Gorham Open Space & Trails Master Plan

About the Plan

Public Open House held June 9, 2025

Gorham is creating an Open Space & Trails Master Plan to help guide and prioritize future opportunities for open space preservation, protection of critical wildlife habitat and corridors, recreation access agricultural preservation and trail connections. This plan is being developed in recognition of the Town’s historic past on agricultural and natural resource based economies, anticipated commercial and residential development needs, and the anticipated impacts of a changing climate and natural resource disturbances.

What is “open space”?

Open space is defined as the network of permanently protected public and private lands that provide recreational, environmental and social value to Gorham. These lands may be undeveloped natural spaces, places to access rivers, ponds and lakes, working farmlands and woodlots or more developed parks, playgrounds and recreational field spaces.

Why plan?

Rural character is central to Gorham’s identity as a community. Being proactive about open space and trails planning in the face of strong residential growth pressures will help preserve community character and ensure that Gorham’s most important open spaces will remain available for future residents. Gorham has initiated a Recreation and Open Space Impact Fee and adopted a Development Transfer Overlay District to help with open space preservation efforts.

Who is working on this project?

The Gorham Open Space & Trails Master Plan is being led by Gorham Community Development: Planning Division Staff and the Open Space & Trails Master Plan Steering Committee.

The project is supported by a consultant team led by North Star Planning with assistance from Aceto Landscape Architects and Siler Climate Consulting.

  • The project team will hold meetings with town staff, as well as bimonthly check-ins with the Open Space & Trails Master Plan Steering Committee.

  • The project team will complete a review of town plans, ordinances, and existing fees to inform the development of recommendations.

  • The Public Participation Plan will be developed with input from the project team, and in consultation with town staff and volunteers.

  • The project team will work on graphics and mini master plan designs to show options for open space and future trails and corridors. The team will identify project partners and funding sources to develop recommendations that support town goals.

  • The project team will compile all materials and products to present to the town for accuracy and completeness. A revised plan will be presented to the Open Space & Trails Master Plan Steering Committee for review and further refinement before the project culminates with the official Town Council public hearing and adoption process.