Civil and Municipal - Mar 2023

41 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 ASHLAND, MA Ashland prides itself on its green space, with about 30 percent of its land area devoted to protected open space. That includes four large parcels of open space with plenty of recreation opportunities. Ashland State Park features 470 acres of land, including a 157- acre reservoir, which offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, biking, boating, and swimming. Hopkinton State Park includes 1500 acres of forest filled with hiking trails, beaches, fishing, and picnic areas. Meanwhile, the 616-acre Ashland Town Forest and 120-acre Warren Woods offer protection to flora and fauna alongside several miles of scenic hiking trails. “Since 2016, the town has invested over $10 million in purchasing or protecting almost 250 acres of open space,” Herbert explains. “Each of those has a network of trails that people can utilize for passive recreation. We hold events in these spaces and utilize these resources for community enjoyment.”