A New Vision for Delta Park by Rachel Wyatt Lindsay

A New Vision For Delta Park

Restoring a Brownfield in Chicopee, Massachusetts Prepared by Beth Batchelder and Rachel Lindsay The Conway School Spring 2015

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Envisioning a New Park An Industrial Past Regional Connections Watersheds Hydrology Slopes, Drainage & Wetlands Vegetation Safety & Views Summary Analysis Passage Through Time: Alternative 1 Come Together: Alternative 2 Destination Delta: Alternative 3 An Industrial Legacy: The Final Design

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Construction Phases Final Plan Sections The Steam Plant Meadow: Design Details The Steam Plant Meadow 2: Design Details The Exchange Street Entrance: Design Detail The Depot Street Entrance: Design Details Invasive Plant Management Planting Palette Planting Details & Land Management Habitat Restoration Materials & Precedents Cost Estimation References, Contacts, & Image Sources

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Envisioning a New Park

Chicope

e River

City Property

Chicopee acquired the property of the former Hampden Steam Plant when it was demolished in

In the most recent Open Space and Recreation Plan submitted in April 2015, residents of Chicopee

Danaher Property

Remediation Area on City Property

Former Hampden Steam Plant

§ ¦ ¨ ¦ ¨ § 391

an al tC

Northern Open Space

Former Lyman & Cabotville Mills

Active Rail

tic

nn 0

Chicopee River

0.03

0.06

0.12

0.18

Miles

Chicopee Center

assessment done in December 1988, before the plant was removed in the early 2000s, found

densely populated area of western

Delta Park is located in the southwest part of

could not be recycled were buried in the structure’s foundation and the site has

Chicopee Center to the east by Interstate 391 and

of an environmental assessment done by Tighe & Bond in February 2014, asbestos has been found in the soil on the site but

River to the north is another open space that is publicly accessible and has similar vegetative park is bordered by the Dwight Canal, which also

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Massachusetts, Chicopee grew as an industrial center in the early

Situated between the cities of

Connecticut River

Population: 55,298 City area: 24 square miles

igh

Chicopee Center

City of Chicopee Planning Department

391

• • •

was also detected in the soils of the former steam plant but, according to the determination of future use for this site, more environmental assessments will

1/26

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

An Industrial Past

Pit

F or me

ssi ng

A rail line was built across the Chicopee River to the north

Intake

footprint of Hampden Steam Plant is still above the high-

in Ma

Access Road

d ise

ad ro l i Ra

Two of the four access ways onto the former steam plant

Tailrace Outlet d ccess Roa

In addition, the plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tailrace (water channel), which Due to the construction and clearing of forest, Delta

Dw igh

S outh A

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

City of Chicopee Planning Department

The main access road into the site, which still exists today, was built up

Intake

Hampden Steam Plant The former Hampden Steam Plant was a large structure situated on be seen as well as the shoot used to transfer coal from the train to the

2/26

Regional Connections Mass Pike

I-391 Exit 3

Chicopee

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is spearheading the planning of a 20-mile multi-use trail from Holyoke to

Built Canalwalk Section

River

Delta Park tic

Town Hall

Designed Canalwalk Section

Chicopee Center

Delta Park

section along the Connecticut River that is fully designed (2) and a section of a canalwalk that has been built (3)

I-391 Exit 2

proposed link between these sections would pass through Delta Park and cross

The Medina Street Boat Ramp is operated by the Massachusetts State Department of Fish and Game for the purpose of giving recreational kayakers or canoers to launch There are no public recreational boat recreational boating launches are both on the west side of the Connecticut River, three-and-a-half miles south on Riverdale

2 City of Chicopee would like to explore the possibility of a recreational boat launch at

Active Railroad

I-91

Active Railroad

copee downtown. After crossing the Chicopee er, the route will use the riverside land west of

I-391

1,000

500

1,000 Feet

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Medina Street Boat Ramp

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Delta a half-mile mile of Chicopee Center, and along a proposed regional

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Designed Bike trail 2.5 miles north to Nash Field

Delta Park is easily accessible from neighboring cities by car via to Delta Park, a distance that can be covered by car in less than

Over 2,000 residents live in Chicopee Center within one mile of An active railroad passes along the eastern edge of the

Although the park is a short distance from downtown, it is isolated from the residential and business district by a raised may be necessary to place signs downtown directing visitors to

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Watersheds The Connecticut and Chicopee Rivers are dynamic waterways that

Chicopee River Watershed Delta Park Delta Park N

The Connecticut River watershed is home to federally threatened and endangered species including the shortnose sturgeon, piping plover, puritan tiger beetle, dwarf wedgemussel, small whorled

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Connecticut River Watershed

watershed encompasses 32 towns and the Quabbin Reservoir, which is the source of public drinking water for both

