Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

DPW, Parks & Rec collaborate on landscape improvement plan for Town Common

The Department of Public Works recently cleared five trees from Town Common, beginning the first steps of a process to improve the park’s landscape.

In a post on Facebook, the DPW explained it had removed trees deemed to be in “poor” condition.

“In the spring, the DPW will work with the Parks & Recreation Commission to select replacement trees and locations for planting,” the DPW post stated. “The goal is to improve overall tree health and enjoyment of the Common.”

The plan to improve the landscape of the Common is a joint effort between the DPW and Parks & Rec. DPW director Kerry Reed and Matt Soule of the civil engineering firm Weston & Sampson met with Parks & Rec on Jan. 14 to discuss the plan.

During that meeting, Soule provided a draft of the improvement plan and ideas for plantings that would avoid impeding regular activities at the Common. Tree species he recommended for planting include tupelo, dawn redwood and bur oaks.

“Our big message with this plan is: diversify,” said Soule, noting there are at least 26 maple trees on the Common.

“If the Asian longhorn beetle came to town, you’d lose half the trees,” he added.

Layout of the plantings was discussed as well. Soule discussed options to either create groves of plantings or maintain allées like those that exist on the Common currently.

“I like the sight lines now, where you can look across the Common and see different things going on,” said Parks & Rec chair Dan Terry.

Member Kyle Smith agreed. “I think clean, pristine, more organized makes more sense for the Common, personally,” he said.

The DPW and Parks & Rec will continue to refine and develop the plans for Town Common. Planting likely will begin sometime after the Boston Marathon this year.

Latest News

Residents and town departments advocated for essential town services such as the Hopkinton Public Library and Senior Services during fiscal year 2026 budget hearings during the Select Board meeting Tuesday night.

The Select Board on Tuesday received an overview of the 51 articles submitted for the Annual Town Meeting in May and reaffirmed its commitment to the town’s DEI policies.

This week’s Police Log features two arrests, along with reports of a chauffeur not returning a limousine and a hit-and-run accident on Chestnut Street.

Award-winning tribute band Petty Larceny will be playing classics by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Saturday, March 1, at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Town meetings tonight include the Community Preservation Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Lucy Jean (in white) locks in on the puck as she waits for the referee to start the face-off during the Hopkinton High School girls hockey co-op team’s 1-1 tie against Franklin on Wednesday at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR