1. Plan Summary

The protection of open spaces and provision of recreational opportunities are integral parts of a resilient, active, and connected community. The 2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update gathers the desires of the community, examines the needs of the town’s natural species, and offers tangible objectives for achieving identified goals.

Lenox is loved by residents and visitors because of its rich ecosystems, copious recreational assets, historical landscapes, cultural attractions, and scenic qualities.

In two community forums and a community survey, residents overwhelmingly responded that protecting natural resources was one of their top priorities. These included water resources, forests, wildlife habitat, migration corridors, and clean air. Citizens were also concerned with protecting open fields, pastoral views, and preventing development on mountain ridges and other scenic areas.

It is important that residents are educated about existing recreational resources and natural systems in town. Many citizens were not aware of the locations of parks and did not know where to access trails. Awareness of these will lead to better appreciation of the town’s open space efforts. Collaborative partnerships at many scales are necessary to achieve the town’s goals and will bring new parties into the conversation about open space.

Responsibility for park lands is currently divided between the Kennedy Park Committee, which is responsible for Kennedy Park, the Community Center, which is responsible for recreation areas, and the Conservation Commission, which is responsible for certain parcels including Parson’s Marsh. To best coordinate maintenance of existing parks and prioritize acquisitions, a Parks Commission should be established.

Connectivity emerged as a major theme in the community forums. Linking sidewalks and hiking trails and improving the bikeability of town are integral to building a connected community. Recommendations are organized around nine overall goals:

• Water resource areas are protected and water supplies are augmented.

• Plant and wildlife habits are protected.

• Agricultural lands are protected.

• Critical visual, cultural, and historic resources are protected

• The public is fully aware of all recreational facilities and other public spaces.

• A Parks Commission is responsible for all park lands in town.

• Recreation opportunities serve the community’s needs.

• Residents can access open spaces and neighborhoods on foot or by bicycle.

• A strong constituency of open space and recreation advocates is built through education and collaborative partnerships.

• Funding is secured to support implementation of the actions identified in this OSRP update