Southwick Launches Open Space Plan Update with State Grant Planners on Board

SOUTHWICK -- June 9, 2026, Southwick's Open Space Land Management Committee launched its Open Space and Recreation Plan update at a June 9 meeting, welcoming Pioneer Valley Planning Commission planners Derek Strahan and Mimi Keflin to lead the project. The grant supporting the effort totals roughly $25,000, split between a $2,475 FY26 allocation and a $22,525 FY27 allocation, with the town responsible for a 10 percent cash match; Keflin confirmed the FY26 funds can be spent solely on survey work and initial meetings without jeopardizing the grant. The committee's existing OSRP expires in December 2026, and members identified the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, whose application deadline fell in early January last year, as the grant most at risk from any coverage gap before a projected March 2027 draft submission. Chair Connor Fleury confirmed that the newly authorized Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee has a legal quorum and can begin meeting immediately, with the first OSRPC session tentatively set for June 23. Committee member Martha Cain reported deteriorating conditions at the Sofonowski Property, Southwick's main nature preserve, describing severely overgrown trails, persistent mud holes, multiple downed trees, and an unmaintained memorial bench dedicated to former Conservation Commission member Jim Miles.