2022 OSRP Goals

The nine 2015 OSRP goals were re-examined, consolidated and expanded upon to generate the following eight goals, which will serve as guidelines for open space and recreation planning efforts through the year 2029. These eight goals will be described in greater detail in the remainder of this chapter, which defines a list of key objectives for each goal, and in Chapter 9, which generates from the goals and objectives an action plan listing specific projects and priorities for the next seven years. In connection with the work of other departments and committees, coordinating public/private partnerships and funding efforts will be prioritized in the objectives and action items that follow from these goals. Each goal will be presented with a simple name, followed by a one-sentence statement of purpose. To the right, a list of keywords will be provided to further simplify and differentiate the goals. In this plan, each goal is also represented by an icon and color. These symbolic representations have been used throughout this chapter, and can be integrated into future OSRP updates and related reports to track progress and easily identify where connections can be drawn. Objectives, which follow in a bulleted list, represent the “why” of each goal and begin to explore desired outcomes.

GOAL COMMUNICATION

Increase the efficacy of communication and collaboration with other Town departments, citizen groups and neighboring communities.

Internal Collaboration Inter-Community Connections Standardization Outreach

OBJECTIVES

Transportation & Connectivity

Communication • To increase collaboration opportunities between the Conservation Division and Recreation &

Community Programs Department, and between all Town departments regarding goals for open space and recreation. • To simplify and/or unify methods of communication and outreach from the Conservation

Division and Recreation & Community Programs Department to the community. • To increase collaboration with bordering communities that share or abut open space parcels or watersheds.

Programming Accessibility

GOAL ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Transportation & Connectivity Communication

Improve access to programs and facilities for people of all ages, abilities, identities and backgrounds.

ADA Improvements Invisible Disabilities All Ages Language Services Gender Equity Environmental Justice

OBJECTIVES

•AccessibilityProgramming To provide a balance of facilities and opportunities throughout environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods. • To complement LexNext Goal 1: Diversity and Inclusion efforts. • To create more inclusive outdoor experiences for all.

Provide a balance of activity and educational opportunities for all of Lexington’s citizens.

Opportunities Cultural Connections Education Community Center

OBJECTIVES

•Programming To capture the work of other committees and reflect the results of Comprehensive Planning efforts and Community Needs Assessments, including cultural diversity goals, in future programming. • To continue to be cognizant of the need to diversify year-round recreational opportunities to reflect Lexington’s demographics. • To utilize connections with volunteer organizations/groups to increase programming opportunities. • To identify opportunities for collaborative programming between Conservation and

Recreation.

GOAL CAPITAL PROJECTS

Allocate capital efficiently in order to maintain, preserve, and grow open space and recreational infrastructure for many years in the future.

Budgeting Grant Funding Operational Costs Long-term Preventative Maintenance Infrastructure Expansion

OBJECTIVES

Transportation & Connectivity Communication

Capital Projects • To continue to complete 5-year outlooks for projects for the Conservation Division and

Recreation & Community Programs Department. • To coordinate between the Conservation Division and Recreation & Community Programs

Department on capital projects within the same open space areas as part of 5-year capital planning. • To plan for the future maintenance/replacement needs of capital projects and determine effects on other budgetary needs. • To utilize the goals and objectives within the OSRP to identify potential projects that will help achieve other OSRP goals.

Programming Accessibility Environmental Protection

GOAL LAND MANAGEMENT

Identify and establish open space management programs that will assure optimal maintenance and use of Townowned lands.

Short-Term Maintenance Invasive Species Restoration Stewardship

OBJECTIVES

Transportation & Connectivity Communication Capital Projects

Land Management • To create land management plans to inventory resources and identify operation, management, infrastructure and maintenance needs at a property. • To identify alternative funding sources to support maintenance and management • To establish typical materials to be used consistently in certain project types to ease maintenance of infrastructure including when items need to be replaced.

Protect Lexington’s natural environment and resources, both within and beyond the borders of open space and recreational properties.

Conservation Restrictions Climate Resilience Stormwater Management Carbon Sequestration Resource Conservation

OBJECTIVES

•AccessibilityProgramming Environmental ProtectionTo create or promote guidelines for open space projects that emphasize environmental protection, native species protection, and water conservation. • To consider the role of open space and recreation land in climate mitigation, resiliency, and carbon sequestration.

GOAL CONNECTIVITY & TRANSPORTATION

Enhance connectivity between open space and recreation areas and develop intermodal transportation opportunities throughout Lexington.

Intermodal Transportation Corridor Projects Complete Streets Access

OBJECTIVES

Transportation & Connectivity • To enhance connectivity between open space areas via pedestrian and bicycle. • To promote use of open space and recreational facilities while protecting areas and investments.

GOAL

Transportation & Connectivity

LAND ACQUISITION

Communication

Assess, acquire, and protect parcels that are important from an environmental, recreational, or historical perspective.

Capital Projects

Holistic Assessment Historic Sites Connected Open Space

Land Management

Programming

OBJECTIVES

•AccessibilityProgramming Environmental Protection Land Acquisition To continue to assess each parcel for best uses in collaboration with Conservation, Recreation, Planning, and the Select Board. • To continue to identify private land that is useful to meeting open space goals.