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

are six hydroelectric dams along the river, and nearly 6,000,000 gallons of water a day enter the Connecticut River at the

The end of the industrial era resulted in a reduction of contamination entering the rivers, and stricter environmental -

the quality of the river and restore habitat along its shoreline, and the river is a popular feature in Chicopee for sport

Chicopee River Watershed Section

PARK

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

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Regulatory Floodway Estimated Annual Mean High Water

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B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

t re

§ ¦ ¨ ¦ ¨ § 391

Southern Floodplain Forest

Dik e

Connecticut Avenue

Niles Street

Connecticut River A

Former Moore Drop Forge Plant

Pe r

Hayes Avenue

Avenue

Chicopee River

Bacon Avenue

Northern Floodplain Forest

Brigh twate r Stree t

and in some storm events, leaving only the access road and former steam plant site accessible

City of Chicopee Planning Department

The amount of the site under water varies greatly depending on seasonal changes and water levels in the Chicopee and Connecticut Rivers, both of which have multiple hydroelectric dams

The City of Chicopee zoning codes contain a Floodplain Overlay District for all land within the FEMA designated 100-year

Section of Delta Park with High Water Line and Hundred-Year Flood Line

100 Year Flood Line Mean High Water Line

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Slopes, Drainage & Wetlands

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Chicopee River Watershed

The 64 ft elevation d

a Ro

Water drains quickly down the steep banks into the

47 ft elevation

Connecticut River Watershed The American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for accessible trails have design restrictions for any trail the upper terrace to the lower terrace at Delta Park may require constructing raised platforms or cutting across

City of Chicopee Planning Department

The former factory site and access road form a mostly

Ro ad

Former Hampden Steam Plant

The banks along the road at Delta Park are prone to erosion the banks from erosion, and any re-grading of the banks to site trails should be stabilized and planted with native groundcovers and woody shrubs that will protect them

Chicopee River

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Agency and fall within the regulations of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the Chicopee Conservation

or change in land cover will need to be approved by the Chicopee Conservation Commission and should have minimal

¦ ¨ § 391

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Connecticut River

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6/26

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Vegetation There are three main zones of vegetation on the site: sunny areas with dense understory, high species diversity, and a strong presence of invasive species; managed vegetation; and mature

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Chicopee River

Danaher Property Ro

The areas along the road and in the forest edges are above the high water line and have a

tre

City of Chicopee Planning Department

exception of areas where thick stands of Japanese knotweed form a monoculture and where Connecticut River Common Name

Botanical Name

Invasive

Form

Garlic Mustard

Alliaria petiolata

Herbaceous

Japanese Knotweed

Fallopia japonica

Herbaceous

Fringed Loosestrife

Lysimachia ciliata

Herbaceous

Virginia Knotweed

Persicaria virginiana

Herbaceous

Greater Celandine

Chelidonium majus

Herbaceous

Jewelweed

Impatiens capensis

Herbaceous

Red-Osier Dogwood

Swida sericea

Shrub

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata

Shrub

Morrow's Honeysuckle

Lonicera morrowii

Shrub

Glossy Buckthorn

Frangula alnus

Shrub

Red Raspberry Pussy Willow

Rubus idaeus

Shrub

Salix discolor

Shrub

Acer negundo

Tree

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Tree

Tree of Heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Sweet Birch

Betula lenta

Tree Tree

Herbaceous annual and perennial plants grow in mowed areas along the road and on the capped row of planted sycamore trees line Depot Street areas are fairly level and can be made accessible and

Common Name

Botanical Name

Form

Kentucky bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Grass

Horsetail

Equisetum sp.

Herbaceous

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

Herbaceous

Curly Dock

Rumex crispus

Herbaceous

Broadleaf Dock

Rumex obtusifolius

Herbaceous

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Herbaceous

Solidago spp.

Herbaceous

Green Ash

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Tree

Goldenrod

Poplar

Populus deltoides

Tree

Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Tree

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Tree

Pear

Pyrus sp.

Tree

Common Name

Botanical Name

Form

Pin Oak

Quercus palustris

Tree

Wood Nettle

Laportea canadensis

Herbaceous

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Herbaceous

Sensitive Fern

Onoclea sensibilis

Herbaceous

Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

Herbaceous

Arrow Alum

Peltandra virginica

Herbaceous

Poison ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Herbaceous

Tussock Sedge

Carex stricta

Herbaceous

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum

Tree

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides

Tree

Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Vine

Staghorn Sumac

Rhus hirta

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

American Elm

Ulmus americana

Tree

Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

Tree

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum

Tree

The ecological communities found in the lower

Tree X

Tree

Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides

Tree

Oriental Bittersweet

Celastrus orbiculatus

River Grape

Vitis riparia

Vine

Poison Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Vine

There is a marked absence of invasive species in dense, herbaceous layer dominated by ferns create a visually striking forest that is an attractive feature of trails to not overly disturb these forests and to

