Open Space & Recreation Plan 2023-2030

The City of Watertown Open Space & Recreation Plan 2023-2030 (OSRP) year and half long planning process involved engaging community stakeholders and community members were able to provide comments community meetings and surveys. 

Goals

The OSRP Action Plan lays out strategies over the next seven years (2023 – 2030) to meet these needs. It is structured around four major goals and associated objectives. 

Goal 1. Create a network of high-quality parks, recreation, and open spaces that is accessible to all Watertown residents.         

• Objective 1.A. Increase land dedicated to open space and recreation, targeting areas that would enhance and leverage existing resources and meet the needs of underserved neighborhoods of the City.
• Objective 1.B. Ensure private investments complement and build upon the City’s open space and recreational spaces.
• Objective 1.C. Support the development of safe and accessible multimodal connections between local and regional open space and recreational resources and between these resources and City neighborhoods.

Goal 2. Maintain and enhance existing recreation facilities and programs and create new opportunities to meet evolving community interests and needs.                  

• Objective 2.A. Maintain and expand recreational use of and around the Charles River.
• Objective 2.B. Coordinate and plan for short- and long-term maintenance of and improvements to existing City recreational facilities.
• Objective 2.C. Ensure recreational areas and programming are responsive to community needs and promote active and healthy lifestyles.  
• Objective. 2.D. Continuously work to ensure City open space and recreational areas are accessible, safe, and welcoming for all users.

Goal 3. Protect and enhance natural resources to retain their important functions and values and help Watertown adapt to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change.              

• Objective 3.A. Expand and sustainably manage Watertown’s urban forest.
• Objective 3.B. Ensure that public and private investments support and enhance the resilience of the City’s natural environment.
• Objective 3.C. Build climate resilience in City open spaces and recreation areas.

Goal 4. Maintain partnerships and public awareness in support Watertown’s open space and recreational resources.    

• Objective 4.A. Communicate and partner with owners of public and private open space and recreation resources in the city to advocate for Watertown’s recreational needs.  
• Objective 4.E. Raise public awareness about open space and recreation resources in Watertown.