Open Space Plan | rensselaerplanning.c

The City of Rensselaer Open Space Plan (OSP) is a local project funded through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program (HREP). The OSP comes as a follow up to the 2021 Natural Resource Inventory.

The purpose of the Open Space Plan is to educate and engage residents on the current and future state of Rensselaer's natural spaces and public parks to identify local priorities that will help enhance community resilience and climate preparedness in the City.

The OSP will consider how to conserve open spaces and how to green our developed areas in order to enhance quality of life for residents and to prepare for the projected impacts of climate change such as sea level rise.

Where are Rensselaer's open spaces?

Open spaces include parks, nature trails, and undeveloped areas. Click the button below for a map of Rensselaer's local parks and natural habitats!

Local Habitats Map

Local Parks Map

Where are Rensselaer's developed areas?

Rensselaer's developed areas include the built environment. This includes any areas made impermeable by any combination of roads/pavement, side walks, commercial, and residential buildings. Our developed areas are important to the OSP because these are the spaces where Rensselaer residents conduct their daily lives. "Greening" these areas makes them more beautiful and more resilient to the impacts of climate change!

Built Environment Map

How can I get involved?

There will be extensive opportunities for interested members of the public to get involved! Click the link below for meeting dates, meeting notes, public participation materials, public surveys, and more!

Get Involved!