Open Space Plan panel advances draft with February deadline
Open Space and Recreation Plan Advisory Committee receives progress update and sets February deadline. Consultant Julia Mintz of VHB Consultants reported 487 public survey responses and outlined the transition to research and drafting phases, with a draft plan due by February 28. Committee Chair
Recreation Commission · Meeting of January 15, 2026
BELMONT — Open Space and Recreation Plan Advisory Committee receives progress update and sets February deadline. Consultant Julia Mintz of VHB Consultants reported 487 public survey responses and outlined the transition to research and drafting phases, with a draft plan due by February 28. Committee Chair Paul Cowing, Vice Chair Erin Rowland, Elizabeth Dionne, Margaret Velie, and Timothy Flood scheduled formal review meetings for February 11 and March 5, planning to assign individual members to specific draft chapters.
The committee agreed to organize a dog-specific focus group to address park enforcement challenges and off-leash policies, with Cowing assigned to compile five to six participant recommendations including representatives from an off-leash working group and youth sports.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 386 words
Source: the Recreation Commission meeting of January 15, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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