Weymouth Open Space And Recreation Land Use Plan

WEYMOUTH, MA — Weymouth will be allowed to apply for Division of Conservation Services grants through February 2027 after its Open Space and Recreation Land Use Plan Update was approved.

The plan is an assessment of where the town is, what it envisions for the future of the spaces, and how to achieve those goals.

"The Open Space and Recreation Plan will not only allow the town to pursue grant funding to protect and preserve our open and recreational spaces but also serve as the roadmap for our future open space goals and investment in the spaces," said Mayor Robert L. Hedlund. "Now, more than ever, we understand the importance of protecting these spaces, expanding the types of open space and recreation we can offer, and making these spaces available for our Weymouth residents to use and enjoy."

The plan identifies what lands need to be protected moving forward, types of recreational facilities that are needed and how existing open space and recreational areas may be improved and maintained in the future.

The OSRP Update was submitted to EOEEA in January of 2020 and approved on April 29.

Key highlights, according to the town, of the OSRP Update include the following:

• The town will continue efforts to identify vulnerability hazards and prioritize recommendations to build resilience. Weymouth is a designated Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Community (2018). The MVP Program assists communities in planning for the impacts of climate change.
• The Town will use the Complete Streets designation (2015) to prioritize walking and biking safety improvements while connecting recreation and open space resources with neighborhoods, schools, commercial areas/village centers, libraries, historic buildings and Town facilities.
• The Town will continue efforts to make open space connections along the Back River Trail. In 2017, the Town developed Osprey Overlook Park. The park is located on the site of the Town’s former landfill adjacent to Great Esker Park and has amazing views of the Back River. In addition, the Town received grant funding to complete the Lovell Field pedestrian bridge and provide a connector to the Back River Trail.
• Weymouth will continue to review and update the zoning ordinances with respect to how they relate to recreation and open space. Recent zoning changes (2018), specifically in the village centers and near commuter rail stations, encourages density and connections to recreation and open space amenities for residents.

Recently, Weymouth applied for and received a $400,000 in PARC funds for King Oak Hill Park and a $50,000 Recreational Trails Grant forGreat Esker Park by having an approved OSRP. It is anticipated the town can capitalize on similar programs in the future thanks to having an approved, updated plan.

Go here to view the OSRP update. Those with questions on the plan or process can contact the Planning and Community Development Department at 781-340-5015.