Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Update

The Town of Franklin is in the process of updating its 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).  The purpose of the OSRP is to create a document through a public input process that will guide the Town of Franklin in its continuing efforts to maintain and enhance the community's open space and recreation resources.

In order to complete a plan that represents the opinions, desires and needs of the community the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is attempting to gather information in a variety of different ways, including:

tot lot at Fletcher Field

Open Space & Recreation Public Meeting

When:   Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

Where:  Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street

The DPCD will hold a public meeting on Saturday November 14^th in order to facilitate comment and gauge public support for various open space and recreation priorities.  Progress that was made by the Town implementing the 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan will be discussed, and written and verbal comment regarding future goals and suggested projects will be accepted.

Conservation Commission Public Hearing

When:   Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 7:15 p.m.
Where:  Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street.

Conservation Commission members will discuss proposed goals and objectives to be included in the 2016 OSRP, and ask for input from the public on all open space preservation and recreation issues.

community painted fish at the Sculpture Park

Open Space & Recreation 2015 Citizen Participation Questionnaire

As part of the public input process the DPCD is conducting a survey; results of the Open Space & Recreation Citizen Participation Questionnaire will inform Town officials how Franklin residents feel about preservation of open space and the adequacy of parks and recreation opportunities.

Completed surveys will be accepted until December 4, 2015, at which time the DPCD will assess the collected data and develop a summary report which will include a fairly detailed analysis of specific variables.

The Questionnaire is attached. Copies of the Questionnaire can be downloaded from the Town's web site (http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/openspaceplan), or hard copies of the Questionnaire can be obtained at any of the following locations: Franklin Recreation Department, Franklin Town Library, Franklin Senior Center, and Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development.

Completed Questionnaires can be returned to the locations mentioned above or mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the following.

Franklin Open Space & Recreation Planning Study

C/O Planning and Community Development

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038-1352

Fax: 508-520-4906

  planning@franklin.ma.us.

Stakeholder Meetings

DPCD staff will hold meetings with non-profit organizations, town personnel, and other stake holders upon request.  Please contact DPCD staff at 508-520-4907 or planning@franklin.ma.us for more information.

Written Comments

Written comments can be mailed or emailed to DPCD staff at the address listed above.  To ensure your input is included in the development of the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan please provide written comments by December 4, 2015.

playground at DelCarte 

Other Opportunities to Provide Input?

Once the Draft 2016 OSRP is developed the Town will implement a month-long public comment period, which will include at least one public hearing to gather input regarding the Draft plan.  DPCD expects a Final plan will be submitted to the State for approval by February or March 2016.

Questions?

Please contact DPCD at 508-520-4907 or planning@franklin.ma.us if you have any questions or would like more information.  We look forward to hearing from you.