Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan Availability & Comment Period

Posted on: May 17, 2023 - 11:47am

Open Space and Recreation Plan - 2023 Review Draft

Background

The 2023 Update of the Stow's Open Space and Recreation Plan is now available for public review and comment. The update of the Plan has been completed by the Conservation Department and Recreation Department, with assistance from a working group made up of interested Stow residents, and the technical support of the Planning Department and Open Space Committee. The plan is formatted according to specifications of the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services, and, when finalized, will maintain the town’s eligibility for state grants for both open space and recreation purposes.  It contains the results of the survey of residents that was conducted last year.

New in this Update are expanded discussions of climate resilience, a focus on connectivity among conserved areas for people and wildlife, and acknowledgment of the key role that Stow Acres will play in addressing future needs for trails and park facilities. For those who wish to focus on the recommendations in the plan, we encourage review of Sections 6-8 (pp.105-122).

A public forum was held on June 29th via Zoom to present highlights of the plan and accept public comments. Written comments from town officials, residents and interested organizations may also be submitted until July 14, 2023 to the Stow Conservation Department in the Stow Town Building.  They can be emailed to conservation@stow-ma.gov, mailed to Town Building at 380 Great Road, or dropped in the Conservation Commission’s mailbox on the first floor of the Town Building.  All comments will be shared with the Working Group.

Printed copies of the draft plan are available in the Conservation Commission office by request. Slides from the forum can be found here.

Draft 2023 Stow Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 

(please be patient when downloading, these are large files)