Connecting the Public to Fort Pond Brook (Spring Project) by The Conway School

Connecting the Public to Fort Pond Brook A Pa r k D e s i g n Fo r 5 3 R i v e r St re et , A cto n , M A DESIGNED BY: ELIZA CRESS AND AMANDA PEBLER THE CONWAY SCHOOL SPRING 2018

Index History ........................................................................................................................ 01 Project Goals and Process......................................................................................... 02 Existing Conditions.................................................................................................... 03 Access and Circulation............................................................................................... 04 Watershed................................................................................................................... 05 Slopes and Drainage.................................................................................................. 06 Geology and Soils....................................................................................................... 07 Vegetation and Succession........................................................................................ 08 Wildlife and Connectivity........................................................................................... 09 Regulations................................................................................................................. 10 Floodplain.................................................................................................................. 11 Summary Analysis...................................................................................................... 12 Community Engagement........................................................................................... 13 Design Alternative 1: Conservation Conscious......................................................... 14 Design Alternative 2: Commemorative Park............................................................. 15 Design Alternative 3: Living Near the Floodplain...................................................... 16 Affordable Housing Design........................................................................................ 17 Housing Feasibility..................................................................................................... 18 Final Park Design........................................................................................................ 19 Park Design Details..................................................................................................... 20 We would like to thank the Town of Acton, 53 River Street Committee, and community members for their feedback and support with this design. Your input was invaluable to the process and directing the final design.

Materials and Precedents.......................................................................................... 21 Construction Details................................................................................................... 22 Plant List..................................................................................................................... 23 Cost Estimate: Park Design ....................................................................................... 24

T LS TR EE OO SC H

Today, the Town of Acton owns 53 River Street. In January of 2017 after negotiations with the Lazaro family, the Town purchased the property with the intention of commemorating the historical significance of the site in what is now the South Acton Historic District and providing public access to Fort Pond Brook and the surrounding wetland. In April of 2018 the Town chose to work with the Conway School to analyze existing conditions, conduct community meetings, and provide concepts for how the property could be used as a public park.

RIVER STREET 53 RIVER STREET

Exchange Square Established Town of Acton purchases 53 River Street

Sig-Mar Co. builds maintenance garage

Mill Built Apple Orchards Prevalent

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09 20

19 95

84 19

82 19

0 19 7

Mill Burns

19 5

1 19 5

0 19 3

90 0 50 -1

Mill Closes

South Acton Historic District Established

Lazaro Paving begins using site

150-200 gallon oil spill

Official oil spill abatement Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

SPRING 2018

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

HISTORICAL MAP OF SOUTH ACTON SHOWING WHERE SCHOOL STREET AND ROUTE 27 INTERSECT

Lazaro Paving purchases 53 River Street

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

EXCHANGE HALL

History

Aerial photos from the 1930s through the 1960s suggest that apple orchards dominated the landscape in South Acton. Over time, land uses shifted and by 1970 most of the land occupied by orchards was converted into residential development. In 1970, 53 River Street was used by the Lazaro family, ultimately purchased it in 1982 for use as storage and maintenance for

Lazaro Paving Company. In 1984 there was a 150 to 200-gallon oil spill on site. Some clean-up of the site happened immediately, but the spill wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully abated until 2009, 25 years after the incident. These previous land uses on and near the site have contributed pollutants to the soils and affect the ecological function of the property. 7 RT-2

Acton, Massachusetts, was founded in 1735 in what is present day South Acton. At the time, South Acton was already a regional hub. Exchange Hall was established in 1850 as a central location for the exchange of goods. Around this central location, a school, Congressional Church, and other structures were built. Mills were built along Fort Pond Brook, which runs to the east through southern Acton, and farms surrounded the area and supported the local economy. One of these historic mills occupied 53 River Street, east of downtown South Acton. Erected in 1845, the Shoddy Mill produced woolen goods during the Civil War and was in operation until 1930. Uninhabited for approximately two decades, the Shoddy Mill burned to the ground in 1951.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

History

Project Goals and Process to remove the dam. Therefore, designs for the site assume the dam no longer exists. The goals for the project can be organized under the three categories of restoration, redevelopment, and recreation (see below). The property was evaluated at different scales for physical conditions and natural processes. The following sheets present relevant site analyses and the current assets and constraints of the property. The 53 River Street Committee, made up of Acton

residents, compiled a list of possible uses for the site. Analysis, presented on the following pages, informed the creation of design alternatives which explore the feasibility of these uses taking into consideration both ecology and sustainability. These analyses, along with input from participants of community meetings and surveys, inform the final design, which supports the natural systems on the property, suggests possible uses, and commemorates the history of the site.

Acton Town Centre

R edevelopment Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

R ecreation

111

Project Goals and Process

• Site affordable senior housing (5,000 sq.ft. footprint) & 2 parking, if appropriate • Implement green infrastructure to capture surface runoff before it enters the brook where feasible

SPRING 2018

• Commemorate the historic significance of the site • Restore and improve riparian habitat

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

R estoration

2 Miles

South Acton Historic District

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

53 River Street, a 7.26-acre property in the South Acton Historic District, was the site of a mill built during the Civil War. The Town of Acton would like to commemorate the historical significance of the site and make improvements to the site so that it can function as a public space. The site includes approximately 5 acres of delineated wetland and the Town is keen on the opportunity to restore portions of the site that have been previously disturbed in order to improve the existing ecology and habitat on site. As part of the vision for the site, the town intends

53 River Street

Commuter Rail Station

• Design a space that can be utilized by the public, if appropriate • Design ADA accessible paths and waterfront access, if appropriate 53 IS 0LOCATED IN THE .5 Miles .5 RIVER STREET .25 SOUTH ACTON HISTORIC DISTRICT

40 .25

Miles 80.5FT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Existing Conditions 1

Existing Conditions

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

The 7.26-acre property can be divided into two zones: a previously developed, 2-acre paved area in the northeast and a 5-acre wetland and forested area in the west and south. An inoperable dam partially impedes the flow of Fort Pond Brook, which runs west to east through the property. Remnants of the mill, such as footings, a raceway, and a dam control booth, are considered assets that the community would like to preserve and highlight. A maintenance building, storage shed, large concrete blocks, and other debris remain from the paving Large Concrete Blocks on the site. operation that most recently occurred

