A PUBLICATION OF BROOKLINE GREENSPACE ALLIANCE PlaceSPRING 2005 Protecting Land In Brookline: Working Toward Consensus “Place is the vessel in which the spirit of By Tina Oddleifson community is kept.” “Throughout this country’s system of lands, whether in cities where brownfields are being recycled for new parks and open space or at the sprawling urban fringe and beyond where the focus is on protection of our working landscapes—farms, ranches, timber lands—one thing is clear. Economic, social and environmental health comes to those cities and towns that have envisioned and put into practice what we call a “greenprint for growth.” By protecting the best of their landscapes they will be able to stimulate the right kind of growth in the future. They can insure that generations to come will have access to the quality of life and the connection to the natural world that must enhance our built environments. And finally, by protecting the best, communities won’t have to settle for the leftovers of poorly planned growth.” —Will Rogers, President, Trust for Public Land n many ways, Brookline is seen as a community Other sections of Brookline are still characterized that has “done it right” when it comes to open by relatively large tracts of land that include stately Ispace protection and planned development. It is historic homes and private institutions with majes- a community that embodies many of the character- tic trees and mature plantings. Brookline also istics and qualities advocated by “smart growth” includes some typical suburban development near proponents, such as clustered, pedestrian friendly larger (although less accessible) parks and open development with easy access to parks, open spaces, spaces such as the Brookline Reservoir Park, Lost greenways and natural areas. It is a principal reason Pond and Hoar Sanctuaries, Putterham Meadows many of us are living here. Crossing the border and Park. We even have a working from neighboring Brighton, one breathes a sigh farm in our community—a remarkable feature for of relief when greeted by majestic tree-lined streets a town surrounded by a major city on three sides! at the border. So why should a community like Brookline be In areas such as Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, concerned about land protection when we PLACE is published twice Cottage Farm, Longwood, Beacon Street, are so different from outlying communities a year, in spring and fall, by Washington Square, and surrounding neighbor- combating sprawl? Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, 370 Washington Street, hoods, we are fortunate to have historic pocket Consider the following: 26.6% of land in Brookline Brookline, MA 02445 parks, clustered developments, tree-lined streets, remains undeveloped. However, over half of this and the nationally renowned open space has no legal protections. Most of this park system, thanks to the foresight of illustrious unprotected land is privately owned, but there are residents who came before us—perhaps the also some publicly owned properties whose protec- smart growth advocates of their day. tion status is ambiguous. (continued on page 4) Inside

