SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES June 30,2006 Lawrence, Massachusetts
Prepared for: Executive Offi ce of Environmental Affairs
In conjunction with: Groundwork Lawrence Arlington Community Trabajando
Copley Wolff Design Group
Landscape Architects & Planners
160 Boylston Street • Boston, MA June 30, 2006
Kwabena Kyei-Aboagye Executive Offi ce of Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114
RE: Spicket River Greenway Design Guidelines, ENV 06 POL 24 Urban Open Space Design
Dear Kwabena:
Copley Wolff Design Group (CWDG) is pleased to present recommendations for design guidelines of the Spicket River Greenway in Lawrence, MA. This report represents a culmination of our efforts to understand the conditions along this diverse waterway, to reach out to the neighboring communities, and to develop a plan to guide the future improvements along the river. The Urban Open Space Study included a series of site walks and fi eld visits to record the conditions along the banks of the Spicket. These visits allowed CWDG to come to a detailed understanding of the opportunities and constraints along the river’s edge. This understanding was supplemented by an earlier study of the Spicket River, which was utilized on CWDG’s design of Brook Street Park. This early study is included as an appendix to this report. This study also included a living and productive community outreach effort. A total of three (3) well-attended community meetings were held at the Arlington Elementary School where abutters, residents and other stakeholders offered their observations and input to the developing project. This input proved most valuable to the successful completion of this report. This community outreach effort was greatly assisted by both Lesly Melendez and Kate Gormly of Groundwork Lawrence and Ana Luna of Arlington Community Trabajando. Without their tireless efforts, the community presentations and collected feedback would not have been possible. It is also worth noting that during the course of this study, the New England region received rainfalls of historic proportions, which led to extensive fl ooding along the banks of the Spicket. The fl ood event caused extensive damage to the City of Lawrence and the Arlington neighborhood in particular. The Flood of 2006 illustrated the power of nature and the need to understand the Spicket River as a place to enjoy and also to respect.
Sincerely,
David M. Walsh, AIA, ASLA Principal Section 1 - GOALS 1.1 Study Goals
Section 2 - INTRODUCTION 2.1 Site Context 2.2 Abstract, Facts of the Spicket River 2.3 Map of Existing Green Space in Lawrence 2.4 Map of Flood Zones in Lawrence
Section 3 - EXISTING CONDITIONS 3.1 Malden Mills, Map & Site Photographs 3.2 FEMA Site and Marion Avenue, Map & Site Photographs 3.3 Hayden Schofi eld Playfi eld, Map & Site Photographs 3.4 Immigrant Park and Erving Avenue, Map & Site Photographs 3.5 Brook Street Park, Map & Site Photographs 3.6 Lawrence General Hospital and Outfall to Merrimack River, Map & Site Photographs
Section 4 - OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS 4.1 Educational Opportunities and Constraints 4.2 Recreational Opportunities and Constraints 4.3 Social Opportunities and Constraints 4.4 Environmental Opportunities and Constraints
Section 5 - APPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Recommended Improvements 5.2 Hayden Schofi eld Playfi eld Improvements 5.3 River Recreation 5.4 Amphitheater 5.5 Interpretive Improvements 5.6 River Overlook 5.7 Retaining Wall Overlook/Lower Trail Combination 5.8 Seasonal Trails 5.9 Upper Trail Overlook and Connection
Section 6 - SUMMARY 6.1 - 6.3 Project Summary
Section 7 - COST ESTIMATE 7.1 Cost Estimate
Section 8 - APPENDIX A Spicket River Guidelines - Case Studies B Spicket River Guidelines - Corridor Sections C Spicket River Guidelines - Existing Conditions
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY TABLE OF CONTENTS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY GOALS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA STUDY GOALS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. Document existing conditions on the river and along both edges.