Residential LOOKING WEST AT FORT POND BROOK AND SEASONALLY FLOODED DELINEATED WETLAND

Paved Area

LOOKING WEST AT THE DAM AFTER A LARGE RAIN EVENT

Shed

Wetland Area

Footings

Large Concrete Blocks

Dam Control Booth

Fort Pond Brook

Raceway

Dam Tree Canopy

Paved Area

SPRING 2018

Buildin

2 5

Buildin

Old Mill Footings

800 FT

6 0

LOOKING SOUTH AT THE EXISTING MAINTENANCE BUILDING THAT SITS ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE OLD MILL

LOOKING WEST AT THE EXISTING SHED

LOOKING WEST AT THE OLD MILL FOOTINGS WITHIN FORT POND BROOK

400

800 FT

LOOKING EAST AT THE LARGE CONCRETE BLOCKS AND PAVED AREA

Existing Conditions

400

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Commuter Rail Line

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

River Street

03 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

The property is located in the South Acton Historic District near a busy intersection where Route 27 and School Street meet. While there are a number of positive qualities associated with the site’s location, the property is not easily accessible for pedestrians or bicyclists.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Access and Circulation To Acton Town Centre Great Hill Recreation Area

53 River Street is located just east of one of the main traffic arteries through Acton, (Route 27), a commuter rail (T) station, and a regional bike path. The site is 0.4 miles from the T station and the Assabet River Rail Trail. The intersection of School Street and Route 27 is busy as a result of heavy traffic during commuter hours. The sidewalk along School Street does not continue down River Street, making it difficult for pedestrians to safely reach the site from the rail trail or T station. River Street is very narrow and doesn’t have a shoulder or bike lane for cyclists.

School Street T Station SOUTH ACTON

River Stree t

Chadwick Street

53 Rive

SPRING 2018

Despite these constraints, the property’s location has the potential to be well connected and accessible to a variety of user groups. There have been initial discussions with DPW and the Town about turning River Street into a one-way street running west to east to Chadwick Street. This change would free up space on the road for pedestrians and cyclists. Further traffic studies need to be done to assess the feasibility of this proposed change.

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

r Street

Assabet River Rail Trail

KEY

SCHOOL STREET

NARROW

NO SIDEWALK, NARROW STREET

AND NO S

IDEWALK

RIVER STREE

OR SHOU

LDER

400

800FTFT

BUSY INTERSECTION

FORK IN THE ROAD AT SCHOOL STREET AND RIVER STREET WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS

A Pubic Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

RIVER STREET IS A BUSY ROAD ADJACENT TO THE SITE.

Access and Circulation

Pratt’s Brook Conservation Area

04 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

# #

Acton is located in the northern portion of the SuAsCo River Watershed, which drains northeast to the Concord River and ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The SuAsCo Watershed is a heavily altered watershed containing 158 dams, similar to other northeast rivers which were dammed to harness the hydraulic power that fueled the Industrial Era. Fort Pond Brook, one of two major streams in Acton, runs to the east through the southern portion of town and contains two of these 158 dams.

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THE SUASCO RIVER WATERSHED IN NORTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS CONTAINS 158 DAMS

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# # # # # # #TWO DAMS ON FORT POND BROOK HOLD SEASONAL RUNOFF IN ACTON # # #

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DAMS ON FORT POND BROOK DAMS IN THE WATERSHED

River Street MTBA Stop

Erickson’s Grain Mill Dam

ERICKSON’S GRAIN MILL DAM IS LOCATED UPSTREAM OF THE 53 RIVER STREET DAM ON FORT POND BROOK

River Street Dam

DRAFT OF TOWN OF ACTON HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (2018 UPDATE) HTTP://WWW.ACTON-MA.GOV/DOCUMENTCENTER/VIEW/4965/ACTON-2018-HAZARD-MITIGATION-PLAN-DRAFT-5-30-18

SPRING 2018

# #

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

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A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Watershed

SOURCES: AMERICAN RIVERS (2017): AMERICAN RIVERS DAM REMOVAL DATABASE. FIGSHARE. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.5234068.V2

# #

Erickson’s Grain Mill Dam, located upstream of the property, is considered to be in poor condition and a significant hazard according to the Acton Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Department of Conservation and Recreation; there are concerns about the downstream impacts if either Erickson’s Grain Mill Dam or River Street Dam located at 53 River Street were unexpectedly breached (29). Both dams hold back substantial amounts of water seasonally and during large storm events. During some of these events, residential properties abutting Fort Pond Brook downstream experience flooding, according to accounts from local residents.

Since 1916, more than 1,400 dams have been removed in the United States, 60 of which have been removed in Massachusetts (American Rivers). It may be that dam removals on sites like 53 River Street will not dramatically change the hydrology or impacts of flooding on site or downstream. However, to make ecologically responsible decisions about the uses on site an official hydrological assessment must be completed. The Town originally asked that the design schemes reflect the dam being removed. After hearing strong community support for the historical dam structure it was decided to include a partial breach of the dam in final designs.

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The Town is considering the full or partial removal of the dam at 53 River Street. A hydraulic study of the site and local watershed will help the community to better understand how water patterns may change on site and downstream. It is likely that continued development in South Acton will lead to more impervious surface and therefore less infiltration of runoff and stormwater, increasing the amount of water carried to streams and brooks. In addition, given climate change, “average” storms may well increase in size and frequency into the future.

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180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Watershed

05 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

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53 River Street sits below Great Hill Recreation Area to the north and Pratt’s Brook Conservation Area to the south. Water from these upland areas drains downhill toward the site and Fort Pond Brook. Steep slopes border the northern and southern edges of the property, directing water down towards Fort Pond Brook. Consequently, there are concerns about stormwater runoff entering the site and ultimately Fort Pond Brook LargeRiver Concrete Blocksto the north and containing contaminants from Street

the commuter rail line to the south. Further stabilizing slopes, reducing impervious surface, and increasing catchment capacity on site could improve the brook’s water quality by slowing, treating, and potentially infiltrating runoff. Slopes on the northern and southern borders of the site range from 10% to greater than 25%. River Street sits approximately 15 feet above Fort Pond Brook and provides views onto the

western portions of the site. The commuter rail line to the south sits over 20 feet above Fort Pond Brook creating a hard boundary to the south. The flattest portion of the property is the 2-acre paved area. This area is has mild slopes, pitched toward the raceway and Fort Pond Brook. Final designs will consider these conditions and provide possible solutions for improving water quality and infiltration on site.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Slopes and Drainage

