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Home My WebLink About2010-06-16-REC-min OVS MO„N, o7xins� ti.,60 Town of Lexington ( 6. 4o0 1,' Pz Recreation Committee -1-+ . xf AERIC 14'” z E'X 1 N G'�p� Frederick DeAngelis, Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262 Richard Thuma,Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 861-2747 Wendy Rudner Sandra Shaw Howard Vogel Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes A meeting of the Recreation Committee was held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Office Building, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 207. A quorum of 5 was present. Members Present: Rick DeAngelis, Chairman, Dick Thuma, Vice Chairman, Wendy Rudner, Howard Vogel, and Sandra Shaw Members Absent: Staff Present: Karen Simmons, Dave Pinsonneault, Peter Coleman, and Sheila Butts Others Present: Hank Manz, Selectmen's Liaison The meeting acted on the following items: 1. Citizens and Other Boards—none present 2. Meeting Minutes from May 19,2010 Dick Thuma moved to accept the minutes of the May 19, 2010 Recreation Committee meeting with noted corrections of Section 4 bottom of the first page adding that"prior to the vote on Item#3 Rick DeAngelis left the committee meeting due to a prior commitment." Howard Vogel seconded the motion. The minutes of the May 19, 2010 Recreation Committee meeting were accepted by a vote of 4----0. (Sandra Shaw arrived at 7:05 p.m.). 3. Liaisons' Report Wendy Rudner reported on the Lincoln Park Subcommittee (LPSC). David Williams, Chair of the LPSC was contacted about attending the June Recreation Committee meeting. He was unavailable. Rick DeAngelis suggested formally inviting representatives of the LPSC to the September meeting. Karen Simmons will draft a letter for Chairman DeAngelis' signature. The Recreation Committee briefly discussed the LPSC and the Kirk Trust. The committee requested that the Recreation Department review old files on the Kirk Trust and provide the committee with copied prior to the September meeting. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420 Sandra Shaw provided a written report on the Bikeway Advisory Committee (attached). Dick Thuma inquired as to the relationship between the BAC and the Recreation Committee. Ms. Shaw noted that she is the liaison to the BAC from the Recreation Committee and has been since she was first appointed to the Recreation Committee. 4. Open Space and Recreation Plan/Goals and Objectives Karen Simmons reported that the Open Space and Recreation Plan had been accepted by the State. She further noted that the department annual goals included many of the goals listed in the Open Space and Recreation Plan. A copy of the goals was handed out to the Recreation Committee. 5. Parks Report—Dave Pinsonneault • Renovation of the Restrooms at the Center Complex has been approved to move forward by the Town Manager. Work will be done throughout the winter. Dick Thuma expressed interest in viewing a concept plan. Dave Pinsonneault will work with the Department of Public Facilities to move the bathroom project forward. • Plans are being finalized for the Old Reservoir detention basin work. The Town has reapplied for grant monies, but the projects will move forward with or without grant approval. Town Meeting approved funding for the projects, and work will proceed simultaneously. • The Center Playfields project is moving forward. Stantec is working on a timeline. Mr. DeAngelis inquired about seed vs. sod for the fields. The Committee had a brief discussion of the pros and cons of this. • Issues still remain with the Valley Tennis Courts and Center Basketball Courts renovations. Both areas continue to blister when it rains. The contractor wants to try the same repairs as were previously done. Stantec presented a plan for repairs, which the contractor has initially rejected. Town Counsel is now involved. 6. Recreation Report—Karen Simmons • The July meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held at Pine Meadows. John Allen from New England Golf will be present to take the Committee on a tour of the course and answer questions. • The USGA Turf Advisory Report was distributed to the Committee (attached). • New England Golf Corporation has worked diligently to get the course back up to par. Winter damage was not exclusive to Pine Meadows this past year. Karen Simmons reviewed the work which has been done, and continues to take place at the course. • The 3 year contract with New England Golf expires on December 31, 2011 with the option for 2 one-year periods. • Plans were presented for review by the Committee for the Stormwater Collection Restoration and Improvements at Pine Meadows. (attached) The project should take 3 —4 weeks and will begin towards the end of the golf season. The Army Corp of Engineers is visiting the site on June 17 to review the area and the project. The project is being managed by the Engineering Department. Dick Thuma suggested that the project is below the threshold for review by the Army Corp of Engineers. Mr. DeAngelis commented that we can learn from the process. There was no comment from other members of the Recreation Committee regarding the Army Corp of Engineers visit. • Ms. Simmons updated Committee members on changes to the Open Meeting Law going into effect on July 1. The Committee briefly discussed the parameters of the new law and what effect it might have on the normal business of the Recreation Committee, and how to handle subjects that come up during the course of meetings, which are not on the agenda. Mr. Manz told members that Town Counsel was conducting trainings for board and committee members. • Wendy Rudner commented that Lexington United Soccer Club wrote a nice letter in support of recreational use of the Busa property. She requested that LUSC be thanked on behalf of the Recreation Committee and also requested to correct"CRA" to "CPA" and submit the letter to the local papers. Wendy Rudner will contact the President of LUSC. The Recreation Committee supported this action by a vote of5-0. Rick DeAngelis moved and Howard Vogel seconded at motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. The Recreation Committee voted 5 -- 0 to adjourn. The following documents/exhibits used at the meeting are attached: 1. Bikeway Advisory Committee report 2. USGA Turf Advisory Report /r),) 3, Pine Meadows Golf Club Stormwater Collection Restoration and Improvement Y Lc- 4. Open Space and Recreation