2. Identify existing access points and river crossings.
3. Catalog observable wildlife and habitats.
4. Identify potential enhancement locations.
5. Document instances and locations of dumping and hazardous conditions.
6. Present to community and incorporate input.
7. Develop guidelines for improvements to existing conditions.
8. Secure support of City of Lawrence offi cials and EOEA.
9. Develop estimate of probable construction costs.
10. Deliver fi nal report to EOEA.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 1.1 GOALS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY INTRODUCTION Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA SITE CONTEXT Lawrence, Massachusetts
Lawrence
Spicket River in Lawrence
Spicket River
Merrimack River
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 2.1 INTRODUCTION SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA ABSTRACTS, FACTS OF THE SPICKET RIVER
From its source at Big Island Pond in Derry, NH, through Methuen, MA, the Spicket River runs 2.5 miles through Lawrence, MA, before emptying into the Merrimack River. The Spicket has a total drainage area of 77.7 square miles and an average gradient of 2 feet per mile, making it a rather slow moving river susceptible to annual spring fl ooding. In the northern neighborhoods of Lawrence, the city with the highest population density in the state and the least amount of open space, the Spicket River is considered the “sole natural feature.”
Over the past two centuries, industrialization has led to mill dams, channels and retaining walls to be built at several sites along the Spicket. These structures have reduced the width and area of the river’s natural fl ood plain. This reduction has resulted in more severe fl ooding in residential neighborhoods such as the Arlington neighborhood of Lawrence.
While this fl ooding causes roads and houses to be threatened nearly every spring, the surrounding community remains unaware of the river running through their backyards during the rest of the year. For the most part, the Spicket is physically and visually inaccessible and has become a neighborhood dumping ground as a result. With the efforts of community groups and dedicated non-profi ts, we hope the creation of a riverfront greenway and park system will improve community awareness, accessibility, ecological recovery and recreational opportunities for the Spicket River.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 2.2 INTRODUCTION Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA EXISTING GREEN SPACE IN LAWRENCE
Howard Playground
Hayden Schofi eld Playfi eld
Immaculate Brook Conception Street Park Cemetery FEMA Site O’Neil COVANTA SITE Park CURRENTLY BEING Rowell Putman STUDIED Park Park St. Mary’s North Cemetery Common
Bellvue Cemetery
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 2.3 INTRODUCTION SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA SPICKET FLOOD ZONE MAP
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CANAL ST. MERRIMACK RIVER 500 YEAR FLOOD
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COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 2.4 INTRODUCTION Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY EXISTING CONDITIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA MALDEN MILLS • The mill is the western beginning point of the river greenway in Lawrence.
• The mill dam serves as a landmark and the dramatic waterfall as a focal point.
• Remnants of the old mill provide an opportunity to educate the public about the industrial Malden Mills Section history of Lawrence, which was integral to its founding and growth as a city.
• The riverfront property east of Broadway is a vacant lot under private ownership and currently inaccessible. A possible easement could be acquired for the river greenway before development begins on the site.
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COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA FEMA SITE AND MARION AVENUE • The FEMA owned site, adjacent to Central Catholic High School parking lot, is to be constructed into a park with play equipment, a picnic pavilion and river greenway along Marion Avenue.
• The banks of the Spicket along the Lawrence Department of Public Works (DPW) site lack vegetation and are eroding. There is currently no river access at this site, but could be a potential location for a small pedestrian bridge to cross the river and continue the river greenway along FEMA Site Section Erving Avenue.
• The northern river banks become higher and steeper than the southern bank along Marion Avenue, which is lower and highly susceptible to seasonal fl ooding. Hampshire Street is often blocked off during spring fl oods.
• Short concrete retaining walls are in disrepair. There are muddy deposits along the bank and several buildings come up right to the river’s edge.
• The most visually accessible locations are the river and the most sparsely vegetated areas, which have the least amount of collected refuse and illegal dumping. eedgedge aatt FFEMAE M A ssiteite • A two foot high guardrail along Erving Avenue separates the street from the densely vegetated and very steep riverbank, contributing to extremely limited visual and physical access to the river.
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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL bbridgeridge aatt ddaisyaisy sstreettreet sstreettreet eedgedge COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 3.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYFIELD • Hayden Field, a community park with ball fi elds and swings, is only a few feet in elevation above the Spicket’s average high water level resulting in seasonal fl ooding.
