Open Space Advisory Committee

Staff
The staff (over 96 full time employees) works closely with the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) and the county's administrative staff to provide a unique and successful Open Space Program for all of Jefferson County.

Tom Hoby, Director of Parks & Open Space  Along with oversight duties of the Jefferson County Parks Department, the Director of Open Space provides leadership for the program, and with the assistance of the management team.  Open Space is organized into these areas of responsibility:

Administration & Education Services - Don Klima, Manager
This section provides administrative, technical and educational services for the Open Space program. This is accomplished through financial planning and budget processes, human resources, accounting and purchasing services, and computer support. In addition, the Local Parks and Recreation and Non-profit Grant programs are administered with (11) cities and (11) recreation districts to accomplish recreational capital improvements. 

The section is also responsible for providing nature and history education programs and exhibits to create an awareness and understanding of the natural resources found within Jefferson County. This is accomplished through programs offered in Open Space parks and at the interpretive facilities of the Lookout Mountain Nature Center  and  Hiwan Homestead Museum.

In addition, the section administers the Volunteers Services Program with over 700 participants providing a wide array of services and skills benefiting the Open Space program. Park Rangers and their activities are part of this area of responsibilty.

Park Operations -  Stanton La Breche, Manager
Park Operations provides maintenance and management necessary for the prudent stewardship of resources within the Open Space park and trail system.  The total number of acres managed is 40,000 with visitation estimated at 2 million annually.  Currently, over 210 miles of trails are managed by Park Operations crews.

Park Operations is divided into three areas of responsibility:

• Natural Resource Management
• Park Services
• Trail Services

Park Planning and Construction - Amy Ito, Manager
Open Space Park Planning and Construction is responsible for the draft, review and adoption of the Open Space Master Plan.  Input and review by cities, recreation districts, other county departments and multiple stakeholders are required to make this a comprehensive document.

Planning reviews proposals for acquisition of Open Space lands and trail corridors utilizing overall master plan criteria and once approved, Real Estate staff negotiate with willing landowners for fair market value or donation.  Planning develops conceptual park plans, resource studies, visitor experience surveys and park counts for Jefferson County Open Space.  Planning  further provides support to cities and recreation districts as well as the Planning and Zoning Division to assist in planning efforts. 

The Design and Development staff utilizes a multi-disciplinary team and project management approach to implement the creation of regional parks, trailhead facilities and other recreational capital improvements. 

Communications - Thea Rock, Manager
Communications provides a unique opportunity to support all of Jefferson County Parks and Open Space in responding to citizens by delivering accurate communications regarding the activities of Jefferson County Open Space programs.  The Communications team promotes the benefits of Parks and Open Space to the community through special events, reception services, brochures, web site, internal communications and media relations. 

OSAC
Open Space Advisory Committee
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners oversees the Open Space staff and appoints citizens to the Open Space advisory committee (OSAC). The Open Space Advisory Committee consists of ten members and two alternates representing various segments of the county. The members are appointed for a three year term by the Board of County Commissioners and represent various segments of the county. Three members are appointed as City Representatives, three are County Representatives, three are At-Large Representatives and one as a representative for the Recreation Districts. 

OSAC Agenda and Meeting Schedule
The Open Space Advisory Committee monthly meetings are open to the public and scheduled the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Open Space Hearing Room (Ponderosa Room), 700 Jefferson County Parkway, first door south of the Open Space Administration in Suite 100. map (pdf)

OSAC Membership

Last Modified: Feb 2, 2012 11:34 AM