Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-27 Board of Selectmen HandoutTOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, May 27, 2008 • Downtown Improvement Project - the future of the "dummy" • Temporary Bituminous berms • US-ANG maintenance facility at Camp Curtis Guild • Trail Build June 7 • Response to question- roadway funding • Memorial Park petition • Washington Park Planning Committee • Housing Authority - 75 Pleasant Street Dates and Events: •40R meeting - CPDC and Board of Selectmen - June 2. 7 PM - Senior Center •Fox 25 "zip Trip" June •Friends and Family Day -June 21 .Potential Special Town Meeting -June 30 Page 1 of I Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:43 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Meeting Reminder - Next Stage: Reading Downtown Renovations C Board of Selectmen for tonight From: Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce [maiito:rnrchambercom@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:34 PM To: RNRchambercom@aol.com Subject: Meeting Reminder - Next Stage: Reading Downtown Renovations From Reading Town Hall: Public Information Meeting Reminder WEDNESDAY, MAY 28TH AT 7:30 PM - SENIOR CENTER Main Street Improvement Project: The Next Stage Please come to a meeting Wednesday May 28, 7:30 PM at the Senior Center to learn about the upcoming work on downtown Reading sidewalks, benches, crosswalks, lighting, landscaping and parking. With the roadway construction stage nearing completion, Reading's contractor, Marchessi, will begin work on the pedestrian features of the project in June and continue into 2009. This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the details, benefits, and temporary impacts that the next stage of the work will bring. For more information, contact Carol Kowalski 781 942-6612. Contact me if you can not attend and I will forward information to you. Irene Collins Executive Director Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Direct: 978-664-5060 Stay informed, get connected and more with AOL on vour Dhone. 5/27/2008 (9 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street Precinct 2 Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to June 30, 2008, the date set for the Special Town Meeting in this Warrant. I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in the issue of Alan W. Ulrich, Constable A true copy. Attest: Cheryl A. Johnson, Town Clerk 0 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING (Seal) COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road in said Reading, on Monday, June 30, 2008, at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Conservation Commission, Town Manager and any other Board or Special Committee. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 2 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2008 - FY 2017, Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 13 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 23, 2007, as amended by Article 4 of the November 13, 2007 Subsequent Town Meeting and as amended by Article 5 of the April 28, 2008 Annual Town Meeting; and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee C~ ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way the following described private way under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such ways under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said lands in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess betterments therefore, the plans and descriptions for such way being filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said ways, or take any other action with respect thereto. • Baldwin Lane Extension Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to rescind authorized but unused debt for: • Water main repairs as authorized by Article 10 on November 7, 2005 or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading as follows: to renumber Section 2.2.2.28.1 thereof so that it reads Section 2.2.28.1; or take any action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to establish the following revolving fund pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53E'/2 : Library Materials Replacement Fund, the purpose of which shall be to acquire equivalent Public Library materials to replace items lost or damaged by those who borrow such materials; provided however, that receipts to be deposited into said fund shall be monies paid by the borrowers of the lost or damaged materials and that such monies represent the replacement cost of the materials; provided further, that the Library Director, with the approval of the Board of Library Trustees shall be authorized to expend from this fund Without appropriation; and to establish a limit on the total amount that may be expended from such fund in fiscal year 2009; or take any other action with respect thereto. (5) Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, by borrowing, transfer from available funds or otherwise, to pay costs of entrance fees, costs of connection, demolition of the existing Water Treatment Plant and other modifications to the water distribution system, and other expenses for the same, which amount shall be expended in addition to the $8,600,000 previously appropriated for this purpose by the Town under Article 4 of the Warrant at the June 12, 2006 Annual Town Meeting; to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, to take such actions necessary or required to apply for admission to and to receive the entirety of the Town of Reading's public water supply from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Water System, including, without limitation, filing legislation, payment of applicable fees and charges, and entering into an agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority as may be required or necessary to receive a supply of water at prevailing rates charged by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to communities in its water supply system, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, by borrowing, transfer from available funds or otherwise, to pay costs of making artificial turf field improvements at the Parker Middle School, including the payment of costs of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services, construction management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, which amount shall be expended in addition to the $650,000 previously appropriated for this purpose by the Town under Article 22 of the Warrant at the April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting; said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said improvements; and that the Town authorizes the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article and authorize the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to said authorization. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Mass. General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 12, to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract, including all extensions, renewals and options, for a Substance Abuse Prevention Program Evaluator, for a period greater than three years but not exceeding five years upon such terms and conditions determined by the Town Manager, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen 4 0 and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days. prior to June 30, 2008, the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or providing in a manner such as electronic submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this 27th day of May, 2008. James E. Bonazoli, Chairman Stephen A. Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille W. Anthony Richard W. Schubert SELECTMEN OF READING Alan W. Ulrich, Constable 5 6 Ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee Master Plan Final Report 5/27/2008 OVERVIEW At the request of the Board of Selectmen, the ad hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee was formed to help reach consensus among stakeholders of the Birch Meadow Area on a community vision and Master Plan for recreation and open space, so that the community can more thoroughly benefit from this valuable resource. Charge of the Committee The charge of the Committee was to perform a variety of activities related to the development of a Master Plan for the Birch Meadow Area. These activities included.. documenting current uses of the Area; soliciting input from the community at large as to what uses can/should be included for the Area; reaching out to the current users for their comments and input; reaching out to stakeholders who could be affected by changes to the Area; and conducting public hearings on the draft and final version of the Master Plan. Geographic Focus "Birch Meadow" is defined as the Reading Memorial High School (RM RS) site, the parks and playground surrounding the RMHS site, the Coolidge Middle School site, the Higgins Conservation property including the property extending along the Abedona River to and including town owned property on Grove Street.' The committee's discussions concentrated on several areas where a long-range plan was deemed most appropriate. These areas included: 1. Three softball fields along Birch Meadow Drive 2. Former Imagination Station site 3. Field behind Coolidge Middle School 4. Grove of trees with circle of benches 5. Grove of trees with hill and ropes course 6. Basketball and volleyball courts 7. Castine Field 8. Higgins Conservation area. 9. Morton Baseball Field Initial Analysis The Committee agreed to consider the Birch Meadow Area as a whole while discussing each of these areas individually. The Committee also agreed to the following goals: • Address the wants and needs of Reading constituents • Make efficient, flexible use of the land in the Birch Meadow Area • Make a long-term plan to help channel future funding appropriately In an early meeting, the Committee listed a number of activities and issues that would be taken into consideration during the discussions to follow. These included: • Softball/baseball • Soccer/football/field hockey/lacrosse • Kickball/dodge ball (gym class games) Ice skating • Playground, target age group ages 8-14 (similar to Imagination Station) • Rest rooms/snack shack • Wiffle ball field - • Open play space • Multi-purpose surfaces (street hockey, dodge ball, basketball) • Water park/community pool • Paddle boats • Lighting • Double sided scoreboard • Tetherball • Paddle tennis • Parking • Shade Trees/water fountains/benches • Ropes • Hiking/cross country skiing BIRCH MEADOW AREA SURVEY To understand the community's interests, the Birch Meadow Ad Hoc Committee produced a survey for completion by families and teens through the month of September. Over 800 individuals responded either to the electronic survey on the Reading Recreation website or the form included in the Fall .2007 issue of the Reading Recreation Magazine. The survey asked questions to understand: o Frequency of Use o Desired. Additions o Top Choices The survey also welcomed general free text comments from respondents. Demographics for Respondents 300 250 200 150 100 50 0, 1 Middle School (Ages 10-13) Top Choices for Area: Middle School Top Choices sport whiffle skate pa rpark/pool M NumSeniors O NumCollege 0 NumHighSchool ® NumMiddleSchool ©NumElementary ® NumPresSchool 0 waterpark/pool IN teen center a playground 01 skate park ® whiffle ball sport court restrooms playgrot teen center High School (Age 14-20) Top Choices for Area High School Top Choices playground- whiffle ball skate park sport court restrooms ' ' . waterpark/pool teen center All Top Choices w hiff le ball. skate park waterparWpool sport cour Ea older kid playground . teen. center El waterpark/pool teen center 0 restrooms O sport court ® skate park III whiffle ball playground. C1 w aterpark/pool ® teen center 0 older kid playground sport court skate park m restrooms ® whiffle ball Highlights from the free text comments inaludedr "Please maintain the natural beauty of Birch Meadow and do not add more parking lots or buildings. Take special care of the undeveloped meadows and wetlands around the area." o Many people wanted the Birch Meadow area to stay OPEN AND GREEN, requesting that whatever is done not upset the ecological balance of the Castine area or over-develop the open space. o Individuals of all ages responded very positively to the idea of cycling, hiking and walking TRAILS in this area. Many requested measured routes within and around the Birch Meadow Complex. "Keeping these grounds available for casual use is important and they serve as a valuable community resource." o People want MORE FIELDS - baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and wiffle ball - with LIGHTING for later in the day/older patron use. o There was strong support