Chapter 5: Open Space and Recreation

Home , Bay Circuit Trail, Callahan State Park, Hopkinton State Park, Quabbin Reservoir, Sudbury Reservoir, Wachusett Reservoir

5. open Space and Recreation

An important aspect in judging quality of life, open space and recreational resources are crucial to sustaining a community’s appeal.

Introduction source of Town input; a public forum to present the findings from the survey and get more input An important aspect in judging quality of life, from the residents; meetings between the open space and recreational resources are crucial Conway students, Open Space and Recreation to sustaining a community’s appeal. The subcommittees, and other Town departments; Commonwealth recognizes this importance and and a second public forum to present the plan encourages each community in the state to have and field more suggestions. The key points from a current Open Space and Recreation Plan that document are summarized and updated in (OSRP), which is to be updated every five years. this element of the Town of Southborough When an OSRP is completed and approved by Master Plan. the Division of Conservation Services (DCS), the community is eligible for grant programs While open space resources, passive and active administered by DCS to fund open space recreation are discussed in this chapter, natural acquisition or enhancements to recreational resources, such as water and wildlife, are facilities. discussed in more detail in Chapter 6, Natural and Cultural Resources. Southborough is currently in the final phases of updating its 1999 Open Space and Recreation Community Setting Plan. The 2008 Open Space and Recreation As indicated in Chapter 3, Housing, of this Plan was prepared with assistance from the Plan, Southborough is currently one of the Conway School of Landscape Design and was fastest growing communities in the Common- conditionally approved by DCS in June of wealth, in terms of population, and certainly 2008. Implementation of the Plan will begin in along the Rt. 495 corridor. The rapid rate of 2009. In addition to active population growth has raised concern among recreation, e.g. the Southborough’s current residents who seek to The 2008 OSRP involved a concerted and soccer match shown protect Southborough’s remaining open space thorough public outreach component. This here, Southborough and preserve the rural aesthetic that character- included the Open Space and Recreation provides it residents izes Town. A growing population puts pressure Survey, which was designed by the Open Space numerous opportunities on the lands identified for preservation, because and Recreation Committee and was a primary for passive recreation. these may also be developable properties.

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Open Space and Recreation Definitions recreational facilities, and parks and greens; in fact, in June 2006, the mowing budget for the Protected Open Space is defined by the Town as that portion of the lot Town was cut by $15,000. Furthermore, the area that is not covered by any structure and not used for drives, parking, Town has no money to maintain the newest storage and display. Wetlands, ponds, and man-made detention areas are open space parcel, the Breakneck Hill Conserva- considered open space. All open space shall be permanently protected by tion. Therefore, Southborough must also recorded deed. carefully consider how it will maintain its current supply of open space and recreation If not permanently protected, privately owned and undeveloped land shall parcels and the Town’s ability to maintain future be considered merely Vacant Land. land acquisitions.

Chapter 61, 61A and 61B refer to a Massachusetts program designed to Active Organizations preserve and enhance forest, agriculture and recreational land (respectively). These lands are not considered permanently protected. Southborough has a number of organizations active in the preservation of open space: Passive Recreation refers to things such as walking, picnicking, relaxing on a park bench, hiking, bird watching, etc. Open Space Preservation Commission The Open Space Preservation Commission Active Recreation includes field sports, running, golf, Frisbee, and similar (appointed by the Board of Selectmen) was activities formed recently to facilitate the protection and preservation of open space in the Town.

It is important to identify key land parcels that Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) should be protected as open space. Southbor- ough’s Open Space and Recreation Committee, Recreation Commission, Open Space Preserva- tion Commission, and the Conway School of Landscape Design developed a guide to open space and recreation planning for 2008 – 2013. Sudbury Valley Trustees is a regional land trust, Because this was a recent study, much of the founded in 1953. For over 50 years, SVT has existing conditions remain as described in the been dedicated to conserving land, wildlife 2008 OSRP. However, where new parcels have habitat and ecological integrity of the Sudbury, been permanently protected or vacant land has Assabet and Concord River basin. Guided by a been lost to development, this chapter updates strategic plan and with the help of over 3,000 the 2008 OSRP. members, SVT carries out its mission to protect wildlife habitat and the ecological integrity of While preservation and conservation is a the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers significant priority for key parcels in Southbor- Valley for the benefit of present and future ough, management and maintenance of that generations. Working in close collaboration with land is a great concern. The Town has limited landowners, businesses, local conservation budget to care for its protected open space,

96 Sudbury Reservoir circa 1900.

Photo from the Library of Congress.

commissions and government agencies, SVT Sudbury Watershed Monitoring and Protection pursues its land protection goals through land (SWAMP) acquisitions and stewardship, advocacy, and Formed by two local residents in 1998, education. SWAMP works with local and state agencies, land trusts, and other watershed groups to Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF) protect the Sudbury River and its watershed. Concentrating on a four-mile section of the river, members collect water quality samples including pH, dissolved oxygen, saturated oxygen, clarity, conductivity, temperature, and The mission of the Southborough Open Land depth and flow. The group also monitors Foundation, Inc. (SOLF) is to preserve and development and land sales that could nega- protect the open spaces and rural character of tively affect or enhance areas contributing to the the Town of Southborough. SOLF accepts protection of the river’s water quality. SWAMP donations of properties of all sizes, from less also sponsors the annual “River Fest,” in late than one acre to its largest 20-acre parcel spring which includes canoe rides on the river. recently donated.

