Lakewood staff propose simplifying park zoning maps after inconsistent uses of OSR 1 and OSR 2

City staff told the Planning Commission on Sept. 3 they will review park zoning definitions and mappings after discovering the two existing park zones — OSR 1 (open space/passive recreation) and OSR 2 (active recreation) — no longer reflect actual park uses across the city. Andrea Bell, the senior planner, said the zones have diverged from practice as some sites originally zoned for passive use are now developed for organized sports and other active recreation. Bell said staff will analyze whether a single open-space-and-recreation designation would better match existing and planned park uses. Commissioners said they were generally supportive of simplification but asked staff to identify any maintenance or regulatory differences that would affect special sites such as cemeteries. One commissioner cited a local example in which maintenance work at a cemetery prompted public complaints; the commissioner asked staff to consider how a consolidated zone would treat sites with unique upkeep or preservation needs. Bell said staff will return with recommendations and a parcel-level review to determine whether some parks should change designation or whether different standards should be preserved for specific sites that require special maintenance or protection.