When we dream of the future, we imagine preserving the historical and cultural fabric of a community. We imagine the fields we have seen worked for generations. We imagine powerful vistas, whether driving home from work or hiking along a ridge. We imagine more people – but less sprawl.

The future of a community depends largely upon the open space legacy that its members preserve for the future. The rural character, aesthetic quality and even economic vitality depend upon preserving valuable cultural, ecological, agricultural and recreational assets. It is no wonder that people link open space closely with quality of life. With this in mind, what kind of legacy do we want to leave behind?

Imagine designing a plan now that will yield the future described above. Green space design offers an equitable and affordable means of preserving open space while accommodating growth and development. If not green space design, what then? After all, what kind of legacy will we leave if current planning conventions prevail? Which legacy will we leave behind? The choice is ours.