Open Space and Trails Strategic Plan

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
A paved trail located near Coyote Gulch playground.

Windsor Open Space & Trails Strategic Plan Adopted
The Windsor Open Space & Trails Strategic Plan was adopted by Town Board on March 28, 2022. Thanks to participants for sharing their feedback.

Project Background

In 2021, Town of Windsor Open Space and Trails will be completing a Strategic Plan as a guide for the next 5-10 years in the acquisition of open spaces and determine priority trail development. Survey results from the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Plan demonstrated that the Windsor community is eager to have more access and opportunities to engage with open spaces and trails. The goal for completing an Open Spaces and Trails Strategic Plan is to better define community expectations and, more specifically, provide guidance on how to meet those expectations.

Open Space and Trails is currently responsible for properties that are maintained for conservation of natural habitats for native species, preservation of agricultural lands, or watershed areas for the improvement of water quality. It also maintains paved and unpaved through-ways that connect Windsor residents to key destinations such as downtown, other neighborhoods, along with parks and open spaces.

Windsor Open Space & Trails Strategic Plan Adopted
The Windsor Open Space & Trails Strategic Plan was adopted by Town Board on March 28, 2022. Thanks to participants for sharing their feedback.

Project Background

In 2021, Town of Windsor Open Space and Trails will be completing a Strategic Plan as a guide for the next 5-10 years in the acquisition of open spaces and determine priority trail development. Survey results from the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Plan demonstrated that the Windsor community is eager to have more access and opportunities to engage with open spaces and trails. The goal for completing an Open Spaces and Trails Strategic Plan is to better define community expectations and, more specifically, provide guidance on how to meet those expectations.

Open Space and Trails is currently responsible for properties that are maintained for conservation of natural habitats for native species, preservation of agricultural lands, or watershed areas for the improvement of water quality. It also maintains paved and unpaved through-ways that connect Windsor residents to key destinations such as downtown, other neighborhoods, along with parks and open spaces.

Questions for the project team

We want this to be a comprehensive process to help ensure we capture any of your questions about what is or what could be related to Windsor's Open Spaces and Trails.  Take a moment and let us know what nagging questions you have.

loader image
Forgot password?
Didn't receive confirmation?
Register Now
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    I like everything about this plan except the idea that the City is obtaining and managing farms. Is this correct? I just can't believe the City wants to get into farming. Please can you explain.

    Helen asked 3 months ago

    Hello, Helen. To answer your question, the Town would purchase the land and lease the properties to tenant farmers. The Town would not be farming the properties, it would be leased out to a professional. The intent is to reserve the land and have it be used for agricultural purposes.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Are there planned tours to highlight the trails? How does one find where a trail is.

    Longtallsam asked 11 months ago

    I'm SOOO sorry that your question went unanswered. We have a section of our recreationliveshere.com website dedicated to all things Windsor Open Space & Trails. Please visit https://recreationliveshere.com/263/Open-Space-Trails.  We also have a fairly easy to digest map posted online here: https://gis.windsorgov.com/MapGallery/PDF/TrailBrochureMap_WithLoops(23.2x15.7-P).pdf

    Thanks! And have a great day!

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Once the 1300 acres is acquired what happens to the taxes you collect

    Philip asked 4 months ago

    Good afternoon Philip. The 1300 acres reference is a recommendation based on the public input gathered while creating the Open Space and Trails Strategic Plan. At any time we max out on the intent of the ballot, by law, we have two choices: remove the tax by ordinance or we would have to return to the voters to decide how to proceed. Does that help? Here is information about the upcoming ballot measure: https://windsorgov.com/1353/Open-Space-Ballot-Measure

    We hope this helps!

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What can we do to help preserve "unsightly" habitat, such as snags (dead trees), brush piles, etc?

    windsortrees asked over 1 year ago

    When the Town acquires a property that contains riparian areas or other habitat, a management plan will be developed which will identify habitat areas and specific management strategies.  Generally in Open Space and Trails, we strive to preserve habitat on the properties we manage.            

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    If the Town is looking to acquire, support, and help conserve agricultural lands, are there any plans to help introduce sustainable agricultural practices? Examples could include limited tilling, avoidance of monoculture fields, and limiting the use of synthetic OR organic herbicides/pesticides.

    windsortrees asked over 1 year ago

    Great question and thank you so much for inquiring.   This is a great point that we will add to the overall strategic plan.  I imagine that it would initially be inserted as a goal/ philosophy regarding management of agricultural areas.  Typically, when we acquire a parcel of land, we develop a management plan for each site that will identify in more detail strategies like this.  

    Thank you for reaching out. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Cottonwoods are an important component of our Riparian zones. Are there any plans to rehabilitate the riparian portions of our open spaces, especially as we gain new land that had a different use previously (gravel pits, for example)?

    windsortrees asked over 1 year ago

    Great question, solid point and thank you so much for inquiring.    This is a great point that we will add to the overall strategic plan to look for opportunities to rehabilitate riparian areas.   If we acquire properties that contain riparian areas, we will typically develop a management plan for each site that will identify in more detail strategies like this.  

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Will you be adding anything to north Windsor? Specifically the areas that are up by the ridge at harmony road?

    Kerbear31 asked over 1 year ago

    The current Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan identifies adding trails to the north that would connect Harmony Ridge to paved trails to the south. We do not have a time frame for development but it has been included. We anticipate another survey to come out soon that will give residents the opportunity to prioritize trail route development and the trails to the north will be included in that communication. 

Page last updated: 13 Dec 2022, 12:27 PM