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A perfect June day at Summary of Natural Resources According to Mass Geographic Information Chestnut Hill Farm. Systems (MassGIS), there are no primary Hilltops, valleys, reservoirs, wetlands, red maple surface or ground water supplies in Southbor- Photo courtesy of Southborough swamps, wooded drumlins, ponds, lakes Planning Board. ough. However, there are some private wells that streams, rivers, agricultural fields, and a are not regulated by the Town. Nonetheless, plantation forest are all part of the natural groundwater recharge and water pollution features found within and near Southborough. prevention are important to the residents of The largest feature by far is a portion of the Southborough. The Town distributes pretreated Sudbury Reservoir. Nearly 25 percent of water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Southborough’s acreage is comprised of the Authority (MWRA). The newly constructed reservoir and the surrounding land owned by John J. Carroll Water Treatment facility owned the Commonwealth. The reservoir serves as an and operated by the MWRA became operation- emergency on-line backup supply for Boston al in 2005. and is not currently used as a local water supply. However, because it is a potential source of The Sudbury River flows east along the drinking water, active recreational use on and southern boundary of Southborough in a series around the reservoir is restricted. The reservoir of oxbows, separating Southborough from and its surrounding land are discussed in more Hopkinton and Ashland. detail in the section on Natural Resources.

98 There are many scenic open space and recre- The Bay Circuit Trail, a long-distance trail ational opportunities surrounding Southbor- system being developed by the non-profit Bay ough including Hopkinton State Park, located Circuit Alliance, runs through the northeastern less than a mile south of Town; Cedar Swamp, edge of Southborough along the Sudbury situated near the southwestern edge of Town in Reservoir. Upon completion, the entire trail is Westborough; Marlborough State Forest planned to be a 120-mile arc between Route situated to the north; Ashland Town Forest to 128 and I-495, connecting the Parker River the east; and Richard Callahan State Park to the Wildlife Refuge in Newbury with Bay Farm in northeast in Marlborough. Passive recreation Duxbury and Kingston. Currently, portions of and conservation open space opportunities the Bay Circuit Trail in Southborough are within the Town boundaries include the Town unprotected and incomplete. Forest, Breakneck Hill Conservation Area, Wilfred J. Turenne Wildlife Habitat, and Table 5-1 identifies the amount of land held Chestnut Hill Farm. Active recreation areas under Chapter 61, 61A, or 61B, which are include the 911 Fields, as well as school facility managed for forestry, agricultural, or recreation- fields (e.g. Neary, Trottier, etc.). Maintained al purposes, respectively. Chapter 61 is a parks in Southborough include the Town legislative act based by the Commonwealth Common, Cordaville Triangle, and others. For a which protects lands for the above-named uses detailed list, see the inventory of open spaces in by offering significant local tax benefits to Table 4-2 and Section 7, Public Facilities. property owners willing to make a long-term commitment to the land. In exchange for these In 2006, Chestnut Hill Farm became the largest benefits, the city or town in which the land is and most recent major open space area in the located is given the right to recover some of the Town. It was also an example of Town-wide tax benefits afforded the owner when the land is cooperation; the purchase was funded through a removed from classification and an option to combination of the Community Preservation purchase the property should the land be sold or Act, the Conservation Commission, the Open used for another use. These lands are consid- Space Preservation Commission, the Town of ered to be only temporarily protected – the Southborough, funds raised by the Sudbury landowner manages the land for those specific Valley Land Trust (SVT) and the Southborough purposes and receives some tax benefit in Open Land Foundation (SOLF), and private exchange. However, the land can be converted donors, in addition to a Self-Help grant from to other uses, with the repayment of back taxes, the Division of Conservation Services (DCS). and then may be developed and lost as open The land was voluntarily placed under a space. Conservation Restriction by the Beals family and is used for active agricultural activities such Additionally, Table 5-1 notes the land owned by as cropland and for cattle raising, as well as the Department of Conservation and Recreation providing trails and passive recreation for the (DCR). DCR owns 80 percent of the open public. space in Southborough (almost one-quarter of the entire area of the Town), because of its holdings at the Sudbury Reservoir. Of DCR’s