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

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For a public park to be successful, users must feel safe in the

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Safety & Views Chicopee River

Wherever possible, obstructions to sight-lines should be avoided by placing gathering spaces in view of the main pathways and

1. The entrance to the property is on Depot Street

which allows only one vehicle to pass at a time and is too small for standard emergency vehicles such as the road into the park cannot be easily seen through 13’5”

Constructed Barrier to Visibility Vegetated Barrier to Visibility

13’6”

to include widening the entrance in the Regional

Blocked View

police department is currently investing in alternative vehicles for community policing, including bicycles and

Expansive Desirable View Partially Blocked Desirable View

The Chief of Police believe that these will help the City address the safety concerns of citizens and that the current entrance dimensions should not be a barrier to

2. There is a tunnel under the same active railroad

ne o La

Roa

4. The access road is bordered by thick

vegetation that blocks sight-lines into the

two lanes wide, accessible to emergency vehicles, and provides better visibility entering than the northern

5. Where there are gaps, there are

desirable views from the road down into

is blocked by the mouth of the Dwight Canal, and a bridge would need to be constructed to be able to use

be managed to create “windows” into the

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

According to the Chief of Police, Delta Park is not

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Connecticut River

3. After passing under the railroad, visitors to Delta

Park have to pass through an opening in the dike at the western edge of the former Moore Drop Forge Plant 11 feet tall and blocks the views into the city property

6. The remains of the former steam plant

intake create a platform for viewing the

7. At the north end of the Dike there are

expansive views across the Chicopee River to

The structural barriers to sight-lines pose a challenge to designing a safe and attractive entrance to Delta additional bridge, the Exchange Street entrance may be

These desirable views are a feature of the

maximize views of the river for visitors while taking care to minimally impact the fragile

8/26

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Summary Analysis

Although Delta Park has challenging site conditions, most issues can be overcome to open a beautiful space Railroad Dike

•

North

Care needs to be taken when placing a trail through this area to plan for pedestrians interacting with poison ivy as well as taking into consideration soil compaction, erosion, and potential destruction of habitat within this delicate wetland ecosystem. • There are very few shrubs or vines in this zone, The contrast between the herbaceous layer and the overstory is attractive. • Paths within this area need to use materials intended to interact with water • This could potentially provide access points for canoes and kayaks • Evidence of wildlife such as beavers and Canada Increased human activity through this area could disrupt habitat and nesting areas and trails should be planned in such a way as to impact wildlife as little as possible

•

it is essential to keep the slopes planted to prevent erosion

Due to the height of much of the vegetation, “windows” should be created or targeted management should occur to address the visibility and safety issues the vegetation creates • Parts of this zone contain testing wells from the Potential enclosures and/ or continued management will be necessary if there is public access while remediation is still in process. • Evidence of wildlife such as beavers and Canada

pot

St.

Chicopee Center

ge S

an xch

South

Any trails or activity planned for this zone should consider the impact on the wildlife • Any designs and subsequent construction should be sensitive to this disturbed and highly erosive area. •

This makes this zone a prime area for heavy-use human activity as it is accessible year-round. • This zone includes the former Hampden Steam Plant on the west end, which has been found to contain asbestos within the Any vegetation or planned use for this area needs to avoid disturbing or exposing the contaminated soils. • Due to the proximity to the rivers, this zone provides great viewing Structures or gathering spaces in these areas can make it easier for visitors to see the views. • With little

•

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

• Vegetation in this zone consists primarily of invasive exotic species, especially Japanese Siting public trails in these areas would facilitate opportunities for management of these species • This zone consists primarily of steep slopes with

City of Chicopee Planning Department

a dominant overstory of silver maples with other trees such as cottonwood and pin oak

There are desirable views of the Chicopee River from on top of the dike.

• A narrow entrance under a railroad at Depot Street and a dike The City plans to improve the access and visibility of this area in the future but until then, constraints here are not seen as a barrier to opening the park to the public Future plans for the road and entrances will have to account for a multi-use path that addresses • The underpass at Exchange Street is wide enough for two lanes Human-centered functions like alternate entrance to the park should be considered from the city parcels on the south.