Plan Goals Consideration should be given to: • The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be held on Wednesday,July 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pine Meadows Golf Club,255 Cedar Street. Respectfully submitted, Sheila Butts Assistant Recreation Director •U� mop,, •4` 177.5 4v, Town of Lexington go 2w Recreation Committee 4£7NON'14 Frederick DeAngelis,Chairman Tel: (781) 862-0500 x262 Richard Thuma,Vice Chairman Fax: (781) 861-2747 Wendy Rudner Sandra Shaw Date: Wednesday,June 16, 2010 To: Recreation Committee Karen Simmons, Sheila Butts,Dave Pinsonneault From: Sandra Shaw,Bikeway Advisory Liaison Re: Recreation Liaison Report Some of the recent activities of the Bikeway Advisory Committee/Friends of Lexington Bikeways illustrate clearly their many accomplishments: • Garlic Mustard weed as removed along the entire Lexington portion of the Minuteman Bikeway held on Saturday,May 22,with the help of 60 youths from Grace Chapel. • Bike collection Day at Discovery day,May 29 for"Bikes Not Bombs"— 182 bikes were collected,(a record for the group)flattened and packaged for shipment to Third World countries. ® Bike Corral was set up and managed by our bike group at Lexington Farmer's Market on Tuesday,June 15,to encourage people to ride their bikes to the market. 110 bikes were parked and registered,with riders receiving$2 coupons to be redeemed by any Market vendor. I should mention that the success of the event in encouraging folks to ride bikes to the Market may have a down-side. Since the corral cannot operate every week(there are 3 such events planned)some of the bikers will be very frustrated when arrive at subsequent market days and find no bike racks and no safe way to leave their bikes while shopping. It seems obvious that some permanent efforts should be made to have bike racks available to the large group of riders who shop at the Market. I have been continually impressed by the dedication and hard work of the Bicycle Advisory Committee and their adjunct—Friends of Lexington Bikeways(mostly the same people!) Under the leadership of Peg Enders and with the dedication of long-time members,such as Marita Hartshorn,Jerry Van Hook, Stew Kennedy,Mike Tabaczynski,John Frey, George Gagliardi and Abe Shenker—this group has done much for Lexington's biking community. I have been pleased and proud to support them for almost 20 years. 1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE•LEXINGTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02420 , v,5 GOLD A,1*' *As '14�' *•s o kf? %.*:: 1.14 ‘14\ Pe 1111111P%Itob R 1894 United States Golf Association Northeast Region Green Section 1500 North Main Street Palmer, MA 01069-1215 T (413) 283-2237 F (413) 283-7741 USGA GREEN SECTION TURF ADVISORY SERVICE REPORT PINE MEADOWS GOLF COURSE LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS September 16, 2010 Present: Mr. John Allen, Jr., Vice President of Operations, New England Golf Corporation Mr. William Harrison, President, New England Golf Corporation Mr. Jim Hastings, Superintendent Ms. Karen Simmons, Recreation Director Mr. Dave Pinsonneault, Superintendent of Public Grounds Mr. James E. Skoruiski, Senior Agronomist, USGA 4 t-• /'- nN' SEP27 2010 11-rfl 2c1-- _ u u Pine Meadows Golf Course September 16, 2010 Page 2 INTRODUCTION This report is provided for the Turf Advisory Service (TAS) visit conducted at Pine Meadows Golf Course on September 15, 2010. The 2010 season will long be remembered in the Northeast as being one of the more difficult and stressful in many years. The season did not start out well with the winter injury followed by record heat and humidity and very dry weather conditions in July and August. The winter damaged greens did recover after some time. It was good to see that the creeping bentgrass that was established following the winter injury has performed well during the stressful summer season. The heat and humidity in July and the drier weather conditions were more stressful to annual bluegrass in the greens, collars and fairways. Problems with the irrigation system also created a number of management challenges in this dry summer season. The golf course performed relatively well through the difficult weather. There were some isolated patches of dead turf in the fairways and some of the collar areas. Non- irrigated roughs also suffered some injury that is to be expected. We used our time together to tour the golf course and examine some of the weak and damaged areas. Recommendations were provided for the recovery of those areas. We also discussed the use of winter covers and other methods to try to protect the grass from cold temperature injury and ice. Recommendations were provided for soil management programs, #8 green, tree work, irrigation, weed management and a number of other practices that will be presented in this report. GREENS Winter Iniury It was good to see that the greens that were damaged in the winter season were fully recovered and performed well this summer. I commend the staff for their hard work in reestablishing turf and then maintaining the plants through the difficult summer. We discussed covering strategies and other fall practices to improve the turfs' ability to survive the winter season. The use of impermeable covers is generally an effective means to prevent the plants from becoming hydrated. Solid covers used alone however, do not provide protection from colder temperatures (<6° F) that can also kill annual bluegrass. The impermeable cover will be utilized on a trial basis over #5 green this winter. Install a permeable cover beneath the solid cover or use the foam material to create some air space that should help insulate the turf from rapid temperature fluctuations that can occur in winter. Permeable covers are available from GreenJacket and other companies. A less expensive permeable agriculture cover can also be used below the impermeable cover. The use of a permeable cover also will be helpful as you transition the greens in the spring season. I generally recommend removing the impermeable covers usually in early-mid March. A rule of thumb is to wait until temperatures below the covers reach 43°-45° F on a consistent basis (not temperature , Pine IMeadows G o lf C ourse September 16, 2010 Page 3 spikes) as this is the point when the annual bluegrass and creeping bentg rass will - begin to break d o rma n cy. The impermeable ,e rm e ah le cover w o u l d b e re m ov ed while t h e permeable fabricwouldhe