Control of urban development and preservations of open space have become increasingly controversial issues in recent years. This booklet was prepared to help citizens and local officials resolve these types of issues. It is intended to provide a framework for positive discussions between citizens and local officials, and includes an introduction to some of the philosophical and technical issues which generally underlie the creation of a systematic policy for managing local open space. The emphasis of the document is on citizen initiation of local government actions. It contains seven chapters concerning: (1) open space development in the United States; (2) a review of open space situations across the United States; (3) identification of needs; (4) planning, goals and needs; (5) importance of selectivity; (6) open space site analyses; and (7) implementation of open space acquisitions, funding and management. Sources for more information on these topics are also included. (TW)