Old Maid’s Park is a well-loved open space along the Williams River in Housatonic—one of the few places in the village where people can access the water for swimming, fishing, and cooling on hot days. Through Resilient Housatonic: Community-Centered Climate Planning at Old Maid’s Park, the Town of Great Barrington, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), and project partners are working with the community to shape a more accessible, ecologically healthy, and climate-resilient future for this important place.
This project, funded through the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Grant program, will result in a community-informed plan for improving the park. The work centers three core goals: strengthening the park’s resilience to climate impacts, improving accessibility for all community members, and building lasting community connections through meaningful engagement.
Dinner will be served and childcare will be available. Please register below and let us know if you need childcare or have any dietary restrictions.
When: Thursday, June 18 @ 6-8 PM
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 1089 Main St., Housatonic, MA 01236
Why This Work Matters
Old Maid’s Park, within walking distance of the Housatonic village center, is a vital recreational and cooling resource that faces challenges such as limited water access, riverbank erosion and stormwater runoff affecting water quality as climate change intensifies extreme heat. The Williams River itself is an important ecological system, supporting coldwater fish habitat while also experiencing pressures from warming temperatures, sedimentation, and altered flow. Improving the health of the river and surrounding landscape will benefit both people and wildlife, helping to ensure that the park remains a safe and vibrant place.
This project also responds to community-identified needs. Past engagement has shown that many residents value access to natural swimming areas, gathering spaces, and opportunities to connect outdoors—but not everyone knows about or feels access to Old Maid’s Park. Expanding awareness and improving access are key priorities moving forward.
The goal is not just to gather input, but to build relationships, strengthen community connections, and support ongoing stewardship. This is a community-driven process. At the heart of this project is community engagement. BEAT is leading a process designed to meet people where they are and ensure that local knowledge, experiences, and priorities shape the outcome.
Upcoming events:
Thursday, June 18 from 6-8 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Housatonic
Get Involved
There will be many opportunities to participate throughout the project. Attend an event, take a survey, or stop by to share your thoughts – we want to hear from you!
In the News
- “Old Maid’s Park Open House Advances Community Climate Planning Effort”
An interview with BEAT Deputy Director Melanie Risko in The Berkshire Edge highlights the broader “Resilient Housatonic” climate planning initiative focused on accessibility, ecological health, flooding, and long-term stewardship of the park. Written by Amelia Ellis, the Berkshire Edge.
- “BEAT Celebrates Old Maid’s Park in Housatonic”
The Berkshire Edge recently highlighted BEAT’s community celebration and outreach efforts at Old Maid’s Park in Housatonic, focused on ecology, accessibility, and long-term stewardship of the site. The article features the park’s role as both a neighborhood gathering space and an important part of ongoing community-driven climate resilience planning. Written by Shaw Israel Izikson, the Berkshire Edge.