Paved Area

way

River Street

Buildin

(FILL TO BE REMOVED)

Paved Area

Old Mill Footings

SPRING 2018

nance Mainaterage G

Dam

Fort Pond Brook

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

Storage Shed

800 FT

KEY

ILLON H I AT EAT E GR ECR A R RE A

SLOPES 25% OR GREATER SLOPES 10% TO 25% DRAINAGE ON STEEP SLOPES

ET RE REET IL T S ST R RA ER RIV RIVER UTE 53 OMM C

DRAINAGE ON GENTLE SLOPES

TR LS

K N OOON T D R E B TI RE OO T’S RVA ST RH T H A E IG HBO PR ONS H G I 400 800 FT C EA 0 NE AR

A’

DRAINAGE FROM THE NORTH AND SOUTH TOWARDS FORT POND BROOK (NOT TO SCALE)

A’

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

400

Slopes and Drainage

06 LOCATION OF SECTION CUT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Geology & Soils

Soil samples taken in the western portion of the property as part of the 2017 Environmental Assessment by O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun Associates, Inc. indicate organic silt loam. Beneath three inches of dark brown organic silt is three inches of fine to medium sand and gravel followed by six inches of course till before reaching rock refusal, likely shallow bedrock. Four soil samples taken in the western portion of the property all contained chromium, lead, and arsenic. However, only one of the four samples contained these contaminants in reportable levels established by MassDEP standards.

SOU TH ACTON

Pavement

Thin Till

Shallow Bedrock

Swamp & Marsh Deposits

Fine Sand

Thick Till

Coarse Stratified Deposits

Alluvium

Artificial Fill N

400

800FT FT

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Wetland: Organic Silt Loam

4’ Coarse Till

3’’

Dark Brown Organic Silt

3’’

Fine to Medium Sand & Gravel

Geology & Soils

Paved Area: Fine Sandy Loam

6’’

Groundwater

6’’

SPRING 2018

Five-foot soil cores taken in the eastern portion of the property reveal fine sandy loam followed by course till and ground water four feet below groundlevel. As in the western portion of the property, chromium, lead, and arsenic were found in the samples. The presence of these contaminants on site is likely due to the apple orchards that were prevalent in South Acton during the early 1900s as well as the oil spill of 1984. Remediation of these soils will be considered in the final design for 53 River Street.

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

é ! (

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

According to MassGIS, the soil throughout South Acton is predominantly glacial till. There are some scattered areas of coarse stratified deposits as well as swamp and marsh deposits. East of 53 River Street there is an area of fill beneath the MTBA Commuter Rail Line. Shallow bedrock lies beneath the western portion of the property. This bedrock likely minimizes the infiltration of water on this portion of the site and may contribute to its wetland character.

Coarse Till (Rock Refusal)

07 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Vegetation & Succession

If the dam is removed, the hydrology on site will likely change. With less water being held behind the dam throughout the year it is probable that the western portion of the property will become significantly less wet. This shift will impact the succession of vegetation in the wetland on the western portion of the site. Over time the grass, sedge, and forbs community will likely transition into a predominantly shrub community that includes alder, dogwood, basswood, elderberry, and blackberry. Depending on how water levels shift with the removal of the dam, this transition may take as many as 40 years. This shrub community will likely transition into a forest made up of many of the trees that already grow on the eastern portion of the site. Around 80 years from now, without any management or intervention, the western portion of the site will likely be predominantly red maple, silver maple, red oak, and black birch. A wet meadow may be more or less valuable to the community versus a successional forest, and both offer habitat to different species and wildlife. Designs should weight the costs and benefits of allowing natural succession or managing the land to suspend this succession.

Yellow flag iris

Garlic mustard

Marsh marigold

Tussock sedge

Phragmites

Japanese Knotweed

Glossy buckhorn

Multiflora rose

Succession Over Time Grasses/Sedges/Forbs 0-20 years

Shrubs 40 years

Forest Trees 80 years

Wild grape Arrow arum Curled leaf dock Aster Goldenrod

Alder Dogwood Basswood Elderberry Blackberry

Red maple Silver maple Red oak Black birch

Jewel weed Witchhazel Tussock sedge

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

New England aster

SPRING 2018

Witch hazel

Arrow arum

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

Wild grape

Invasive Species on Site

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

The vegetation located on the steep slopes that border the property to the north and south in addition to the eastern portion of the property is predominantly red maple forest. Other mature trees identified on site include black birch, basswood, and callery pear. There are very few understory plants in these steep narrow areas, but poison ivy is thriving in these areas as well as on the heavily disturbed eastern portion of the site. The vegetation on the steep slopes of the property helps to stabilize slopes and should be kept where possible. However, much of the taller trees that have grown up in the paved portions of the east side of the site will likely be lost with the removal of pavement from this area, which may create hot, sunny conditions.

Native Species on Site

Vegetation & Succession

The grasses, sedges, and forbs in the western portion of the property are characteristic of a wetland. Species include wild grape, arrow arum, New England aster, witch hazel, marsh marigold, and tussock sedge. Invasive species found throughout this portion of the property include yellow flag iris, garlic mustard, glossy buckhorn, phragmites, Japanese knotweed, and multiflora rose. Monitoring these invasive species as well as minimizing human disturbance of the western portion of the site is recommended to maintain and protect the native communities that exist there.

