Established in the early 1600s as a farming community along the Charles River, Medfield evolved, in the 20th century, into a major Boston suburb with a highly-rated public school system. Residential subdivisions replaced farmland, and the main street, Route 109, became a congested thoroughfare. The Medfield State Hospital, established in the late 19th century at the northern end of the town was a major employer until its closure in the 1990s, eradicating jobs and leaving a sprawling historic campus unoccupied.

Concerned about safeguarding its history, natural resources, and local economy, and addressing a lack of affordable housing and the needs of its growing population of older adults, Medfield commissioned an update of its master plan. As part of a larger professional team, Martha Lyon Landscape Architecture, LLC inventoried, assessed and made recommendations for preserving the town’s historic, cultural, natural, open space and recreation resources. Major plan recommendations focused on increasing heritage tourism and cultivating the local arts community, and continuing to protect open space and natural resources.