for MULTI-SPORT areas that can be used for dodge ball, volleyball, roller hockey, or a skate park. o People want a BALANCE between structured league sports or activities and drop-in activities that adults and kids can take advantage of when they have time. Popular new requests are Frisbee, wiffle ball and volleyball leagues, along with walking and cycling clubs. REPLACING IMAGINATION STATION was a top choice in the free comment area. o The majority of respondents agreed this playground should be for older kids. Within the existing Birch Meadow area is the Tot Lot adjacent to the tennis courts and nearby is the Birch Meadow School playground. Teens requested RESTROOMS AND A SNACK SHACK in the area in greater numbers than those who.filled out the family surveys! , PARKING is a concern among many who fear that any additions to the Birch Meadow area will aggravate an already tight parking situation. There was strong support for a SPLASH PARK and for a COMMUNITY POOL, although people did not know where a pool could be situated in this already filled area. "Clean up trash on a regular basis. Have police bike/foot patrols, especially evenings and night. Make sure field lights go out on time. Enforce rules posted on signs at parks. " These responses prompted the Birch Meadow Area Planning Committee to focus on: o Restrooms/community gathering place o Multi-sport courts o Additional fields o Older kid playground o Hiking trails o Amenities: water bubblers, spray fountains, signage for trails, seating o Clean up the creek area around the stadium track and imagination station - as in clean back dead/overgrown growth and plan appropriate greenery The Hill Current Condition The Hill between the High School parking lot and Morton Field is the only topographical relief in the area. It also acts as a natural barrier between the High School and portions of the Birch Meadow Area. The Committee did not determine if the hill is natural or man made. There is speculation that the core of the hill is old construction debris, but that is only a guess. Currently the hill is overgrown with brush and small weed trees growing at the base of many larger full grown trees.. This gives the hill an unkempt and unattractive appearance. The top of the hill is accessible from several directions. The underbrush on the hill provides cover from view and it is a hangout area for under-age drinking and other undesirable activities. There is a high ropes course located at the top of the hill that is used by the High School. The ropes course was recently upgraded and is heavily used as part of the.Athletic Department's curriculum. There is a low ropes course at the bottom of the hill near the tennis courts. There is also an open area between the hill and the newly built softball field next to the tennis courts. There are some large trees in this area and undergrowth with a small open space of grass leading up to the newly created walkway that goes along the edge. of new softball field's outfield. Discussed Options Much of the committee's conversation regarding the hill focused on whether to remove the hill entirely from the area. The hill has many good attributes and potential, but also encompasses a significant amount of space that is unusable for traditional recreational uses. Some of the options discussed included: • Removing the hill and making the space level • Placing a new older kid play ground (rebuild Imagination Station type) on the hill. • Placing an open air pavilion on the hill. • Removing a portion of the hill to increase the amount of level space in that area. • Cleaning up the hill while leaving the larger trees. Recommendation The Committee decided to leave the hill for its natural and recreational attributes and recommends "cleaning up" the underbrush to neaten the hill's appearance and increase its accessibility. All of the large trees should remain unless otherwise noted (see below). After hearing from the RMHS Physical and Wellness Education Coordinator, the Committee recommends keeping the high ropes course in place. However, the committee recommends removing or relocating the low ropes course for safety reasons. Until this becomes financially feasible and an agreeable location is found, the current low ropes course should be enclosed with some type of barrier consistent with other barriers at the complex for safety purposes. The Committee recommends hiring a landscape architect to create a proposal for landscaping the hill to take full advantage of its natural features. Open Space Between Hill and New Field Current Condition There is a small grassy area between the bill and the new softball field that is big enough to locate a small field or a hard top court. The area is not big enough for a full size softball field. Close to the hill there are several large trees and some underbrush. Discussed Options The committee discussed several options for this space. It was initially thought that a second full size softball field could fit in this location. However, this would not be possible without removing the majority of the hill. The committee also discussed whether to put in a multi-use court or a field that could be used for basketball, street hockey, dodge ball, or a field for t-ball and wiffle ball. Recommendation The Committee decided that since this area will not be irrigated, grass is not likely to survive. However, this site is well-suited to meet the potential need for a multi-use court in the Birch Meadow Area following completion of the tennis courts where only tennis will be allowed. This, coupled with the ability to locate a multi-use court away from neighboring houses, made this concept for this space a natural fit. Further, lighting around the new softball field and on the multi-use court would greatly expand the use of this area. Space Between Hill. Morton Field. and Practice Field Current Condition The area where the batting cage is located is well traveled with pathways from the school to the tennis courts and to Morton field. In addition to the batting cage, there is a permanent building housing electrical and water services for the fields as well as a storage trailer for the Morton Field equipment plus a soccer kick wall. The space is flat with a few trees. Discussed Options . The committee discussed cleaning up the batting cage or moving the cage for a new `Imagination Station" or multi-use court. Due