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

This plan seeks to highlight the park’s industrial history and connects the park to the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway, which runs through the site via a connecting the former raised railroad that brought coal out to the Hampden Steam Plant has been highlighted with a

Visitors and bikers experience Chicopee’s industrial history as they pass through Delta

structure has been re-purposed as an lookout to the

ay ew ik B ion to ect ge nn rid Co

Outlook Over Dike Open Field

Construction Completed, Open to Public Design Plans Completed/Underway Proposed/Potential Linkages

Accessible Footpaths

PROS • The most feet (6,450) of ADA accessible paths among these alternatives • 20 parking spaces near kayak/canoe launch • • Outlook on the dike for birdwatching and views of the river • 12-foot elevated rail trail follows the historic train line • Lookout platform over the former steam plant intake CONS • Elevated boardwalk and bridge are big expenses • Cars, bikes and pedestrians must share the narrow entrance

Co nn Ca ectio nal n Wa to lk

Pollinator Meadow & Picnic Area Outlook at Former Intake

Regional Biketrail and Walkway Connections

Elevated Walkway

Through the Hampden Steam Plant’s operation into the early 1960s, a raised railroad on the Accessible Footpath

alternative, along with the lookout built on the former intake for the steam plant, help to show the site’s history when aided by interpretive better understanding of the historic remnants, visitors will walk away from the site with a better appreciation for the site and the role it played in

Alternative #1

Kayak/Canoe Launch

City of Chicopee Planning Department

meadow, parking lot near the kayak and canoe launch, a

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B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Passage Through Time

Br id Co Bik ge nn ew to ec ay tio n

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Kayak/Canoe Launch

Regional Biketrail and Walkway Connections Dog Park

Accessible Footpaths

Construction Completed, Open to Public Design Plans Completed/Underway Proposed/Potential Linkages

Co nn Ca ectio nal n Wa to lk

Public Art Space Pavilion/ Performance Space

PROS • 4,850 feet of accessible trails • 15 parking spaces near kayak/canoe launch • cover the space • A continuous greenway path along the Connecticut River connects to surrounding region CONS • Proposed bikeway requires two bridges to follow the shoreline, spanning both the Chicopee River and the Dwight Canal entrance • The 500-foot bridge over the Chicopee will require engineering expertise and increased funding •

Meadow Picnic Area with Kids Play Area

Wetland Boardwalk

Hadley, MA

and wetlands surrounding the Fort trail consists of both on-ground walkways with stone dust and raised boardwalks that weave between the

Alternative #2

From bike paths and dog parks to art and concerts, this plan brings the community

City of Chicopee Planning Department

paths, including those on the two new bridges over the Chicopee River and Dwight Canal, lead to a performance space with art displays, kids’ play-spaces,

proposed boardwalk for Delta Park o et idg y Br ewa on Bik necti n Co

forest ecosystem without damaging N

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B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Come Together

In this alternative, regionally connected paths and

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

In this design, Delta Park becomes an end destination as the main Connecticut Bikeway connection crosses the This plan maximizes the ecological potential of the site by re-vegetating areas of invasive species and keeping kayak and canoe launch has been reforested to become a teaching space while a trail surrounding a meadow south

Delta Park is transformed into a wildlife refuge, welcoming visitors to explore the

Accessible Footpaths

Regional Biketrail and Walkway Connections

Reforested Woodland with Outdoor Classroom

Lookout Over Wetland Meadow

Construction Completed, Open to Public Design Plans Completed/Underway Proposed/Potential Linkages PROS • 4,250 feet of accessible paths • • Two outdoor classrooms provide space for educational programming • All trails are above the annual high-water line • Lowest budget option CONS • No regional connection to bike or walking paths, and no additional entrances • • Boaters need to port their canoes and kayaks from outside the park

Co nn Ca ectio nal n Wa to lk Pollinator Meadow

Trail with Lookouts

Shrubland Habitat

Covered Picnic Areas

Easthampton, MA

Outdoor Classroom

Massachusetts Audubon sanctuary is a large reserve set in an attractive Accessible Path

places for children to build things and interact with nature, a great blue heron rookery, and many interpretive features such as a sensory trail for blind

Alternative #3

Kayak/Canoe Launch

City of Chicopee Planning Department

A pollinator meadow at the former steam plant has picnic tables and a path leading to a raised outdoor classroom

seeks to use the park much like Mass Audubon with educational spaces that welcome people of all ages to learn N

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B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Destination Delta

the remnants of the Hampden Steam Plant through

• A 12-foot tall raised railroad walkway along the original route used to deliver coal to the plant allows visitors to walk through the •

visitors expansive views of the Connecticut River and provides a place for educational

• Visitors pass the former outlet at the head of the steam plant’s channel on a wetland boardwalk that winds for 1/3 mile through

•

RIV

• City residents who may not have outdoor

• Families with small children gather at the

• Wet and dry sedge meadows replace thick stands of Japanese knotweed in the • Wetland shrubs replace smooth buckthorn and bittersweet to increase migratory bird •

The Final Design

use paths provide space for visitors of all abilities to run, walk, or bike for exercise looped trails for short excursions, or continue through the park across the Chicopee River or Dwight Canal to reach the

