the plan development,” she said.

 

The plan submitted to the state includes five goals:

 

Goal 1: Protect Natick’s open spaces, including waterbodies, woodlands, farms, and parks, that can be enjoyed by future generations

 

Goal 2: Enhance, steward, and restore existing natural resources, open spaces and recreational facilities.

 

Goal 3. Preserve and protect the town’s water supply, wildlife, and other natural resources.

 

Goal 4. Provide a system of walking and bicycle trails that connect our open spaces and provide a way to travel throughout the town.

 

Goal 5. Increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the town’s open spaces, trails, natural resources, and recreational opportunities.

 

So what’s the next step in the process after it goes to the state? 

 

“The state will review and provide comments back to finalize the plan. Once the plan is finalized, we can work towards implementation of the Action Plan,” said Iarossi.

 

While the process is a long one, Iarossi said it is key financially for the town.

 

“Undertaking this process will make the town eligible for grants related to open space and recreation,” she said. 

 

More information on the process and the plan can be found at https://www.natickma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10030/DRAFT-Natick-2020-OSRP_06112020.