to the location neither option seemed to be attractive. Recommendation The batting cage should be moved down toward right-center field of Morton Field and the softball field. This will allow easy access for both baseball and softball teams while maintaining a sufficient distance from residences to minimize noise. The kick wall, service building and storage trailer should be removed. Due to the central location of this space, the committee recommends a "Public House" with an open air pavilion be built. The (roughly 20' x 30') Public House will house restrooms, a snack shack, and the electrical and water services for the fields. A slightly larger foot print could potentially house the maintenance equipment for Morton Field. as well. The 20' x 50' open-air pavilion would hold roughly 100 patrons and could offer yearlong events, including a free summer concert series, Taste of the Town, Fine Arts Festival and seasonal ice-skating. This unique outdoor facility would be available to rent from April through mid-October fot catered parties and dinners, business meetings, fundraisers and many other functions. Based on precedents from other area communities, the rental for the pavilion could be as little as $35 for 5 hours or as much as $150 a day plus application fee. The circle of trees between the site of the pavilion and the softball fields should also include picnic tables for outside picnics in the shade. Coolidee Middle School Current Condition Presently, the land behind the Coolidge Middle School is used as a playing field, mostly for soccer and lacrosse. This field area is uneven and the soil is poor making it very difficult to maintain. Discussed Options Expansion of this field area to a high school sized playing field for soccer or lacrosse is limited by the boundaries of the property. A number of ideas were suggested for this area from the site of a community pool to multi-sport courts. These ideas were deemed unfeasible because of the partially hidden location which would make it difficult for police to patrol the area and also out of consideration for the residents whose homes closely border this field. Recommendation The Committee's recommendation is to use the fill from the Parker Middle School project when it is converted to a turf field to re-grade the current area and make it more useable. The intention is use by U-10 soccer or lacrosse teams. Three Softball Fields The three skinned fields are used throughout the year by the following organizations: RMHS-softball, track and field (shot put, javelin and discuss), soccer, football, field hockey Reading Youth Softball Reading men's and women's leagues Reading POP Warner Reading Youth Soccer All of the softball fields adjacent to Castine Field have serious drainage problems - the situation is most pronounced at the field alongside the driveway entrance next to the former Imagination'Station site. Following a slight rain, the fields are extremely wet and saturated. Deep standing water following heavy rain renders them unplayable. The overall condition of the softball fields is poor due to frequent flooding and nearly constant use. Restoration is needed. Recommendation Several priorities were agreed upon for this area: 1. The drainage issue must be addressed to minimise down time on the fields since Reading has limited areas where softball can be played. 2. Reconfigure the softball fields (varsity field) so that all three fields can be used simultaneously and at night men (RMSL) and Reading Youth Softball (RYS)-- thereby reducing the interference from the RMSL players hitting into RYS field/games. Also, the infields of the softball fields need resurfacing in a similar manner to Morton Field. This would require excavating the existing infield areas and restoring with the same fill as used at the baseball field for optimum performance and maintenance properties. 3. It is recommended to place a scoreboard on Morton Field as well as the Varsity softball field, which will require extension of the current electrical utilities to power the equipment. 4. Include standing dugouts on the reconfigured softball fields. 5. Replace the batting cage and relocate it with a doublewide cage to include electricity service for lighting - the site should be in the same area as the softball field scoreboard. 6. Bleachers protected by netting are needed for the softball fields to make the games safe and enjoyable for spectators. 7. The committee recommends removing the green storage shed and replacing it with a larger more aesthetic and functional structure in the same vicinity. H Bins Conservation Area Current Condition Higgins Conservation Area is on the north side of Birch Meadow Drive, adjacent to Birch Meadow School and Birch Meadow Drive. As the name implies, the area is dedicated to conservation-related activities. The property is under the jurisdiction of the Reading Conservation Commission. The land is restricted by covenant to conservation purposes, which severely limits its use for activities such as active recreation. The parcel is predominantly wetlands with the designation of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and Land Subject to Flooding.under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act. These wetlands border the Aberjona River which runs along the southern boarder of the site and exits the Higgins Area at Lowell St. near the P&S Convenience Store. The designation as jurisdictional wetlands' and flood plain restricts modifications (e.g. filling, grading or construction) on most of the parcel. Even the upland (i.e. non wetland) areas of the Conservation Area are within the Buffer Zone of the wetlands and subject- to restrictions. There is a trail through a portion of the area that is maintained by volunteers (most recently by David Hanson as part of his Eagle Scout project). The trail is used for exercise and nature study but because of its configuration, it is of limited use for access to the Birch Meadow Complex from residential areas. The existing trail also provides access to the interior of the site which supports quiet and undisturbed high quality wildlife habitat. Options Discussed Both active and passive uses were considered for the Higgins area. Soccer fields, a town pool and a skate park were active recreation activities considered. Passive uses identified were an expanded trail system and no alteration of the