Open Space Committee

The Open Space Committee advises and otherwise assists the Town Manager on the preservation of open space, and updating the Open Space Plan. The Committee evaluates opportunities for the acquisition and protection of open space parcels against a number of criteria, including whether the Town’s acquisition of the parcel would (i) help preserve Bridgewater’s character, (ii) protect Bridgewater’s water resources, (iii)abut or conjoin existing conservation lands, (iv) provide public access for walking, biking or other passive recreation, (v) preserve or enhance distinctive streetscapes, views or vistas, or (vi) preserve important wildlife and/or vegetation habitat. To this end, the Committee works with Town residents, local officials, state and federal agencies, and private nonprofit land conservation organizations to further these open space objectives. The Committee advises the Town Manager on the development and content of the Open Space Plan. The Open Space Committee is an advisory committee in the Town.

The Open Space Committee consists of five members appointed for three year terms.

Open Space Committee Members

Eileen Hiney, Chair - Term Ends 2025

Nicole Holmes - Term Ends 2024

Michael Silvia - Term Ends 2025

Maureen Minasian - Term Ends 2023

Lauren Webb - Term Ends - 2024

Open Space Related Documents:

Bridgewater OSRP Update - Draft Version

2016 Bridgewater Recreational Needs Assessment
Evaluates 12 active and 9 passive recreation facilities. Provides an inventory of recreation resources prior to development of the 2017 OS&RP and Master Plan.

Section 3: Recreation Resources Inventory and Evaluation of 13 public recreation facilities or areas according to a number of criteria, include the level of protection as open space for each parcel.
Section 4: 13 General Recommendations and 12 Improvement Priorities.

2017 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update

Section 9 includes 7-year Action Plan with 5 Goals
Lists Responsible Parties and Actions for each parcel

Bridgewater Parklands Report - Intern Project Report

Intern Evaluation of 6 Parklands (no public survey or meetings)
Purpose: provide a strategy to implement 2017 OS & Rec Plan with respect to the 6 community parklands overseen by ConCom and managed by volunteer Park Stewards. (Carver Pond, Ironworks, Titicut, Stiles & Hart, Tuckerwood, Wyman Meadow)

Municipal Vulnerability Plan 2019

Identifies areas vulnerable to Climate Change – wetlands, farmlands. Notes Agricultural land preservations initiatives are needed (Project #14).