08 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

According to Massachusetts’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), 53 River Street and the surrounding neighborhood are not recognized as areas of critical natural habitat or rare species. However, that does not mean that there is not important habitat or wildlife on or around the site. Based on information provided by residents of South Acton who live near the site, the wildlife seen in the area include white-tailed deer, black bear, mink, fisher cat, grey fox, beaver, painted turtle, turkey, and blue heron.

to the south. Currently, wildlife movement is limited between the conservation areas by the commuter rail line that may make travel more difficult for certain species. Another barrier for connectivity takes the form of residential development, which fragments habitat. Increasing habitat within the surrounding neighborhood and on the 53 River Street site has the potential to strengthen connectivity between the conservation areas. Similarly, removing the dam and opening up a portion of Fort Pond Brook that was previously blocked has the potential to improve connectivity for aquatic wildlife that was previously unable access upstream.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Wildlife & Connectivity

Mink

Fisher Cat

Grey Fox

Beaver

Painted Turtle

Turkey

Grey Fox

Beaver

Blue Heron

Conservation Areas 53 River Street

Fisher Cat

Waterways

Pacy Land

Potential Wildlife Corridors

Great Hill Recreation Area

Commuter Rail Roads & Buildings

Monson Land

Painted Turtle Heath Hen Meadow

Blue Heron

WILDLIFE SEEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY

Pratt's Brook Conservation Area

GREEN SPACES AND WATERWAYS SURROUND THE PROPERTY AND OFFER POTENTIAL HABITAT AND CONNECTIVITY FOR AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE

Turkey

Design Directives

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User N Community

KEY

NEARBY GREEN SPACES

WATERWAYS

• Restore brook ecology and reserve conservation land to improve wildlife habitat.

80 FT 1/3

MILE

POTENTIAL WILDLIFE CORRIDORS WEAK CORRIDOR BETWEEN NEARBY CONSERVATION SPACES

SPRING 2018

Black Bear

Mink

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

White Tailed Deer

Black Bear

Wildlife & Connectivity

The site is located within 0.5 miles of Great Hill Recreation Area to the north and Pratt’s Brook Conservation Area

White-tailed Deer

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

Wildlife & Connectivity

COMMUTER RAIL LINE Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Regulations

Large Concrete Blocks

Shed Paved Area

Buildin Old Mill Footings

KEY N

Bordering Vegetated Wetland 200’ Riverfront Area

200

400 FT

100’ Wetland Buffer

80 FT

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Raceway

Regulations

Dam

SPRING 2018

100’

200’

Dam Control Booth

However, extensive development on site would increase impervious surfaces, which would increase runoff and pollutants

entering the brook and wetland. This would compromise the health and function of the brook and wetland, and reduce the ecological benefits they provide to South Acton. Additionally, major redevelopment of this site would be detrimental to wildlife habitat on site and would prevent the opportunity to restore some of the habitat that has been lost on site because of its previous uses as both a mill and the Lazaro Paving maintenance and storage facility. Therefore, it is not recommended that this property undergoes any major redevelopment, such as constructing housing. The ecological value of the site would instead benefit from removing the existing impervious surfaces, increasing vegetation, and choosing uses for the site that would not negatively impact the brook and wetland on site. Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

The Wetlands Protection Act and the Rivers Protection Act restrict removing vegetation, regrading, or constructing houses, additions, decks, driveways, commercial or industrial buildings within a wetland buffer extending 100’ from the delineation line. The Rivers

Protection Act requires that no permit shall be granted for work in the 200’ Riverfront Area that would result in a significant adverse impact on the perennial stream. Because the property is narrow and the majority of it is a wetland, the entire site falls within both the 100’ Wetland Buffer and the 200’ Riverfront Area. Changes and development within these buffers requires permitting filed through the local conservation commission. However, redevelopment of the paved area in the northeastern corner of the property would likely be allowed by the conservation commission because it has already been heavily disturbed.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Because of its designation as a perennial stream and its status as a delineated wetland, Fort Pond Brook is protected by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Rivers Protection Act. Both acts serve to maintain the integrity of rivers and wetlands for people who live near them by allowing these habitats to continue to serve their natural processes of flood control, reducing pollution and storm damage, maintaining water supplies, and supporting wildlife.

10 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Floodplain

Existing Conditions

River Street

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

how flooding on site and downstream will change with the removal of the dam. Additionally, it is important to anticipate the increased frequency and severity of large storms as a result of climate change. Consequently, it is not unreasonable to assume that the entire property will experience greater flood risk into the future and therefore Residentialis not an ideal location to site any permanent structures.

Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Large Concrete Blocks

Shed Dam Control Booth

Fort Pond Brook

Paved Area

Raceway

Dam

SPRING 2018

Wetland Area

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

Most of the property is located within the 100-year FEMA floodplain. This delineation means considerable flood risk on site, complicates acquiring building permits, and, if building construction is permitted, will likely require building owners to obtain flood insurance. The western side of the property floods seasonally as a result of the dam that holds back a considerable amount of water in the spring and during large storm events. A hydrological assessment needs to be done in order to assess

Buildin

Tree Canopy Old Mill Footings

SLOPES AND FLOODING

Commuter Rail Line

Large Concrete Blocks

Paved Area

Steep slopes direct water north

uilding

ngs

BORDERING VEGETATED WETLAND

Floodwaters move

north where slopes are mild

TREE CANOPY

SOUTH

NORTH N

1200

2400 FT

Fort Pond Brook

Paved Area

Raceway

Storage Shed

Fence

River Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Street

N 0

A Commuter Rail

100-YEAR FEMA FLOODPLAIN

400

200

400 FT

800 FT

During large storm events, areas of low elevation in the northern portion of the property are at the greatest risk of flooding. Steeper slopes to the south will direct flood waters north toward River Street. Therefore, future development in the northeastern portion of the site could be susceptible to flooding.

Floodplain

KEY

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

11 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Summary Analysis of the existing dam on site will change flooding on site. River Street is only 20-feet wide and does not have a sidewalk or bike path along the property. Vehicle access to the site is currently in the northeastern corner where the property meets the grade at River Street. A fence currently separates this portion of the property from River Street minimizing sightlines into the eastern portion of the site. The property includes a historic dam, mill footings, and operation booth that are seen as assets to the site. Community members are eager to get close to these features and to the brook. Commemorating the history of the site, restoring ecological function, and increasing public access to and use of the site are priorities for this project.