left over L1eaface to protect the turf from frosts, wind desiccation, etc , until the turfhas an opportunity to harden 0fforacciimatetotheexposed environment. I would utilize the permeable covers from that point onward until the turf has hardened off or even until the threat of a severe freeze passes. Permeable covers will be utilized on both the 3rd 4h and 8th greens. Eventually, those greens too are all good candidates for impermeable covers due to surface drainage concerns. DrYwells will be installed in the low pockets on those greens inaneffort to keep water off of the greens' surface inthe winter months. The permeable and impermeable covers should be installed in late fall (late November-early December) before any major snowfall occurs and or adeep frost sets in the ground. Allowing the turf some exposuretu below freezing temperatures in late November and early December will improve the turfs' ab.,itytotolerate colder temperatureslater in winter. Theimpernea6lecover needs to be installed over the entire green complex 0nthe5th hole to prevent surface water from flowing under the cover and onto the surface. Consider tionm.ght also be glventoplacing hay bales along the upper side of the 8 green to prevent water from sheeting over its surface. The hay bales should be secured to the ground with stakes. The re are re shade concerns that ''.c:,,,r-o:-- ,.n.4--*t_,4':-i;..-nu'- e 3.1.t:7:.4.-.-.- o .,-4--.-- i—-% ,-mp.-.,.-_,_.-+.-.a1*,'.'lL7:-,i'•,_-,._.,-ct' s-,'..*----ie .--:v;--_ e r.,: -i greens, le14..:,,'.,-7'-:„„k'3a,*. v.,,-. i-:-_'n„: g,,1_-.,-.-:-;- themm_ o,„... r- ' ,-;e vulnerable to winter freeze injury. The dense shade patterns were witnessed during ou ; r tour of the golfcours. andtho-epatterns will only worsenas we approach the winter season. Thedense ,dll shade over the greens reduces theturs' abilityto produce the carbohydrates that it requires to protect itselffrom cold winter temperatures. The shaded conditions also favor weaker bluegrass. Thefoliowing recommendations were made: Morning shade was apparent on the 2ngreenduring our visit. A Norway spruce tree located , behind the green should be removed to allow more sun to t reachthegree— A poor qualify treelocatedbehibd the : 4 oreenshou-oalsoberemove, . - - . as it is becoming hazardous - o - • Remove thelarge Norway spruce tree from the right _;: sideof #3greento - eliminate dense afternoon shade over the green's :No 2Green ' surface. Pine Meadows Golf Course September 16, 2010 Page 4 • Tree work is required along the back and back left side of #4 green to allow more sun to reach the green's surface during the late fall, winter and spring seasons. I recommend selectively removing all of the white pine trees growing along the back of the green (those that are shading the turf) as well as thinning some of the deciduous trees from the woodland area to allow more sun to reach the turf. The tree work involves the stand of trees along the left side of the 5th hole. • Extensive tree work is required along the left and back left sides of the 5th green and approach. That work involves removing or at least topping white pine trees growing at that location. The white pine trees are causing dense shade over most of the green's surface throughout the morning hours and that shade pattern is extended longer throughout the day in the winter season. • Remove two white pine trees from the back of #8 green to allow more sun to reach the turf there. Several spruce and pine trees located between the 9th and 5th fairways may also be shading the green during the winter months. Those too should be removed as deemed necessary. • Remove one white pine tree from the right side of #9 green as it creates dense shade over the right half of the green in the morning hours. A second white pine tree should also be removed from that location in the future. Winter injury is a weather dependent phenomenon. The best that we can do at this point is to try to grow the grasses that have the most tolerance to cold temperature and ice (i.e. the creeping bentgrass) and create conditions that are less likely to lead to that injury (i.e. improve surface drainage and correct poor growing environments). The use of the winter protection covers will in most years improve the turfs' survival in the winter season. However, even the covering systems will not provide sufficient protection should already weak annual bluegrass be exposed to lethal temperatures or multiple freeze/thaw cycles. Soil Management We examined the soil profiles in the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 9th greens. The thatch mat in the greens seems to be increasing. This is hard to understand as the greens are being core cultivated in both the spring and late summer seasons and are receiving more topdressing than ever before. We need to monitor that thatch layer, which at this point is not having any negative effect on the greens. However, if it continues to grow then more aggressive forms of core cultivation will be needed. This would include core cultivating with larger hollow tines and or completing the practice at a higher coring frequency. The light topdressing done during the season may need to be intensified further. We will examine the soil profiles closely next spring to help determine what cultivation practices will be most effective moving forward. Pine Meadows Golf Course September 16, 2010 Page 5 TEES General Maintenance Increase the fertilizer applications on the sand tees on the 9th hole. It would also be a good idea to have a soil test taken to determine pH of those sands. it may be necessary to lime the tees to increase the pH up to a 6-6.5 level. Apply approximately .4-.5 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. monthly on the sand tees with the exception of July and August when those rates might be cutback slightly due to the warmer weather and concerns with disease. Irrigation coverage is also a concern on the upper and lower tees on the 9th hole. Monitor the sprinkler head coverage and adjust the nozzles or relocate sprinkler heads to correct the deficiencies that became apparent in this dry season. We also discussed the need to add irrigation to the middle tee box on the 8th hole. The 6th and 7th tees are probably the weakest on the course due to the environment in which they are located. Remove more of the pitch pine trees located on the right side of #6 tee to allow more sun to reach the back half of that tee. The 7th tee is growing in a densely shaded