• There is an existing path along the Spicket River at Hayden Field, providing community access to the river; however, this path is under water during fl oods. Hayden Schofi eld Section • The Lawrence Street bridge features community artwork tiles. The river greenway could provide opportunities to display more of the work of local school children and artisans.
• The Lawrence Street bridge provides an easily accessible and scenic river overlook.
• A dirt pedestrian path lined with an eight foot high chain-link fence runs along the southern bank of the river on Marion Avenue. Many drivers and pedestrians are unaware of the river’s presence due to the thick layer of vegetation separating one from the river. This fence lined path along the river’s bank is reminiscent of an abandoned lot or retention basin and has become a popular area for illegal dumping over the past years.
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seasonal flooding llightight aandnd sshadehade COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 3.3 EXISTING CONDITIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA IMMIGRANT PARK • The Immigrant Place Park, located on the south bank, features benches, specimen trees and a lawn that gradually slopes towards the river. • There is a narrow path that runs parallel to the river that could potentially connect with the river greenway. The path may not be accessible during fl ooding periods due to its low elevation.
Immigrant Park Section • There is a clearing of vegetation at a low lying point along the path close to the river bank that could serve as a river access point for viewing, boating and fi shing. • The present design of the park makes it an undesirable and underutilized space; however, with modest design improvements, it could potentially host river greenway events and various recreational activities. • Along the northern bank and Erving Avenue, there is extensive invasive plant growth, a six foot fence and a dirt path along the shoulder of the road, which prohibit views to the river. • The bridge at Lawrence Street offers scenic views of the river and could become a fi shing spot.
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COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 3.4 EXISTING CONDITIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA BROOK STREET PARK • Brook Street Park construction was completed in June 2006. • A river access point behind the playground and basketball court have potential to become a canoe and kayak landing as well as a fi shing site. • Brook Street Park is not prone to fl ooding because it is located on high ground with a newly Brook Street Park Section rebuilt retaining wall that separates the park from the river’s edge. • Recreational features of the park include a patio, picnics areas, a shade pavilion, a fountain and play fi elds. The park will also feature a series of paths designed to connect to the future river greenway. • At this site, the river curves southward creating a bend that becomes a collection site for garbage and large debris. • There are small rapids in the river at the southern end of park.
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llowow woodwood rrailail ffenceence cchainhain llinkink fencingfencing located in areas of high vertical separation COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 3.5 EXISTING CONDITIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA LAWRENCE GENERAL HOSPITAL AND OUTFALL AT MERRIMACK RIVER • This area is the end of the Spicket River, where it confl uences with the Merrimack River, and is currently inaccessible. This area could be a fascinating endpoint to the river greenway with potential river and watershed geology educational opportunities. • There is a dirt path from General Street to a small wooden walkway over a dam where the canal meets the Spicket, creating a dramatic overlook. A path to this walkway could be incorporated into the river greenway. Lawrence General Hospital and Outfall at Merrimack River • The wooden walkway over the dam features a plaque showing the record high water mark. • There is a small park off of Allen Street that has a fi eld, benches and handball courts. There is high fencing and thick vegetation which obscure views to the river. • There are steep grade changes between the land around Lawrence General Hospital and Lawrence Family Health Center’s parking lot and the river, which features high retaining walls. A lower pathway at river level could offer seasonal access. • The health centers’ parking lots allow pavement runoff to fl ow directly into the river; this causes contamination of not only the Spicket, but the Merrimack River as well.
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COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 3.6 EXISTING CONDITIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES • The river greenway and trail could be adjacent to several schools to provide an “outdoor classroom,” allowing students to learn about the natural systems of the river and become leaders in community environmental education.
• A system of bilingual signs could be placed along the river greenway informing users about the river: its watershed, geology, history, plants and animal inhabitants.
• Develop a series of community events and school programs that celebrate the natural systems of the Spicket River.
