Project updates (to be presented at 2/4/26 Select Board meeting):
- Project updates tied to 3 interrelated projects -- a joint document will outline the respective workstreams of each project (3):
- Johnson Future Use Project
- Cole/Recreation Center Future
- Parks & Fields Planning
- READ REPORT
- A set of Board/Committee "Johnson Future Use" reports -- to understand specific “needs” and "opportunities" at the Johnson property, according to each board/committee’s respective charge (e.g. Open Space Advisory Committee might focus on preserving natural lands, promoting conservation, or other open space matters at the Johnson property)
- Human Services Study -- a consolidated set of need-based insights to inform the Johnson Future Use Project (from '24/'25 Human Services Study)
The 2/4/26 Select Board meeting will start at 6:00PM (find full agenda). The Johnson reports are the final discussion items and are estimated to start after ~7:00PM. There will be an opportunity for the public to make statements and/or ask questions.
If you want to review the latest Johnson-related update, you can watch the most recent Johnson-related presentation that led to the convergence of 3 interrelated projects, watch the 10/29/25 Pegasus recording (00:34:34 - 02:09:05, a total of 95 minutes).
Please reach out with any questions or comments (communications@natickma.org or selectboard@natickma.org)
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Johnson Future Use: Project Description
The Town of Natick is leading a multi-year effort to determine the future use of Johnson Elementary (post '21 School Committee decision to close the school). The Johnson Elementary School officially closed school operations after the '23/'24 school year (as of June '24), after operating for 75 years as an elementary school.
Town staff is leading a 2-year+ project, alongside Select Board members. This project will involve a number of opportunities for public engagement and, ultimately, the future use will be decided by a Select Board vote.
Property Address: 99 S Main St, Natick, MA 01760
Learn more: https://www.natickma.gov/2113/PROJECT-Johnson-Elementary-Future-Use
Subscribe to receive Johnson project updates: https://www.natickma.gov/list.aspx?ListID=524