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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969-03-TBC-rpt.pdf r9 REPORT OF THE 1 TOWN-WIDE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS MARCH 1969 "I look forward to an America which will not be afraid of grace and beauty, which will protect the beauty of our national environment, which will preserve the great old American houses and squares and parks of our national past, and which will build handsome and balanced cities for our future " John Fitzgerald Kennedy Ti To the 1969 Town Meeting We have the honor to submit herewith the report of the Lexington Town-Wide Beautification Committee This report includes a com- _ prehensive set of recommendations for maintaining and improving the quality of our environment. These recommendations are based on the following ten point program. 1 Coordination among the various Boards, Committees, and Commissions involved in planned improvements relating to Town-owned land 2 A continued program of upkeep and maintenance of Town- owned property 3 A master plan for tree planting, including a log of exist- ing Town-owned trees with a schedule of replacement 4 Careful selection of fencing and equipment for playgrounds and parks for their esthetic quality S A review of current and proposed signs used by the Town for marking streets, parks, directions to historic areas, etc 6 Placement of utility wires underground wherever and when- ever possible 7 Promotion of neighborhood participation in the maintenance and improvement of parks and playgrounds 8 Completion of the Center Beautification Project from the Town Office Building to the Battle Green 9 An accelerated program of acquisition of open space for recreational and conservation purposes 10 Immediate acquisition of connecting links and design of an inter-connected open space and trail system The implementation of this program will require the concern and cooperation of both our town officials and citizens if we are to maintain those characteristics of Lexington that make the Town one of the most desirable places in the Metropolitan area to live and to work Lexington Town-Wide Beautification Committee Herbert W Eisenberg, Chairman George Emery Lilah Groisser Paul E Mazerall Ruth Morey Natalie Riffin t_{ b1 '1 1 CONTENTS Page Letter of Transmittal 1 Introduction 1 The Program 3 Implementation 9 Financing the Program 12 Area Surveys Historic Districts 14 Traffic Island Planting 15 jj Public Streets and Sidewalks 16 Commercial Areas 17 Schools 20 I Parks and Playgrounds 24 Appendix - Expenditures 1964-1968 27 Ll II L "-1 1 1 1 INTRODUCTION The Town-Wide Beautification Committee was established under Article 75 of the March 1967 Annual Town Meeting to "study and prepare a program for the improvement and beautification of streets , malls , parks , playgrounds and 1 other public places , land and buildings owned by the Town _ _J and places of historic interest in the Town and to report its findings and recommendations including methods of financing such program, to a future Town Meeting, not later than the 1968 Annual Town Meeting " The Committee submitted an interim report to the 1968 Town Meeting requesting an extension to the 1969 Annual Town Meeting As noted in the Interim Report, the Committee found that a need existed for a town-wide beautification program carried out with local funds and citizen parti- 1 cipation IJ Fundamentally, the Town is the property of all the citizens who live there, and a beautification program for the Town is little different than that for one 's own home Such a program has two basic functions first, the maintenance and upkeep of the property including such 1 mundane chores as mowing lawns , raking leaves , pruning trees and bushes and keeping exteriors of buildings , fences and outside furniture or equipment in good repair; second, improvements to the property which may be as small as planting a new garden or some new bushes or size- able improvements involving major landscaping elements Again, as noted in the Interim report, the Committee spent its first efforts in the investigation of Federal funds to implement a beautification program This 1 investigation revealed that Federal funds were both scarce and primarily intended for communities with prob- lems of urban blight, so that Lexington would probably have very low priority among communities competing for allocation of limited Federal funds Next the Committee investigated the current programs of the Town that could be defined as beautification and the amounts that the Town has been spending in this area in the past ll Cl C) 2 Included in this category were programs which have been proposed and authorized by Town Meeting for which only estimated costs are available , such as the swimming area at the Marrett Road Reservoir During the past year the Committee has conducted a survey of the areas and neighborhoods of the Town to determine the need for beautification and to assign a priority for the allocation of funds to meet these needs The areas included school lands , parks and playgrounds , historic districts, business and commercial areas , and public streets , walks , etc The committee also met with a repre- sentative of the Design Advisory Group, representatives of the Bowman Park Association in connection with improve- ments to Bowman Park, and held discussion with represen- tatives of the Capital Expenditures Committee and the Conservation Commission Lexington is considered by most to be a "nice" town When pressed to define what is "nice" about Lexington, people usually answer that it is well-kept, the houses are maintained, and the public spaces are pleasant to look at and visit Some will comment about the amount of open space which is, indeed, a unique feature of a town close to the center of a large city Suprisingly , open space is still visible from the street as one passes through town; and it is this juxtaposition of open space and