As the Town of West Springfield prepares to update its Open Space and Recreation Plan, members of the public are invited to attend a kick-off meeting of the Open Space Committee Wednesday, March 4, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.at the Town Hall Auditorium, 26 Central Street.

The meeting will include an overview of the Open Space and Recreation Plan purpose and process, a review of the town’s most recent plan and needed updates, and discussion of the role of and next steps for the Open Space Committee. Future meetings of the Committee are tentatively planned for March 18, April 1, April 15, May 6, and May 20. All meetings are open to the public.

This planning effort is being undertaken to develop an updated West Springfield Open Space and Recreation Plan, which will be in effect for the next seven years. Public participation is critically important to developing a plan that meets the needs of West Springfield’s residents.

The plan is being developed by the West Springfield Open Space Committee with assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. Funding is provided by a FY15 District Local Technical Assistance Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.