Lowell – The City of Lowell’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is calling on all park enthusiasts to help shape the future of the City’s parks and open spaces.
“The City of Lowell is investing in neighborhood parks throughout the city,” said City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “We are asking residents to get involved in the process to help move our plans forward in a meaningful way.”
With more than 90 public parks and over 8 miles of scenic trails along rivers and canals, Lowell is home to countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the City is now updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP), critical document that guides park improvements over the next decade.
“Lowell has an extensive amount of outdoor recreation space, and this is an excellent way for the City to hear from everyone in all neighborhoods to help shape park improvements,” said Mayor Daniel P. Rourke.
The OSRP is updated every 10 years in collaboration with the community, and ensures the City remains eligible for state grants to fund open space improvement projects.
Get Involved
Residents will have numerous opportunities to participate in the OSRP update throughout 2025, both virtually and in person. The OSRP Digital Engagement Station will serve as a hub for residents to learn more about the plan, complete a quick survey, and explore interactive features, like the OSRP Coloring Book and Park Libs. A more detailed Deep Dive Survey and volunteer opportunities will be added soon.
The OSRP Mobile Engagement Station will also bring the process directly to the community, visiting parks and events citywide. Residents can explore information boards, complete surveys, and help the planning team prioritize where and how to allocate open space investments by playing the Park Budget Card Game.
Photo courtesy City of Lowell
Volunteer for the 2025 Park Count
The City is seeking volunteers to help assess the condition of its parks. Volunteers will receive training on using a digital Park Assessment Template and will evaluate parks based on cleanliness, safety, and other factors. Training sessions will be held throughout the year, and volunteers can assess parks at their convenience.
Sign Up for the OSRP Newsletter
Stay informed about upcoming events, engagement opportunities, and the latest survey results by subscribing to the monthly OSRP newsletter. Residents can sign up by emailing openspace@lowellma.gov or visiting the OSRP Digital Engagement Station.
Photo courtesy City of Lowell
2025 Park Improvement Projects
2025 will be a transformative year for Lowell’s parks, with 11 major park improvement projects scheduled for construction. Highlights include:
• Jackson Street Pocket Park (Downtown) – A new intergenerational playground and park, completion expected in November 2025.
• Saint Louis Sponge Park Phase 1 (Centralville) – A new accessible playground, splash pad, and upgraded courts, expected completion November 2025.
• North Common (The Acre) – Upgrades to ballfields, site furnishings, and the creation of a plaza space.
• Clemente Park Phase 1 (Lower Highlands) – A universally accessible playground, new volleyball courts, and a large lawn for events.
• McPherson Park Traffic Playground (Centralville) – A new traffic playground for youth to practice bike skills.
For a full list of park projects and the latest construction schedules, visit the City’s Open Space Projects webpage:
https://www.lowellma.gov/1653/Open-Space-Projects
For questions, comments, or to share your thoughts on the future of Lowell’s parks, residents can reach out any time via email, openspace@lowellma.gov, or by phone, (978) 674-4225.
