Open Space Program

The Open Space Program is located in the Planning Department office at Town Hall, and is staffed on a part time basis by the Open Space Manager and 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 the Open Space Program Overview.

Current Happenings:

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>>  

*When visiting outdoor recreational areas in Ipswich remember to abide by current Covid 19 State and local policies. If a parking area is full or open space areas are crowded, please find another area to visit and come back another time. Wear a face mask, keep a minimum of 6 feet apart from anyone not in your "bubble" and respect the health and well being of all while we navigate through this pandemic. 


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....