Open Space Program

The Open Space Program is located in the Planning Department office in Town Hall, and is staffed by Hannah Wilbur the Open Space Manager and Beth O'Connor the Open Space Steward.

Program Overview


Residents of Ipswich have long appreciated the beautiful landscapes, natural resources, and opportunities for outdoor recreation in town. Protecting these unique treasures from potential development on critical open space properties has been a priority for residents, and in 1994 the Open Space Committee was established to guide that commitment. Their focus was to develop plans and establish a program to protect open lands for both public enjoyment and important habitat values, which ultimately led to the creation of the Open Space Program. The Open Space Program brochure outlines the history and operation of the program. For additional information about the history of the Program and it's accomplishments to date, read About the Open Space Program.

Kamon Farm


The Town of Ipswich is working with Essex County Greenbelt Association to protect 92.9 acres of land adjacent to Turkey Hill, the last unprotected and undeveloped hillside in Ipswich.  Kamon Farm is a matrix of wetlands, hayfields, and wooded uplands In the Parker River and Ipswich River Watersheds. The property offers significant drinking water supply protection. More than half of the property protects and filters water flowing into the Bull Brook Reservoir and the Mile Lane Well. more info>>  



Take a Virtual Tour of Nichols Field

Are you curious to know what Nichols Field is like? Or have you been there and wonder how others experience it?  Take the next seven minutes to watch the video and "visit" Nichols Field with some Ipswich locals who appreciate it for different reasons. Thanks to the artistic vision and creativity of volunteer Tess O'Connor, the Nichols Field virtual tour video was produced to give viewers a sense of the place, and a bit of understanding about why a few Ipswich locals appreciate it as permanently protected public open space. And during the quiet moments listen to the wind, the water, the birds and the insects, and imagine being there....

  1. Physical Distancing For Everyone's Safety

    During these unprecedented times of physical distancing to slow the spread of the Covid 19 virus, we encourage people to visit open space properties for known physical and mental health benefits. Follow these simple guidelines for everyone's safety... Read on...
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