Environmental Justice

The 2010 Census identified an environmental justice (EJ) population in Lenox located in and to the southwest of Lenox Village. This block group is home to 389 residents (9.6 percent of the town’s population). The environmental justice designation is based on income and signifies that 25 percent or more of households in this area earn 65 percent or less than the Massachusetts median household income, meaning that at least a quarter of the households in this block group earn less than $41,931 per year (2010 US Census). The median age of this EJ block group is 56.2 years; 10 percent are under 18 years of age, and 35.5 percent are over 65 years of age. In 2010 nearly 25 percent of the households in this group earned an income of less than $25,000.

The EJ population in Lenox is within a halfmile walking distance of a variety of open spaces and recreation opportunities. Kennedy Park offers many trails and free open access to visitors. Also close-by, Tanglewood, Cranwell, and Shakespeare and Company offer recreation activities at a fee. Laurel Lake and Edith Wharton Park are within walking distance to the residents in the southern-most section of the EJ population area. Other open space and

Legend

Environmental justice population

Protected open space

Half-mile radius

Existing structures

Water features recreation opportunities on the eastern side of Lenox such as Woods Pond and Post Farm are farther away from this group and would probably necessitate driving for residents to be able to access these spaces. It is important for Lenox to make sure it provides recreational opportunities that are inexpensive or free of cost so that money is not an obstacle for recreation. The town should make sure that enough recreational spaces are within walking distance and are made accessible by sidewalks or other safe walking routes.