Jupiter's Town Council began to take steps in 2003 to protect some of the remaining undeveloped land in the Town. The preservation of open space became an increasingly urgent strategic initiative, and the decision was made to ask the community if they would support a bond issue for this purpose. In advance of the bond referendum vote, Council worked to shape the program and provide this information to the community.
On August 31, 2004, Jupiter approved a $17 million land acquisition bond referendum by a 70.84% vote to establish the Jupiter Open Space Program. Its purpose is to preserve environmentally sensitive lands and lands for open spaces, and to mitigate future traffic levels within the Town. Additional funds will be raised from county and state sources.
Jupiter is a relatively small place, just 22 square miles, and it is approaching build out. It is also a community that values its environmental heritage. This is why the town, with over 400 acres of preserve land already in public ownership and an additional 800 acres of Town and County parks, recognized that there remained rare, sensitive natural habitat and opportunities to link existing green and blue spaces that it wanted to protect from development.
Program Administration
The Jupiter Open Space Program is the responsibility of the director of Parks and Recreation; staff throughout the organization, however, is called upon for information and recommendations, particularly staff in the Community Development Department, as well as the Town's Finance Director.
Program Consulting Team
The Conservation Fund, one of the nation's foremost environmental nonprofits, is providing purchase negotiations support and program advice. RMPK Funding of Jupiter serves as the programs grant consultant.
Partnerships
Palm Beach County staff is generous with its knowledge of land conservation and the County is interested in exploring potential ownership and land management partnerships with the Town. The Town is planning to submit projects to the state's Florida Communities Trust program for matching acquisition funding.
Town Hall... 