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Table 5-1 Temporarily Protected Open Space in Southborough

Type of Ownership Acres Percent of Subtotal Percent of Total Land

Chapter 61 (forest) 60 2.1% 0.6%

Chapter 61A (agriculture) 436 15.4% 4.4%

Chapter 61B (recreation) 94 3.3% 0.9%

DCR-Owned (water and land) 2,246 79.2% 22.5%

Subtotal 2,836 100.0% 28.5%

Town TOTAL 9,961 - 100.0%

Source: Southborough Town Assessor, 2006 and Joel Zimmerman, Department of Conservation and Recreation. Notes: Chapter 61, 61A and 61B land above includes land classified as Mixed Use with the Town Assessor. These parcels are predominantly agriculture, forest or recreation, but may have a residence or some other use on a portion of the parcel. Therefore, the Open Space Total is greater than presented in the 2008 Open Space Plan, where these mixed uses were not considered.

holdings, 41 percent (921 acres) is water.1 Regional Open Space Resources Aimilarly to the Chapter 61, 61A and 61B Table 5-2 compares Southborough’s open space lands, the Town will have an opportunity to be resources with the communities that surround involved if this land ever changes use or it. ownership. The DCR-owned land is governed by Article 97, which requires that prior to the land changing hand it must receive a two-thirds Southborough’s Protection Efforts vote of the general court. In a conversation with Southborough has worked to protect its natural Joel Zimmerman of DCR, it was noted that resources through conservation restrictions, land there is no current plan to change the use or acquisition, and zoning initiatives. Perhaps ownership of the Sudbury Reservoir and land in most important, the Town has supported the Southborough. However, if that were to occur purchase of key open space parcels. The recent in the future, the Town would play a role in the adoption of the Community Preservation Act new legislation and disposition process required (CPA) will allow the Town to allocate money for under Article 97. the purchase and protection of key open space resources. Decisions on how the CPA money is In addition to the temporarily protected land used will be directed by the Community and water described in Table 5-1, the Town has Preservation Committee (CPC) in conjunction approximately 1,080 acres of open and undevel- with other Town boards, commissions, and oped vacant land. committees. The ultimate decision on how the money is allocated rests with the Town Meeting. 1 The exact acreage of DCR owned land, including water and land area, was confirmed by Mr. Joel Zimmerman, Regional Planner with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection and Paul Cibelli, Southborough Town Assessor in June 2007 and is based on Money is being set aside for the future preserva- PILOT agreements paid to the Town.

100 tion and acquisition of priority open space it has not been as effective as hoped in preserv- parcels and to enhance recreational opportuni- ing the quality of open space the Town wants to ties in Southborough. This generally includes see. Please see Section 2, Land Use and Zoning, identifying important wildlife habitat corridors, for additional discussion of this zoning initia- wetland resources, agricultural lands, trail tive. networks and linkages, and scenic vistas. The CPC’s goals for open space are similar to the Lands of Conservation Interest stated goals and objectives in this Plan. Key Parcels Additionally, the Town adopted a flexible zoning The 2008 OSRP identified protected open option within the Major Residential Develop- space parcels, important unprotected parcels, ment section of the zoning bylaw (§ 174-13.2) and those parcels lost to development since the to encourage the preservation of contiguous and 1999 OSRP. The important unprotected usable open space in the subdivision of land, parcels are the key element of that plan. These and to protect unique environmental features of parcels represent an opportunity to preserve in the landscape. Two plans are required for the perpetuity valuable open space parcels and to submission of the special permit application – a provide potential linkages within Southbor- conventional plan and a flexible plan. The ough’s open space network. intent is to approve the flexible plan assuming the goals of this option prove to create a Preserving and protecting undeveloped land is subdivision that is more sensitive to environ- necessary for conserving biodiversity, preserving mental features. While this tool has been used, the character of the landscape, and protecting

Table 5-2 Open Space in Southborough and Adjacent Communities

Percent of Open Approximate Open Community Total Land Area (mi2) Space Space (mi2)

Southborough 15.6 † 47.9% 7.5

Westborough 21.4 51.2% 11.0

Northborough 18.7 58.2% 10.9

Marlborough 22.0 43.9% 9.7

Framingham 26.5 35.0% 9.3

Ashland 12.9 55.7% 7.2

Hopkinton 27.9 59.9% 16.7

Source: massGIS 1999 Land Use data, see http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/my_comm/mycomm.htm Notes: open Space on this table includes forested land and wetlands † See footnote in Chapter 2

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Table 5-4 Open Space Acquired Since 1999

Open Space Subdivision Name Street Name(s) Status (acres)

Admiral's Lane, Charles Court, & Glen Admiral's Glen 0.6 Condominium Association Court

Angelica Estates Angelica Lane 17.5 Angelica Brook LLC (deeded)