environment and any work that can be done along the right side of the tee to allow more sun to reach the playing surface will benefit the turf. I realize the trees are an important screen from the 6th hole and that tree removal work has to be done with care. No. 8 Tee The front tee on the 8th hole is very unlevel. Fortunately, there is a deep soil mix on the tee, which makes it possible to level the surface and even increase the tee's size. The tee is a good candidate for renovation and should be a priority. Use a short-cut Kentucky bluegrass to re-grass the tee after it has been leveled. General Maintenance The area adjacent to #9 tee is in poor condition as a result of poor irrigation, traffic and trees. I recommend removing an oak from the left front side of the tee. The tree overhangs the walk-on area and is likely competing with the turf there for water and nutrients (root competition). Adding a curb along the cart path at that location would help to keep carts from traveling over this heavily used area. The sprinkler head adjustments discussed earlier will also be helpful. Root prune between the tee box and the wooded area to eliminate any root competition there. 1 Pine Meadows Golf Course September 16, 2010 Page 6 FAIRWAYS Trees Dense shade impacts the 5th fairway, White pine trees growing alongthe left side of the hole should be thinned to allow more sun to reach the left half of the fairway. i recommend removing all of the white pine trees around a mature oak tree. The oak tree is a good specimen tree that should be brought into view. Thin pitch pine trees from the right side of the 6th hole to allow more sun to reach the high traffic area in the right g rough (beyond the cart path}. The sun will improve turf vigor and will also help to dry this area out more quickly. General Maintenance The fairways suffered from wilt during the heat of the summer season. The wilt injury actually caused some turf to die, creating open patches. Same of the wilt is a result of poor irrigation coverage, underlying rock and a thatch layer that became hydrophobic during the dry weather. The areas are beginning to recover with the cooler soil temperatures. Core aerifying the damaged areas will also open up the thatch layer and 2. --:: ' - should help to rewet the underlying soils. This will also stimulate new growth of the surrounding turf and will create :F, a seed bed. Overseed the -'4P-.' =f,,.-., ' = !.-. .lik , ° / -'7; '_1'*�! JL4, • ,1 • `-,-■areas followin the ..,,... :,,1,7, ` g core _ - . � aerification with creeping7r_ F bent rass J _ .�. r ti�-rr^ _. , vim +a• ,-r�. r ,Y'i.� °M' c �" �' �... -..--.:,..i_:-..'-'4*- ,, :. ,,,i,-4.:7 '� _ ten . y a�+- J at The remnants of the dry and hot ;;..4-:,-:.-, ---,Sa5. #fi.M-t-i--i;V:4it%-.1:;:''-' -k-35-5k:1` �� µ��"'.�.�. �.� ;neer. .. :�s ��. � �� s `k � t �...r�r ;- �S"s1..I - "�w ,C ,� 'a'^�[-.wrw'�"rsa,r:��;� �a�,rammerweatherremainwith theT �-cam _�1!� 3 �` 44*.a:11;0473,-*tit4: : ::-r::::::::4*4 "`�� `-r'�,� � .c ,....�-"�.z�', '� �damagedturf onthe 2 -. # _ -.hole. �` � ,i� �� -�'3�. t` � � ' "c'"a-r�'-��tt-. r-rbz ..s -r=R -r ..; ! '�R„�`a..°F'-� -'t �. `"^} '. ,•1Core aerating the surfacesand _ W -3Y .x"`-_�...}""�°a''+« �►��'+�-:�a� i -�..�+v.w&��-d3 c2"?,,,,. ''' , _, �:.. �,�'-" h Y.7-�4".' - F 7'"'�.. '�^'-•tea x. eT-' - �`.*-�� 'Ff"L- 'S.f seedin the dama ed areasw' � � � � .: �-�� ,y � ;�- �e-. »3 r+�fi�� ,._;..�,� �s�.....-..�.�._' �"S?"` 'r=�..r.' 3 t � r^.�C � e.'�C + �r=�."x3 �,-fir,---� i-r c+!"��=��J't. .v, � �"xi�- �^t•'c. _ r"� ',�'r�" a' _;�r-u-'s's,,,rFx•-ww. ll r •� '`. 3'��v„7a�•�„{R„.��.C„�i`�'e-��- ;°'��,'..+.tr`”'�..i.4�'fi�..`�r�-�� i_ t� 'r.�.-•.,A�.',r „'"„fir.-�`i..,.��--i..4 stimulate new rowth 1e- 1;1 � y r� -�: � w 7_g0-- ; ;�r r ss {�! .., %1 1 r� g al 1 ti./ - ��c��:..Y _ - t�•'^' -.t C`t ,w��- G ��,�r�,w�.- a ��.�Y=r il:_r i,7 ,'"'�^'A�,�... x'r� � 3..ri F- s � ; .1 .e .a.1 r•�. + �,"�i. .�rl`F A.�� .x,•Z 5-3��-.tt��-tt- fir. -�t. a,� ..� �� ,.w - �r1...-.-�-„�-�� recovery in those areas. -"� �,rP- .. - �- , N_,,f . =*..�� : � _ i �.+ - -s,:.,.c. ��zr��"1•rF rY'�__-e.-Tr�� ti �r ...+�. h x t -.''. � ... tv- .�'-. .r�'w" z+..y'T'= !r .-F'f- F+s�3r � �.w �-- x 5�” s:i�.''�.��.P-..�.��!� .,;,,. s"r. ,ii-*f.^r'.r 3�r- .+ r • . r 9.,. 7 t• r � r 4'4 _-"+,�„ ��""-rye`` mar, "�� ki'-V�"c" ti -a.�'-#,_,�, .1;, t �- �, � "'�, ..,,,--,-----___,_,1:=7,., s+tir- --a ,' ^ x. ]... v'7,, .f- e_ -. --T:74:- .,--i_:«.,s S-j 1`...r e. rt _ 3�+is w e.r��'i.--.=:,2;4,- r r� `� ..�}:L.'i�r�..Y��,c--��a�+l`' ry i.-"r,-s..��r-^ar-r= 4�� 1-...=Y� .�=i- y p---""-'�'- Sx ,� - s�.x r --r‘;'`-`- ',';'..,'; :-.: �tyr.'K'i'-- �� '�.�R"`- �s 5.s r:?:.:;;.- �..,.�� i,.�, �'_�^...'�• -c;.- �. x r� rhr�. FU- � ��`�'r'.+c,-�r� 4 y� r �' �: rf�t--• --=',:l-" � �� ie-''kms � - • .�-_"L' -" �'Ti,c -{i ti� •,,,„�--f� -w t r moi".r r�"" ;,7..��"�i.s-}'..�-.-1 - '- _,_, :._�i .r se]'.! yet v} A- --, -- •.. r±F'e'r.. ^�� Y*F c4tZ _'..-.=:,2.1.F '`-`- � :.'r ti-r�y } n' ' �^7 �.'1- , - it ds- 'r�t•"'mss.- 4,:f. t .-:il2i- Non-i rn ated rough areas also '� �, �, = ' yrs'1,:-.-2-'2,.r�t - -=�S-j s.} �a--y._ Y^ i 4.i�r r�L -art" Z �x� 8� s�'',_-::':,n- e t.t-Sv-:•f ■ a �r,.,�. _ '� ��i 7'¢�c� 1�.'r •. t_ k t{ t�r` , R � L�,y�,� by �r , de z r riles. r .. r tJ� -� ^l.ti - i res L1 Ufa 1 declined as a result of the .r� r f, =F r - � rp.r,f _-n x 7 r7 1: er e x s y r �r t.�� -Ti,./-e gay Ur ^�z-eta�AJ.I�a�� -Yr 1 �`TM,T,� „r �.•�.•f._'"" s-.. �t_� ti�'y:.� � �.�.��.,..1 i...r{,._ice.-.r'r,w.$ _�.� 4�."�.._- ..._��:_ ' drought and heat stress this summer. Concentrated traffic and in some cases dense shade ti.e. right side of #6 fairway} were also responsible for weakened turf. it was good to see that the areas are being cultivated with the AREA-vator machine. This will alleviate the compaction and also create a seedbed. Overseed these areas as soon as possible to take advantage of any warmer weather that remains. The germination and establishment of the seed in these areas will be dependent on natural rainfall. Hopefully, the seed can be in the ground to take advantage of any natural precipitation that occurs in the corning weeks. Pine Meadows Golf Course September 16, 2010 Page 7 Goosegrass continues to be a problem in the 5th and 8th fairways. A split application of granular Dimension herbicide was made to the fairways in hopes of managing the goosegrass. Unfortunately, the application was only moderately successful. 