developed areas which creates a feeling of spacious- ness and naturalness In effect, this is a report on the quality of our en- vironment and what can be done to maintain and enhance it It is this broader definition of beautification , the quality of our environment, rather than its obvious cosmetic connotation, that should concern us , both as citizens and as human beings concern for the elimina- tion of ugliness, the creation of attractive areas for living and working, and the introduction of quality and beauty into the life of our community ci it '-t ) 3 -1 THE PROGRAM 1 "As we consider the appearance of the town and the environment which we are proud to call Lexington, we are reminded again of the pres- sures occasioned by the expanding metropolis of which we are in reality a part How can we continue to enjoy the benefits and attributes of a town with its open spaces , its outdoor recreational opportunities , and the kind of environment which many of us have been able to enjoy in former years? The work of the plan- ) ning board, recreation committee, and con- servation commission is directly related to these considerations which add up to the 1 quality of a community " 1967 Annual Report of the Board of Selectmen 1 The Beautification Committee recommends the following basic proposals to maintain and improve the quality of our environ- ment 1 Coordination among the various Boards , Committees , and Commissions involved in planned improvements relating to Town-owned land 2 A continued program of upkeep and maintenance of Town-owned property 3 A master plan for tree planting, including a log of existing Town-owned trees with a schedule of replacement 4 Careful selection of fencing and equipment for playgrounds and parks for their esthetic quality 5 A review of current and proposed signs used by the Town for marking streets , parks , directions to historic areas , etc 1 j 1 J 4 6 Placement of utility wires underground wherever and whenever possible l 7 Promotion of neighborhood participation in the maintenance and improvement of parks and play- grounds 8 Completion of the Center Beautification Project from the Town Office Building to the Battle Green 9 An accelerated program of acquisition of open space for recreational and conservation purposes 10 Immediate acquisition of connecting links and design of an inter-connected open space and trail system These recommendations are predicated on a concern with our environment requiring constant attention over a period of several decades At the present rate of development , our program will soon be concerned with renewal rather than development The quality of our actions today will set a standard for the future and provide the "kind of environment which many of us have been able to enjoy in former years " Coordination - The need for coordinating an extended improvement program is self-evident and needs little justification Indeed, the greatest need will be to assign priorities for the tasks to be done with the funds available All of the various town boards, committees and commissions must plan their programs in the long- range context of town development In addition, the development of regional plans and the impetus for metro- politan planning will require our planning to be well documented and implemented if we are to be an effective -J force in the larger context Maintenance - The importance of a good maintenance program cannot be overstated We have been fortunate in having an excellent and dedicated force keeping Lexington in good order This is a task that requires constant attention, and the work of the maintenance force must increase with the increase in town-owned land and property 1 5 Tree Planting - Dutch elm disease, road salt, road con- struction and drought have all taken their toll of our tree-lined streets , in some cases leaving them nearly bare It appears that the great elms are all doomed unless a cure for the disease is found very soon We must anticipate the replacement of these trees , as well as replant areas already devastated To be most effective, young trees should be planted well before mature trees start to require extensive maintenance A master tree plan would give an accurate picture of the condition and location of existing town-owned trees , as well as a plan directing our tree planting program for maximum effec- tiveness Areas of the town might be designated for a specific kind of tree, and residents urged to plant the same kind, so that neighborhoods would gain distinction by the trees growing there, as the sycamores along Memorial Drive in Cambridge j Fencing and Equipment - Most municipal governments , including Lexington, are inclined to use chain link fencing Although it is exceptional in retaining balls and people, it is one of the least attractive fences obtainable on the market today, and is difficult to keep clean of windblown trash Surely post and rail or spaced cedar fences are more appropriate and will accomplish the same deterrent purpose with immeasurably improved appearance Playground equipment and park benches should also be selected with great care In recent years there has been some advance in the design of park and playground LJ equipment, (using wood, concrete and aluminum or stainless steel) that are esthetically satisfactory, durable, fun for children in playgrounds , and comfortable for adults in parks A concerted effort by the purchasing department to obtain new and well-designed equipment and furnishings is highly recommended 6 Utility Wires - Unfortunately, the electric power and telephone communication essential to our homes and businesses have led to an unsightly accretion of over- head wires Although it is easy to recommend that they be buried, the cost not only to the community, but to the individual who will have to pay for underground service to his home, is often prohibitive Street lights are also of generally poor design and should be replaced with more attractive fixtures (not of the mecury vapor ) type which gives everything a blue cast) In new sub- divisions, the subdividers are required to place the wiring underground; and in the commercial areas , a pro- gram of pole line replacement should be undertaken In the residential areas , poles with multitudinous cross- arms should be replaced with the new spacer cable which does away with cross-arms and allows poles to be spaced twice as far apart New poles with spacer cable can be of stainless steel or aluminum and much thinner than the usual wood pole Well designed incandescent light fixtures , which have a warm yellow glow, and the new spacer cable and poles would be a great improvement to our streets without the cost problems of buried wires Neighborhood Participation - Small town parks (Country- , ) side, Robbins, Bowman at Pleasant Street, Hastings, Vine Brook, etc ) can be improved by landscaping and planting with the help of neighborhood groups During the past year, representatives of the Bowman Park Association met with the Beautification Committee and presented a pro- posal for cleaning and planting the park, which had become a local dumping ground for leaves and debris The plan includes a nature trail, weeding, and the planting of new trees and bushes The plan was subsequently pre- sented to the Board of Selectmen and permission was granted to the Bowman Park Association to work in the park under ) the direction of our Superintendent of Trees With the volunteer help of the neighborhood and the aid of the Park Division considerable progress has been made toward the realization of the plan which will make Bowman Park one of the most attractive small parks in Lexington Similar efforts can be encouraged by the Board of Selectmen and the Town Meeting Members Association 7 Center Beautification Project - The first phase of the center beautification is now complete and the results are evident Though there may be disagreement over the type of trees , the lightposts , or the width of the street, there can be no disagreement over the improved appearance of the center in the area now finished It is recommended that the entire project as presented, from the Town Office Buildings to the Battle Green, after a careful and critical review and evaluation of the "first step" , be completed in phases consistent with available funds (The project should include such details as moving the manhole from the middle of Massachusetts Avenue at Waltham Street to a sidewalk location ) As construction costs continue to rise, a long delay in this program will add unnecessarily to the cost The project itself will stand as an example of achievement for the Town of Lexington, a significant change in the quality of environment created by the community itself Open Space - The acquisition of open space is of the very highest priority, for it is a commodity that cannot be obtained or replaced once the land is developed It is the open space that gives Lexington its unique character and the loss of this aspect of our town would be disastrous Increasing pressure for housing will enhance the desira- bility of this land for house lots Our problem today is not where to build, but where not to build Open space will provide much in addition to the view from the road protection of wetlands , natural buffer zones between varying land uses and neighborhoods , a diversity of recreational opportunities , and natural areas within the reach of everyone The Long Range Comprehensive Town and Financial Plan, the Capital Appropriations Committee, and the Conservation Commission have all recommended an accelerated program for acquisition of open space _) I U P, Interconnected Open Space System - Trail systems through- out the town should be provided to connect the open "l spaces and conservation areas, to increase their accessi- bility for nature study, and other use Trail systems , for the most part, should follow brooks and stream beds , but in some natural areas should skirt the site to assure a natural environment Segments of the trail should include wooden walks , so that hikers and birdwatchers can walk through wetlands without damaging the environment A well-defined system of town trails will generate a degree of use well beyond the level of investment required The trails can also incorporate various means of travel including foot, horseback, and bicycle, as well as skis in the winter Plans for the development of such trails and the acquisition of the connecting links required are considered a high priority in the beautification program 9 l IMPLEMENTATION "I am committed to the notion that attractive external surroundings can mean a great deal , and to the corollary that something ought to be done about it; just how and just what, being, of course, the question Next in order of consideration is the question Who knows what is beautiful? Perhaps it boils down to - the easier question Who will decide what is beautiful? That, after all, is merely a matter of political arrangement " From a speech to architects by William F Buckley, Jr The question of who shall carry out the beautification program is , indeed, a matter of political arrangement This section of the report deals with the boards , committees , and commissions involved as they are currently constituted, without considering changes in responsibility for portions of the program that would occur under the Town Manager form of government Board of Selectmen - Overall coordination and the setting of priorities is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen Their commitment to beauty and quality in decisions affecting the appearance of the town will do more for our environment than all the reports that will ever be written It is to the Board of Selectmen that we look for leadership in carrying out the recommenda- tions contained in this report Park Division - The Park Division maintains all parks , playgrounds , recreation areas , conservation areas , and street plantings