After conducting extensive research, planning, and community engagement, the City of Chelsea has released a modern Open Space and Recreation Plan that has been updated to reflect the concerns and priorities voiced by Chelsea residents of today.
During the plan’s multi-year community engagement period, Chelsea residents expressed a desire for Chelsea’s parks to be modernized – to offer cooling features, including more shade, and amenities like phone charging outlets and public bathrooms. The community said they would also like to ensure parks are better maintained.
“Our residents expressed a clear desire for parks to serve as modern spaces that support our environmental resilience efforts and community comfort,” said Emily Granoff, Deputy Director of Chelsea’s Department of Housing and Community Development. “We’ve incorporated this feedback into the plan, and are currently working on aligning future investments in our parks based on these priorities.”
The City has already hired a full-time Park and Open Space Manager to oversee maintenance of parks, and the City’s Housing & Community Development Department is working with the Department of Public Works to install more cooling features at parks throughout the city. In addition, the first park in Chelsea to have phone charging stations will be Kayem Park, which will undergo renovations in 2026.
Granoff added, “Over the next 10 years, we’ll be integrating what we heard from the community into our park system, with some improvements already underway. We’re excited to give our residents the parks and open spaces they want and deserve.”
The updated plan was developed through a collaborative process between City departments, state and regional agencies, and with direct input from Chelsea residents via surveys and community events.
The full plan is available at www.chelseama.gov/openspace. To request a physical copy, contact Granoff at [email protected] or 617-466-4193.