• Some paths and resting spots along the river greenway could be located in areas that are only accessible when the river is low and inaccessible when the river is high, providing education and awareness of the Spicket’s seasonal fl ooding patterns.
• Promoting ecological awareness and education about the river can foster stewardship in the community, ending years of neglect, illegal dumping and polluting.
EDUCATIONAL CONSTRAINTS
• Existing conditions limit physical accessibility of the river.
• The visual accessibility of the river is limited due to overgrown vegetative materials, which signifi cantly reduces the river’s presence.
• Because many people are unaware of the river’s proximity to local schools, it has been disregarded as an educational asset.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 4.1 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA RECREATION RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
• A river greenway could provide a variety of active recreation opportunities for the residents of North Lawrence such as biking, running, walking, fi shing, canoeing and kayaking.
• These active recreational activities could improve the health and quality of life for the community, helping to combat problems of obesity, diabetes and asthma.
• Benches, parks and pavilions provide opportunities for passive recreation such as picnics, lunch breaks and observing nature.
• Organized recreational events such as walkathons, bike races, fund raisers, boat outings, etc., could promote use of the river and foster a greater sense of community with residents.
• The river greenway could connect the various parks adjacent to the river, providing a variety of sport and play activities.
• Green corridors connecting other parks in Lawrence could create further recreational opportunities. RECREATIONAL CONSTRAINTS
• There is limited physical and visual access to the river.
• The river has become a popular place for dumping which may affect users’ interest in actively using the river.
• There is a limited amount of locations for users to passively enjoy the river.
• The river lacks a connected pedestrian path, which may deter users from enjoying a local natural asset.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 4. 2 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA SOCIAL SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES • Creating a recognizable logo and signage system for the river greenway would give the river more of a presence and identity within the neighborhood.
• Informative signage would enhance the community’s understanding and stewardship of the Spicket River.
• Designing connections to other parks and cultural centers in Lawrence will create a safer environment for children and pedestrians, and it will facilitate larger events and festivals.
• A series of cultural events and performances at the parks along the river would create a greater sense of neighborhood involvement and community pride.
• Creating a place that more people would utilize will result in more “eyes on the neighborhood,” which will decrease crime.
SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS
• There may be a fear of crime in the neighborhoods adjacent to the river due to underutilization of the existing open space.
• The existing condition of the river’s banks is overgrown and may contribute to negative perceptions of care in the community.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 4. 3 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES
• Creating better physical access to the river would better facilitate the existing annual river cleanup events, such that they could be more effi cient and occur more often.
• More extensive and frequent trash cleanups would reduce the fi ll in the fl ood way, therefore reducing seasonal fl ood levels and improve habitat and water quality.
• Reducing contaminants and pollutants in the Spicket River would be a positive step toward improving the overall drinking water quality for cities such as Lawrence, whose source is the Merrimack River, which the Spicket empties into.
• A healthier ecological habitat would provide refuge for many endangered and threatened species such as the blue heron, Atlantic salmon and sturgeon.
• Acquiring easements along the river and purchasing properties through eminent domain would reduce the devastating effect of fl ooding on residents and land owners.
• With improved river access, another community program could be established to remove exotic/invasive growth, such as oriental bittersweet, which would improve the natural habitat and encourage the growth of native plants and animals.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS • The river has become a popular place for dumping which will take great effort to make improvements.
• There are a limited amount of locations for users to physically access the water.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 4. 4 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY APPLICATIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS
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IMMIGRANT PARK TO HAYDEN OAK ST. SCHOFIELD PLAYFIELD The Spicket River presents many opportunities for improvements along the stretch from Immigrant Park to Hayden Schofi eld Playfi eld.
The proposed trail would continue along both banks of the Spicket between the Jackson Street bridge and the Lawrence Street bridge. Immigrant Park, which is located along the south bank, will benefi t from improved access to the river, allowing users to connect with the water.
Along the Spicket’s south bank, between these two bridges, there is open space adjacent to residential units that would be an ideal opportunity for a park.
The Lawrence Street bridge will provide a connection to the north bank, where the trail, lined with a chain link fence, would connect to Hayden Schofi eld Playfi eld.
