EASTHAMPTON – A new initiative on planning related to open space and recreation sites includes a survey the city is asking residents to complete in the coming weeks that would provide data to better advise the municipality during an upcoming community forum scheduled for Nov. 5.



a body of water surrounded by trees: An American flag strung over Nashawannuck Pond in Easthampton.


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An American flag strung over Nashawannuck Pond in Easthampton.

That gathering will occur remotely, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle’s office said in a written statement Monday.

Easthampton is updating their 2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP).

This document informs the city on making decisions involving open space and recreation management.

The idea is to update it and use this as a planning guide for the next seven years.

“The OSRP assesses the current status of recreation and conservation lands in the community and identifies community needs based on a set of goals and objectives developed through a facilitated process,” the statement says.

This project includes a steering committee.

Members of the committee include: Parks and Recreation Director John Mason, Conservation Agent Cassie Trager, City Councilor Salem Derby, Planning Board Member Brenda Salyer, Community Preservation Act Committee Member Jay Ryan who also sits on planning board, Pascommuck Conservation Trust officials Marty Klein and Gerrit Stover, and resident Mary Lou Splain.

“Easthampton residents want to get involved and understand daily operations of our government. This survey and community meeting opens the door to resident engagement and helping us understand existing and future needs for our parks, trails, and open space preservation efforts,” LaChapelle said.

The survey can be found on the easthamptonma.gov website or It can be completed in a paper version by requesting it via email to [email protected]

Nov. 15 is deadline to submit.

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