1 agree with Mr. Allen in that the fairways with the goosegrass should be treated with a sprayable formulation of Dimension in the split application. The first application of Dimension would be applied in early May followed by a second application one month later. Andersons Golf Products Goosegrass/Crabgrass control utilizes a combination of Betasan and Ronstar herbicides to manage both crabgrass and goosegrass. Ronstar continues to be the most effective preemergent product against goosegrass. Consider an initial application of Dimension in the 5th and 8th fairways in the spring followed by an application of the Andersons product in late May. Animals are feeding on white grubs in tees, fairways and rough areas. Those areas where there is some surface damage from the animal activity are being treated with Proxol insecticide to control the white grubs and prevent any future feeding damage. The fertilizer Milorganite can also be applied to areas where animals are seeking the white grubs to deter the feeding and associated damage. The Milorganite will probably be most effective in deterring the feeding activity of skunks, raccoons and other mammals. Apply Merit, Arena or Acelepryn to the fairways, tees and primary rough areas next season. Drainage Drainage continues to be a concern in lower portions of the 1st fairway and the right side of #2 fairway. The dry summer season has reduced those concerns but only for a temporary basis. A long-range plan to address these drainage concerns should remain a priority. Addressing the poor drainage will leave these fairways in a more playable condition and will allow for cart use even during more wet weather. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Sand Bunkers Ms. Simmons pointed out a concern with drainage in the greenside bunker on the 9th hole. The drain line in the low lying bunker drains into the pond. It is likely that the drainage will become ineffective if water levels in the pond are above normal. In the future, the sand bunker can be drained under the cart path and taken to the ditch where the elevation is lower. This will allow the drain to be installed at a deeper depth and should also keep the drain functioning even when water levels in the pond are high. No. 8 Green We reexamined the contours of the 8th green. It was interesting to hear that theg rades of the green were determined with a laser and that the surface did provide the 1% surface drainage that was specified in the design. It appears however that there are .o Pine Meadows Golf Course September 16, 2010 Page 8 several low pockets on the green. One of the pockets is on the upper tier and the other near the right center of the green. The lack of or minimal surface drainage through the center of the green allows water to pocket there in the winter months. The evidence of the pockets was more clear with winter injury that occurred this season. Ideally, the surface grade of this green would be more straightforward with the upper tier draining off the back right side of the green and the lower tier draining to the front right side of the green. At this point, most of the water seems to be funneled off the center and to the front of the green through a lower area. I am concerned that the limited surface drainage will increase the potential for future winter injury. There is no easy fix at this point. Correcting the surface drainage would require the sod to be lifted from the front and back tiers of the green while the grade changes are made. A project of this type should strongly be considered in the future if additional winter injury occurs in those lower lying areas. CONCLUSION Do not hesitate to contact the office if there are any questions regarding this report or should any questions arise as we enter the fall season. I hope 1 can return to the golf course later this fall to reexamine shade patterns over the 4th green and others. At that point, we can also discuss some more of the specifics with the installation of covers and other winter management techniques. Best wishes for the fall and winter seasons and I look forward to,continuing to work with the Town of Lexington and New England Golf Corporation to make Pine Meadows Golf Course the best it can be. Sincerely, fActe- f James E. Skorulski, Senior Agronomist Northeast Region Green Section JES:jc cc: Mr. John Allen, Jr., Vice President of Operations, New England Golf Corp. Mr. William Harrison, President, New England Golf Corporation Ms. Karen Simmons, Recreation Director Mr. Dave Pinsonneault, Superintendent of Public Grounds Goals and Ob 8.1 Vision Statement and Open Space and Recreation Goals and Objectives The natural landscape of Lexington includes densely vegetated forest lands,historic meadows,important wildlife corridors,land significant to water quality protection, and wetland resources. Lexington also has a rather extensive network of parks, playgrounds,and protected natural areas that are fairly well distributed throughout the Town. In finalizing the list of goals for the 2008 OSRP,the Town of Lexington set out to continue the traditions of protecting and augmenting these open space and recreational resources.With that in mind,the goals are focused on enhancements, maintenance,protection,acquisition,and stewardship(Refer to Section 6, Community Goals to understand the process of developing the goals andobjectives for this 2008 Plan). Explicitly,they are: Goal 1: Establish and implement a land management program that will assure optimal maintenance and use of conservation lands. Objectives: > Develop a formal framework for land management plans and conservation-oriented geodatabases that address town-wide and site-specific use,maintenance,and improvement of conservation land > Actively support existing volunteer organizations that assist Town staff in monitoring and maintaining conservation land. • Increase fundraising efforts that replenish existing conservation trusts that can be used to maintain,improve,and acquire conservation lands. ➢ Increase user compliance with conservation land regulations, educate users about leave-no-trace guidelines,and reduce user conflicts. 