TIC

IGH

City of Chicopee Planning Department

recreational and educational opportunities for people and restored habitat for wildlife bring new life to this now-

reduce mowing costs and contamination, and add color to the former steam plant site

13/26

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

E RIVER

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

An Industrial Legacy

CHICOPE

15 14 24 13 1

22 23

Phase 2: The construction of a bridge over the mouth of the Dwight Canal and an extension of the multi-use path creates a loop and second entrance to the park,

Platform

parking lot and welcome sign increase the potential usership and safety of the

35 Parking Under I-391 36 CT Riverwalk and

Bikeway Bridge

8 5

Restrooms

Maple, Red Oak, Serviceberry 28 Open Meadow 29 Trail

11 1

Walkway

32 Wetland Boardwalk 33 34 Welcome Center /

27 Native Trees: Red

29 9

Lookouts

31 Raised Railroad

32 33 7

Additional parking is created under I-391, and there is a welcome center and

Multi-Use Path Pollinator Meadow Picnic Areas Picnic Pavilion Natural Kid's Play Area Lookouts Managed Japanese Knotweed with Restored Forest Floodplain Species 8 Managed Invasives, Re-vegetated with Native Shrubs for Bird Habitat: Vibernums, Elderberry, Dogwoods, Chokeberry, and Spicebush 9 Managed Japanese Knotweed with Re-vegetated Sedge Meadow 10 Accessible Trails 11 Water Station and Bike Racks 12 Outdoor Raised Classroom 13 Canoe / Kayak Access 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

14 15 Temporary Portable Restrooms

Phase 1

Phase 3: The Danaher property outside of the dike is acquired or an agreement

16 16 Extended Multi-Use Path 17 Bridge Across the Dwight Canal 18 Additional Parking 19 Welcome Sign 20 Native Shrubs: Viburnums, Ser-

20 19

viceberry, Red Osier Dogwood

Phase 2

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

30 Mowed Path with

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Phase 1: Paths and elements are built on land currently owned by the City of

21 Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Play Area 22 Picnic Pavilion 23 Sycamore AlleĂŠ 24 Expanded Parking 25 Fenced Dog Park 26 Outlook / Fishing

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Construction Phases

Phase 3

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332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Final Plan Sections

Section B-B :

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Section A-A : The former Hampden Steam Plant Site is an open meadow with mowed paths, picnic and play areas, and a connection to a bridge across the

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Section C-C : The multi-use path follows the Connecticut River coastline, crossing the Chicopee River south of the Medina Street trail head, passing through the former Hampden Steam Plant site, and continuing along a

Section D-D :

Section E-E : Phase three creates an additional gathering space north of the main path, with a lookout

15/26

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

The Steam Plant Meadow The kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; play area includes a mixture of elements eR

o hic

Lookouts

r ive

traditional play structure, a dry stream bed weaves through the playground that kids can play in and system of tunnels made with willow branches (2) and

Re-vegetated Floodplain

Lookout

Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Play Area

Pollinator Meadow

Sedge Meadow

Shrubland

Lookout platforms on the former steam plant intake and along the multi-use path

The former steam plant footprint and surrounding areas

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Picnic Areas

3 2

Design Details

and trails provide views into a sunny wetland shrub area

16/26

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

north of the plant is converted into a shrubland on the steepest slopes and a sedge meadow that visitors can

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

The Steam Plant Meadow 2

Visitors to the park stop for their water bottles or give their dogs some water at

Outdoor Classroom

Covered Pavilion

ive

e op hic

benches nearby give people a place to rest while bike racks give visitors a place to store their bikes as they go explore the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trail

Water Station & Bike Racks

Bridge Across the Chicopee River

Visitors of all abilities can bike, walk,

Educational groups and recreational birders and nature-lovers can

from the 20-feet wide asphalt road at the Depot Street entrance to the rest on benches along the side of the path, sited to maximize views into the

City of Chicopee Planning Department

are also available in this

A 250-foot pedestrian bridge connects Delta Park to the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway trail head at Medina Street, allowing pedestrians and

Design Details

further planning, the boardwalks and classrooms should be designed to have minimal impact on the forest, including incorporating mature trees

17/26

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

nearby schools, and Massachusetts Audubon may use this park to

Exchange Street Entrance

connects the steam plant meadow to the Exchange Street ground, the multi-use boardwalk remains above the annual highwater line and is accessible yearfor the ferns and wood nettle to grow underneath, maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem and allowing wildlife to pass

Additional Parking

An additional entrance at Exchange Street creates a loop that connects to the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway to the south, improving the recreational This entrance requires the construction of a bridge across the Dwight Canal to take advantage of the additional space for parking and wider entrance under the railroad that accommodates along Exchange Street, where there are orientation and interpretation signs

create a second entrance to the park, creating a potential loop for increased recreational use of the

