The Okehocking Hills Open Space Committee seeks to increase neighborhood interest, appreciation and use of the Association-owned common areas.
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When Okehocking Hills was developed in the 1980s the Civic Association took ownership of several parcels of open space. Many of us are familiar with the open lot on Beverly Lane, home to events like the fall bonfire and spring egg hunt. But did you know that the Association also owns much of the woodlands between Beverly Lane and Nicole Drive?
In spring 2022 the Okehocking Hills Open Space committee formed and neighborhood volunteers laid out and cleared a dirt trail through the open space. The trail follows a small stream and offers views of mature trees and a stone dam. At the southern (uphill) end the woods are characterized by very little understory, large boulders, and several fallen trees. Downhill, the undergrowth is denser and sections of the the trail may be muddy.
The entire trail, which is accessible from both Beverly Lane and Nicole Drive, is approximately 1/2 mile long, or a 1 mile round trip. A massive boulder with a tree growing around it marks the southern terminus of the trail. Currently the trail is marked with temporary white flags. These flags will eventually be removed and replaced with some other type of trail marking (TBD).
In addition to enjoying the open space for hiking/walking, the open space can be a place for neighborhood children to learn about stream health and riparian buffers using the stream in their own backyards as their outdoor classroom. Long term, there may also be opportunities to work together with Willistown Conservation Trust and the CRC Watershed Association’s stream health and monitoring programs.
Any use of the open space is governed by the Civic Association’s By-Laws and Covenants. The trail is intended for resident use only and care will be taken to ensure that the open space is utilized in a manner that respects and considers adjoining property owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the trail go? How can it be accessed?
The trail passes through the Association-owned Open Space located between Beverly Lane and Nicole Drive. The trail can be accessed from HOA-owned on Beverly Lane and Nicole Drive.
Does the trail cross private property?
No. The trail is entirely contained on Association-owned land and does not cross any homeowner’s property. The Open Space Committee is using the original neighborhood maps and plans, GPS, and drone mapping to ensure that the trail stays on HOA-owned land.
What are the costs associated with installation of the trail?
The trail is being planned and created entirely by volunteers at no cost to the Association. It is a simple dirt trail through the woods; “installation” involves cutting back invasive multi-flora rose, cleaning up trash and clearing fallen trees out of the way.
If the Committee identifies the need to request funding from the Board for a specific use at some point in the future, that cost proposal would be considered on a case-by-case basis in the same way that the Board handles other Landscaping and Maintenance costs.
Who can use the trail?
The trail is intended for the exclusive use of all Okehocking Hills residents.
What are the trail rules?
- Residents of Okehocking Hills only
- Dogs must be leashed. Owners must clean up after their dogs
- Leave No Trace: carry any trash out
- No motorized vehicles
- Be respectful of private property and nearby homeowners
Additional rules for trail use are in discussion and may be added here in the future.
Who owns the Common Open Space? Who is responsible for its maintenance and use?
The Okehocking Hills Civic Association owns the Common Open Space. The Board of Directors is responsible for maintaining and governing use of the land. The Association is required to make this land accessible to all residents of Okehocking Hills (see By-Laws, Article VII).
Was the creation of a trail in the Open Space authorized by the HOA Board of Directors?
Yes. In February 2022 a group of residents submitted a proposal to the Board of Directors requesting to form an Open Space Committee. The Board unanimously agreed to allow the Committee to form and proceed with communicating its intent to neighbors and soliciting volunteers to join the committee and help with the trail.
What will happen if neighbors no longer wish to maintain the trail?
The trail is a simple dirt path through the woods. If, at some point in the future, neighbors no longer wish to maintain the trail, it will return to its previous wooded and overgrown state.
Is the trail covered under the Association’s existing liability insurance policy?
Yes. The Civic Association has liability insurance through Nationwide that covers approved uses of the common spaces. This includes liability coverage of $2,000,000 per occurrence with a general aggregate of $4,000,000 for all occurrences. The Association’s insurance agent is aware of the new trail and has confirmed that the existing policy covers the Association for anything that happens on land owned by the Association, including activities in the open space parcels.
How do I submit a question or concern about the trail?
Questions, feedback and concerns are always welcome. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback using the form below or by emailing the Board of Directors directly at okhills.hoa@gmail.com.
Okehocking Hills 