existing conditions. Recommendation All of the alternative plans for the Higgins Conservation Area were considered in light of the overall Birch Meadow Planning objectives and limitations on the Parcel. Due to the combined constraints of the Conservation Covenant and the Wetlands Protection Act, active uses of the parcel were deemed infeasible. Of the passive recreation options, the expanded trail system was identified as preferable and thus the recommended use for the area. An expanded trail system would have multiple advantages and would not adversely affect current uses or constrain future uses. In addition, an expanded trail system nicely satisfies one of the top requests for the Birch Meadow area as registered in the town-wide survey for walking, running, biking trails. The existing uses for nature walks, exercise, and nature study could continue with an expanded trail system. In fact, these uses would be expanded because more areas would be accessible and there would be greater exercise opportunities. In addition, an expanded trial system could provide walking opportunities for residents, particularly students, from contiguous neighborhoods to get to the area's school and recreational activities. Travel by bicycle or foot would minimize vehicular traffic and afford incidental nature observation opportunities. Planning and implementation of the expanded trail system should take into account the area's resources. Exceptional wildlife habitat areas should be identified and trails designed to allow access, without adversely affecting the natural setting. The system should also be designed to facilitate travel to and from residential areas and sidewalk access points. Much of the trail system would be. in jurisdictional wetlands, particularly along the river; regulations dictate the use of a raised boardwalk to minimize damage to the wetlands. Castine Area Current Conditions The Castine Area is an approximately one acre parcel adjacent to the Aber ona River just upstream of Birch Meadow Drive. The area is surrounded by a berm and the interior is approximately four feet below the adjacent playing fields and sidewalks. The low point in the interior space is the approximate elevation of the adjacent Abedona River. Castine is connected to the river by culverts with controls that allow river water to both enter and exit the area. These culverts were installed to create an ice skating pond in winter and to drain the area in summer. The Castine Area supports multiple and sometimes conflicting uses. As mentioned, it is flooded during winter and serves as a popular skating area. When the ice thaws, the area becomes a pond approximately.2 feet deep that is a wildlife habitat for water fowl and amphibians. During the summer, when the area dries out, it serves as a recreational field for both organized soccer and unstructured play. The attractiveness of the area for both soccer and skating is enhanced by the lighting surrounding the field. The area is also important as a flood storage area; when the Abe&na is at or above the banks, water can.be diverted to Castine thereby relieving the potential for flooding elsewhere in the Birch Meadow complex. Downstream areas also experience flooding issues. Retention of water in the Castine Area mitigates the damage and inconvenience of high water associated with the Abedona. Although Castine supports active recreation, it is a jurisdictional wetland and flood plain under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act. The low elevation of the area results in a groundwater elevation at, and sometimes above, the ground surface. This condition produces soils saturated with water during most of the year; a primary characteristic defining a wetland. Also, even though the grass is periodically cut, the area supports wetland vegetation (e.g. cattails), the other primary characteristic defining a wetland. The characteristics that make the area a wetland and flood plain also compromise its value as an active recreation area. Especially during wet years, the soil is so saturated during spring and even into early summer that the field cannot be used. Later in the year, it is not uncommon for only a portion of the field to be dry enough for soccer or other active recreation. When the groundwater elevation is low, the area does provide a useful and enjoyable playing field. However, even at these times, a significant rainfall can render the field unusable for a time due to the poor drainage. Options Discussed A number of activities and land use options were considered and investigated for the Castine Area. . These . included: • Enhanced Soccer Field. Re-grading or otherwise altering the hydrology of the area to eliminate the high groundwater and make the area usable in spring and after rain events was evaluated. This could include slightly shifting the foot print of the existing soccer field to take advantage of adjacent, non jurisdictional upland. Planting several willow trees around Castine Field and allow the cat tails to grow will help better define the area. • Enhanced Ice Skating Pond. Providing mechanically assisted temperature control to extend the ice skating season and enhance the skating experience was considered. This would involve installing seasonal-temporary cooling coils on the ground surface so that ice would form sooner, maintain integrity and last longer. • Restored Wetlands and Nature Park. The area could be restored to its original condition as a palustrine wetland with areas of standing water. Paths and observational benches could be included to produce a Nature Park for wildlife observation and relaxation. Recommendation More time was spent by the Birch Meadow Master Planning Committee discussing and evaluating Castine than any other area. The area has -significant potential for active recreation, including soccer and ice skating. The Castine Field would be in high demand due to the limited field resources within Reading, especially in the spring. Any enhanced recreation use of the Castine Area would require filling the wetland to create a dry surface or placing cooling coils on the bottom of the depressed land. This would be difficult given the area's significant limitations as result of wetland protection regulations and the area's role in flood control and protection. The committee explored these limitations and consulted and coordinated its discussions