18/26

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Bridge Across Dwight Canal

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Design Details

ive

e op hic

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Exchange Street Entrance

Raised Railroad Walkway

ive

e op hic

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Depot Street Entrance N

Canoe/Kayak

Canoe/Kayak Access Point

Parking

Dog Park Canoe/Kayak Access Path

To the Depot Street Entrance

Canoe/Kayak Access Path

Following the path originally taken by the railroad constructed to bring coal to the

The addition of terraced shade-tolerant plants, signs, and additional lighting at the narrow underpass at Depot Street creates a safer and more inviting entrance while the long-term process

point from the parking varies according down the trail serves as a put-in spot; when the water is low the path continues an additional 150 feet to the shore of the

19/26

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Boaters can launch canoes and kayaks at the end universally accessible trail to

Design Details

trail is also a great place to observe wildlife,

After remediation at the Danaher property is complete, the building inside the park will be available for a welcome center, with information about the park

City residents with pets who may have no outdoor space

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Parking & Restrooms

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Invasive Plant Management

Chicopee River Fj

1 Fj

removing invasive species can create additional space for native plants that provide wildlife habitat, the

Former Hampden Steam Plant

Fj Fj

Connecticut River

An ecological approach to determining what actions should be taken at Delta Park begins with examining each species to assess the impact it

Riverfront Resource Areas will require permitting, additional planning, and

recommendation of this team is to work in consultation with licensed

local ecologists and invasive specialists to determine that, among the Japanese knotweed and oriental bittersweet pose the highest threats to the native plant communities at Delta Park and should be prioritized for

for smaller areas of invasives, and can be an opportunity to involve citizens and evaluating of invasive species management techniques could be an

Fallopia japonica

New York City, NY

Celastrus orbiculatus

Japanese knotweed is an upright, herbaceous perennial The high amount of impervious surface surrounding the river contribute to high-volume Invasives including Japanese knotweed establish in large areas along the banks, choking

• Grub banks, install landscape fabric, and professionally manage herbicide applications to prevent the re-establishment of invasives; • Reforest with native species and monitor their establishment over time; • Design a GIS mapping tool for evaluating what zones of the watershed to prioritize; • and removing the roots for Japanese The high level of collaboration in the Bronx River Watershed has contributed to an overall reduction in the use of of mechanical management through dedicated volunteer groups and

Threat: This species degrades the structure and function of

It winds around shrubs, trees, or fences and can reach up to

the riparian zone by forming dense monocultures that reduce

Threat: Bittersweet dominates native plant communities

storm events, banks with a Japanese knotweed monoculture

berries are eaten by birds, who then spread the seeds in their

Mechanical management:

Soil, runners, and the entire plant can be laboriously removed from

Bittersweet can managed by cutting the vines in the spring and removing them

parts must be removed for this treatment Repetitive cutting when repeated every ten days for several growing

Vines should be cut as close to the root collar

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

of intensive control is often necessary to bring the population down to a

declared the most commonly applied herbicide, glyphosate, a probable

City of Chicopee Planning Department

often become established by debris washed downstream and left on the

20/26

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Planting Palette

The following native plants are selected for their wetland tolerance, ability to stabilize steep

9 7

8 10

7 1 2 2 5

for each area to create planting plans that include quantities, appropriate spacing, and

Bottlebrush Grass

Elymus hystrix

Riverbank Wildrye

Elymus riparius

Common Name

Botanical Name

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium

Tussock Sedge

Carex stricta

Pennsylvania Sedge

Carex pensylvanica

Rice Cut Grass

Leersia Oryzoides

Fringed Sedge

Carex crinita

Bluejoint Grass

Calamagrostis canadensis

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

and New England Wetland Plants can tailor mixes for the

8. Low-Mow Mix

5. Pollinator Meadow from steep slopes, bioengineering techniques with live stakes or

New England Wetland Plants sells a mix of native grasses The mix should be applied over clean soil in the early spring or late fall for best germination, and mowed once a year in

Common Name

Botanical Name

Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia

Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

Common Blackberry

Rubus allegheniensis

Smooth Arrowwood

Viburnum dentatum

Nannyberry

Viburnum lentago

Silky Dogwood

Swida amomum

Red Osier Dogwood

Swida sericea

Spicebush

Lindera benzoin

Common Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Bebb's Willow

Salix bebbiana

Black Willow

Salix nigra

3. Regenerated Floodplain Forest be taken to protect native seedlings including silver maple and cot-

Name

Source

New England

New England Wetland Plants

Mix

6. Meadow Mowing on the dike and lawn should be reduced to once seed mix can be spread over the current vegetation in early