The playfi eld itself is prone to seasonal fl ooding and because existing drainage system does not function properly, recreational use is limited. It is sug- gested that an under drainage system be implemented in order to increase use and community value of the playfi elds.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 5.1 APPLICATIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYFIELD IMPROVEMENTS
Existing Playfi eld: Poor drainage after fl ood event
Playfi eld Potential - Application of under drainage system resulting in better drained soil and sod
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 5.2 APPLICATIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA RIVER RECREATION
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Strengthen pedestrian access along the banks of the river and encourage recreational uses.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 5.3 APPLICATIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA AMPHITHEATER
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Enhance river access and connections at existing public open spaces.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 5.4 APPLICATIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA INTERPRETIVE IMPROVEMENTS
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Introduce signage and interpretive stations to tell the story of the Spicket River’s history and natural environment.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 5.5 APPLICATIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA RIVER OVERLOOK
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Encourage use and safety of roadways as places to fi sh, relax and observe the river below.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 5.6 APPLICATIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA RETAINING WALL OVERLOOK/ LOWER TRAIL COMBINATION
low maintenance riverwalk river recreation elevated river walk vehicular road slope planting with low wood & river overlook rail fencing with 42” safety fencing improved sidewalk with street tree
Typical river edge conditions should include protective safety fencing at elevated grade changes and low wood rail fencing at sections of gentle edge transition.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 5.7 APPLICATIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA SEASONAL TRAILS
river recreation riverwalk low maintenance elevated trail and plaza with low wood sloped planting with 42” safety fencing rail fencing Typical river edge conditions should include protective low wood rail fencing at sections of gentle edge transition. Trail options would allow users to actively use portions of the trail depending on river level and seasonal fl ooding.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 5.8 APPLICATIONS Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA UPPER TRAIL OVERLOOK AND CONNECTION
vehicular sidewalk sloped planting riverwalk river access and recreation sloped planting elevated river walk road with low wood with 42” safety rail fencing fencing
pedestrian bridge provide river overlook opportunities and a connection to opposite bank
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 5.9 APPLICATIONS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY SUMMARY Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA SUMMARY
SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1. In order to heighten community awareness of the Spicket River, continue annual river cleanup events. The annual cleanup of the Spicket River, typically undertaken in the fall, is a wonderful activity that removes trash and debris from the river and contributes to direct community interaction with the natural systems along the Spicket. This activity should be heavily promoted and advertised to ensure its continued success. An anticipated bonus of the cleanup will be, hopefully, to discourage illegal dumping at various point along the river.
2. Initiate a program to cut down and clean out dead trees and limbs along the length of the river. Groundwork Lawrence removed dead trees and limbs from the river stretch along Marion Street in 2005. This activity should be continued for the entire length of the Spicket River, phased as budgets allow. In light of the damage from the Flood of 2006, this activity should have a high priority.
3. Encourage the City to enter into negotiations to receive ownership or easements to certain parcels. There are a number of parcels along both banks of the Spicket River that either are subject to seasonal fl ooding or have access opportunities to the river that should be pursued. In some cases, these parcels could be purchased; in other cases, easements to extend the riverwalk through the property would accommodate the public good.
4. Commit to drainage and surface improvements to the Hayden Schofield playfield. The Hayden Schofi eld playfi eld is a major recreational asset to the Lawrence community. It is used actively for ball play and has a small area of play equipment. The fi eld also presents the Spicket River with a signifi cant storage area in fl ood events. Herein lies the dilemma. The fi eld helps reduce fl ood hazard to surrounding areas but remains wet and unusable until well after the fl ood waters have receded.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 6.1 SUMMARY SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA SUMMARY
The fi eld would greatly benefi t from the installation of well drained sub-base with an underdrains system. This would allow the fi eld to continue to act as an area of fl ood storage while more quickly return to an active playfi eld once the fl ood waters have diminished. As part of the process, the fi eld should be sodded and maintained with a seasonal irrigation system.
