2A. Statement of Purpose

This report will evaluate the town’s current natural and recreation resources in order to establish recommendations about areas for improvement. Clear goals and objectives will provide tangible and relevant steps necessary to accomplish these recommendations. This report is intended as a guiding document for prioritizing town open space and recreation acquisitions, improvements, and other actions.

This 2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan is an update of the draft 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan, which was submitted to the state but only conditionally accepted. Lenox completed prior Open Space and Recreation Plans in 1984 and 1999. Most recommended action items from the 2009 OSRP have not been accomplished and are still relevant today.

This report reflects the community's interest in protecting, preserving, and enhancing its open space holdings and recreational facilities. Approval of this OSRP will allow the Town of Lenox to apply for competitive grants offered by the state and other entities. In addition, Lenox approved the Community Preservation Act in May 2006, which allowed the town to set aside money for land acquisition and public park development. These two sources of funding will aid in implementing recommendations made in this report.