Native, shade-tolerant groundcovers and low herbaceous plants should be established along paths in the forest edges These attractive plants require little maintenance and their

Giant Solomon's Seal Canade Anemone

Source

Low-Mow Seed Mix

Prairie Nurseries

9. Rain Garden garden before draining into the wetlands

Common Name

Botanical Name

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnatum

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta Echinacea purpurea

7. Path Edges

Common Name

Name

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Botanical Name

City of Chicopee Planning Department

4. Wet Meadow This area requires Japanese knotweed management followed by the establishment of wet-tolerant ferns, sedges,

Common Name

2. Wetland Shrub Habitat These areas require invasive management, establishment of na-

7 8

1. Dry Meadow This area requires Japanese knotweed management followed by

an attractive, low cover that will maintain the views across the

Botanical Name

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

New York Ironweed

Vernonia noveboracensis

10. Park Trees Common Name

Botanical Name

commutatum

Pin Oak

Quercus palustris

Anemone canadensis

Red Maple

Acer rubrum Acer saccharum

Common Name

Botanical Name

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Sugar Maple

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia struthiopteris

False Solomon's Seal

Maianthemum racemosum

Serviceberry

Amelanchier spp.

Wood Nettle

Laportea canadensis

Northern Blue Flag Iris

Iris versicolor

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis

21/26

Mature Cuttings

Installed Brush Layers

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Planting Details & Land Management

Installed Brush Mattress

Live stakes are dormant, woody cuttings of a species with the branches

Brush layers are bundles of living branches placed in terraces along a

Brush mattresses are living branches laid in a criss-cross pattern across

or as stakes to hold down geotextile fabric or other erosion control

eroded banks or areas where the soil has been removed as part of

protects the soil and the established cover creates a sediment trap, re-

• Plant a low-mow mix of grasses and clover to areas with high foot

sensitive wetlands and pollute the rivers, and the labor and fuel costs of chemical applications and frequent mowing increase the following: • are examples of native plants that will increase the availability of

• • compacted dirt or constructed boardwalks to avoid introducing surface materials that may not be appropriate in areas that are

with the basal end down-slope and secure them with stakes and

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Installation Notes: Branches should be placed with 2/3 of the branches

City of Chicopee Planning Department

-4

should be consulted to determine where exceptions to ADA guidelines may be necessary due to the fragility of the wetlands

22/26

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Habitat Restoration

Due to its location on the Connecticut River and its uncommon ecosystem, Delta Park serves as a prime location for wildlife

Delta Park is a natural area that lies within the Connecticut River watershed, it could provide nesting and forage habitat for many throated and warbling vireos are known to nest in the canopies of riverside trees and birds such as the wood ducks and hooded -

With the potential for having many endangered species on site, any construction done at Delta Park, a few suggestions to make Delta Park safe during this transition: • • Prior to mowing any of the grassland areas or maintenance of the shrublands, a visual sweep of the

City of Chicopee Planning Department

zone for over 200 birds, many of which are priority and globally

• All activity near vernal pools needs to be severely limited during their existence to allow for natural • Signs should be posted in the pollinator meadow during the breeding season to protect any

Branta canadensis

Canada Goose

Poecile atricapillus

Black-capped Chickadee

Turdus migratorius

American Robin

Buteo jamaicensis

Red-tailed Hawk

Picoides pubescens

Downy Woodpecker

Cyanocitta cristata

Blue Jay

Agelaius phoeniceus

Red-winged Blackbird

Setophaga coronata

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Melanerpes carolinus

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Heron

Strophitus undulatus

Creeper

Castor

Beaver

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

•

Adding pollinator meadows to open areas on the site will improve the health of the wetland ecosystem by diversifying vegetation and by attracting pollinators that help to fertilize other the sizes of the open areas at Delta Park are meadows will help to generate insects that the birds feed on, helping to create a more

23/26

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Materials & Precedents Material Options Footing Options

Galvanized metal grating is a durable material, can be slip resistant, and lets the most light through to the

brackets at the top bolt into the cross-braces of the

Pros: • Installing helical anchors does not require any soil excavation, which is appropriate at Delta Park to protect the fragility of the wetland soils and to prevent the resurfacing of any buried • Galvanized or stainless steel pipes will not leach • Can be used in limited access sites, areas with • Cons: • Requires a hydraulically driven torque motor to •

Diamond piers are pre-fabricated concrete blocks

According to the National Park Service, natural sites such as beaches and gently sloping banks can provide durable, low-impact launches without

through them at various angles secure them, and the Pros: • Diamond piers require only hand-held power tools for installation and are appropriate for unskilled • Cons: • Diamond piers require some excavation of the where there could be buried contaminants in the • The wooden legs of the boardwalk are in standing water, and may not be as durable as galvanized or

kayak launch are: • • • their boat • • In a sheltered location without strong currents, fragile riparian habitat, or erosion-prone banks Floating launches are not recommended in areas where there is dramatic

