Open Space Rules & Regulations

To:           Citizens of Ipswich

From:     Paul a. Nikas, Chief of police

Subject:     Town open space properties & concerns of improper usage

Date:     6/23/2011

Below is a list of the Town’s Open Space properties where public access is allowed. Each property is listed below with prohibited uses. As in years past, I ask the public to please commit themselves to the proper use of these properties and help preserve their pristine condition. As always, the Ipswich Police Department is committed to preserving these open spaces and solicits the public’s assistance when they witness a violation. Whenever possible, please call the Police Station, 978-356-4343 or Open Space Program office 978-356-6607 and report any misuse. Remember to include a detailed description of the location, with as much information about the offender(s) as possible, without placing yourself in a confrontation.

Once again, the members of the Ipswich Police Department thank you for your continued support and ask that you review the Open Space Rules & Regulations before heading out to enjoy these magnificent parcels of land.

PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE OPEN SPACE AREAS:

All properties are open only between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

v  Dow Brook Conservation Area- 326 High Street (34 acres) adjacent to White Farms Ice Cream.

v  Nichols Field- 60 Labor in Vain Road (13 acres) near the Gould’s Creek Bridge.

v  Strawberry Hill- 56 Jeffreys Neck Road (91 acres) just before Ocean Drive.

v  Linebrook Woods Conservation Area- 275 Linebrook Road (78 acres) adjacent and to the rear of Marini Farms.

v  Shady Creek Conservation Area- at the end of Colonial Drive (40 acres) accessed from cul-de-sac at the end of Colonial Drive.

o   Use of any motorized vehicles (ATV’s/ORV’s, dirt bikes) is prohibited. Please do not use any type of motorized vehicles unless they are needed for handicap access

o   No Dogs off-leash. Remove dog waste and dispose of it properly. These trails are public areas and as such, they are subject to the Town’s Leash & Dog Waste by-laws

o   Alcohol consumption is prohibited

o   No Littering or Vandalism. Carry out what you carry in.

o   No overnight camping

o   No fires of any kind

o   No Trespassing on the MBTA train tracks. Crossing or walking along the tracks is prohibited.

o   Hunting is prohibited

o   No clearing or cutting of vegetation

NO PUBLIC ACCESS, AT THIS TIME, ON THE FOLLOWING OPEN SPACE AREAS:

v  Great Neck Conservation Area- Off of Clark Road (86 acres) this property consists of 17 separate parcels, but 7 of them are contiguous and comprise 68 acres (known as the “core parcel”) adjacent to the “Air Force Property”.  Two of the smaller “out parcels” adjacent to Clark Pond are being developed for public access with an elevated walkway and overlook platform. This project is currently under construction and anticipated to be complete summer 2011.

v  Turkey Hill Conservation Area- adjacent to 27 Pineswamp Road (23 acres) Anticipated trail opening fall/winter 2011

See Map of Open Space in Ipswich