Barn Hollow (approved as Barn Lane & Nipmuc Lane 7.7 Easements Schipper Meadows)

Bay Path Lane Bay Path Lane 0.2 Town of Southborough

Brookside Road Brookside Road (extension) 3.0 Easements; One parcel owned by SOLF

Carriage Hills Estates Meadow Lane 1.0 Condominium Association

with above Carriage Hill Circle 1.9 Condominium Association

with above Carriage Lane 7.2 SOLF (deeded)

with above Kallander Drive 8.0 Peter I Kallander

with above Soccer Field 2.6 Town of Southborough (deeded)

Edgewood Estates Wells Lane 0.9 Easements; one parcel not yet deeded

Evergreen Village Austin Kelley Lane 0.4 Easements

Town of Southborough (to be deeded at Grasslands II Orchard Road (extension) 7.2 road acceptance)

Killam Farm Estates Killam Farm Lane 7.6 Town of Southborough

Lahaye Estates no street name 0.3 Easements

Maple Street Ext Maple Street 0.2 Easements

Parmenter Meadow Metcalf Lane 1.4 Easements

with above 0.9 Parcels A, B & C (not deeded yet)

Pine Hill Estates aka The Joslin Lane, Witherbee Lane, Nichols 26.6 Preservation Trust Meadows of Pine Hills Street & Pine Hill Road

Rossi Estates Frank Rossi Lane 1.5 Easements

102 Table 5-3 Open Space Lost Due to Development Since 1999

Property Name Location Area Lost (in Acres) Status

Kallander Property Meadow Lane 53.5 Carriage Hills - 62 units

Allen Farm Deerfoot Road 24.8 4 units

Killam Property Hubley Lane 31.2 8 units and 8 acres open space

Watkins Property Richards Road 28.6 9 units

Southville Road Properties Southville Road unknown Some development

Sudbury River Properties Various unknown Some development

TOTAL - ±138 -

Source: massGIS 1999 Land Use data, see http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/my_comm/mycomm.htm Notes: open Space on this table includes forested land and wetlands † See footnote in Chapter 2

Table 5-4 cont'd Open Space Acquired Since 1999

in Parcel (no determination yet - in with above 20.1 process of approval)

Schipper Farm Estates Schipper Farm Lane 3.4 Easements

South Village Estates Fiddleneck Lane 4.9 Easements

The Summit Banfill Lane (extension) 2.5 Easements

Vickery Hill Estates Vickery Hill Lane 5.0 Easements

Woodland Estates Kidder Lane 0.8 Easements

with above 4.3 Town of Southborough

TOTAL - 137.6 -

the drinking water supplies (Conserving Open Conservation Commission or Water Depart- Space, 2005). One way to protect open space is ment; and some privately owned land under a through land acquisition. Protected lands conservation restriction (also called conservation include land owned by certain state agencies easement) approved by the state. The conserva- that are preserved pursuant to Article 97; land tion restriction prevents development of the under the jurisdiction of the Southborough land for a specified time, usually in perpetuity.

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However, not all Town-owned land is protected owned conservation land offers a range of from development. For example, land under the opportunities for wildlife as well as recreational jurisdiction of other Town departments can be uses. sold or developed with very few restrictions. Land enrolled in various tax abatement pro- A concern for Southborough is the limited open grams such as Chapter 61, 61A and 61B, which space south of Interstate 90. Several small promote preservation of forest, agricultural and patches of open space exist, but the only links recreational land respectively by providing tax between them are roads and sidewalks. The lack benefits to maintain and manage lands, are not of natural corridors prevents safe passage for permanently protected. All Chapter 61 parcels wildlife. Safe road crossings would be beneficial are considered important unprotected parcels. for people and wildlife tunnels would improve animal migration and movement. Linking open All open space and recreational parcels, whether spaces to Town sidewalks would give the publicly or privately owned, including Chapter residents of Southborough easy and safe access 61 parcels are specifically listed in the 2008 to these places. OSRP. This inventory includes detailed information as to the location, use, condition, Recently developed parcels in Southborough access, and level of protection for each parcel. affect more than 130 acres of land. Some of these recent developments were permitted under Figure 4 depicts Southborough’s open space the flexible development zoning regulation, resources. Key parcels of open space lost to which permits additional units (usually residen- development since 1999 are listed in Table 5-3. tial houses) in order to provide affordable Table 5-4 identifies major open space acquisi- housing. The Town must be proactive in tions during the same time frame. ensuring that the priority parcels and parcels offering open space linkage are identified so that Open Space Linkages when opportunities for acquisition arise, the The state-owned conservation land along the Town can take action to protect them. Sudbury Reservoir provides an excellent natural corridor from the northeast corner to the northwest corner of the Town. The managed forests offer safe passage to larger regional habitats. This conservation land surrounding the reservoir extends west into Northborough, north into Marlborough and east into Framing- ham.