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Helical anchors are large screws that are augured into

City of Chicopee Planning Department

boardwalks that do not require excavating to install and minimally impact wetland vegetation; helical anchors

reason, a dual design is proposed with a launching landing at the highwater line and an extended path to access the shore when the water

24/26

Phase 1 Cost Item

Dimensions

Quantity Phase 1

Quantity Phase 2

Quantity Phase 3

Low

High

Low Estimate

Phase 2

Phase 3

High Estimate

Low Estimate

High Estimate

Low Estimate

$982,667.50

$35,380.00

$54,500.00

$737,710.00

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

Cost Estimation Complete Project High Estimate

Low Subtotal

High Subtotal

$1,200,700.00

$1,363,967.50

$2,237,867.50

Demolition Clearing & Grubbing

acre

Asphalt & Material Removal

square feet

54,000

Grading

square feet

Topsoil Type A

cubic yard

Trails: Crushed Stone

square feet

17250

Gravel Parking Lot

square foot

2500

1540

Lookout, wood construction

square feet

900

450

Lookout concrete (remodeled intake)

square fet

1200

Fencing, metal

linear feet

Fencing, split-rail

linear feet

Boardwalk: High

square feet

Boardwalk: Low

square feet square feet

6,750 high quality

City of Chicopee Planning Department

Site Improvements 4000

2800 1100

13900

840 580

910

12’h

6000 800

20’w

8250

38700

Landscaping Trees (3-4” caliper)

each

Shrubs and groundcovers (average 4’

square foot

4’ centers

77,100

2800

centers) Meadow Seeding

acre

Sedge Seeding

acre

Lo-mow Lawn Seeding (Dog Park and Open

acre

Invasive Management Year 1

acre

Invasive Management Year 2

acre

Invasive Management Year 3

acre

Bench: Granite and Wood

each

Trash Receptacle

each

Kids Play Structure

each

Kid’s Natural Play Structure

lump sum

Sign (small, entrance)

each

Sign (large, interpretive)

each

Drinking Fountain

each

Bike Rack

each

Pavilion

each

Picnic Table

each

Vault Toilets

each

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

Field)

Amenities 10 1

3 1

$590,877.50

Additional Costs Not Included:

25/26

Contacts

Image Sources

332 S. Deerfield Road | PO Box 179 | Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4044 www.csld.edu

References

These organizations and individuals generously shared their expertise with the authors of this report, and are willing to continue to be

Christmas Bird Count

Chicopee River Watershed Council, Keith Davies

BioMap2

Friends of the Columbia Greenway,

Sheet 3 Connecticut River Walk & Bikeway

Sheet 4 CT River Watershed Shortnose Strugeon. Arisaema draconitium, Green-dragon Bald Eagle Alaska. Dwarf Wedgemussel

Sheet 12 Management Plan”. 2012. New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

Hampshire Bird Club

“Creating Safe Park Environments to Enhance Community Wellness”. National Recreation and Park

Mass Audubon,

“Ernst Seeds Interactive PDF Catalog 2015”.

Joshua Rose, Board Member

“Logical Lasting Launches: Design Guidance for Canoe and Kayak Launches”. Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance

Sheet 16 Wicken-Fen-Hide Living “Tunnel”

Jonah Keane, Connecticur River Valley Sanctuaries Director Japanese Garden (Dry Streambed)

Lucy Gertz, Accessible Trails

Sheet 19 Kayak Group on Beach South of Brantwood

New York City Department of Parks and Recreation,

Nashville’s Dog Park

Massachusetts: A County Checklist”. Species Program, MA Division of

Arcadia Camp.

Marit Larsen, Director of Wetlands and Riparian Restoration Danielle Bisset, Conservation Corps Fellow

Sheet 20 About Us

Sheet 23 Spotted Turtle - Clemmys Guttata Vesper Sparrow Winllan Wildlife Garden - Hay Meadow With Wild Flowers.

Chris Curtis, Chief Planner / Section Manager

Bluebirds and a Nesting Box

Polatin Ecological Services,

Chris Polatin, Habitat Restoration Specialist

Trust for Public Land,

Sheet 24 Paul F. Wildermann Boardwalk Visitor boardwalk, Ashcott Tomaree Head Walkways Canoe Launch.

B ETH B ATCHELDER & R ACHEL L INDSAY

“Chicopee: Conserving the Biodiversity

Allen Bird Club,

City of Chicopee Planning Department

“Natural Community Fact Sheet: Floodplain Forests”. National Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Commonwealth of Massachusetts

26/A-26