As the town has acquired more of these areas the scope of the division's responsibility has increased accordingly The appearance of the town is in 10 the hands of this division Funds should be allocated to enable it to carry out the tasks it must perform, and the question of the Park Division's becoming a separate department or continuing as part of the Depart- ment of Public Works should be studied The town should engage a landscape architect on a retainer basis to assist the Park Superintendent and various boards and committees The Park Division personnel are doing a commendable job, and we recommend continued and increased support of their efforts Planning Board - The published statements and reports of the Planning Board indicate their concern for our environ- - ment In the 1967 Annual Report the Board stressed the importance of the preservation of open space as one of the unique characteristics of Lexington It was instrumental in the formation of The Design Advisory Group and has recently established a Design Advisory Committee to aid in reviewing proposed subdivisions and planned unit development schemes The Planning Board proposed an ammendment to the by-laws that would require an advisory design review of town projects, utilizing the services of the Design Advisory Committee The Beautification Committee believes that the advice of the Design Advisory Committee, which is composed of architects, planners , and landscape architects , will provide an objective profes- sional view of proposed town improvements Conservation Commission - The commitment of the Conserva- tion Commission to the acquisition of open space is well known, and they have indicated that their future concern will continue to emphasize acquisition and the interim management of areas already acquired Recreation Committee - The by-laws state that the Recrea- tion Committee shall "carry on continuous study and planning in reference to the development, improvement, maintenance and equipment of playgrounds and recreation centers in the town and shall make recommendations thereon from time to time to the Board of Selectmen " It is the primary responsibility of the Committee to operate the recreation programs It is desirable that 1 11 the Recreation Committee carry on its study and planning within the context of the overall development concept of open space and recreation generally recommended by this report A further responsibility of the Committee is the purchasing of playground equipment, which should be chosen for esthetic quality as well as for durability 1 1 J J r 1 12 FINANCING THE PROGRAM The beautification program presented in this report con- sists of three parts maintenance, improvements , and open space acquisition With the exception of open space acquisition for which federal and state reimbursement funds are available, the program must be financed from the tax rate Recommendations for financing the maintenance program are the responsibility of the Appropriation Committee; recommendations for financing improvements and land acquisition are the responsibility of the Capital Expenditures Committee The Beautification Committee presents this report in the hope that it will aid those two important town committees in assigning priorities and in financing beautification projects The article which established the Beautification Committee included a charge to recommend methods of financing a beautification program The Committee discussed Federal Title VII Grants for Urban Beautification and Improvement with a representative of the U S Department of Housing and Urban Development and found that federal funds are directed toward areas of urban blight Lexington would } scarcely be eligible for these very limited federal funds Maintenance - The town has been spending approximately $100 ,000 per year to maintain its parks , recreation areas, and trees and these costs for 1964-1968 are attached to this report These funds must come from the tax rate Improvements - In addition to several major projects such as the Visitors Building at Buckman Tavern and the Center Beautification, capital expenditures for beautification have been made every year Funds for these expenditures must be raised from the tax rate J r 13 Open Space - This report, like the 1968 Capital Expen- ditures Committee report, emphasizes the importance of immediate acquisition of open space, for such space is rapidly disappearing while land prices are skyrocketing Large sums of money must be raised quickly, and the funding should be through bonds rather than the tax rate 1 Land acquired now will benefit future generations of Lexingtonians and it is not unreasonable that they help bear the cost Furthermore , future inflation will ,1 probably benefit borrowers Since federal and state funds are available to reimburse towns for the acquisition of lands in natural drainage areas , special attention should be paid to acquiring this type of land, as well as 1 to general conservation of open areas The Beautification _ 2 Committee urges all relevant boards , committees and commissions to give land acquisition the highest priority in the next few years l yI J _J i� i 1i 1 14 1 AREA SURVEYS HISTORIC DISTRICTS The Historic Districts include the properties on both sides of Massachusetts Avenue from Hastings Park to the East Lexington Railroad Station, both sides of Bedford Street from Worthen Road to Massachusetts Avenue, and both sides of Hancock Street from Bedford Street to Brigham Road The Districts were created by an act of the Legislature accepted by the Town in 1956 and were enlarged to their present size in 1966 The Act estab- lished the Historic Districts Commission and provided it with the authority to approve or disapprove external architectural features of new buildings and structures 1 or changes in existing buildings and structures for the purpose of maintaining and developing appropriate settings for the Town' s most historic buildings and 1 