Chestnut Hill Farm, purchased by the Town in 2006, is an important open space and passive recreation area located north of Turnpike Road (Route 9) and adjacent to other open space parcels. Its potential connection with state-

104 Sudbury Reservoir serves as a habitat corridor for wildlife in northern Southborough.

Photo from city-data.com.

Analysis of Resource Protection Since the reservoir is designated as a backup Needs water supply for Boston, very few uses of the water are allowed, see Table 5-5. This helps keep Water Resources the water clean and undisturbed which in turn Southborough’s largest single water and open allows wildlife to live with minimal interference. space asset is the Sudbury Reservoir, which— However, the residents have expressed their land and water combined—occupies nearly 25 desire to have some expanded access to the percent of the Town’s acreage. The Department water so that they can use the large natural of Conservation and Recreation Division of resource for a wide variety of passive and active Water Supply Protection (DCR, formerly the recreational options. Metropolitan District Commission Division of Watershed Management (MDC/DWM)) owns According to the 2002 Sudbury Reservoir the land and reservoir, and the Massachusetts Watershed System Public Access Plan Update Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is (prepared by the MDC/DWM—now DCR), responsible for treatment and distribution of the there are three emergency conditions that would drinking water. The reservoir serves Southbor- trigger the use of the Sudbury System: ough as a wonderful but underutilized asset.

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107 5 Open Space and Recreation

ff Wachusett Reservoir is declared non-potable; is currently working to combine these two docu- ments into one watershed protection plan for ff There is an inability to convey water from the Sudbury Reservoir. In order to protect the the Wachusetts Reservoir to the MWRA quality of the potential water supply, DCR does system (e.g. failure of the Hultman Aque- not allow any water access or human contact duct, Southborough Tunnel, or the City with the Sudbury Reservoir. Areas for shoreline Tunnel); or fishing and hiking were expanded in DCR’s ff A serious drought occurs. 2002 policy update. Furthermore, DCR committed to looking into the expansion of the The Sudbury Reservoir would be used as a Bay Circuit Trail toward the Sudbury Dam. primary source of water supply, as a pass through of Wachusett Reservoir water, or as a Another issue of concern that has been ex- supplemental source to the Quabbin and pressed at the public forums is surface water Wachusett Reservoirs. DCR has had discussions runoff. Farming in Southborough on a large about disposing of Reservoirs Nos. 1 and 2 and scale is no longer prevalent, so runoff associated the land surrounding them for recreational use, with agriculture is not of particular concern. since they are unlikely to be used for water However, fertilizers used for lawns and golf supply; however, the Sudbury Reservoir remains courses should be monitored. St. Marks and the classified as a reserve drinking water supply and Stonybrook golf courses are very near the will not be disposed by DCR in the foreseeable Sudbury Reservoir. If they use high nitrate fertil- future. izers and are overly irrigated, then runoff could potentially enter the reservoir or other water- DCR has prepared public access plans and land ways. Also, the major highways that run management plans for their holdings; the DCR

Table 5-5 Public Access Restrictions at Sudbury Reservoir

Allowed Activities Prohibited Activities

Shoreline fishing (with no water contact) Water Contact (e.g. swimming)

Canoe access to Sudbury River via Cedar Swamp only Boating (motorized and non-motorized)

Hiking/Walking/Snowshoeing (in designated areas) Off-Road Vehicles

Nature Study/Bird Watching (in designated areas) Horseback Riding

Biking (in designated areas only) Dogs and other Pets

Cross Country Skiing (in designated areas only and on a Camping trial basis)

Picnicking (use of fire, cooking activity, and alcohol are Hunting and Trapping (excluding certain prohibited however) times and areas)

108 The Sudbury Reservoir Trail is (or has) likely exceeding some critical water quality standards, including Dissolved Oxygen,

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A H O E Y R W W D O T VOIR R O SER W B RE YE L TH C N IR R CLE S A T M ¡²

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R R R P D D D A V D R R R I R L T the southern part of Southborough and another A R D L Y R I E D E ¡² D A D L R T R G G Y D E A C R H B O I T S L E TU R L Legend N B IT T R O D A E L D H B D N A EA EV W STB INE V R D L I O N L OK E F L A E RM C E LN R L ¡² R F IF GENER O F AL H D O ENR O Y KN R OX RD Sudbury Reservoir Trail T D ¡² R S D T near the intersection of I-495 and Route 9.