Go Green Gala 2

Invasive Species 3

Muddy River Update 5

Cypress Field Profile 6

Synthetic Turf Report 8

View of Allandale Farm, the last remaining working farm in Brookline. Photo by Marian Lazar. Board Members Officers Setting a New Standard: Brookline’s First Green Building Arlene Mattison, President Kate Bowditch, Vice President Marian Lazar, V.P.-Publications Deirdre Buckley, Secretary Ron Brown, Treasurer ontinuing its commitment to environmen- f Renewable energy—20kw solar cell array (gener- Directors tal initiatives such as the Climate Change ates enough electricity to power four houses); Tony Andreadis Action Plan, the Town plans to renovate its f Energy efficient Low-E double pane windows. Michael Berger C Harry Bohrs public health building, the Steven Glover Train While Green Buildings initially add to building costs, Isabella Callanan Memorial Health Center, as the Town’s first Green Mary Dewart examples of the economic payback on some Corliss Engle Building. A Green Building aims to Mark Fine features are impressive. For Frances Shedd Fisher reduce negative impacts of example, improvements Jay Gonzalez buildings on the Betsy Shure Gross in lighting provide Chobee Hoy environment a 3 - 5 year Anita Johnson through Seth Kaplan payback; Jon Karon integrating Larry Koff low water Susan Levy building use Werner Lohe sustain- Hugh Mattison toilets M.K. Merelice ability, Elisabeth Mundel provide a Fred Perry energy 2 year Deborah Rivers and water Peg Senturia payback; Jean Stringham efficiency, the project’s Ronny Sydney and Jay Veevers new HVAC Donald Weitzman resource Bruce Wolff system is conservation. St eve ham expected to Member Organizations n G ring love n St Brookline Farmers’ Market According to Alan r Trai y Jea n Mem hoto b reduce electricity Brookline Soccer Club Balsam, Director of orial Health Building. P Brookline Village Coalition usage by 27–42% and fuel Brookline Youth Baseball Public Health, his department is Campaign to Preserve St. Aidan’s consumption by 70%. Chestnut Hill Garden Club “excited about the opportunity to educate A major component of the $4.6 million Green Chestnut Hill Village Alliance the Town about the importance of minimizing Climate Change Action Brookline Building project will be solar panels on the roof. This Fisher Hill Association the effects of the built environment on the Friends of Billy Ward Playground particular item is desirable from an environmental Friends of Boylston Playground Assoc. natural environment, and on health, the economy perspective, but not cost effective. Unwilling to delete Friends of Brookline Reservoir and productivity.” Friends of Carlton Street Footbridge the solar panels, Dr. Balsam secured a $100,000 grant Friends of Corey Hill Park Of the many strategies for achieving the healthiest Friends of Cypress Field from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Friends of Dane Park health building possible, here are a few that will be and then appealed to Friends of Brookline Public Friends of Emerson Garden incorporated in the design by the architectural firm Friends of Griggs Park Health, Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, and Climate Friends of Hall’s Pond Bargmann Hendrie + Archtype (b h + a). The follow- Friends of Hoar Sanctuary Change Action Brookline to assist in raising the Friends of Larz Anderson Park ing information is from the feasibility study prepared balance of the $180,000 cost for the solar panels. The Friends of Lawrence Park by b h + a and RES Engineering, Inc. Friends of Leverett Pond groups sponsored a lively St. Patrick’s Day event at Friends of Littlefield Park Friends of Lost Pond e Recycling an existing building; Ballroom Veronique with 180 in attendance. With the Friends of Minot Rose Garden e Use of rapidly renewable natural materials and strong support of the local business community, the Friends of Monmouth Park Friends of the Muddy River wood grown in local forests managed in a Go Green! event raised $20,000, which was matched Friends of the Old Burying Ground sustainable manner (use of local materials Friends of Sargent Pond by Brookline Community Fund. The Town has Garden Club of Brookline reduces energy costs related to transportation); committed to a $35,000 contribution to the cost of Lincoln School PTO Landscape Committee Linden Parks Association f Use of healthy building materials (no fumes, the panels, leaving a small balance still to be raised. of Transportation or hazardous chemicals, no carpet) (Contact the Health Department at 730-2300 if you Putterham Garden Club Restore Olmsted’s Waterway Coalition f Use of automatic temperature controls and would like to contribute.) Salisbury Road-Corey Farms occupancy sensor lighting controls; Neighborhood Association Exhibiting enthusiasm for the landmark environ- Editor f Use of natural daylight and operable windows Frances Shedd Fisher mental project, Dr. Balsam said,“I hope this will be for ventilation; a beacon for other projects in Brookline. We are Executive Director Reduced water use through low flow and Tina Oddleifson f demonstrating that with a little additional upfront waterless toilet facilities and automatic faucets cost you can realize substantial savings on the BGSA is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization (reduces water use by up to 70%); under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue backend. And it’s a really cool project!” Speaking for Reduced chlorinated flourocarbons (CFC’s) in Code. Donations are tax deductible. f Brookline GreenSpace, Frances Shedd Fisher added, mechanical systems (protects the ozone layer); (continued on page 11) Non-Native Plants to Avoid, and Why