Existing Conditions

Design Directives • Maintain the stability of steep slopes

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

53 River Street is a narrow 7.26-acre property divided by Fort Pond Brook which runs from west to east. The site has steep slopes along its northern and southern borders and a dam which splits the property into two distinct zones to the west and east. The western portion of the property contains approximately 5 acres of delineated wetland and the eastern portion contains about 2 acres of paved surface. Most of the site is protected by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act due to the wetland delineation and the riverfront area of Fort Pond Brook. As a result there is a 100-foot wetland buffer and a 200-foot riverfront area which incorporate most of the site. Additionally, most of the site is located within the 100- year FEMA floodplain. Removal

• Increase vegetation to improve riparian habitat and infiltrate stormwater runoff • Reduce impervious surface to improve stormwater infiltration and limit runoff into the brook • Abide by the Wetlands Protection Act to the maximum extent practicable • Limit disturbance within (or avoid alteration within) the delineated wetland

Where appropriate, site paths and other low-impact landscape features to draw visitors through the landscape

River Street

Shed Dam Control Booth

Fort Pond Brook Dam

Fort Pond Brook Tree Canopy

Large Concrete Blocks

Paved Paved Area Area

Raceway g

Dam

Buildin Old Mill Footings

Commuter Rail Line

KEY SLOPES 25% OR GREATER

SEASONALLY FLOODED AREA

SLOPES 10% TO 25%

100-FOOT WETLAND BUFFER

DRAINAGE ON STEEP SLOPES

DELINEATED WETLAND

DRAINAGE ON MILD SLOPES

AREAS OF CONFLICT

100 YEAR FEMA FLOODPLAIN

200-FOOT RIVERFRONT AREA

N N 0 0

400

200

400 FT

800 FT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Wetland Area

Summary Analysis

•

SPRING 2018

• Consider ways to improve access to the site for pedestrians and cyclists

Residential

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

• Site flood-resilient structures where appropriate

Community Engagement

Second Public Forum The second public forum was held on May 30, 2018, again at Town Hall as part of the 53 River Street Committee meeting. An estimated forty people attended the meeting, including those on the 53 River Street Committee and town employees. Following the committee’s agenda, the forum began with a presentation of site analyses and three design alternatives. The public had time afterward to share their comments and feedback. After this, participants voted on their preferred design alternatives, which appear on the following pages. The majority of people chose the conservation-focused design for further development (50%), followed by the public park design (39%), and finally the affordable senior housing and public space option (11%).

“Which of these identified uses would you like to see prioritized on this property? Pick the two that are most important to you.” NUMBER OF VOTES

Public Park That Highlights Historical Significance of the Site

119

Conservation Space That Highlights 93 the Ecological Value of the Site Recreation Area That Allows For Sports and Events

Affordable Senior 22 Housing Development Other

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

opportunities to provide access to all populations, and we are [in] desperate need of more affordable housing.” Community member via survey

“Access to river-front public

spaces are so rare, would love to see this preserved and the area restored to support wildlife.” Community member via survey

“I would really like to see this

development turn into a public park space that is accessible by walk or bike and helps the resident of Acton be part of a community effort. Should pay attention to conservation and the history and cultural heritage of this community.” Community member via survey

“Please conserve this space!

With all the building going on all over town, we really need to hold on to as much open space as possible.” Community member via survey

SPRING 2018

More than 50% of respondents lived in South Acton, where the site is located. The majority of people thought they might drive or walk to the site, followed by biking. This is important information because there is currently no sidewalk, bike path, or public parking on the site. The majority of respondents expressed a desire for the site to be a public park that highlights its historical significance. This was followed by the conservation space option and then a recreation option. As in the public forums, affordable senior housing received some of the fewest votes. Finally, 14 people voted “other” and presented ideas that were not on the list. The majority of community members want to see the site used as a public park and conservation space.

“Acton should take advantage of

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

The first public forum was held on May 9, 2018, at Town Hall as part of the 53 River Street Committee meeting. An estimated fifty people attended the meeting. The meeting began with a short presentation introducing the community to the property followed by a question-and-answer session. The public was asked to prioritize potential uses of the site which included conservation, historical commemoration, recreation, and affordable senior housing. The greatest number of votes was in support of using the site as a conservation area (32%), followed by commemorating the history of the site (30%); a public park (15%); affordable senior housing (12%); an eco-education site (8%); and a space for active recreation and sports (3%). The meeting concluded with a map exercise where participants expanded on their ideas for the site and presented them to the group.

The Town made an online survey available to the public between the two forums, from May 14 to May 28, 2018, to further assess the community’s interest in the property’s future. The survey asked where the respondent lives, their preferred mode of transportation to the site, and the top uses for the property. It also provided room for additional comments.

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

First Public Forum

Survey Results

Community Engagement

Two public forums were held to discuss possible uses for the property. In addition, the public was surveyed about how they would like the property to be used. In the forums and the survey, the community expressed their desire to preserve the site’s ecological value, commemorate its history, and create a space where the public can interact with the landscape.

13 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Design Alternative 1: Conservation Conscious 180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Three design alternatives were presented at the second public forum. The first design alternative focuses on the restoration of Fort Pond Brook and its adjacent riparian area. The design envisions the site as a conservation area that serves to educate the public about the ecological processes that occur within a successional wetland. A’

SPRING 2018

Design Details

Cons

• River Street remains a two-way street. • There are 6 public parking spots, which is consistent with the number of spaces available at nearby conservation areas. • An interpretive station adjacent to the parking area provides ecological information about the wetland and ecology on the property. • A vegetated buffer expands outward from the banks of the brook east of the dam and the paved area is removed and planted. • The raceway is filled in and is densely planted. • Trails extend throughout the entire property, with landings situated along the stream. • This design has the least amount of impervious surfaces compared to the other alternatives. • The wetland is allowed to undergo a natural process of succession.

• The site is safely accessible by vehicle only because River Street remains two- way

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

River Street

40 80 FT

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

• There is no public event or gathering spaces on the site

Design Alternative 1

• Only the boardwalk is ADA accessible

SECTION A- A’ 0

20 FT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Design Alternative 2: Commemorative Park 180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

The second design alternative envisions the site as a public park with a formal gathering space, restroom, boardwalk, public art, and interpretive signs to highlight the historical and ecological significance of the site. B’

SPRING 2018

Design Details

Cons

• River street becomes a one-way street running west to east with a marked bike lane along the southern edge of the road.

• This design does not completely illiminate impervious surfaces from the site.

40 80 FT

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

• Constructed park elements, such as the pavilion, must be flood resilient.

Design Alternative 2

• A sidewalk is added along River Street to improve pedestrian access to the site. • There are 15 public parking spaces at the entrance of the park. • Historic and ecological interpretive stations are placed at the entrance and throughout the site. • The raceway is transformed into a dry stream bed with a public art feature. • A ¼ mile of ADA accessible trails and boardwalks bring visitors along the length of the brook. • A pavilion and platform at the brook’s edge offer views of and access to the water, and accommodate small gatherings. • The wetland is allowed to undergo the natural process of succession.