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Vernal pools also provide critical habitats. In order to gain legal protection, they must be through Southborough add to the impermeable recognized through a certification process. There surface area which tends to reduce the amount are four certified vernal pool located in South- of water reaching the ground and being borough and there are 61 potential vernal pools. absorbed. In addition, surface water that is Naturalist groups and conservationists can absorbed by the ground first comes into contact identify these areas and petition the state to have with chemicals such as road de-icing agents. them certified. As Southborough becomes more There is concern that this results in contami- heavily developed and reaches its maximum nates entering local waterways. Another build-out, it becomes increasingly important to potential source of contamination is accidents perform due diligence on potential development along the causeway crossing the reservoir. sites to ensure that vernal pools are not being compromised. Although most Town residents obtain their drinking water from the Quabbin Reservoir (via Wildlife Corridors MWRA), care should be taken by the Town With increased development, wildlife corridors regarding discharges into the groundwater become progressively more important. Ideally, supply since Southborough is part of three corridors should be interconnected to create a different watersheds and therefore contributes to network that allows wildlife to move between a much larger drinking water system. The and throughout the landscape with minimal Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) has shown that the Sudbury Reservoir 2 http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/04water/html/sudres.htm.

109 5 Open Space and Recreation

The Bay Circuit Trail areas for species of concern. These are all excellent natural opportunities for wildlife corridors. Careful land use planning, educa- tional awareness and stewardship are strong OP strategies that Southborough must rely on to protect these areas.

Community Needs Bicycles and Pedestrians The Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS) has completed a Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement in Town Centers document, summarizing the key bicycle and pedestrian BAYCIRCUIT Trail issues in six small town centers in the Boston region (one of which is Southborough). The study is described in more detail in Chapter 7 - Transportation, Transit, and Circulation. It recommended a number of improvements and noted that opportunities for bicycling in Southborough were limited due to the lack of bicycle trails.

OP The Bay Circuit Trail is a proposed 200 mile corridor for bicycle trails encompassing 50 cities and towns in an “outer emerald necklace” linking parks, open spaces and waterways from Plum Island to Kingston Bay. A portion of Southborough is included in this trail concept as exposure to development. In a town that has seen on the Bay Circuit Trail map. been developed throughout, like Southborough, it is difficult to provide an intricate network of Narrow streets lined with stone walls enhance corridors. The major roads provide significant the Town’s rural character. However, recent hindrance to land-based animals since it is rapid growth has resulted in more vehicular difficult for them to safely cross. An examina- traffic. Southborough has an increased number tion of the larger context should look to the of senior citizens and school-aged children who region outside of Southborough to see where desire safe routes for walking or biking between patterns and corridors become apparent. For neighborhoods schools, and for daily exercise. example, State forests surround Southborough. The safety of pedestrians is challenged by A large wetland marsh is to the west and rivers increased traffic and car usage. Town residents run through Southborough and on into other have regularly requested sidewalks for safe access communities that are considered rare habitat along frequently traveled foot and bike routes.

110 In this process, sidewalks can be incorporated Breakneck Hill Conservation Area. The into plans for hiking and biking trails to committee is in the process of locating problem connect open spaces. The CPTS report, as areas that may be hazardous to either people or described in Chapter 7, makes a number of the environment. Action plans can be developed recommendations for new sidewalks and repairs to resolve these issues. A good example of a to existing ones. stewardship plan that is being implemented is the removal of an invasive plant species (oriental Greenway Corridors and Passive Recreation bittersweet) from the grounds at the Breakneck Currently, limited patches of preserved open Hill Conservation Area. space exist throughout the Town. Citizens have expressed the desire for areas of protected open The Breakneck Hill Stewardship Committee’s space to connect wildlife corridors and for mission is to: recreational activities such as hiking and biking trails. Completion of the Sudbury Reservoir ff Determine and allocate resources available Trail creates a potential greenway corridor for for maintenance the Town’s people and wildlife. The Sudbury ff Develop a list of locations of invasive species Reservoir Trail also has the potential for possible within the Breakneck Hill Conservation Area linkages and connections to neighborhoods and areas of preserved open space. A large number of ff Raise the public awareness of invasive species the community survey responses indicate that ff Try to involve the public with stewardship citizens would like to pursue use of the Sudbury plans Reservoir as a place for passive recreation such as extended trail systems. It is necessary for the ff Create a plan to monitor Breakneck Hill community to work with the DCR in order to Conservation Area for proper and timely pursue the possibility of opening the reservoir maintenance and surrounding land to more forms of passive However, there is currently no money available recreation. for the required maintenance at Breakneck Hill. Maintenance and management of Town-owned Management Needs, Potential Change of lands has become a significant concern. If not Use maintained properly, the Town’s open space A number of Southborough residents were loses its value to the residents and can become a unaware of the existence of many of their parks liability to the Town. and recreation areas. The recreation department is working on ways to inform the public of the Southborough is also looking at easements that recreational facilities. Awareness may draw more may provide linkages to trail systems or natural visitors to already overcrowded locations; corridors. An example is the railroad easement therefore higher density neighborhoods need that runs through the center of Southborough. more public spaces. It may provide a unique opportunity for a trail if enough space could be designated on the Southborough has formed a Breakneck Hill easement and public safety could be ensured. Stewardship Committee to maintain the