Invasive plants are generally defined as plants contributed to the decline of endangered NON-NATIVE PLANTS TO AVOID that have spread into local native plant species. Of course, it isn’t just exotic plants Bishop’s goutweed systems and, due to their aggressive hardiness, that create serious harm—for example, the Yellow Hornpoppy choke out indigenous species. Indigenous or wooly adelgid, attacking Two-leaved water-milfoil native species often have been present since our native hemlock Tree of heaven pre-colonial times (pre 1500), or in some forests, is of Dame’s rocket cases have arrived more recently through equal concern. European water-milfoil benign natural processes without the aid of CONTROL OPTIONS Bittersweet Garlic mustard human intervention. Most invasive plants Aside from avoiding planting Yellow iris have been deliberately introduced from known regional invasives, our Common reed, phragmites other geographic areas; the importations constituents can help with the control efforts Japanese barberry were often intended to solve a problem – for by supporting local and national efforts of the Tall pepperweed example, erosion, then have subsequently USDA Forest Service, , Japanese knotweed been spread by birds and other means. It is U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and compara- Carolina fanwort important to note that a plant may be native ble state agencies, and by supporting efforts Bell’s honeysuckle to Massachusetts, but invasive in Georgia, for of the Brookline Conservation Commission Curly pondweed example, or vice versa; definitions relate to and Parks and Open Space Division. Websites Oriental bittersweet what was indigenous prior to easy import – for the federal agencies offer detailed infor- Japanese honeysuckle ecosystems do not follow political lines. mation on the subject, including a menu of Common buckthorn Non-indigenous plants cause economic or control options specific to the invasive Black swallow-wort environmental harm by displacing native materials and to the setting—for example, Morrow’s honeysuckle vegetation, then becoming dominant and mechanical treatments such as dredging, Black locust disrupting habitats. Some of these plants, specific herbicide prescriptions and, in some Autumn olive such as the Autumn olive, actually have the cases, biological control. These methodolo- Creeping jenny ability to change soil chemistry; the black gies require scientific evaluation and control Multiflora rose swallow-wort is deadly to Monarch butter- by experts. Glossy buckthorn flies; the common reed, phragmites, chokes Purple loosestrife A summary list of a few of the local invasives waterways, destroying habitat Water-chestnut follows. The list includes shrubs, trees, and water quality. Orange day lily vines, aquatic plants and flowering Norway maple Some of the non-native perennials. For a Sycamore maple plants are found in ornamental complete list, plantings and landscapes along with and, while once their thought attractive, Latin have become a names, serious ecological see the threat in the absence following of their natural websites control agents. Many Norway maple and the many plants on a complete list links that provide in depth infor- of invasives would surprise the mation: www. invasivespecies.gov, average gardener. Not all “alien” species www.invasive.org/eastern, and cause problems, but the ones that do, the http:/nature.org/. These websites and the ones that invade our private gardens, parks, report “Invasive and Likely Invasive Plants in wetlands, waterways, natural areas, forests, Massachusetts,” March 2003, sponsored by fields, pastures, ranchlands and even rights of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape way, are pushing some native plants to extinc- Association, Inc., Horticultural Research tion, and costing the nation billions of dollars Institute and the MA Executive Office of to control and reclaim useful resources. Environmental Affairs, were the Japanese Knotweed Exotics, particularly those that thrive in primary sources for this article. wetlands and shaded forest floors, have