with the Town's Conservation Commission, which administers the Wetlands Act. The mitigation requirement for fill placed in Castine proved to be the critical limitation for active use of the area. According to the State's Wetland Protection Act and Reading By-Laws, any jurisdictional wetland filled must be replaced on a two for one basis. The replacement area must be in close proximity to the filled area and cannot be in existing wetlands. Thus, filling of an acre for recreation in Castine would necessitate creating two acres of wetland adjacent to the Arbojona River. Additionally, the filling would require excavation of a comparable volume to create substitute flood storage volume. Even if non jurisdictional land in the immediate vicinity could be acquired for wetland and flood storage replacement, the cost would be prohibitive. The Committee also had the concern that even with replacement, filling of Castine could exacerbate existing flooding issues and concerns for residents in the immediate area and downstream. Thus, enhanced soccer field and ice skating were deemed as infeasible alternatives. 'This conclusion was not reached casually and because of the high demand for reliable playing fields, many ideas to enhance Castine were considered. Ultimately all were rejected, primarily because of the constraints imposed by the State's and Town's wetland protection regulations. The alternative of a restored wetland and nature park could be consistent with limitations on the area imposed by wetland regulations. This alternative was retained as a possible long term use of the area. This final use is also consistent with comments by Reading residents participating in the town-wide survey who wrote in requests to preserve the natural beauty of the Birch Meadow area. Current demand for soccer fields necessitates retaining Castine as a field even though its use is limited due to the high groundwater. If the Town acquires additional soccer fields, the alternative. of converting the area to a nature park should be revisited. Thus, the recommendation for the Castine Area is no change: retain it as a field with limited use until such time as the Town has other adequate field capacity. Bancroft Street/Tot Lot Area Current Condition Presently, the area across from the intersection of Bancroft Street and Hartshorn Road, contiguous to the current tennis courts complex has a new state of the art playground for pre-school aged children, one basketball court and an unusable volleyball court. The Tot Lot is well used during the day until dusk by young children in town. The basketball court is also well used later in the day by middle and high school aged residents for pick-up games. Discussed Option-Basketball/Volleyball Court The idea of having sufficient multi-use courts in this area for pick-up basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, or even roller hockey games; was discussed. The need for this type of court will be all the greater once the tennis courts are resurfaced. Currently, middle and high school aged residents use the tennis courts for pick up dodge ball games in the spring and summer. This activity will not be allowed once the courts are redone. Recommendation The current volleyball court should be upgraded to a traditional basketball court, with lighting extending use through 1Opm. This will allow for "hard top" surface games Without the noise associated with a multi-use courts, particularly hockey. The Committee recommends a second multi-use court in this area, directly behind the Field House and adjacent to the new softball/t-ball field as described above (see Open Space Between Hill and New Softball Field). Lighting, combined with easy drive-by access behind the high school complex, will enable activities in this area to be monitored by police in the evening. The Committee recommends maintaining the Tot Lot unchanged. In addition, "No Parking" signs on Bancroft Street are difficult to see. To make them more visible, they should be lowered. Discussed Option - Pool or Splash Pad One of the findings of the community survey is that the town really would like to have a place where families can gather, and children can cool off without having to have a membership. The land near the Tot Lot was discussed as a possible site for pool or a splash pad.. Recommendation Recognizing that there is not sufficient space in the Birch Meadow area to accommodate a swimming pool, a splash park was suggested. Some Committee members recalled the old kiddie pool in this area which was closed for hygiene and sanitation reasons. A splash pad would be a fun., safe place where children (pre-school to grade 4 or 5) could play during the summer months. This proposed splash pad is different from the old kiddie pool in that there is no standing water. Water either shoots up from the ground in gentle jets or sprays down as a mist, from apparatus that children walk or play under. The walking surface is typically rubber, so it is safe for children to play Qn. Under surface drainage ensures that there is no unsanitary standing water. Morton Field and Battins Cave Current Condition Morton Baseball Field is among the best fields in the Middlesex area. The newly designed infield and outfield fence give a polished look - more like a baseball field than a playground field (wide open). There is a backstop with a limited wing fence on both the first and third base side. There is a recently enhanced batting cage located in the right field area beyond the fence. Discussed Options The Committee felt that Morton Field was in its proper location. However, the safety of players and spectators was a concern. The Committee invited discussion with a representative from the Reading Babe Ruth Organization (John Halsey) as well as the RMHS High School baseball varsity coach Peter Moscariello. Coach Moscariello was not able to attend but did communicate the importance of the batting cage and the reasons it was placed in its current location. It was found that the batting cage .was placed in its current location to keep it away from neighborhood houses. Batting cages tend to be noisy, so the location beyond the right field area has served the area well. Dugouts (see picture) and safety wings for Morton field are needed to ensure the safety of the participants. Currently there is no protection for either team's player bench areas. As part