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Westborough Planning Board authorizes letter of support for updated Open Space and Recreation Plan
Summary
The Planning Board voted to authorize a letter of support so the town can forward its updated Open Space and Recreation Plan to the state; the plan (funded March 2024) identifies five goals, 10 priorities and follows public outreach including a Feb. 2025 survey with about 270 responses.
The Town of Westborough Planning Board voted to authorize a letter of support to advance the town’s updated Open Space and Recreation Plan toward state acceptance.
Jen Kirkland, Westborough’s recreation director, presented the plan and asked the board “to ask for your support and then eventual adoption of the plan,” explaining the plan’s purpose is to guide conservation, expand recreation, improve ADA accessibility and help secure state grant funding. Kirkland said the plan was funded at the March 2024 town meeting, a consultant was retained, and a February 2025 public survey received roughly 270 responses.
Kirkland described five goals in the plan — protecting land resources, expanding accessibility, promoting environmental awareness, improving trail connectivity and enhancing recreation offerings — and said the plan includes 10 priorities and assigned responsible parties for implementation. She noted state acceptance makes the plan effective for 10 years and that the consultant already shared a draft with the state.
The board moved to authorize a letter of support so the plan can be advanced to the Select Board and then submitted to state reviewers. The motion was seconded and approved.
Next steps: the Planning Board will provide a letter of support and the Select Board’s endorsement will be sought prior to formal submission to the state for acceptance and final adoption.