places The responsibilities and authority of the Historic Dis- tricts Commission are limited to the following items 1 1 The Commission has jurisdiction to act only within the areas designated by statute as historic dis- tricts 2 The Commission 's primary function is architectural, sign, and demolition control 3 The Commission' s control over landscape features is limited to those items which the Commission deems necessary in connection with approval of architec- tural features of a building or structure , including fences 4 The Commission has no control over development of land, streets , and park areas , except to the extent the developments involve buildings , structures, fences , and signs The work of the Historic Districts Commission is directly related to the beautification of Lexington, and serves a very important role in the continuing effort of our Town officials and citizens to create an environment in keeping with our heritage 15 7 TRAFFIC ISLAND PLANTING The Lexington Field and Garden Club has over the years landscaped with funds from the Frederick Emery Bequest the following traffic islands Pleasant Street and Massachusetts Avenue Revere Street and Hancock Street Hancock Street and Burlington Street Maple Street and Lowell (at Winchester Drive) Hancock Street and Adams Street Other Islands that have been suggested to them for future consideration are Lincoln Street at Marrett Road, Liberty Avenue and Ledgelawn Avenue, as well as the plantings around Buckman Tavern �) J �1 v 16 PUBLIC STREETS AND SIDEWALKS In general, the streets and sidewalks in accepted public ways are in good condition In areas where there is a grass strip between the sidewalk and the street there should be a regular program of maintenance New side- walks should be carefully planned to preserve trees and such existing landscape features as stone walls and planted areas Grass strips less than three feet in width should be avoided E j ,1 17 COMMERCIAL AREAS The Center - Reference has been made in the body of the report to the work in the Center The improvement is manifest and should serve as a standard for other beauti- fication projects in the town Town Line, Arlington on Massachusetts Avenue - Paving, curbs and sidewalks in good condition Trees scarce and large elms are dying Mercury vapor street lights and many over- head wires Sidewalk lawn strips generally unkept Drive- way entrances well defined Recommendations: Provide underground wiring or replace cross-arms with spacer cable Initiate tree planting program and urge property owners to participate Eliminate sidewalk grass strips and replace with brick laid in sand or with crushed stone Massachusetts Avenue, from Arlington Line to East Lexington Railroad Station - Residential areas are scattered between the commercial areas In general the same comments as above apply Recommendations Same as above Massachusetts Avenue at Independence Avenue - Small neigh- borhood shopping area Paving, curbs and sidewalks in good condition Surrounding residential area well-kept Many overhead wires Recommendations Installation of sidewalk planters and benches would enhance the neighborhood Countryside - Woburn and Lowell Streets - Major neighbor- hood shopping center, extremely busy Three corners occupied by stores and gas stations, one corner by a town-owned lot Area bare of trees, except for one dying elm, and lacking sidewalks and curbs Recommendations Major beautification program with professional advice required Plan could be carried out in phases to include burying of wires , definition of pedestrian spaces , curbs and sidewalks , tree planting and screening of parking areas With the widening of Lowell Street in the planning stage, this program is of high priority n 18 Bedford Street at Worthen Road - Major commercial area, partly in historic district Very few trees , curbs and driveways well developed Lacks clear sidewalk and pedestrian spaces Planted area between parking lots and Worthen Road not kept up One store has exposed trash area Recommendations Provide sidewalks and screen planting Institute a regular maintenance program for grassed areas -1 belonging to town Create walking and waiting spaces for pedestrians Bedford Street at Reed Street - Small neighborhood center Tree planting adequate Curbs and driveways well defined; sidewalk lacking Office development will increase pedestrian traffic Overhead wiring detracts from area Recommendations Provide sidewalk and pedestrian space, underground wiring Planters and benches in wider area would enhance appearance of this center Bedford Street at Railroad Crossing - Area of mainly service and office occupancy Stores facing on Bedford Street offer a fine and attractive example of screen planting The rest of the area is devoid of planting and trees Sidewalks and driveways are not defined Recommendations Provide curbing and define driveway entrance Some tree planting would be advisable The interior space would be enhanced by island planting to break up the large parking area and to screen the car and bus storage area Bedford Street from Route 128 to the Cemetery - One side of this part of Bedford Street is zoned "Hotel, Office, and Research Park and is currently a dumping place for solid fill There is also a Veterinarian Hospital and a garden shop on the same side The opposite side is zoned residential but errection of an Armory and Tennis Club have been permitted with attendant large parking lots The corner of Hartwell Avenue and Bedford Street, abutting the cemetery is a small privately owned area which shows the effects of gravel removal The new buildings that have been erected lack screen planting of buildings and parking lots Recommendations When the traffic study of this area is completed and recommendations accepted by the Town Meeting, there is little doubt the area will be developed and roadways relocated Careful planting wherever it is with- in the province of the town should be made and whatever