Schmidt's Farm Open Space and Recreation Plan Meeting Recording

Schmidt's Farm Open Space and Recreation Plan Meeting Recording

In case you missed it, the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) Schmidt's Farm meeting was last Thursday, February 23, 2023 and can be viewed here or by copying/pasting the link https://www.youtube.com/live/l7c7wy_RT1Q?feature=share into your web browser. 

The Franklin Conservation Commission will be receiving public comment for Schmidt's Farm until the end of the OSRP process - around mid-August. Public comments can be submitted via this Google Form (copying/pasting https://forms.gle/UTSrtG9VgeBNdhbi6 into your web browser), by emailing bgoodlander@franklinma.gov, or by filling out this contact webform. 

https://forms.gle/isJqEyuaih4ePPDV6

Please see the QR code to the right to take the OSRP survey or visit https://forms.gle/isJqEyuaih4ePPDV6.   

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/schmidts-farm-open-space-and-recreation-plan-meeting-recording 

Town of Franklin: Focus group on Schmidt's Farm for the 2023 OSRP Update

Town of Franklin: Focus group on Schmidt's Farm for the  2023 OSRP Update

We're scheduled for another OSRP focus group meeting - this time about the recently purchased Schmidt's Farm!

As a brief recap, the FCC held the first OSRP public hearing last night, February 21, at Town Hall. Participating residents were able to learn about the OSRP, its process, benefits, and how to get involved. In case you missed the meeting, a recording can be found here. The FCC also held a focus group meeting held on February 9 - School Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) - which can be found here. Feel free to watch these recordings at your convenience and provide any comments or questions via this Google form.

I'll keep the rest of this email brief! The next focus group meeting is on Schmidt's Farm tomorrow February 23 from 6-7 PM  in Council Chambers at Town Hall. We know this is a big ticket item for the community so start brainstorming ideas now. In the interim, please feel free to utilize this OSRP map to become familiar with Schmidt's Farm digitally or review the below screenshot. Town property, including Schmidt's Farm, is shown in gray. 

Schmidt's Farm

Come learn about the history of Schmidt Farm, its potential, and provide input on what you would like to see - the sky's the limit for your ideas! 

Other information on the Open Space & Recreation Plan Update ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update

Watch or listen to the Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #1 - 02/21/23 (audio & video)

The Open Space Recreation Plan Public Hearing #1 Agenda was updated on Tuesday to more clearly outline the discussion for the session Feb 21, 2023.

There was public participation in person at the Council Chambers and online in the Zoom session.

Quick recap:

• Member of a mountain biking group looking to help in ways they can
• Bleachers have wide spaces at the top that could allow a small child to slip through
• Suggestion on signage to remind folks (i.e. drivers) to share the road with bikers
• Discussion on kayak access for the Charles, there is access at Beaver Pond, may also eventually be at DelCarte, also evaluation of a kiosk to help with rental of kayaks
• Comment on citizen awareness of open space, AgCom (Agriculture Commission) also working on that awareness,; the amount of salt in the water supply is increasing, we need to look at that...
• from Mark (last name?), thanks for whomever did successfully make the open space purchases
• A question to be addressed is how to balance maintaining the forest area at Maple Hill and yet provide access to the trail network there in a minimalist manner
• ADA self assessment being planned for all Town and School facilities
• Rec Dept had reached out to scouting groups pre-COVID to see if some trail maintenance could be organized, would like to bring that back to the forefront!
• Remember to respond to the survey, approx. 250+ so far
• Next public hearing scheduled for Apr 25 will review objectives for the plan draft

The presentation copy shared during the meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/osrp_public_hearing_1_-_presentation_pdf.pdf

The video of the public hearing can be found ->  https://youtu.be/nTt6r_Ix0yM

The audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-948-osrp-public-hearing-1-02-21-23

My notes captured via Twitter and found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Z-VKfzLXdjXSeYp5OQUJhhv6eQZtMhR/view?usp=share_link

Watch or listen to the Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #1 - 02/21/23 (audio & video)