HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-18 Birch Meadow Working Group Minutes ACTIVITAS
landscape architecture civil engineering
MEETING NOTES
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Subject: Working Group Meeting
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Project: Town of Reading-Birch Meadow Master Plan Cn %' Rt
Project No. 20009.00 N Z r,
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Issue Date: 10 October 2020
Meeting Date: 18 September 2020 2 TTI TF
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Prepared By: Mark Novak, Design Principal IJ 3'T`
Attendees: Genevieve Horente, Recreation Kevin Bohmiller, Community Services
Richard Hand, Recreation Committee Martha Moore, Conservation Co
Chuck Tirone,Conservation Agent Tom Zaya,Athletics
Ryan Percival, Reading Engineering Mark Novak, Activitas
GENERAL
3.0.01 The following Meeting Notes are compiled from a scheduled master plan
meeting with the Master Plan Working Group,Town of Reading (TOR) and
Activitas (ACT), for the Birch Meadow Master Plan Project.
3.0.02 The Items and comments are not listed in order of the discussion, but are grouped
by topic for easier reference and interpretation.
DISCUSSION
ITEM NO. ACTION ITEM(New Items In Haller)
BY/DUE
3.1 PROCESS TO DATE RECAP
3.1.01 Activitas discussed the steps taken during the design process (including
public engagement/user group interviews) that informed the updated
designs for the various master plan options.
3.1.02 Activitas re-visited the primary amenity requests from the public
engagement process:
• More lighting
• More passive recreation (trails/walkways)
• Restrooms/concession building
More turf
3.1.03 Activitas acknowledged and addressed the concerns related to Costine
Field raised by the Conservation Agent and some of his commission
members.
acnvl tos.aom 70 Milton Street I Dedham. Massachusetts 1 02026-2915 17811 3262600
Meeting Notes
10 October 2020
Town of Reading—Birch Meadow Master Pion
Working Group Meeting
Page 2of3
ITEM NO. ACTION ITEM(New Items in Xollcs)
6Y/DUE
3.2 WETLAND DELINEATION
3.2.01 Activitas retained Epsilon Associates to perform a resource area
delineation at Castine Field and the Aberjona River.
Activitas reviewed the findings of the delineation and associated report
3.2.02 with the Working Group. A copy of the Delineation Summary was
provided to the Town.
3.2.03 The Town of Reading Engfneering Department picked up the flogging
and provided the information for inclusion in future site plans.
3.3 DESIGN UPDATES
3.3.01 Activitas reviewed with the Working Group the existing conceptual
master plan design and associated resource area impacts. Activitas also
presented updated conceptual master plan options which avoid impacts
to the existing resource areas.
3.3.02 Activitas reviewed changes in circulation and field layout in order to
maintain sufficient buffers adjacent to the resource areas.
3.3.03 Activitas reviewed options for the restroom/concession building and some
operational opportunities and challenges associated with each. The
various options for the building included the following:
#I -True restroom and concessions building
#2-Outdoor pavilion structure for informal concessions with
storage and restrooms
is #3-Restroom and storage structure and food truck program (no
concessions)
The Working Group collectively thought that #2 would work best from an
operational point of view but would also be nice if the park could
comfortably accommodate food trucks.
Two conceptual design options were presented. Although the Working
Group liked both concepts, they collectively felt that Option #1 was a
more viable master pion concept.Activitas to continue to refine Option
#1,provide cost estimates for the proposed components and prepare a
recommended project priorftization list.
3.4 NEXT STEPS
.ah"tas.corn 70 Milton Street I Dedham, Massachusetts 1 02026-2915 (181) 326-2600
Meefing Notes
10 October 2020
Town of Reading—Birch Meadow Master Pon
Working Group Meeting
Page 3 of 3
ITEM NO. ACTON ITEM(New items In Italics)
6Y/DUE
3.4.01 Activitas to make necessary revisions to Option IT 1 and prepare Opinions
of Probable Project Costs and a priontization list for each of the elements
within the site plan.
3.4.02 A public presentation in early November was discussed with the Working
Group. A final presentation to the Reading Select Board would follow.
NEXT MEETING
3.5 TBD
The preceding meeting notes represent our understanding of the information exchanged. Please
notify us of any misunderstandings or required interpretations, within five days, as we will proceed
on the basis that these items are agreed to by all parties.
Respectfully,
ACTIVITAS
Mark
Design Principal
mjn@octivitas.com
a ctivltos.com
70 Milton Street I Dedham, Massachusetts 1 02026-2915 17811 326-2600