Where is Watertown's Open Space?
Watertown has beautiful open space along the Charles River, in the reservation owned and managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (Division of Urban Parks and Recreation). We also have the multi-use Arsenal Park, Filippello Park, 10 playgrounds throughout Watertown, and the Whitney Hill Conservation Area (forthcoming).

Open Space Plan for Watertown
Watertown is densely developed and has very limited open space. The Conservation Commission works to protect the open space that does exist, and looks for new opportunities to reclaim additional open space. The Open Space Committee is developing a new Open Space Plan for Watertown - The Conservation Commission supports the goals of that plan.

View the current Watertown Open Space Plan for 2005-2010.

Statement of Purpose
The primary purpose of this plan is to identify Watertown’s open space and recreational resources and produce a consistent policy for Town agencies to ensure that these resources are not lost due to the pressures of development or uncoordinated individual actions. This plan aims to facilitate a consistent policy regarding development and preservation of public and private properties as they collectively comprise Watertown’s open space and recreational system.

Planning Process & Public Participation
The Open Space and Recreation Plan Update was initiated in June 2004 with the formation of a nine-member Task Force appointed by the Town Manager. It is comprised of individuals with expertise in areas such as conservation, recreation, planning, urban design, landscape architecture, and public works.

Task Force Members

• Susan Falkoff - Former Town Council member, Task Force Chair
• Charles Bering, Conservation Commission member
• Peter Brooks, Bicycle Committee member and Citizen at Large
• Jeff Brown, Planning Board member
• Roger Erickson, Former Historical Commission member
• Leo Martin, Conservation Commission member
• Gerald Mee, Public Works Superintendent
• Tony Paolillo, School Committee Chair
• Thomas Sullivan, Recreation Department Director