portion of land abutting the cemetery remains undeveloped should be acquired by the town and landscaped J El 19 Marrett Road at Lincoln Street - Primarily a commercial area Traffic island is well kept Sidewalks are not defined although curbing has been installed and driveway entrances are controlled Part of the area needs trees , and the overhead wiring is particularly noticeable Recommendations Define sidewalks and encourage tree planting Long range plan should include underground wiring, and development of planting and sitting area in the traffic island would be an asset to this area Marrett Road at Spring Street - There has been considerable recent development of this commercial area with little thought given to the landscaping of the new buildings Curbing has been provided, but there is no definition of the sidewalk area Tree and screen planting generally lack- ing Recommendations Screen planting of parking lots adjacent to street Define pedestrian areas and put wiring under- ground Marrett Road and Waltham Street - Medium size commercial area with heavy traffic Three corners occupied by gas stations ; newer shopping area set back from road with good screen planting and tree cover Area needs side- walk definition and waiting space for bus riders Small traffic island attractively planted and well kept Recommendations After Countryside, this area would benefit most from a long-range beautification program prepared with professional advice Control of traffic and definition of pedestrian space is major need Waltham Street and Concord Avenue - Three corners developed for commercial use No sidewalks or bus waiting space Very few trees or screen planting The new gas station has been attractively planted and has improved the appear- ance of the area Recommendations Some tree and screen planting Provide sidewalks and bus waiting space Heavy traffic indicates need for traffic lights Street signs and stop signs should be better located 20 SCHOOLS Elementary Schools Adams - 1913, addition 1931 - 11 acres - Site well developed and maintained for neighborhood recreation use (baseball, tennis , basketball, floodlit ice skating) Large trees around perimeter of site Recommendations Planting could make asphalt area at rear of school more attractive Bowman - 1967 - 15 5 acres - Stark, bare, very sparsely landscaped, with a preponderance of blacktop which serves as general play area No suitable grassy play areas developed yet Recommendations Wet, low area might be converted into a skating pond and remainder developed into a natural area for active play Additional trees and shrubs needed to enhance the area r Bridge - 1966 - 30 acres - In contrast to Bowman, this new school of similar design presents a well laid-out, nicely planned combination of playgrounds and landscaped areas A variety of new trees (30 to 40 in all) plus older trees and bushes bordering a grassy slope at the rear present an attractive setting Recommendations No further work needed at this time Estabrook - 1961 - 13 acres - Minimal but effective landscaping softens the lines of this school Older trees frame entire periphery of the site Parking lots and asphalt playgrounds are well separated from one another by grassy areas In rear of school is unique rest area with planting and benches , sheltered from the wind by the building Recommendations None at this time Fiske - 1949 , addition 1954) - 10 acres - Trees and foundation plantings have had time to become established, and form an effective frame for the school Paved walk- ways nicely laid out School site well insulated from surrounding residential areas by trees and shrubs Recommendations Observers visited school during the J summer, at which time the foundation planting needed trimming, especially large shrubs at front, so that the name of the school and front entranceway would be revealed and defined 1 1 .1 n 21 Franklin - 1931, addition 1956 - 10 acres - Mature, well kept hedges and trees frame front of school Large, attractive playground in back, with a handsome stand of pines at rear of site This area is adjacent to town- owned conservation land, which extends its use Recommendations None at this time Hancock - 1891 - 2 acres - Small site, with well-planned multiple recreation uses. Parking and paved areas for play cover more than three quarters of area immediately abutting school Several old trees , and a few young ones Belfry Hill adds variety to the landscape and acts as visual buffer from Massachusetts Avenue Recommendations If possible, an attempt should be made to reseed the dirt play areas at the rear of the school Minor repairs to fence along Clarke Street may be necessary Harrington - 1956 , addition 1958 - 10 acres - Spacious , well landscaped grassy areas , with large existing trees left in strategic locations Some foundation planting at school Large areas are cleared for play fields Well maintained Adjacent recreation area will be second in importance only to the Center playground Recommendations One way vehicular circulation should be indicated by appropriate signs at entrance and exit Hastings - 1955, addition 1958 - 10 acres - Mature shrub- bery and multi-level layout of school contribute to pleasant, attractive impression Area to one side and at rear of school has been left in a natural state, with trees and shrubs acting as buffer for neighboring homes Recommendations Clean up area around swings Munroe - 1904 , addition 1915 - 1 7 acres - Smallest school site, with limited outdoor areas for formal use and for landscaping Rear has open grassed area bounded by trees along Munroe Cemetery Chain link fences on one side and at rear are topped by barbed wire Recommendations School regarded as inadequate in size, but would be appropriate and attractive for some other civic use li j I r r 22 Parker - 1920, additions 1924, 1950 - 5 5 acres - Older school Site has limited adaptability for organized sports because of the uneven terrain Sharply sloping wooded