5. Establish enforcement programs at locations of dumping and hazardous conditions. One of the continuing problems facing the Spicket River today is the continued dumping of construction debris, household trash and various other deposits at point along the river. Much of this activity happens at point where streets dead end or abut the river or at crossovers at bridge locations. A hotline program should be established to encourage residential abutters to report dumping activities and fi nes for those caught should be increased to discourage illegal activity. In addition “No Dump” signage should be increased and the public made aware of appropriate location for trash pick up.
6. Heighten police patrol presence along Spicket River corridor. A more visible police presence along the river would help residents feel safe and secure and would encourage recreational uses.
7. Assist City of Lawrence in study to relocate Department of Public Works from site abutting Spicket River. The Lawrence Department of Public Works maintenance facility is located at No. 1 Auburn Street abutting the south bank of the Spicket River. This central location allows the DPW to service all parts of the City of Lawrence. Used as the storage and service yard for DPW vehicles, the facility is also the drop-off location for motor oil, batteries and other environmentally hazardous materials. Considering the environmental sensitivity of the Spicket River, these industrial and hazardous activities are not compatible.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA SUMMARY
A fi rst step in addressing this concern would be a general recognition of the present confl ict. This could be followed by a feasibility study to fi nd an appropriate site for the DPW facility. This would be followed, hopefully, by the actual relocation after which the site could be developed for a more appropriate use.
8. Identify and pursue sources of funding for Spicket River improvements. Many sources of funding have been identifi ed by the City of Lawrence and Groundwork Lawrence on improvements to Brook Street Park, FEMA Site Park and other projects in Lawrence. This experience and expertise should be pursued as the plan for improvements proceed.
9. Approve project schedule and phasing. Once embraced by the City of Lawrence as a valuable and worthwhile community asset, the planning for improvements to the Spicket River should begin. Given the associated costs and the likelihood that the improvements will likely stretch over a number of years, the project should be broken out in phases to ensure that issues of pubic safety and environmental concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
10. Secure approval to proceed. The Lawrence Conservation Commission has been an informal participant in the public participation portion of this report. Subsequent improvements to the Spicket River should be presented to and formally approved by the body.
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 6.3 SUMMARY SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY COST ESTIMATE Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA COST ESTIMATE
SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES June 30, 2006
Estimate of Construction Costs
A. Assumptions
1. The Spicket River measures approximately 2.5 miles from Steven’s Pond to the outfall at the Merrimack River. A rough calculation of linear improvements on both banks of the river suggests that a total of twenty-six thousand (26,000) linear feet of river greenway would be required.
2. Railings and fencing would be approximately divided evenly between low wood rail fencing and 42” high chain link fence.
3. Approximately 312,000 square feet of bituminous concrete pavement would be required to pave the full length of the river greenway.