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

River Street

SECTION B- B’

20 FT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Design Alternative 3: Living Near the Floodplain 180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

of the site for all users and provides twelve affordable housing units within one structure. While it is feasible to arrange housing and a small public outdoor space on the property, this amount of development would increase runoff and risk of flooding, and degrade habitat and ecological function on the site. C’

SPRING 2018

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

The third design alternative examines the feasibility of siting housing on the property, while also opening the site to the public. Although it is not recommended that the property be developed for housing, there is a strong need for affordable senior housing in Acton and it has been identified by the Town as a potential use for the site. This design improves accessibility

Cons

• River street becomes a one-way street running west to east.

• There is potential for flooding of the affordable senior housing.

• A two lane bike and recreation path with a vegetated buffer runs along the south side of River Street and connects with the Assabett River Rail Trail.

• The amount of impervious surface on site exceeds the previous alternatives.

• A bicycle rack is located off of the bike and recreation path.

• The open space accessible to the public is small.

40 80 FT

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Design Details

Design Alternative 3

• There are no pathways allowing access to the western side of the property or along the brook.

• A 5,000 sq. ft. affordable senior housing structure is sited in the northeast corner of the property. • There are 17 private parking spaces for the affordable senior housing and 5 public spots for those visiting the park. • The raceway is transformed into a vegetated bioswale. • There is 1/8 mile of entirely ADA accessible trails. • Along the northern side of the property are scenic overlooks from River Street. •

This design has the highest amount of impervious surfaces compared to the other alternatives.

SECTION C- C’

16 0

20 FT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Affordable Housing Design

The design shown below integrates the building into a parklike landscape. The design accommodates emergency vehicle

access and includes ADA accessible paths throughout the eastern portion of the property, a pavilion from which to view Fort Pond Brook, and enough parking for both private residents and public visitors. This design assumes the majority of the dam is removed with a portion of it preserved to commemorate its history. River Street remains two-way in this design, so residents can access the property coming from either direction by vehicle. The raceway is converted into a bioretention basin that will serve to store flood waters during large storms. Developing this site for affordable senior housing will decrease the ability of the site to infiltrate water, and positions

development near the 100-year floodplain and within the 100-foot wetland buffer and the 200-foot riverfront area. Development is typically avoided within the wetland buffers and riverfront areas because it tends to have harmful effects on stream health. While this design is technically feasible, the increased risk of flooding over time due to climate change is problematic, as it could place residents in harm’s way. While the research and analysis conducted for the property conclude that this location is not ideal for the construction of housing.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

The need for affordable housing in Acton prompted the 53 River Street Committee to request the exploration of possible configurations for a residential building. The criteria for this design were to site an affordable senior housing building with a footprint of 5,000 square feet with 17 private parking spaces. They also requested that a portion of the site be open to the public.

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

RIVER STREET (TWO-WAY)

AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING

BIORETENTION BASIN

PRESERVED SECTION OF DAM

FORT POND BROOK ->

PAVILLION

EXISTING TREE CANOPY

HISTORIC MILL & RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FLOODED DURING HURRICANE IRENE BENNINGTON, VERMONT N

D 2 40

4 FT 80

D D’

SECTION D-D’

100-YR FLOODPLAIN

100’ WETLAND BUFFER

1 40

2 FT 80

200’ RIVERFRONT AREA

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

PRIVATE PARKING (17)

SPRING 2018

DROP OFF

PUBLIC PARKING (6)

Affordable Housing Design

www.rutlandherald.typepad.com/vermonttoday

D’

Is this the best location for Affordable Senior Housing?

Climate Change and At Risk Communities Storms and other weather events are becoming more frequent and intense in the northeast due to climate change. What was previously considered a 100-year storm is now occurring much more frequently due to these changes. Building affordable senior housing on the property, with its proximity to the brook, could

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Residents of the neighborhood surrounding 53 River Street already have concerns about traffic. Narrow lanes, commuter traffic to the T station 0.4-miles to the west, vehicles traveling as fast as 25 miles an hour over the speed limit, and a lack of bike lanes or sidewalks compromise safety. Developing housing on site for a minimum of 12 residents would increase traffic on River Street and mandate the accessibility of large emergency vehicles. Existing concerns with traffic on River Street are in conflict with increasing the number of residents in this neighborhood. Additionally, keeping River Street 2-way to accommodate more traffic prohibits the possibility for a sidewalk; potential residents of 53 River Street would remain isolated from the amenities within South Acton without a vehicle. Therefore, there are continued accessibility issues with building affordable senior housing in this location.

At that rate the runoff from the property could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 2.5 hours. Increased storm frequency and severity and impervious surface will likely contribute to greater flood risk on site and for potential residents.

2:30:00

SPRING 2018

Traffic and Location

In a 100 year storm event, the peak runoff from the site alone is 9.35 cubic ft. per second.

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

The construction of housing on this property would result in the greatest amount of impervious surface, in comparison to the other design alternatives. The proposed 5,000 square foot building footprint, accessible paths, and necessary parking needed to accommodate residents and the visiting public would have a negative impact on the amount of permeable surface on the property; this could minimize the potential for water infiltration and increase the amount of stormwater runoff entering Fort Pond Brook. Decreasing water infiltration on site ultimately contributes to a greater risk of flooding both on site and downstream. Development and consequently the increase of impervious surface throughout the entire watershed means less water infiltration overall and therefore a greater risk of flooding within the watershed. Risks associated with flooding on site include significant damage to infrastructure, threats to human safety, and limited accessibility for emergency vehicles. According to Acton’s 2018 Hazard and Mitigation Plan, there is a medium frequency (2% to 20% per year) of severe flooding in the town. The Plan’s first flooding mitigation measure states, “The town will continue to purchase or protect open space to ensure that future development does not increase flooding” (81). The 53 River Street property presents an opportunity to implement this measure.

Peak Flow on Site

SLOPES AND FLOODING Steep slopes direct water north

Floodwaters move

north where slopes are mild

SOUTH Commuter Rail

NORTH Fort Pond Brook

Paved Area

Raceway

Affordable Storage Senior Housing Shed

Fence

River Street

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Impervious Surfaces and Continued Development

put residents at greater risk of the consequences of these storm events, such as flooding. Historically, low income, environmental justice, and elderly populations have been disproportionately affected by extreme weather events. The town should consider other properties in town that might be better suited socially, economically, and environmentally for these communities.

