Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Planning
What is an Open Space Plan?
An Open Space Plan is an official document that creates a vision for natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities, and it outlines policies and guidelines to implement that vision. It can be adopted as part of a Comprehensive Plan or independently.
Why make or update an Open Space Plan?
An Open Space Plan:
- Provides opportunities for public engagement;
- Establishes community priorities around open space;
- Integrates different data resources into a blueprint of a community’s natural resources;
- Lays out capital improvement needs around open space and recreation;
- Identifies actions that will protect and manage the community’s resources; and,
- Enables the community to access certain State grants and funds.
How can SMPDC help?
SMPDC supports Open Space Planning in a variety of ways depending on the needs of the community. It is a fee-for-service contract, with prices varying according to the amount of assistance needed. SMPDC can help you with any or all of the following:- Inventory and analyze environmental assets and threats
- Inventory and map lands of conservation and recreation interest
- Prepare the Open Space Plan, including any or all of the following:
- Facilitate and lead your steering committee;
- Assist with or lead your public engagement process (surveys, open houses, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, public meetings, etc.);
- Train your planning boards or elected officials on the planning process;
- Create your maps;
- Write your implementation chapters; and,
- Package everything together into a clean and professional document.
