Open Space & Recreation

Establishment

The Unicorn Recreational Area Committee was replaced by Article 9 of the Annual Town Meeting held May 1, 2000 which created the Open Space and Recreation Advisory Committee. At the Special Town Meeting on October 23, 2025 Article 5 was passed to remove Chapter 2, Section 2-37.2 Open Space & Recreation Advisory Committee from the bylaws so that the committee could be reintroduced with less members and a new charge. The Select Board reinstated the Open Space & Recreation Committee at a meeting held on November 25, 2024 with the following charge:

Membership

• Four resident members appointed by the Select Board for a three-year term
• The Director of Recreation    
• Town Administrator or their designee, ex-officio  
• Select Board Member liaison, ex-officio

Mission

Coordinate, develop, and implement the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) with the assistance and recommendations of various departments, boards, committees, commissions and Town officials; Advise the Select Board on the implementation of recreational strategies and action items.

Responsibilities

To develop, maintain and update the Open Space and Recreation Plan ("OSRP") in accordance with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), Division of Conservation Services (DCS).

To identify and evaluate potential land acquisitions or interests in land based on the goals of the OSRP.

To provide advice and recommendations to the appropriate Town officials, both elected and appointed, regarding the open space and recreation needs of the Town including but not limited to the golf courses, Stoneham Arena, all existing and future playgrounds and recreation areas, recreational programs and activities.

At least annually, report on the status of all action items (e.g., actions taken, progress towards completion) to the Select Board.

Produce a summary report for inclusion in the annual town report.

With support as needed from Town staff, maintain a presence on the Town Web site with the current OSRP and status of the action plan, for viewing by the public.

Work with Town committees, departments, and youth organizations regarding the existing recreational use, function and maintenance of fields and recreational spaces.

Make recommendations on the management structure of fields and recreational spaces in Town. All recommendations should be made to and with input from the department charged with the management and oversight of the field or recreational space e.g. School Department, Recreation Department, Conservation Commission, etc.

Provide feedback on capital planning and projects related to recreational infrastructure and open space.

Provide feedback and guidance on projects related to trail network connectivity and management.