Housing Feasibility

Like most of the country, Acton is seeing an increasing need for affordable senior housing as its elderly population grows. As a result, the housing authority actively seeks opportunities to meet this demand. However, analysis of the 53 River Street property indicates that it is not an appropriate location for any type of residential development. While siting housing on site is technically feasible, assuming permission is granted through all the necessary permitting entities, building housing on this site is not recommended because it may increase traffic on an already compromised street and place residents in harms way if and when flooding occurs.

STEEP SLOPES TO THE SOUTH DIRECT FLOODWATERS NORTH TOWARDS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Final Park Design Positioned along the recreation path, two scenic overlooks extend 10 feet from the path into the western portion of the property. These overlooks will provide scenic views of the wetland and the remains of the historic dam below. The overlook in the westernmost part of the property includes stairs down to the boardwalk below serving as one of two entrances to the western portion of the property which is currently inaccessible.

Existing Conditions

RIVER STREET (ONE-WAY)

BIKE PATH

SCENIC OVERLOOK

WETLAND BOARDWALK

Residential

FORT POND

BROOK

MEADOW

River Street BIORETE

REMAINING DAM

Conditions

NTION BASIN

Wetland Area

Fort Pond Brook

Large Concrete Blocks

Shed

PICNIC AREA

PARTIAL DAM REMOVAL

RESTROOMS

PARKING LOT

MEADOW

SPRING 2018

D’ SCENIC OVERLOOK

Dam Control Booth

PAVILLION Dam

Paved Area

Raceway g

Buildin

Tree Canopy Old Mill Footings

Residential

SECTION D-D’

PARK DESIGN FOCUS AREA

Commuter Rail Line

River Street

Dam Control Booth

Dam

400 FT

Large Concrete Blocks

Shed

Fort Pond Brook

200

Final Park Design

Wetland Area

Paved Area

Raceway

Buildin

Tree Canopy Old Mill Footings

Commuter Rail Line

D RAILROAD

WETLAND

FORT POND BOARDWALK BROOK

WETLAND

D’ SCENIC BIKE OVERLOOK PATH 0

1 200

2400 FT

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Informational kiosks, ADA accessible gravel paths, viewing areas, new vegetation, and integrated public art will provide visitors with an experience that is both engaging and educational. For safer access to the property for all users, this design proposes River Street’s conversion into a one-way street traveling west to east. This change allows for a 13-foot traffic lane and a 7-foot recreation path with two way travel. The recreation path will

accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists and will improve connectivity to the rest of South Acton and the Assabett Rail Trail.

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

Restoration of the site entails the partial removal of the dam to allow for the unimpeded flow of Fort Pond Brook though the site and the removal of all existing infrastructure without historical significance. Removed infrastructure includes all pavement, cement blocks, and maintenance and storage structures.

Removing these elements on site will drastically improve water infiltration on site. Vegetation along the brook will help attenuate floodwater. This design improves the ease and safety of visitor circulation throughout the site, and allows for riparian ecology to be reestablished in the eastern portion of the property.

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

This design responds to the community’s desire for a public park that commemorates the history of the site and improves and protects the site’s ecological function. The design incorporates elements that increase accessibility to the site, engage visitors with the site’s natural assets, and highlight the historic significance of the property and South Acton.

RENDERING ILLUSTRATING RIVER STREET AS ONE-WAY WITH A BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PATH Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

River Street F’

Dam Control Booth

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Raceway

Dam

Buildin

B Old Mill Footings

NORTHEASTERN PORTION OF THE PARK DESIGN IN GREATER DETAIL

200

400 FT

SECTION E-E’ E RAILROAD

E’ FORT POND BROOK

REMAINING DAM

CONTROL BOARDWALK BOOTH

BIKE PATH

RIVER STREET

SECTION F-F’ F RAILROAD

FORT POND BROOK

PAVILION

BIORETENTION BASIN

PARK ENTRANCE

F’ PARKING LOT BIKE PATH RIVER STREET

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

SPRING 2018

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

B 5-foot wide ADA accessible packed gravel paths circumnavigate Commuter Rail Line the property. On the northern banks of Fort Pond Brook is a pavilion with a viewing deck and platform to bring visitors close to the water. This area features the historic mill footings that remain in the center of the brook. To the east, trails travel along the edge of Fort Pond Brook with places to rest and enjoy views downstream to the east. Within the eastern trail loop is a meadow that could be mowed for light recreation. Within the western trail loop art installations depict scenes from South Acton’s industrial beginnings. E

D Removal of the dam will stop the flow of water through the raceway, leaving a 5-foot deep stream bed. This design transforms the raceway into a bioretention basin. The bioretention basin will serve as flood storage during large storms but will also serve as unique design element on site. Filled with stone aggregate topped by soil the raceway will be planted with quaking aspens whose leaves are representative of moving water when they wave in the wind. These trees grow quickly, uptake water, and tolerate occasionally wet environments. Stone walkways across the basin will let water move through the basin and allow visitors to travel across them through the quaking aspens.

Paved Area

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Fort Pond Brook A The main entrance to the park is located in the northeast corner of the property, 3 feet above the current 100-year FEMA floodplain. The parking lot accommodates 15 parking spaces and is constructed with permeable pavement to increase water infiltration on site. An informational kiosk is visible upon Tree Canopy entry to the property and conveys the historic and ecological significance of the site. Sidewalks surround the lot for an easy and safe entrance into the park.

C A partial dam removal allows for a portion of Fort Pond Brook to flow uninhibited throughout most of the year while preserving the historic masonry that once held back waters and powered the mill on site. The partial dam removal will hold back some water during the spring in large storms which will slow the natural succession of the delineated wetland, preserving the rare ecology and habitat that currently exists as a result of seasonal flooding. A landing just to the east of the remaining portion of the dam will allow visitors to view the historic structure and admire the long scenic view of Fort Pond Brook to the west. Dam removal should be done in consultation with an engineer.

Large Concrete Blocks

Shed

Wetland Area

Park Design Details

E’

Design elements of this park include sign, public art, bridges, boardwalks and gathering spaces providing visitors with an informative and engaging experience on site.

Commemorative Art (Part 1)...