1l mawaidlIcril 0400 alsEDITED.0lreportsl2°°8asR,oa 8-1 Goals and Objectives DraFtGvalsEDfTED.dva Goal 2: Protect Lexington's natural environment, both within and beyond the borders of open space and recreational properties. Objectives: • Conserve and protect the water and wetland resources of Lexington. • Reduce sources of air and water pollution within Lexington. > Encourage neighboring municipalities to protect their bordering lands of conservation or wetland significance. > Institute an aggressive invasive species control program. Goal 3: Promote public use of recreational facilities and open space among a wide variety of user types. Objectives: > Utilize various media outlets to promote the Town's conservation and recreation properties and facilities. > Whenever possible,provide access to programs and facilities for residents with disabilities in compliance with ADA standards. • Increase conservation education and information offerings through websites development,kiosks,and other outlets. > Identify ways to increase the use of recreational facilities and programs. Goal 4: Provide a balance of recreational activities for all of Lexington's citizens. > Maximize the use of current facilities. > Locate sites that could be utilized for indoor facilities. > Work with other Town departments and private organizations to expand program offerings. • Maintain and promote the use of Pine Meadows Golf Course. • Provide for play areas within each neighborhood. > Develop diverse programs for people of all ages. • Increase year-round program offerings. IlrraawaldlsEDITED ioc orts1200805RP108 8-2 Goals and Objectives DraftGaalssED I'iEi3.doc Goal 5: Preserve and enhance the scenic value and historical value of Lexington. ObJectives: • Preserve Lexington's heritage through protection of historically significant areas. > Maintain existing properties in order to enhance scenic value and preserve or increase plant and animal life diversity. Goal 6: Enhance connectivity between open space and recreation areas. Objectives: • Implement the West Lexington Greenway Master Plan recommendations. • Expand and maintain the network of trails within and connections outside of Lexington. > Improve entryway signage and access to conservation and recreation areas. Goal 7:Acquire parcels that are important from an environmental, recreational,or historical perspective. Objectives: > Identify and, when possible, acquire parcels of value that have one or more of the following attributes: o enhances Town character o provides wildlife habitat or connects isolated areas of habitat o protects water quality o contains important or unique natural features and resources o improves public access to open space o has historical or cultural value o provides recreational opportunities o connects existing town open space parcels to facilitate non-motorized transportation and recreation routes. > Establish strategies for acquiring important properties that are threatened by development or that unexpectedly become available. 1l mawaldlIC0400A0beports12008 OSRP108- DraftGoalsEDITED.doc 8-3 Goals and objectives Goal 8: Protect and maintain Lexington's brooks. objectives: • Increase town-wide public outreach and educational offerings regarding the protection of brook health and function in town. • Continue with efforts to establish a Watershed Stewardship volunteer program that monitors brooks for degradation and plans for remediation activities. • Work to minimize stormwater run-off pollution impacts, sedimentation,and erosion into brooks. • Work to minimize invasive species occurrences in brooks and along brook banks. Goal 9:Preserve, protect, and improve Lexington's recreational infrastructure. objectives: > Continue long-range planning for improvements to recreational facilities. > Prioritize park maintenance and focus on facilities that experience the highest use. > Organize maintenance activities for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. 1lmawaldl1610400 sED1TED doe ortsl2008 DSRPIDB 8-4 Coals and Objectives Dra#tGaaIsED17ED doc 9 Five 9.1 Introduction The Five Year Action Plan is based on the goals and objectives of the previous section. To ensure the implementation on a year-to-year basis of these actions,the Town of Lexington should clearly identify a committee comprised of representatives from Town staff and existing boards and commissions that will be in charge of ensuring this Plan is used and followed. The committee will be responsible not only for overall implementation of the plan,but would also work to ensure that public outreach and education is achieved. The Five Year Action Plan is often the most difficult component of an Open Space and Recreation Plan. Unlike the lofty goals and objectives of the previous sections, here is where the rubber meets the road,where the planning ideals are translated into concrete actions. An Action Plan can sometimes be difficult to commit to and be problematic to review over time Items that have been accomplished fade from view, while the more intractable problems linger for years. Financial and political trends may change,advancing some items while leaving others untouched, For these reasons alone,many communities are hesitant to put in writing the full scope of their intentions. The following action plan intends to deliver on the promise of the goals and objectives expressed throughout this process,with a program of tangible steps for the Town to take over the next five years. There is a high level of activity on these issues, based upon the input received during the planning process, These actions are targeted to address the physical as well as the organizational issues confronting the Town,as described and analyzed in Section 7. The five year action plan described below works to correct these"process"problems,while still maintaining a focus on the substantive issues of open space and recreation preservation,acquisition,enhancement,management,and maintenance. Some of these actions may already be well underway;others are ongoing but need additional support. And while all actions listed are recognized as important,four areas in particular rise to the top as being absolutely essential for any future progress towards meeting the goals of this Plan: NmawaldUdh14400 001reports12008,C}SRP109 9-1 Five Year Action Plan Five year Action PIanEDITED doe Obtaining support from Town staff,commissions,and boards that open space and recreation is a central and lasting priority for Lexington. While it is to be understood that there may be competing needs in the Town,all groups must abide by the central tenet that these issues are extremely important to the residents of Lexington.Essentially,this was the tone of the public comments and survey responses,both of which reinforced the need for the Town to have and maintain high quality open space and recreational resources. Where open space and