Help OPC return to Eagle Rock reservation

Why we need your help…

After 12 years of building community in Essex County and 4 years of sharing my love for nature at Eagle Rock, Essex County recently abruptly ended OPC’s access to Eagle Rock Reservation without providing a reason or explanation, offering South Mountain Reservation as the only alternative.

We are asking the County to reconsider. Eagle Rock has become an important, consistent place for our children and families to learn, explore, and build community, and this sudden change has been deeply upsetting.

Eagle Rock is our local Reservation! OPC protects this land by cleaning up trash, reporting hazards, clearing trails, and sharing knowledge to build a community of stewardship for the land.

How can you help?

Write a SHORT letter!

​🌳 Short, personal, and to the point is best.

💕 Hand written prefered or typed, then saved as a PDF

✅ email to hello@outdoorplayconnection.com

🗓️ Send your letter by Monday 8/24

Your letter will be included in my email to Essex County requesting OPC to return to Eagle Rock. Having all the letters sent at once is the goal.

Use the guide below for the key points of your letter.

Help Outdoor Play Connection return to Eagle Rock!

Why Your Voice Matters.

For many OPC children, Eagle Rock is much more than a program location. It has become a familiar and meaningful place where they have built confidence, friendships, independence, resilience, and a lasting connection to nature and stewardship to the land. In addition, this location is local to many Essex County Residents and provides an option that is more accessible than South Mountain. OPC provides programming that is inclusive, diverse, and accessible to our local community.

We are asking Essex County to recognize the importance of continuity, accessibility, equity, and community and allow Outdoor Play Connection to continue programming at Eagle Rock Reservation.


Keep It Personal & Short

One page is enough. Your letter does not need to sound formal. Your own experience, observations, and perspective are what make it powerful.

Essex County describes Eagle Rock as a place with trails and footpaths suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Your family’s experience can help the County understand the children and community behind the permit.

Most Important: Don’t worry about making your letter perfect. Tell them what Eagle Rock means to your child. We are not only asking to keep a location. We are asking to preserve a place where our children learn, grow, connect, and find belonging.

OPC Family Support Letter

Suggested subject:
Support for Outdoor Play Connection at Eagle Rock Reservation

INCLUDE: Adults - NAME, TOWN. Children - NAME, AGE, TOWN

Suggested points to include. (you do not need to include them all)

🌿 Your child’s experience 

  • How long have you participated in OPC?

  • How has your child grown through the program?

  • What does Eagle Rock mean to your child?

🌳 Why Eagle Rock matters

  • Has your child become familiar with the trails and learned how to care for Eagle Rock?

  • Does your child feel comfortable and confident there?

  • Have friendships, memories, or milestones developed there?

🧭 Why continuity and accessibility matter

  • Would another location significantly increase your travel time?

  • Would changing locations make participation more difficult?

  • Does your child benefit from a familiar, consistent environment?

💕 Why OPC makes Eagle Rock Better

  • How long have you participated in OPC?

  • How has your child grown through the program?

  • What does Eagle Rock mean to your child?

✅Make it personal

Share one specific moment that shows how your child has grown at Eagle Rock. A short, genuine story is more powerful than a form letter.

Your Request - Please respectfully ask Essex County to reconsider the decision regarding OPC’s use of Eagle Rock and allow this established community program to continue serving children and families there.

Community Member / Local Business Support Letter

You do NOT need to have participated in OPC to write a letter. Your support can come from knowing Claudine or the work of OPC, being a local resident, or believing that children and families deserve equitable access to quality programming close to home.

Suggested subject:
Support for Outdoor Play Connection at Eagle Rock Reservation

INCLUDE: NAME, TOWN

Suggested points to include. (you do not need to include them all)

1. Introduce yourself

  • Who are you?

  • How do you know Claudine or the work of OPC?

  • Why does this issue matter to you?

2. Explain your support
 Share what you know about Claudine’s commitment to children, nature, inclusion, and community. Be honest about your connection. Do not imply you have participated if you have not.

3. Explain why location matters
 Talk about the importance of keeping accessible programming within the local community:

  • Reduces transportation and travel barriers

  • Supports children who benefit from familiar environments and routines

  • Creates opportunities for children to connect with nature locally

  • Promotes equity and accessibility for local families

4. Make a clear request
 Ask decision-makers to consider the needs of local families and support OPC’s ability to continue providing programming locally, including at Eagle Rock Reservation where appropriate.

5. The Core Message - Local access matters.
 Children and families deserve the opportunity to participate in inclusive, nature-based programming within the communities where they live. Supporting OPC’s local presence supports accessibility, equity, community connection, and children’s connection to nature.