Reading Updating 7-Year-Old Open Space Plan

READING, MA — The town is updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) from 2013. The OSRP is a roadmap for the town to maintain the benefits of open space and recreation opportunities. The plan must be current and have state approval to remain eligible for state grant and reimbursement programs, which can be used for projects like creating new parks or acquiring lands with critical habitat.

In the coming months, the town is inviting residents to participate in several activities to help understand community needs and concerns around these resources. These events will be primarily virtual. The first is an online community survey available through Nov. 13 (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ReadingOSRP).

The survey collects feedback on experiences visiting Reading's conservation and recreation areas and participating in its recreation programs. Residents can also express ideas about new open space and recreation opportunities. The survey will be followed by a virtual public workshop later this fall.

Overall, the OSRP update process includes reviewing inventories of environmental resources and open space and recreational areas, evaluating current goals and objectives and revisiting community needs to prepare an updated action plan. This effort is being led by a working group of town staff in coordination with municipal committees and boards.