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

SPRING 2018

Commemorative Art (Part 2) frame and depict areas of historical significance on site.

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

WWW.KEVINKUNSTADT.COM

WWW. REDTRI.COM

A waterfront platform gives visitors an intimate experience of Fort Pond Brook.

An arrival kiosk with maps of the site orient visitors to attractions.

The crossing of the bioretention area could take the form of an inlaid granite bridge.

WWW.NINE.NU

WWW.DEUCEDESIGN.COM.AU

Interpretive Signs can highlight significant historical and ecological aspects of the site.

Materials & Precedents

WWW.PINTREST.COM

A pavilion provides a place for visitors to gather near Fort Pond Brook and out of the sun.

The images below provide examples of how the site might look and function for visitors.

Boardwalks can bring people through wet landscapes while limiting ecological impact.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Materials & Precedents

21 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Grading Plan

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Construction Details E

A D

POROUS PAVING DETAIL FOR PARKING LOT

SPRING 2018

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

GRANITE BRIDGE OVER RACEWAY DETAIL

KEY

(NOT TO SCALE)

EXISTING CONTOURS PROPOSED CONTOUR LINES

Existing Road Surface

4’’ Compacted Gravel 4’’ Aggregate Prepared Subgrade 6’’ Soil 4’’ Aggragate Base

RACEWAY BIORETENTION BASIN WITH QUAKING ASPEN DETAIL

COMPACTED GRAVEL PATH DETAIL (NOT TO SCALE)

2 1:60

BIOSWALE DETAIL BETWEEN BIKE PATH AND RIVER STREET (NOT TO SCALE)

6’’ Aggragate Subase Prepared Subgrade

Construction Details

Existing Road Surface Converted to Rec Path

A Landscape Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

ADA COMPLIANT TRAIL

Feet

(NOT TO SCALE)

Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

Quaking aspen

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Alfalfa

Grey alder

SPRING 2018

Elderberry

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

TENNESSEENATURESCAPES.COM

WWW.JUNGSEED.COM WWW.HIGHCOUNTRYGARDENS.COM

WWW.STUDY.COM/ALFALFA WWW.AMERICANMEADOWS.COM

Winterberry

Beebalm

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

Black willow

Little bluestem

WWW.CIRRUSIMAGE.COM

Grey dogwood

WWW.PLANTS.CES.NCSU.EDU

Joe Pye weed

Butterflyweed

Plant List

GRAY TEXT NOTATES APPROPRIATE SEED MIXES THAT CAN BE USED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PLANTING THE INDIVDUAL SPECIES LISTED ABOVE.

Aromatic aster

WWW.NATUREISCALLING.ORG

WWW.CAROLINANATURE.COM

WWW.MINNESOTAWILDFLOWERS.INFO

OBSESSIVENEUROTICGARDENER.COM

WWW.MTCUBACENTER.ORG

Plant List

THE PLANTING PLAN FOCUSES ON THE EASTERN PORTION OF THE PROPERTY AND ASSUMES NATURAL SUCCESSION WILL OCCUR IN THE DELINEATED WETLAND TO THE WEST.

23 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.

COST/UNIT

TOTAL

9,700 2 480 970 2,000

SQ YD ACRE LINEAR FOOT CUBIC YARD SQ FT

$21.00 $6,000.00 $8.00 $25.00 $10.00

$203,700.00 $12,000.00 $3,840.00 $24,250.00 $20,000.00

600 87,000 800 3,700 3,700 5,000 7,500 3

LINEAR FOOT SQ FT CUBIC YARD SQ FT SQ FT SQ FT SQ FT EACH

$4.00 $0.15 $55.00 $5.50 $4.00 $3.50 $16.00 $3,500.00

$2,400.00 $13,050.00 $44,000.00 $20,350.00 $14,800.00 $17,500.00 $120,000.00 $10,500.00

Landscaping Mulch Trees (3-4â&#x20AC;? caliper) Shrubs (2-3 gal. cont.) Meadow Mix Seed Lawn

6 50 200 1 1,000

CUBIC YARD EACH EACH ACRE SQ FT

$55.00 $600.00 $35.00 $4,000.00 $0.25

$330.00 $30,000.00 $7,000.00 $4,000.00 $250.00

Amenities Pavilion and Deck Bike Rack Interpretive Signs: large Interpretive Signs: small Art Feature- TBD Water Platform and Bridge Restrooms Boardwalk Overlook Decks and Stairs Historical Restoration- TBD Granite Benches Picnic Tables, Embedded

1 1 1 4 6 1 1 7,400 800 1 1 4

EACH EACH EACH EACH EACH LUMP SUM LUMP SUM SQ FT SQ FT LUMP SUM EACH EACH

$80,000.00 $1,150.00 $2,000.00 $300.00 $$25,000.00 $75,000.00 $75.00 $80.00 $$500.00 $1,200.00

$80,000.00 $1,150.00 $2,000.00 $1,200.00 $$25,000.00 $75,000.00 $555,000.00 $64,000.00 $$500.00 $4,800.00

Site Improvements Erosion and Sediment Control Grading Topsoil Bioretention Basin: Stone (12 ft wide) Bioretention Basin: Gravel (12 ft wide) Trails: Gravel (5ft wide) Parking Lot: Permeable Pavement Granite Bridges

TOTAL-PROJECT ITEMS MOBILIZATION @1.5% TOTAL CONTINGENCY @ 15% GRAND TOTAL

$1,356,620.00 $20,349.30 $1,376,969.30 $206,545.40 $1,583,514.70

SPRING 2018

UNIT

Eliza Cress & Amanda Pebler

Demolition Asphalt Removal Clearing and Grubbing Fence Removal Fill Removal Structure Removal

AREA/QUANTITY

A Public Park Design for 53 River Street Acton, Massachusetts

ITEM

Cost Estimate

This table shows a basic cost estimate for clearing the property and installing the elements of the design. There are a few unknown costs related to historical restoration and art features that should be considered. Some of the materials may be salvaged on the property which could potentially reduce costs. Grants or other funding opportunities may also cover part of or all of this cost. The costs associated with removing part of the dam and restoring the brook have not been included in this estimate, but should be considered in the final cost.

180 Pleasant St. | Suite 211 | Easthampton, MA 01027 413-369-4044 | www.csld.edu

Cost Estimate: Park Design

24 Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.