recreational resources are concerned,the goals and policies of this Plan and the committee members and staff of the Town must be consulted. Furthermore, groups must agree in advance on the proper decision making procedures to be followed in such matters. Creating some form of an oversight committee. If the ambitious goals and objectives of this Plan are to be achieved,there needs to be a single committee charged with overseeing progress and coordinating the actions and priorities of the various groups.Such a committee would be comprised of representatives of relevant departments,boards,committees and commissions and would meet as needed to address plan implementation.The committee would receive staff assistance from the Recreation Department,Conservation Division,and Planning Department. It also could coordinate with committees of neighboring municipalities to the extent possible on issues of regional concern(such as the Minuteman Bikeway and land surrounding the Cambridge Reservoir,for example). Securing additional sources of funding,staffing,and other support for park facility maintenance and enhancement. One of the Town's main concerns is the need to maintain and enhance its existing parks and playing fields.Resources to achieve these goals can be scarce and the Town must be creative in how funds are raised. Several recommendations are made specifically to identify the means for spreading the responsibility specifically for parks maintenance,such as creating "friends of"groups for local,parks and working with Lexington's Conservation Stewards. Implementation of the West Lexington Greenwav Plan. Concurrent with this planning project is the creation of a West Lexington Greenway Plan that will help to establish a linked network of trails and parks in West Lexington. The action plan strategies below incorporate the recommendations from that plan. IlmaFive year PlanEDITrtD doc oSRP10� 9-2 Five Year Action Plan Five year Action PIanEDITED doc 9.2 Five Year Action Plan Five Year Action Plan 1 2009 1 2010 f 2011 2012 2013 Goal 1:Establish and implement a land management program that will assure optimal maintenance and use of conservation lands. Develop a strategy for creating a conservation land management plan that addresses both town-wide and site-specific issues Responsible Party: Conservation Funding: Town,volunteer hours Write the conservation land management plan and create a geographic information • system related to the plan Responsible Party: Conservation Funding'Town Implement the conservation land management plan • Responsible Party: Conservation Funding: Town,volunteer hours Increase support to volunteer organizations that assist Town staff in monitoring and • maintaining Town conservation lands Responsible Party: Conservation Funding Town Increase fundraising efforts to replenish existing conservation trusts • Responsible Party: Conservation Funding- Citizen donations Install kiosks at major entryways to conservation areas • Responsible Party- Conservation Funding: Town,grants,volunteer hours Post leave-no-trace guidelines,conservation land regulations,and other conservation • - related information on new kiosks at major conservation entrances Responsible Party: Conservation Funding- Town,grants,volunteer hours WnawaFive year Action Pia jlreportD doc aSRP109 9-3 Five Year Action Plan Five year Acton PianEDl7ED doc Five Year Action Plan 2009 12010 I 2011 1 2012 2013 Goal 2:Protect Lexington's natural environment,both within and beyond the borders of open space and recreational properties. Continue to identify,certify,and protect vernal pools in Lexington. • Outreach to landowners regarding vernal pool identification and certification • Adopt a regulation regarding vernal pools under the Wetlands Protection • bylaw Responsible Party Conservation Funding: Town,grants Continue to implement Watershed Stewardship Program to address stormwater run- off pollution and other issues affecting brook health and function(see Goal 8) Responsible Party Conservation Funding: Town,grants Outreach to the public regarding Lexington's Anti-Idling bylaw to reduce air pollution Responsible Party Board of Health Funding:Town,grants Reduce Lexington's carbon footprint Responsible Party Global Warming Action Committee,Climate Action Pian Ad-Hoc Committee Funding.Town,grants Coordinate with neighboring municipalities to protect and maintain bordering lands of conservation or wetland significance Responsible Party: Conservation Funding: Town,volunteer hours Develop a plan for strategically managing invasive plant species in Lexington,working with the Tree Committee,volunteer citizen groups,non- profit organizations,and schools. Responsible Party Conservation Funding:Town,grants,volunteer hours Implement invasive species management plan with help from the Tree Committee,volunteer citizen groups,non-profit organizations,and schools. Responsible Party:Conservation Funding: Town,grants,volunteer hours Restore Upper Pond Dam at Pine Meadows to preserve ponds. Responsible Party.'Recreation Funding.Town,CPA Address stormwater management issues at Old Reservoir and improve gatehouse/outlet structure and dredge retention pond. Responsible Party:Recreation Funding:319 Grant,CPA Five year Action PlanhreportD doc osaPins 9-4 Five Year Action Plan Five year Action PIanEDiTED doc Five Year Action Plan 12009 2010 1 2011 1 2012 2013 Improve management of conservation restrictions *Identify parcels located in wetlands or other important resource areas and work with land owners to enter into conservation restrictions *Gather baseline documentation on conservation restrictions held by the Town *Establish a schedule for monitoring restricted parcels *Create a geodatabase of conservation restrictions in town Responsible Party:Conservation Funding.. Town Develop web-based resources to educate Lexington residents on conservation related information Responsible Party. Conservation Funding Town Goal 3.Promote public use of recreational facilities and open space among a wide variety of user types. Increase outreach efforts to local media sources,including the Lexington Minute Man, the Colonial Times,and the Boston Globe Northwest Edition,regarding recreation and conservation resources and programs. Responsible Party' Conservation,Recreation Funding'Town Offer regular conservation education activities throughout the year Responsible Party' Conservation Funding'Town Plan and construct improvements that will provide access to programs and