Hampden Panel Sets Nov. 17 Open Space Forum
Hampden's open space committee reviewed draft state maps and survey data and set a Nov. 17 forum to shape its Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Other Committee · Meeting of October 7, 2026
Hampden's open space committee reviewed draft state maps and survey data and set a Nov. 17 forum to shape its Open Space and Recreation Plan. Consultant Derek told the committee the survey has drawn 106 responses, with sidewalks, pickleball demand and all-terrain-vehicle misuse on Minnechaug Mountain among the top complaints; he also noted Hampden has no state- or federally owned open land, calling it "unusual." Fifty-six percent of respondents said they live within a 10-minute walk of a park or open space and use it. Members said "there's really not much we can do" to stop dirt bikes on conservation land, citing no enforcement funding.
Drinking water ranked residents' top concern, tied to salt contamination from a former town dump straining the small municipal water system; the town has no sewer and relies entirely on septic. The committee plans the Nov. 17 session, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with pizza, ahead of a May state funding deadline.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,519 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of October 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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