Open Space & Recreation Committee

The Open Space & Recreation Committee (OSRC) advises the Mayor, City Council, City departments, private organizations and the general public on matters concerning open space and recreation, and works to acquire and preserve land and ecosystems within Beverly. The Committee's functions include preparing updating a five-year open space and recreation plan for current and future use, preparing a continuing inventory of open space in the City, researching and recommending financing alternatives for acquisition and preservation of open space and the development of recreational facilities, and recommending any changes in state and local laws to facilitate acquisition and preservation of open space.

Recent News!

The Open Space and Recreation Plan is being updated.

Public Survey

The online public survey for the Open Space and Recreation Plan was open from Monday, September 20th at 12:00 PM to Friday, October 15th at 12:00 PM. We received over 600 responses! Thank you for your feedback.

Hard copies of the survey are still available in the Planning Department in City Hall at 191 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915. The hard copy survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic. If you need assistance accessing the survey, please contact Chelsea Zakas in the Planning Department (978) 605-2346.

Fall 2021 Public Forum

The City held a public forum for the 2022 Open Space and Recreation Plan update on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the City Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall. During the public forum, City staff and Open Space and Recreation Committee members shared information about the plan, discussed next steps in the planning process, and gathered feedback from Beverly residents. Below is a link to a recording of the public forum. It is also available on BevCam's YouTube channel.

Click this link to view the recording of the public forum.

Meetings

• 7:00 pm
• 1st Wednesday of every month (see schedule below)
• Meetings locations may vary. Please see the meeting agenda for the meeting location.

Meeting Schedule

• 2021 OSRC Meeting Schedule (PDF)
• 2022 OSRC Meeting Schedule (PDF)

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Archived Agendas and Minutes

Members

What We Do

Beverly's Open Space and Recreation Committee work to acquire and preserve land and ecosystems within Beverly. These areas provide a healthy environment for wildlife and plants and areas for passive or active recreational use by the public. Areas of high natural, scenic and/or recreational value are priorities for the Committee. In order to assure the protection of valued land, we assist in the creation of trails for passive recreation, community gardens, playing fields, beaches and playgrounds.

Public education is an important part of our mission, which involves providing informational signage at several open space properties, outdoor educational activities and land use and protection workshops. The Committee also provides opportunities for the public to appreciate and enjoy Beverly's:

• Beaches
• Gardens
• Parks
• Playgrounds and fields
• Preserved natural areas
• Water resources
• Wetlands

Mission Statement

The mission of the City of Beverly Open Space and Recreation Committee is to preserve, maintain and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Beverly by developing and maintaining an open space plan. The plan identifies and recommends open space acquisitions and identifies other creative strategies to preserve open space based on public input and in consideration of City government policies and action and the City's Master Plan.

Earth Day Walk Series

Check back in the spring for next year’s walk schedule!

Resources

• OSRC Annual Reports to City Council

Ownership of Beverly's Open Spaces