Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2026
As part of Dedham’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the town’s natural and recreational resources, the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) Update is now underway. This initiative is being led by Leonel Lainez - Environmental Specialist, Jiwon Park - Regional Land Use Planner, and the Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee, who is overseeing the planning process in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), town departments, and community members.
The goal of the 2026 OSRP Update is to:
- Define a shared vision for the future of Dedham’s parks, open spaces, and recreational opportunities.
- Identify gaps in access, equity, and services to ensure all residents can enjoy and benefit from these resources.
- Prioritize future investments that reflect the community’s needs and values.
This website will serve as a central hub for updates, documents, and opportunities for public input. Residents are encouraged to participate in surveys, polls, and public forum meetings to help shape the future of Dedham’s open spaces.
Together, we can create a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant Dedham for generations to come.
Leonel Lainez, Town of Dedham - Environmental Specialist (llainez@dedhamma.gov)
Jiwon Park, MAPC - Regional Land Use Planner (jpark@mapc.org)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP)?
The OSRP is a long-term planning document that helps guide the protection, enhancement, and development of open spaces, parks, and recreational resources in our town. It ensures we meet community needs while preserving natural resources.
2. Why is the plan being updated?
The plan is updated every 10 years to stay current with community priorities, environmental changes, and state requirements. This update allows us to reflect on progress and set new goals.
3. How can I get involved?
You can participate by attending public forums, filling out community surveys, and sharing your ideas with the planning team. Your input is essential to shaping a plan that reflects our community’s values.
4. What happens at a public forum?
Public forums are open meetings where residents can learn about the planning process, ask questions, and provide feedback. It’s a chance to collaborate and help shape the future of our town’s open spaces and recreation areas.
5. What types of spaces are included in the plan?
The plan covers parks, playgrounds, trails, conservation lands, athletic fields, and other public open spaces used for recreation or environmental protection.
6. When will the updated plan be completed?
The planning process typically takes several months. Key milestones, including public forums and draft reviews, will be posted on this website to keep the community informed.
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Open Space and Recreation Plan Update: Project Progress
Since the first Public Forum, significant progress has been made on updating Dedham’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). This effort is a collaborative initiative led by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Town staff, and the Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee.
Following the forum, the project team gathered and reviewed valuable input from both the Community-Wide Survey and the 1st Public Forum back in October. This feedback has played a critical role in shaping the direction of the plan update. This information was gathered to get an initial idea about what's working well with the Town and any concerns since the last plan.
In late fall, the team conducted a comprehensive review of the Environmental and Land Inventory from the 2019 OSRP. This included identifying newly acquired parcels, reassessing existing Town-owned properties, and documenting current amenities and site conditions. MAPC has since updated the plan’s maps to reflect these changes.
During the early winter months, the team analyzed feedback from the survey and forum to better understand community priorities, needs, and gaps. This analysis helped guide the next phase of engagement.
By early spring, it became clear that additional outreach was needed to ensure broader community representation—particularly among youth and residents in environmental justice areas. In response, the team launched a series of targeted “Mini Forums” in place of a traditional public meeting format. These sessions were held at local middle and high schools, sports tryouts, the Dedham Housing Authority, and the Dedham Food Pantry. Community members were asked to share input on recreational preferences, desired amenities, and how they currently use open spaces.
OSRC Members - Ron W. And Martha C. at the Dedham Food Pantry.
Environmental Specialist, Leonel Lainez at the Dedham Middle School.
Town Staff and MAPC at the Dedham High School.As of April, the team has completed a full review of all collected input. This work is now informing updates to the OSRP’s 10-Year Action Plan. This next phase is critical, as it will establish priorities and recommendations to help the Town better protect its natural resources while meeting the evolving recreational needs of the community.
Results and analysis of the survey results and community forums will be available under the Document tab.
More updates will be shared as the project continues to move forward! And feel free to join the discussion during a OSRP Meeting! Happening on the first Monday of each month.
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Successful 1st Public Forum – Thank You for Your Support!
Thank you to everyone who joined our first public forum for the Dedham Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) both in person and online!
We had a great event and heard so many thoughtful ideas and comments. Your input will help shape the vision and priorities for Dedham’s parks, open spaces, and recreation opportunities.
Want to take another look?
You can view the presentation on DedhamTV and all the maps and boards used during the forum can be found under the Documents section of the OSRP Project Website.
Keep the conversation going!
If you’d like to organize a chat about the future of Dedham’s parks and open spaces with your community group or neighbors, reach out to Leo Lainez (llainez@dedhamma.gov) for support. We’d also be happy to join your meeting to share more about the project.
Haven’t taken the survey yet?
Please take a few minutes to fill out the Community-Wide Survey! Every response helps us better understand what matters most to you. Share our survey with your peers and community, we want to hear from everyone in Dedham!
Thanks again for your enthusiasm and ideas and stay tuned for more updates as we continue this planning process together!
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Public Forum on 10/25!
Dedham Residents!
Join us for our first PUBLIC FORUM! Residents are invited to share their thoughts and ideas regarding the future of open space and recreation in Dedham. Collecting feedback is our first step in the update process and will help lead the vision for the new plan.
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 10am - Noon
Location: Avery Elementary School or on Zoom (Zoom available only for presentation) (336 High St, Dedham, MA 02026)
What to Expect:
- A brief presentation on the plan update from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
- Interactive discussions and mapping activities
- Opportunities to share your vision for open space and recreation
- Light refreshments and snack provided!
Translation services available upon request! At least 5 days prior. Contact Leo Lainez, Environmental Specialist, llainez@dedhamma.gov for more information.
RSVP is encouraged, but not required
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Complete our Community Survey! - 10/17
The Town of Dedham is in the process of updating our 2019 Open Space and Recreation Plan, and we want to hear from you! This plan will guide how the town protects natural resources, improves parks and trails, and expands recreational opportunities for all ages over the next decade.
Click the Following Link to Complete our Quick Survey!
📋 What’s in the Survey?
- How often and where you spend time outdoors
- What types of recreation you enjoy or wish were available
- Barriers you face in accessing open spaces
- Ideas for future improvements
Let’s work together to make Dedham greener, healthier, and more connected for today and for generations to come!
Subscribe for Updates
To receive email updates about the 2026 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update, add your email address to our "OSRP Plan Update 2026" list using this link.