area in back of school with pleasant, distant view Grassy areas are heavily used and therefore bare in many places Ivy growing on school, and several mature trees on site Recommendations Seed rear playground Site inadequate for an outdoor play program Junior High Schools Diamond - 1958 - 32 acres - Attractive, spacious , well- kept site Large level grassy areas can accomodate eight soccer fields and a football field Unusually attractive landscaping, with much thought to group planting and the use of such flowering shrubs as laurel, rhododendron, etc Trees planted in islands are unique feature of parking lots The landscaping of this school is outstanding in design layout of drives , parking areas , playgrounds and variety of planting Recommendations Addition of a few fast-growing trees and shrubs would further enhance this extensive site As of last summer, the need for minor repairs to asphalt and curbs of light standards was in evidence Muzzey - 1902, additions 1926 , 1958, 1962 - 3 acres - Site inadequate for a junior high school Play fields are extremely limited No trees at rear of school property, and a rear play area is full of weeds East side of site contains the only open, well-grassed play area Asphalt driveway and parking area in poor condition Extremely unattractive old brick incinerator is used daily for burning trash at close proximity to the school, causing a fire hazard and air pollution Recommendations Rear area must be completely reland- scaped, with special attention to improving the soil conditions and then reseeding Repair all asphalted areas Paint the trim on the building An alternative method of disposing of trash is necessary to improve the esthetics and the limited usefulness of the rear play area 23 Senior High School 1953, additions 1956, 1964 - 29 acres - There are three visual approaches to the high school (1) Park Drive - Pedestrian way provides pleasing view of the building through a group of trees and gives a sense of design and landscaping Within the quadrangle, careful planning is evident in the planting of buses , small trees and ground cover in a formally designed layout Walks and benches add contrast (2) Worthen Road - Much improved view with new grading, grass and tree planting and parking area (3) Waltham Street - Atmosphere of neglect Scrubby bushes , few trees and unkempt appearance make this the least attractive of the three approaches Recommendations Driveway which parallels Waltham Street whould be replanted Surfaces of driveways and parking lots should be improved Investigate replacing dried grass on slopes at base of Field House Occasional cut- ting of wild patch to right of Park Drive entrance General Recommendations Several schools do not have signs identifying the approach from the nearest public way Some amenities such as flowers, shrubs , benches , shade trees would make school sites more functional as well as more attractive When the major school construction program has been completed, the systematic placement of wires underground should be initiated _1) ri rl 24 PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS Parks Battlegreen and Buckman Tavern - 5 4 acres - A well-kept, pleasant area with a large variety of trees and shrubs 1 New plantings and a constant replacement of diseased trees Walks largely stone dust and granite curbing around gree Underground sprinkler system and wiring An important tourist attraction Recommendations Keep traffic and directional signs to a minimum 1 Belfry Hills - 2 03 acres - Off Clarke Street - High , steep hill with winding path and stone (rock) steps Natural landscaping of larger trees and field grass Side hill used for coasting Unfortunately, seclusion leads to misuse and trash accumulation Recommendations Make steps safer Sidewalk in from Massachusetts Avenue should be treated as an entrance to the hill, with a directional sign at the corner Emery Park - 38 acres - Purchased by town for a park - Carefully planted with elms , cherries , oaks and shrubbery Stone path through center Underground watering system and wiring 1 Recommendations None Hastings Park - 3 77 acres - Corner of Lincoln Street and 1 Massachusetts Avenue - Left to town - Lawns and trees , mostly elm and oak Area enlarged with relocation of Lincoln Street Popular coasting area Recommendations New walk on Massachusetts Avenue side Tower Park - 12 37 acres - Massachusetts Avenue near l Pelham Road - Left to town - Park area has large variety of trees comprising one third of the land, with lawns , asphalt walks , benches Popular resting place for pedes- trians and motorists parking along the avenue Used for coasting Recommendations Replace some old plantings , put drain lto brook and repair walks 1 } 25 Bowman Park - 3 91 acres - Pleasant and Watertown Streets - Left to town - Wooded area with a large variety of trees Neighborhood Association interested in upkeep and in establishing trails Could be small arboretum Recommendations Small planned parking spaces Labelling of trees and an overall study Old Reservoir - 16 42 acres - Marrett Road - Attractive natural wooded area, with small parking area Fishing, skating (flood lights provided) and may be used for swimming Recommendations Continue present program of woodland ( preservation School Playgrounds Center - 72 acres - Between Massachusetts Avenue and Lincoln Street - Diversified athletic facilities inclu- ding high school athletic program Lawns , field, benches, tennis courts , swimming pool Recommendations More tree planting, minimum use of chain link fencing, improvement of parking area Harrington - 8 acres - Lowell and Maple Streets - Adjacent ( to school Ball fields, play areas under construction Old area looks run down School parking facilities employed Recommendations Landscaping and planting, especially where area abuts private property Maria Hasting - 4 70 acres - Adjacent to school Soft ball field and school athletic program Swings and slide Recommendations