Regional Planning

Help Us Build a Better Map of the Region’s Outdoor Spaces

Volunteer to document your favorite trails, parks, and recreation sites — and improve access for all

Do you enjoy spending time outside? Volunteer for NMCOG by collecting data for our Regional Outdoor Asset inventory! This inventory will be modeled after Berkshires Outside, developed in partnership with the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau and Middlesex 3, and will ultimately contribute to a statewide database of outdoor open space and recreation assets for residents and visitors alike.

Volunteers will…

• Collect data through a digital survey tool analyzing the conditions of each site they visit.

• Capture photos that represent what activities are best suited for the asset

• Write narratives describing the asset that give users context prior to visiting the destination.

• Conduct an accessibility assessment by taking measurements and describing conditions that may inhibit access to the site.

About the Project

Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Northern Middlesex Regional Outdoor Asset Inventory is being developed to create a singular source of information on all the trails, bike paths, campsites, and other outdoor recreational sites in the region. This project will go beyond cataloging by identifying gaps to access, particularly to those in Environmental Justice communities. Ultimately, the project aims to improve quality of life, promote recreation-driven visitation, and guide future investments in the region’s outdoor assets.

Have questions or comments about this project? Please contact Amy Bickford, NMCOG Municipal Fellow, at abickford@nmcog.org.