CHESTERFIELD — The town has no shortage of open space. But there is no open space committee, which is why Conservation Commission Chair John Follet is spearheading a movement to gather interested people who might feel inclined to join such a committee if it were to be formed.
Some two-thirds of the land in Chesterfield is already conserved, but the goal of an open space committee would be to integrate nature into already developed town infrastructure and public spaces.
“Rather than put a lot of emphasis on acquisition of more open space, we can learn and explore what we already have,” said Follet.
And there is no shortage of projects to undertake. In March, the town released its Open Space and Recreation Plan, a 130-page blueprint that serves as a guide for how the town can use open space and enhance nature in the future.
That document called on a committee to be formed, and outlines what actions would be most appropriately carried out by such a committee.
Among the ideas are constructing trails at the New Hingham Elementary School, upkeeping town-owned property at 6 North Road, and providing oversight to Russell Memorial Park, which would also include upkeep.
The town park is also not accessible for disabled people. “The park is the most non-ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant place I’ve ever seen,” said Follet, mentioning the narrow paths and a lack of handicapped parking.
Follet considers it timely to form the committee as the town navigates putting together a master plan, since open space is so crucial to the town’s current and future identity.
“When we were putting together the Open Space and Recreation plan, the number one concern was for the town to preserve its rural character, whatever that means,” said Follet. “We don’t want sprawl.”
In the future that rural character could be challenged due to an influx of people moving into town, said Follet, which would make the open space committee a relevant asset to preserve that character.
“The introduction of broadband is huge for us out here,” he said. “It brought a lot more people. We need a plan.”
It may take a year, or longer, to make a change to town bylaws to officially form the committee, which would further need community approval at a Town Meeting. There is no indication of whether committee members would be elected or appointed by the Select Board. Follet speculates, however, the seats would be appointed by the Select Board.
In the interim, he is looking for residents who’d be inclined to join.