of the dugout plan, a plan -fe a storage structure behind the backstop is recommended; this would include electricity for events, pitching machines etc. as well as storage areas for general maintenance, Reading Babe Ruth equipment and RMIIS equipment. Additional seating/bleachers for spectators, protected by safety netting, would also be an asset for this area. The discussion also addressed the possibility of combining dugouts, storage and spectator seating in a combined or modular structure as an optimum and cost effective option for upgrading space. The Committee also felt strongly that a scoreboard would be an asset to the field. Often when watching games, it is difficult for the audience to know the score. This would enhance the experience for the players and spectators. Due to the high volume of use for the batting cage, batting cage. This will enable greater use with a minimal additional footprint. Recommendation Imagination Station Area Current Condition Replacing Imagination Station was a top choice of respondents to the Birch Meadow Area Survey. The majority of respondents agreed this playground should be for older kids. Within the existing Birch Meadow Complex is the Tot Lot adjacent to the tennis courts and nearby is the Birch Meadow School playground. The footprint of land formerly filled by the Imagination Station playground has been reduced due to environmental setbacks required following the installation of the high school turf field at the stadium. A 50-foot buffer must now be observed along the wetlands stream. In addition, the high school requires land for an emergency access road to the high school from Birch Meadow Drive. Discussed Options The committee considered using this land for one or two multi-sport courts, possibly with portable sides so it could be used for rollerblading or as a skate park. After the resurfacing of the Bancroft Street tennis courts, high school students will not be able to use them for dodge ball games as they have in the past few years. The thought was to give young people a new, appropriate place to play these games. The proximity of the Imagination Station location to the road made it appealing as a site for this. Police could easily drive by throughout the day and evening to patrol the location. . The Committee also considered this Imagination Station site as a possible location for the splash pad area. After discussion, it was agreed that the splash area was better situated near the Tot Lot because of the natural connection of the two play areas for young children. the Committee discussed extending it to a double-width The Committee looked for other locations in the Birch Meadow complex for the replacement playground. One idea was to situate a creative play style playground in the grove of trees near the lacrosse field, where there is currently a circle of seats. This area would provide nice shade cover for children using the playground on a hot. summer day. It is centrally located to all the fields, giving parents who are watching older children play soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball and tennis the security of knowing the playground is in the area, and away from the road. In the end, this area was discarded because of the safety issues and maintenance issues posed by placing equipment directly under trees. Consideration was also given to placing the playground in the open land between the tennis courts and Castine field. This area was also away from the road and relatively central to all the playing fields in the Birch Meadow complex. Additionally, it was not far from the Tot Lot, an advantage for a parent entertaining multi-aged children. This land was later deemed more appropriate for the location of a gathering building with a snack shack and restrooms. Coming full circle, the committee returned to the original location of Imagination Station. Recommendation Within the existing Birch Meadow Complex area is the Tot Lot adjacent to the tennis courts and across the street is the Birch Meadow School playground, designed for 5-10 year olds. Given that not all children mature at the same rate, the committee felt this playground should extend play opportunities for children through 8`h grade, and looked for equipment for children 6-14. The committee would also recommend planting trees around the new Imagination Station. The current thinking is that equipment for this demographic should offer unlimited points of entry, unscripted play routes (as Imagination Station did), encourage stretching, upper body fitness, competitive spirit, and be fun. The committee also wanted something unique to our community. Imagination Station was a leading-edge playground design when it was installed in 1990. Companies like Game Time and Landscape Structures offer "extreme" systems targeted at the 6-12 age group. In addition to offering creative play and a range of physical activities, these playgrounds are not made from pressure treated wood and they are open, so parents have the opportunity to see their children at play. These two issues had been noted deficiencies of the Imagination Station playground. Like Imagination Station, the Game Time and Landscape. Structures systems are customizable to suit the imagination of our community. Other Considerations Among the community comments entered on the Birch Meadow area survey was to clean up the area to maintain the natural beauty and preserve wetlands. The area around the wetlands between the stadium field and the Imagination Station plot is so overgrown that it traps litter that blows in from around the area. The current overgrowth needs to be trimmed. back judiciously and plantings that are both visually attractive and suitable to the wetlands area should be added. The committee also recommends designating an area under trees for gathering and waiting. Such an area could include picnic tables or several benches which could be used by individuals watching children at the playground or waiting for children who are finishing up games. The committee also recommend adding a welcome gate or arch with a map and information about the Birch Meadow area. Site Amenities Current Conditions Currently, there are many amenities at the Birch Meadow area. Unfortunately many of them are outdated or in need of repair or replacement. There are currently three (3) water fountains servicing the Birch Meadow area. These