Urban open space in Metro Boston comprises a diverse network of properties owned by various public and private entities: the Commonwealth (Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Turnpike Authority), municipalities, land trusts, nonprofits, institutions, cemeteries, and for-profit interests.  Each agency and organization has a distinct mission and portfolio.  Greater coordination among all these entities can reduce redundancy, identify gaps, and create economies of scale.  This constellation of stakeholders should be largely preserved, but slight restructuring of interests and responsibilities, among public agencies in particular, might yield greater efficiencies in service delivery.  

The focus of the coordination efforts and restructuring should be to increase the quality of the park system and efficiency of service delivery.  There should be particular focus on developing parks, playgrounds, community gardens, and greenway connections in areas that are (or will be) underserved by open space (less than 50 acres of protected open space per 1,000 residents.)  Regional planning should also be a key focus since, in urban areas especially, waterways and parks often span municipal boundaries.  

Greenways are the most common linkages.  Continuous and contiguous pathways along urban riverfronts and waterfronts also should be planned.  Gaps in existing networks should be identified and filled, for example, the Charles River Inner Basin pathways are missing a waterfront link behind the Museum of Science garage.  When the Museum expands, public access to this area needs to be assured to help complete a continuous loop.  As the public agency with the largest portfolio of parks, parkways, and greenways, the Department of Conservation and Recreation should take the lead in ensuring master plans for all of its major properties.  

Municipalities can also make efforts to ensure that development is coordinated with open space.  Zoning and development controls can be used to shape the form and function of properties adjacent to and along parks and greenways.  Conventional zoning can specify lot coverage, building height, and setbacks; form based codes can be even more detailed with regard to circulation and the visual relationship between building and open space.

17.a    MAPC should develop a network of urban open space stakeholders and seek funding to support ongoing communication

17.b    The Governor should establish a task force to evaluate management of Metro Boston’s urban parks and develop options to enhance service delivery

17.c    The Department of Conservation and Recreation should develop and implement master plans for all its major urban parks, parkways, and greenways

17.d    The Legislature should adopt legislation “Relative to Protecting the Natural and Historic Resources of the Commonwealth” (Public Lands Protection Act)

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