4. Benches, interpretive displays and signage would be located at strategic locations along the length of the project.
5. Site lighting would be limited to roadway intersections.
B. Cost Estimate
1. Wood Rail Fence 13,000 LF @ $50 = $ 650,000 2. Chain Link Fence 13,000 LF @ $75 = $ 975,000 3. Bituminous Concrete Pavement 312,000 SF @ $6 = $1,872,000 4. Site Furniture Lump Sum $ 100,000 5. Site Lighting Lump Sum $ 200,000 6. Subtotal $3,797,000 7. 15% Project Contingency $ 569,550 8. Project Total $4,366,550
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 7.1 COST ESTIMATE SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY APPENDIX Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY GUIDELINES - CASE STUDIES
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COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners APPENDIX A SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY GUIDELINES - CORRIDOR SECTIONS
RIVERWALK PROPOSALS
GREATER INTERFACE AND ACCESS BETWEEN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP NEIGHBORHOOD AND RIVER - CULTURAL EVENTS AT RIVER OR ADJACENT - WAYFINDING SIGNAGE LOCATED PARKS AND PLAZAS, I.E. FESTIVALS, THROUGHOUT LAWRENCE PERFORMANCES - GATEWAYS AND ACCESS POINTS - LOCAL SCHOOLS USE RIVER AS AN OUT- - CONNECTIONS TO LOCAL PARKS AND DOOR CLASSROOM CULTURAL CENTERS NATURALLY CLEANSE RUN-OFF BEFORE RUNNING INTO RIVER TO PROTECT HABITAT CONTINUOUS TRAIL SYSTEM ALONG RIVER AND QUALITY OF WATER RECREATIONAL AMENITY, I.E. JOGGING, BIKING ETC.IS NOT POSSIBLE CANOPY LEVEL VEGETATION AND LOW BROOK STREET PARK PROSAL PEDESTRIAN OVERPASSES WHEN TRAIL ACCESS GROUNDCOVER ONLY FOR SAFETY PUR- ACTIVE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, IS NOT POSSIBLE POSES I.E. BASKETBALL, SOCCER, ETC. ONE-SIDED WHEN CORRIDOR WIDTH OR SLOPE BOAT LAUNCH IS INADEQUATE SECTION D: CONNECTION TO RIVERWALK SEASONAL TRAILS
MALDEN MILLS E D HISTORICAL/INDUSTRIAL C LANDMARK A C FOCAL AND DESTINATION POINT OF RIVERWALK
D
A C C
SECTION E: RETAINING WALL OVERLOOK
B
SECTION A: RETAINING WALL OVERLOOK/ LOWER TRAIL COMBINATION
B SECTION REFERENCE POTENTIAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACES ALONG CORRIDOR
RIVERWALK SIGNIFICANT RIVERWALK CONNECTIONS/WAYFINDING LANDMARK/FOCAL POINTS
SECTION B: SECTION C: SPICKET RIVERWALK GUIDELINES OVERFLOW/ RIVER PLAZA TIERS UPPER TRAIL Lawrence, Massachusetts RIVERWALK PROPOSALS
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY APPENDIX B Landscape Architects & Planners Lawrence, MA 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY GUIDELINES - EXISTING CONDITIONS
HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYSTEAD LEAHY OUR HOUSE SCHOOL COMMUNITY CENTER
FLEET BANK VACANT LOT CONTAMINATED FROM PAST INDUSTRIAL USE LOCAL CHILDREN USE AS PLAY AREA
SPICKET RIVER
LEONARD SCHOOL PLAY FIELD
LAWRENCE GENERAL HOSPITAL PARKING LOT CUTS OFF ACCESS AND VIEWS TO RIVER BUILDING ORIENTED AWAY FROM RIVER MALDEN MILLS SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN GRADE BETWEEN HOS- PITAL AND RIVER
KEY INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS
IMPORTANT CULTURAL AND SOCIAL LINKS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL APPENDIX B DISTRICT LAWRENCE HIGH DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE/ SCHOOL SPORTS PRIMARY BUSINESS DISTRICT FIELD TOWN COMMON NORTH CANAL NEGATIVE FACTORS: MERRIMACK RIVER MERRIMACK RIVER NON-ACCESSIBLE LAWRENCE COMMUNITY CONNECTION UNDERUTILIZED POTENTIAL AS A VISUAL, REC- POSITIVE FACTORS: CENTER REATIONAL AND NATURAL AMENITY USED FOR UNDESIRABLE ACTIVITIES CAN PROVIDE FOR MULTI-USE ACTIVITIES DUCK BRIDGE (DRINKING, GARBAGE DUMPING, ETC.) NATURAL CORRIDER, WITH LUSH VEGETATION CONNECTION FOR SOUTH LAWRENCE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LOTS HAVE TURNED THEIR BACK TO THE RIVER ADJACENT TO MANY EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CENTERS POLLUTED RUN-OFF AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE CONTAMINATE RIVER VISUALLY APPEALING` SECURITY ISSUES SURROUNDING BUSINESSES AND ERODED BANKS, NO EDGES RESIDENCES OFFERS A HIGH USAGE POTENTIAL HISTORIC USES
SPICKET RIVERWALK GUIDELINES Lawrence, Massachusetts EXISTING CONDITIONS
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners APPENDIX C SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Lawrence, MA