Open Space Committee

Flier for Open Spade and Recreation Plan public forum

Overview

Welcome to the Kingston Open Space Committee! The Open Space Committee assists the Conservation Commission in overseeing the management and use of Kingston’s conservation properties. The Committee also helps identify future conservation and passive recreation priorities in town. The Committee follows the direction of the Conservation Commission, works closely with the Conservation Department, and is responsible for updates to the Open Space & Recreation Plan. This plan allows the Town of Kingston to apply for state open space grants such as the L.A.N.D. grant that reimbursed a significant portion of the purchase prices of several large conservation parcels in the last decade.

Duties & Responsibilities

General By-Laws, Chapter 18

Vantage point of Bay Farm overlooking Kingston Bay

Meetings

Open Space Committee meetings will be held at 5:45 PM on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Meetings will be held in Room 101 or virtually. Public participation can be in-person or remote via a dial-in number and access code. Please refer to the agenda for this information. 

December 2023

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Land Stewards Program

The Kingston Conservation Department and Commission utilizes a group of all-star volunteers to help manage and maintain our natural areas. Stewards sign up to walk specific trails once per month, then report back to the Conservation Office with any observed issues. This program is crucial for the management of our Conservation Areas, and we are always looking for new volunteers! Please email Julianna Denum (jdenum@kingstonma.gov), Assistant Conservation Agent, if you are interested in participating.

Members (Vacant Seats)

The Conservation Department is beginning the process of updating Kingston’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. The first step in the process is creation of an Open Space Committee. The Committee will work closely with the Conservation Department in facilitating public involvement in the update process, as well as reviewing sections of the 2015 Plan, researching where necessary, and updating assigned sections. The workload may be high until the update is complete. Beyond the update, the Committee works closely with the Conservation Department and the Conservation Commission on improving and maintaining trail access on Town-owned conservation land, assists with assessing and dealing with encroachment issues, and works on ways to connect the public with these properties in a positive way. To apply, please fill out the ToK 'Volunteer Application' in the top left of this webpage. For more information, email me at MPenella@KingstonMA.gov 

NameTerm 
Jim Franklin (Chairperson)6/30/2024
Megan Hickey (Vice-chairperson)6/30/2026
Heath Emberg6/30/2026
Brian Payne6/30/2025
Jada Leung6/30/2024