This thesis argues for an open space planning strategy for Madison, Ga., a small rural community which faces imminent rapid growth. The strategy will develop a comprehensive open space plan that incorporates three features: (1) park and recreation areas, (2) historic resource open space, and (3) habitat conservation. Open space planning will engage the political process; five premises in support of planning in Madison are presented. The evolution of open space planning is reviewed, followed by a study of precedents in open space planning process, and an analysis of ethical issues in open space planning. An open space planning case study is conducted, guided by landscape planning principles within a framewsork of the municipal planning process, and includes an inventory of resources, a suitability analysis for land uses, and a proposed scenario design for a planning approach to conserve open space in Madison.