111 5 Open Space and Recreation

Table 5-6 Recreation Facilities

Public Property Name Location Acreage Owner Protection Recreation Type Access

Liberty Estates Field Liberty Road 4.5 Town PL 88-578 Yes Multi-purpose athletic field

Cordaville Triangle Cordaville Road 0.3 Town In perpetuity Yes Park

Rousseau Property Parmenter Road 12.5 Private None Picnic, trails

Chapter 61A Johnson Property Chestnut Hill Road 15.0 Private Ballfields, courts, picnic (unprotected)

Chapter 61A Millea Property Deerfoot Road 21.2 Private Ballfields, picnic, trails (unprotected)

Beede Property Nichols Street 10.0 Private None Ballfields, courts, picnic, trails

St. St. Mark’s Golf Course Marlboro Road 39.2 None Golf Mark’s

Crystal Pond Crystal Pond Road 142.0 EMC None Ballfields, courts, picnic, trails

Former Water Tower Atwood Street 4.0 Town None Picnic area, courts, trails

Sturgeon Property Atwood Street 3.0 Private None Picnic area, courts, trails

9-11 Memorial Field Acre Bridge Road DCR None Soccer, Lacrosse, Football

Soccer, outdoor basketball, Choate Field at Wood- Cordaville Road Town None Yes softball, field hockey, sand ward School104 volleyball, gymnasium

Soccer, outdoor basketball, Harold E. Fay Memorial Central Street Town None Yes softball, school age play- Field & Playground ground, tot-lot, picnic

Soccer, baseball, playground, Finn School Richards Road Town None Yes tennis, gymnasium

Kallander Field Kallander Drive Town None Yes Multi-purpose athletic field

Tennis, soccer, softball, playground, walking, outdoor Neary School Parkerville Road Town None Yes ice skating, outdoor basketball, lacrosse, small gymnasium

DePietri Field Parkerville Road Town None Yes Soccer, lacrosse

112 Table 5-6 cont'd Recreation Facilities

Mooney Fields Parkerville Road Town None Yes Baseball

Soccer, softball, track, field Trottier Middle School Parkerville Road Town None Yes hockey, gymnasium

East Main Street to Sudbury Reservoir Trail DCR None Yes Walking Parkerville Road

From above at Sudbury Reservoir Trail Parkerville Road into DCR None Yes Walking Extension Northborough

Lundblad Field Parkerville Road Town None Yes Multi-purpose athletic field

Source: 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan, Town of Southborough Notes: Protected Parcels Key - PL 88-578 Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965

Parks, Recreation and Town-Owned Parks: Type, Location, Condition, Use Property Table 5-6 outlines the parks and recreational resources in the Town of Southborough. The Parks and recreation areas are significant mix of public and privately-owned recreational community assets; they provide usable open facilities presents the Town with a number of space and generally enhance the appearance of a opportunities and challenges, particularly as it town. This section expands upon the discussion tries to meet the growing demands of its youth of recreational resources discussed in Section 6, and elderly populations. Not all of the proper- Open Space. ties are accessible to the public, which is especially true for the private facilities. However, Since the 1999 Open Space and Recreation Plan even where the public may access privately- there have been several newly constructed, owned recreational facilities, such as some of the renovated, or improved athletic fields to meet private schools, there are limitations due to the the needs and abilities of all citizens. The 2006 priority given to the students and faculty of survey results indicated that the residents were those schools. unaware of the location of many of the facilities that currently exist in Town. A map for the Neighborhood parks that provide facilities for public indicating the locations and recreational all ages and abilities are needed in Southbor- opportunities for each facility is needed. Because ough. These are especially important where the public access to the school facilities is prohibited population is densely concentrated, where open during school hours, a centrally located space is limited, and where senior housing is adult-oriented athletic field or recreational located. Several residents also expressed the facility is desired. need to create a safe and centrally located place for teenagers to gather. Survey responses indicate

113 5 Open Space and Recreation

ff Gym space. Private school gyms are generally not available and public school gyms are limited by school hours and custodial schedules.

Management Needs The Town’s Facilities Department is in charge of maintaining the public recreation areas. Southborough residents were unaware of the existence of many of their parks and recreation areas. The Recreation Department is working on ways to inform the public of the recreational facilities. Awareness may draw more visitors to already overcrowded locations; therefore higher density neighborhoods need more public spaces.

