{"id":63954,"date":"2026-04-24T22:06:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T02:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebeatnews.org\/BeatTeam\/?page_id=63954"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:48:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:48:10","slug":"old-maids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thebeatnews.org\/BeatTeam\/stewards-of-our-environment\/old-maids\/","title":{"rendered":"Resilient Housatonic: Community-Centered Climate Planning at Old Maid\u2019s Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Old Maid\u2019s Park is a well-loved open space along the Williams River in Housatonic\u2014one 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\u2019s Park, the Town of Great Barrington,<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s resilience to climate impacts, improving accessibility for all community members, and building lasting community connections through meaningful engagement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\nJoin us for a community conversation about the future of Old Maid\u2019s Park<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/hp>\n

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.<\/p>\n

When:<\/strong> Thursday, June 18 @ 6-8 PM<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Unitarian Universalist Church, 1089 Main St., Housatonic, MA 01236<\/p>\n

Register (required)<\/a><\/strong.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy This Work Matters<\/strong>\n

Old Maid\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\"Williams\n

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\u2014but not everyone knows about or feels access to Old Maid\u2019s Park. Expanding awareness and improving access are key priorities moving forward.<\/p>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

Upcoming events:<\/strong><\/p>\n