fountains use an older style spigot that can-be left on accidentally and cause puddling with many gallons of wasted water. One fountain is located along Birch Meadow Drive near the YMCA, one at the end of Bancroft Street between the tennis court and Morton Field, and another one between the Tot Lot and basketball court. The use of signage in the Birch Meadow area is inconsistent and sparse. Morton Field has a plaque embedded in a stone at the field and there is a free standing sign at the entry of the field from Bancroft Street. There is also a plaque at Castine Field. Benches are available inside the Tot Lot and tennis courts. Bleachers also exist at Morton Field, the lacrosse field, and football stadium. There are a few other benches sprinkled around the area. Walling paths have been constructed as part of the high school construction project. These paved walkways connect the major areas of the Birch Meadow complex. Lighting in the area consists of field lights at the lacrosse field, football field, tennis courts, varsity softball field and Castine Field. There are no convenience or safety lights in the area. Trash receptacles are located throughout the area. There are currently two cross-walks that allow pedestrians to safely cross Birch Meadow Drive to access the area. These cross-walks are located between Arthur B. Lord Drive and the Imagination Station site, and between Coolidge Middle School and the Imagination Station site. Discussed Options To improve upon the amenities offered at Birch Meadow, the Committee discussed updating the current water fountains, adding misters to cool off athletes during the summer months, and upgrading signage for uniformity from field to field. It was deemed important to add an information center/kiosk with an area map, general rules and possibly `doggie bags' to assist guests with cleaning up after their pets. Additional benches and trash/recycling receptacles were discussed as well for the comfort of Area users. Lastly, the Committee discussed adding solar powered lights along the pathways and reconnecting old pathways. Recommendation: The committee recommends replacing the spigot-type water fountains to a new low flow water conserving fountain with an attached mister and dog bowl. "Misters" would be placed in the following locations: Imagination Station, pavilion; near batting cage. To make the Birch Meadow area more inviting, the existing signage should be replaced and new signage added as discussed above. The benches in the area are sufficient at the Tot Lot and field locations. The rotting. wooden benches throughout the area should be replaced and more added. The pathways in the area are well constructed and useable, however, the committee recommends adding lighting and adding a pathway from the end of Longfellow to the Tot Lot path. While there are many trash receptacles throughout the Birch Meadow area, additional trash/recycling receptacles should be added with a well-documented removal plan in place. In addition to the play structure at Imagination Station, bike racks, water fountains, and clusters of low boulders should be placed in the Birch Meadow Complex for climbing and gathering. The following general recommendations were made: • Redirect current path that goes along side the Tot Lot and basketball court to travel in a straight line to the new parking lot; including stairs and a walking lane in front of the HS to help direct pedestrians and keep students off the new landscaping. • Picnic tables in the area around the pavilion including the grove of trees and the hill. One picnic table near the Tot Lot. • A walking path should be continued around, but not cut across, the Birch Meadow fields, and connect with the proposed walking paths in the Higgins Conservation area.. • Remove old water fountains and add new, low-flow versions at the following locations: Tennis courts, multi-use courts, pavilion; softball fields, Imagination Station • Place several climbing structures or large rocks in the pavilion area. • Place benches in strategic places along the walking path. • Acquire a fire retardant canopy to cover the turf fields during fireworks. • Take out all outdated "Vita Course" signage. • Add a new crosswalk across Birch Meadow Drive as described above. • Add more trash receptacles and new recycling receptacle throughout the area to minimize litter. • Remove old pressure treated telephone poles and replace with post and rail structures to match as the fencing (doubles as seating) on Oakland Road. Boulders are natural looking climbers constructed from Glass Fiber material that offers a natural, rock-like feel and texture and is virtually maintenance free. GFRC is UV-stable; the weathered finish won't fade. These boulders are appropriate for S to 12 year olds. They provide various levels of climbing challenge with handholds and footholds for safety. Bouldering provides a good workout for toddlers to teens. Physically, it challenges the entire muscular spectrum, building strength, balance, flexibility, and co-ordination. Mentally, climbers develop problem-solving skills while working as individuals or as a team. Emotionally, the benefits include increased self-confidence and self-awareness, and decreased levels of stress and anxiety. Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), a tough Conclusion and Final Word The Ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee would like to thank all those who have provided their time, expertise and opinions in helping the Committee reach its recommendations. We are especially grateful to the residents who took the time to complete the survey, which played a very strong role in guiding the Committee in many of it decisions. The concerns of all- ages of Reading residents were. taken into account in the process of drafting these recommendations, and though we do not expect every resident to be happy with all aspects of this plan, we are confident that, if implemented over the long-term, the recommended improvements will lead to a higher utilization of the area, and a greater overall enjoyment. The Committee also reached our recommendations while taking into account a wide variety of environmental concerns and regulations. The Committee is very pleased with the end result of this report and it is our hope that it will be a useful guide in planning the long-term evolution of the Birch Meadow area.