The Town does not have a formal maintenance program or Capital Improvement Plan for Belties relaxing that residents are happy with the condition of recreational facilities. Both are currently under in Breakneck Hill the existing recreation facilities, but many wish consideration, but maintenance at existing parks Conservation Area. they were better informed of their locations. and playgrounds occurs on an as needed basis. The biggest maintenance needs generally have Photo courtesty of the Breakneck Hill Cow Fund. Facility Needs been to enhance drainage and repair dangerous Based upon input from the Recreation Director fencing. and input from the public forums, the following are some of the facility needs for Southborough. These will be discussed in more detail in the OSRP, but are summarized here in no particular order of priority.

ff Recreation Center to serve the recreational needs of teens and younger children

ff Indoor or outdoor swimming pool

ff Ice skating rink

ff More playing fields for a variety of sports. Demand exceeds capacity and the lack of lights limits field use especially in the late fall, winter, and early spring.

114 Open Space and Recreation Goals OS-1 OS-4 Continue to identify and preserve Southborough’s open space Maintain and enhance existing open space and passive recre- and recreation resources. ational facilities.

OS-1.1 Goals & Objectives from the Draft OSRP The Draft OSRP provided a set of goals that parallel the Be prepared to purchase open space when it becomes avail- goals and objectives derived for the Master Plan update. If able. not already addressed, the statements in the Draft OSRP will be incorporated into the implementation plan of the Master OS-1.2 Plan. The Draft OSRP goals are: Better educate public about open space and natural resources 1. Create additional conservation areas and recreational conservation. facilities to serve the needs of Southborough residents while protecting limited natural resources.

OS-1.3 2. Expand trail and sidewalk systems on conservation and Capitalize on small vacant and underutilized parcels in Town Town-owned land for passive recreation and pedestrian to create pocket parks and other open spaces. use.

3. Create partnerships and agreements with private landown- OS-1.4 ers for conservation and recreation lands. Encourage natural resource preservation in development projects. 4. Provide outreach and education programs.

5. Identify and preserve best use of land.

OS-2 6. Involve residents in management of open spaces. Expand access opportunities to Southborough’s open spaces. 7. Prioritize and establish mechanisms for protecting critical OS-2.1 parcels of land. Encourage public use of water resources and conserved open space.

OS-3 Increase walking and bicycle paths, boardwalks, and trails to create a trail network and connect open space and recreational resources.

115 5 Open Space and Recreation

Open Space and Recreation Recommendations

Recognizing that the Town is working to complete its OSRP, ff Goal 2: Expand access opportunities to Southborough’s the following recommendations are based off the draft plan as open spaces. augmented by the analysis of relevant needs described in this ww Encourage public use of water resources and conserved Master Plan. The Draft OSRP will contain substantially open space. more detailed action items in the Five-Year Action Plan (see Section 9 of the OSRP) that pertain to specific facilities and FF OSR-6: Protect land contiguous with open space along resources. These recommendations are broader and generally the Bay Circuit Trail. more policy-oriented, but are also written on the basis of a FF OSR-7: Work with MWRA and DCR to expand access longer planning horizon. to open spaces and water resources in Southborough.

ff Goal 1: Continue to identify and preserve Southborough’s FF OSR-8: Establish canoe launch and walking trails, and open space and recreation resources. enhance natural buffer along the Sudbury River and Mill Pond. FF Be prepared to purchase open space when it becomes available. ff Goal 3: Increase walking and bicycle paths, boardwalks, and trails to create a trail network and connect open space FF Better educate public about open space and natural and recreational resources. resources conservation. FF OSR-9: Establish walking trails and bicycle paths to FF Capitalize on small vacant and underutilized parcels in create network that connects open space resources in Town to create pocket parks and other open spaces. Southborough with adjacent Towns and state land (i.e. FF Encourage natural resource preservation in development Hopkinton State Park). projects. ff Goal 4: Maintain and enhance existing open space and FF OSR-1: Develop criteria to establish priorities for open passive recreational facilities. space acquisition. FF OSR-10: Identify Town-wide needs for recreational FF OSR-2: Create process for addressing right of first refusal facilities. for Chapter 61 lands that become available. FF OSR-11: Develop long-term comprehensive plan for FF OSR-3: Develop a master plan for use of CPA funds. improving the quality and maintaining the safety of all recreational facilities including Town parks, playgrounds FF OSR-4: Work with land trusts and establish public-pri- and athletic fields. vate partnerships to preserve farm land through purchase of conservation restrictions (CRs) or agricultural preser- FF OSR-12: Develop Town-wide recreation center to pro- vation restrictions (APRs). vide year-round activities for all age groups.

FF OSR-5: Revise zoning bylaw to expand effective cluster FF OSR-13: Provide and communicate high quality recre- development opportunities by amending Major Residen- ation programs and activities that meet the needs of all tial Development to create an Open Space Residential ages of residents and builds a stronger sense of commu- Development bylaw. nity.

116 FF OSR-14: Strengthen partnerships with committees and organizations throughout the Town.

FF OSR-15: Operate Recreation like an enterprise to increase user loyalty and provide fiscally sound budgeting.

117