facilities for residents with disabilities,using ADA standards. Responsible Party'Recreation,Conservation Funding.Town;Urban Self-Help Work with other Town departments and citizen groups to identify how to best increase the use of recreational facilities and programs Responsible Party' Recreation Funding'Town Goal 4.Provide a balance of recreational activities for all of Lexington's citizens. Maximize use of current facilities Responsible Party' Recreation Funding:Town ilmawalaFiveyeardtionPtanEDIorfs12C3080SRP1t7� 9-5 Five Year Action Plan Five year Action PhanEDITED dac Five Year Action Plan 1 2009 2010 2011 1 2012 2013 Increase efforts to promote the use of the Pine Meadows Golf Course Responsible Party. Recreation Funding.Town Explore and pursue options for increasing indoor recreation facility space Responsible Party Recreation Funding:Town Assess the distribution of play areas across town and create plans to install play areas in neighborhoods where they are not currently present Responsible Party: Recreation Funding:Town Collaborate with other Town departments and citizens groups to explore options for expanding programs Responsible Party:Recreation Funding Town Increase year-round program offerings Responsible Party: Recreation Funding.Town Continue to be cognizant of the need to diversify recreational opportunities to reflect Lexington's demographics Responsible Party-Recreation Funding Town Goal 5.Preserve and enhance the scenic and historical value of Lexington. Compile a list of historic resources that require more documentation based upon priority heritage landscapes 1 ® document secondary features such as barns,stone walls,and landscape elements ® record historic resources including landscape features and industrial resources ® conduct community-wide archaeological survey. Responsible Party Historical Commission Funding. Historic Landscape Preservation grant Program 1 See Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and Freedom's Way Heritage Association,Lexington Reconnaissance Report,June 2006, Five year Action P CareparED1 ED doc SRP109 9-6 Five Year Action Plan Fve year Action P1anEalTEp doc Five Year Action Plan 1 2009 1 2010 I 2011 2012 2013 Adopt a scenic roads bylaw and designate selected roads as scenic.2 • • inventory and document scenic roads • develop policies for road maintenance and reconstruction on historic or scenic roads. Responsible Party Planning Board Funding: n/a Goal 6.Enhance connectivity between open space and recreation areas. Continue to pursue implementation of the West Lexington Greenway to connect the Minuteman Bikeway with Minuteman National Historic Park's Battle Road Responsible Party Conservation Funding.Town,grants Work with neighboring communities and citizen groups to formalize trail connections between open space and recreation areas within and outside of Lexington Responsible Party: Conservation Funding Town,grants Create a town-wide map showing trails on and connecting open space and recreational areas in Lexington. Responsible Party: Conservation Funding:Town,volunteer hours Install standardized entryway signage and trail markers on open space areas Goal 7.Acquire parcels that are important from an environmental,recreational, or historical perspective. Identify parcels that have one or more of the following attributes: • enhances Town character • provides wildlife habitat or connects isolated areas of habitat • protects water quality ® contains important natural features and resources • improves public access to open space • has historical or cultural value • provides recreational opportunities ® connects existing Town open space parcels to facilitate non-motorized transportation routes and recreation routes Responsible Party: Conservation,Recreation,Historical Commission Funding.Self-Help,CPA,Town 2 Ibid. r o OS�P109 Five year Action PIanED1TED doc 9-7 Five Year Action Plan Five Year Action Plan 1 2009 1 2010 1 2011 1 2012 2013 Resolve land ownership/easement issues related to the West Lexington Greenway and seek funding to acquire any necessary easements or parcels. Responsible Party: Conservation Funding:Self-Help,CPA Create a land acquisition committee through the Board of Selectmen • Responsible Party Board of Selectmen Funding.n/a Goal 8.Protect and maintain Lexington's brooks., Continue to implement the Watershed Stewardship program to address stormwater run-off pollution and other issues affecting brook health and function O Schedule brook clean-up days to remove unnatural trash from brooks and to clear outfall blockages • Work with the Town's DPW department to address sedimentation and outfall issues identified through shoreline surveys • Install"Don't Dump—Drains to Brook"plaques on storm drains in town ® Conduct water quality testing at targeted areas to identify sources of water pollution • Conduct education and outreach to citizens regarding water quality and stormwater run-off pollution Responsible Party Conservation Funding:Town,grants Goal 9: Preserve,protect,and improve Lexington's recreational infrastructure. Renovate Center Complex restrooms. • Responsible Party Recreation Funding Town Implement improvements to athletic fields at Bridge School,Center Complex, Hastings,Garfield,and Adams. Responsible Party Recreation,DPW Funding:Town Encourage the involvement and coordination of youth groups,sports teams,and other • user groups in maintaining playing fields. Responsible Party Recreation Funding.Town Replace lighting at the Center tennis and basketball courts. • Responsible Party Recreation Funding'Recreation Town IkrnawaFive year iill Action P fl!EDITrfD doe QSRP109- 9-8 Five Year Action Plan Five year Action PlanEdITED doe Five Year Action Pian 2009 12010 I 2011 12012 2013 Undertake Town Pool renovations Responsible Party: Recreation Funding:Recreation Update and renovate playground structures at Munroe,Franklin,and Adams Playgrounds to meet safety and ADA requirements. Responsible Party: Recreation Funding.Recreation:Town Resurface hard courts at Center basketball courts,outdoor track,and tennis courts, and neighborhood basketball courts. Responsible Party: Recreation Funding,Recreation:Town Continue to monitor and respond to maintenance issues at Town parks,playgrounds, and ball fields. Responsible Party' Recreation Funding.Recreation:Town(as needed) Explore options for providing a sustainable off-leash activity area for dogs Foray arActi o PtanEDITED doe aSRP109- 9.9 Five Year Action Plan Five year Action PfanEDlTED doc