More attention should be paid to clean up and landscaping, especially around swings 1 f 26 Neighborhood Playgrounds Kineen - 5 3 acres - Burlington Street - Steep, heavily wooded hillside Possible area for ski trail , frog pond filled for baseball , flooded for skating Playground equipment for young children Unsightly hedge Recommendations Replace or remove hedge along street, and perhaps sections of fence Eliminate flooding, from which the field is slow to recover Baskin - 12 38 acres - Off Wyman Road next to Route 128 - Gift - Trees , scrubby growth, swamp interspersed Parking under construction Basketball court, Little League field Skating area feasible Recommendations Pave driveway Keep perimeter wooded, minimum of clearing and encourage healthy trees Winter - Marvin Street - 8 acres - Oak and pine trees Swings , basketball court, Little League field Recommendations Tree care , general playground develop- ment as need increases Rindge Avenue - 65 acres - Small area Swings , basket- ball court Recommendations None Poplar Street - 2 5 acres - New ball field, playground equipment Recommendations Paved entrance from Reed street Extended tree care 1 APPENDIX Expenditures 1964 - 1968 1 1 1 J 1 � C r 27 1964 Park Department 2,000 feet of Evergreen Sod $ 180 00 Loam, seed fertilizer and lime 6 , 292 98 Water 180 00 Weed Control 221 45 Equipment rental 7 ,058 34 Miscellaneous 1,672 33 Small equipment and repairs 2,999 00 $18 , 604 10 Labor $56 ,541 90 Shade Tree Department Equipment, tools and repairs $ 1 , 465 83 Equipment rental 1, 406 50 New trees , loam and fertilizer 1, 858 70 Insecticides 2 ,140 25 Miscellaneous 260 14 $ 7, 131 42 Labor $11,805 43 Improvements Article 4 - Park Department - Construction of two tennis courts at Center Playground Resurfacing two courts at Adams School $12,925 00 Small equipment building - Center Playground 2, 500 00 Two Little League backstops 1,500 00 Article 42 - Engineering survey for play- ground purposes Appropriated $ 2,000 00 Spent 966 36 Article 44 - Recreational play area Sutherland Road $ 2,000 00 rl 28 1965 Park Department Equipment Rental $ 6,160 00 Loam, seed, fertilizer and lime 5,421 57 Weed control 72 35 Miscellaneous 1, 316 26 Small equipment 2,287 14 -1 Shrubs and flowers 518 50 Painting and repairing stands 307 61 Fill 25 85 Baskin Playground backstop 400 00 Swings at Kinneens Pond 271 46 $16 ,780 74 1 Labor $63,504 24 Shade Tree Department Equipment, tools $ 988 10 J Equipment rental 1,587 75 New trees, loam and fertilizer 1,316 38 Insecticides 2,097 55 Contract for trees 154 08 Miscellaneous 282 70 $ 6 ,426 56 Labor $17,165 96 Improvements Article 33 - Cost of land for playground-- $ 2 ,000 00 Rindge Avenue Article 72 - Public Facilities Building on $60 ,000 00 Buckman Tavern Grounds Article 80 - Center Playground Backstop $ 1,800 00 Article 81 - Basketball Court--Adams School $ 1,000 00 JArticle 82 - Combination Basketball and $ 3 ,000 00 outside skating area 1 L. r 1966 29 Park Department Equipment rental $ 5 ,567 75 Loam, seed and fertilizer 5,064 53 Water 186 90 Weed Control 378 67 Miscellaneous 745 04 Equipment. tools and repairs 2,146 72 Trees, shrubs and plants 373 29 Drinking fountain 94 37 Painting and repair of stands 441 71 Sprinklers for Buckman and Emery Park 600 00 $15, 598 98 Labor $66 , 806 63 Shade Tree Department Equipment, tools and repairs $ 873 68 Equipment rental 1, 478 25 Trees and shrubs 3 ,286 25 Insecticides 1,750 00 Miscellaneous 268 71 $ 7,656 89 Labor $ 8, 354 94 Improvements Article 41 - Part of major playground area at Harrington School Appropriation $10 ,000 00 Spent 9 ,953 71 Article 42 - Baskin playground basketball center Appropriation $ 1,500 00 Spent 1,344 91 Article 43 - Resurfaced center playground tracks Appropriation $ 1,000 00 Spent 887 71 Article 44 - Backstop at William Diamond 1 School Appropriation $ 750 00 Spent 750 00 Article 45 - Playground purposes - Rindge Avenue Appropriation $ 3 ,000 00 Spent 3 ,000 00 Article 96 - Bioengineering survey of the Old Reservoir Spent $ 1,000 00 Signs for Belfrey, Buckman, Common - Trustees of Public Trust $ 967 00 1 30 1967 Park Department Equipment rental $ 8 ,208 00 Loam, seed and fertilizer 6 ,107 78 Weed control 348 65 Water 283 88 Miscellaneous 1,084 45 Equipment, tools and repairs 2 ,686 38 Trees, shrubs and plants 303 90 Paint and repair of stands 135 66 Wrought iron fence 560 00 Sutherland Ct - swings, outdoor baskets 2,600 00 Backstops - Bridge and Harrington 2, 550 00 Drinking Fountain 87 50 $24 ,956 20 Labor $84 ,714 06 Shade Tree Department Equipment, tools and repairs $ 1,228 43 Equipment rental 1,772 25 Trees, shrubs and plants 1,950 00 Insecticides 1,600 00 Loam, seed, fertilizer 243 00 Miscellaneous 563 95 $ 7 ,357 63 Labor $18 ,460 61 Improvements J Article 46 - Winter Street ballfield area $ 3,000 00 (Working on this area) Article 47 - 1966 - Poplar Street playground Appropriation $ 1,000 00 Spent 1,000 00 Article 69 - Two sections of spectator stands $ 850 00 �I n r-� 31 1968 Park Department Equipment rental $12,718 00 Loam, seed and fertilizer 5 ,097 54 Weed control 164 70 Water 207 65 Miscellaneous 1,973 58 Equipment, tools and repairs 4 ,140 02 Trees , shrubs and plants 325 34 Paint and repair of stands 817 75 Backstops - Bowman and Harrington 1,700 00 Chain link fence - Rindge Avenue 926 80 Basketball court - Marvin Street 2,000 00 Basketball court - Rindge Avenue 1, 320 00 Swing and slides - Center Playground 725 00 $32 , 116 38 -� Labor $101,207 26 is r Shade Tree Department Equipment, tools and repairs $ 2 ,132 75 Equipment rental 2 ,076 00 Trees, shrubs and plants 2,079 97 Insecticides 2,042 09 , i Loam, seed, fertiziler 251 10 Miscellaneous 453 76 $ 9 ,053 67 Labor $13,559 33 Improvements Article 52 - Beautification at Center $ 3 ,137 00 Publid Works Building Planting 109 30 Article 67 - Lincoln Street Dump Plantings $ 237 50 Article 71 - Harrington School $ 7 ,403 81 Article 72 - Baskin Playground $ 5,288 46 9