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Select Board accepts $25,000 state grant and forms open-space and recreation plan committee
Summary
The Select Board accepted a $25,000 Land Conservation Assistance Grant to update an open-space and recreation plan that expired in Feb. 2025 and voted to form a committee to work with staff and a consultant on the update.
Town staff told the Select Board that Hampden's open-space and recreation plan expired in February 2025 and that a refreshed plan is required to qualify for several state grant programs.
"A valid open space recreation plan is a reference for a number of different grant programs," a staff member said, noting the town applied for and received a $25,000 Land Conservation Assistance Grant. Staff recommended moving forward with an update, including hiring a consultant and forming an open-space and recreation plan committee that would include representatives from the Planning Commission and Conservation Commission.
Board members discussed using the town's recently completed master plan and elements of the previous open-space plan to avoid unnecessary duplication. A motion to form the committee and accept the grant was moved, seconded and approved by the board on a voice vote.
Staff said a state contract for the grant was still pending and that the town did not expect a cash match requirement for this award. The committee, once formed, is expected to oversee consultant selection and coordinate outreach and grant-related deliverables.