3 Protecting Land In Brookline (continued from page 1)

Building permits for new development and (Note: see Comprehensive Plan for the generosity of landowners to donate land additions in Brookline reached a ten year more details.) or conservation restrictions on properties high in 2003 (last year of available data). The But the fact remains that there are a select seen as critical to the environmental and biggest ten year increase in new development number of properties that if developed would social well being of the community. In prior to that was in 2000, with lulls in 2001 have a significant impact on congestion, addition, real estate deals can happen quickly and 2002, most likely due to the slowed traffic, pollution, increased demand for town and the Town should be prepared to “come to economy. While increased density can be services, tree coverage, habitat, and our social, the table” in the event that a property of desirable if it is offset by appropriate amounts historical and cultural landscape. interest comes up for sale. of green space, parts of Brookline have It is entirely possible that properties such as How can Brookline Protect Land? experienced growth without planning for the Allandale Farm, the Holy Transfiguration Real estate is expensive in many needs of the community, resulting in Monastery, Pine Manor College, Chestnut Massachusetts communities, and cities and increased traffic and noise in areas with too towns throughout the Commonwealth are few parks for the population. struggling to protect key properties before Brookline continues to have a shortage they are lost forever. There are a variety of of recreational fields to meet public ways to protect land, and many strategies demand. Even plans for the new playing are used in combination. Among the fields at the Newton Street Landfill and options to consider are the donation of Fisher Hill Reservoir will not fill this gap. land and conservation restrictions, There are also some privately owned perhaps with incentives offered by the recreational fields, such as Northeastern community, and purchasing land or University’s football field, that are currently conservation restrictions. In the case of used by the community and could someday purchases, a variety of mechanisms are be developed. available for raising private and public Can’t these issues be addressed through funds, or a combination of the two. planning and zoning? Brookline GreenSpace Alliance is develop- The good news is that Brookline has gone ing a White Paper on options available for Early plantings at Allandale Farm. Photo by Marian Lazar through an extensive comprehensive Brookline. planning process that recognizes the Solutions are being found in other parts of increasing impact of development in the Hill Benevolent Society, Beaver Country Day the country. According to the Trust for Public community. The plan outlines important School, Hellenic College, the Dexter School, Land, in 2004 state and local voters approved strategies for guiding and enhancing develop- Bournewood Hospital, and The Country 75 percent of the 217 conservation measures ment. These include new protections for Club, could someday be developed. on ballots nationwide, generating $4 billion publicly owned open space; zoning tools such While other sections of Brookline may not in new conservation funding to create parks as “planned development districts” that have large tracts of land to protect, increased and save farms and forest land. These would encourage cluster developments density has led to an overused open space measures continue a rate of success that has surrounded by open space; increased green system and the Town must be in a financial been consistent since 1996; 50% of these space requirements for commercial areas, and position to act on new opportunities to create measures are funded through increased plans to develop greenways in notoriously pocket parks and other open spaces when property taxes, 39% through bonds, 9% pedestrian un-friendly areas such as Route 9. they arise. Examples include “deconstructing” through sales taxes and 10% through other In addition, the plan suggests that the Town a building to create open space, as was done types of taxes. One of the most striking facts improve its conservation restriction policy to in the case of the Billy Ward Playground, and about 2004 results was their success with encourage private donations of conservation purchasing existing open space such as voters of all political stripes in an otherwise restrictions on environmentally sensitive Northeastern University’s Parson’s Field if it polarized electorate. A divided electorate properties. It also includes recommendations should be made available for purchase. The found common ground when it comes to to adopt new by-laws to protect our local development project at St., Aidan’s is also conservation as a common-sense response to wetlands and mature trees. Over the next an example of a project that could have the challenges of growth. several years, Brookline GreenSpace Alliance benefited from open space funding if it Brookline needs to engage in an open and has an important role in educating the had existed. fair-minded dialogue on what it will take to community about these tools and advocating Protecting these properties will take more assure we take the steps as a community to for their adoption. than zoning. And Brookline cannot rely on preserve what we value.

4 Update on the Muddy River Environmental Restoration Project By Hugh Mattison

fter five years of almost monthly In her 13-page certificate issued April 1, 2005, Funding for design of the project, which will meetings the Muddy River Secretary Herzfelder agreed with most of the continue for the next year, has been approved. A Dredging Project Citizens Advisory CAC recommendations. Release of state However, at a joint meeting of the CAC and Committee (CAC) sent its final recommen- funding for the Project was conditioned on: MMOC held last January, congressional dations to Secretary of Environmental Affairs 1) finalizing the Memorandum of representatives made clear that future Ellen Roy Herzfelder. On April 1 The Agreement (MOA), funding for the full $92-million Project which Secretary issued a Certificate which allows 2) hiring a dedicated Project Coordinator, includes improved water quality, habitat work to proceed. and enhancement and historic restoration as well While not all details of the requirements 3) for Brookline to develop enforceable as flood control (plans are for the federal under MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental commitments and a schedule for restor- government to contribute about two-thirds Policy Act) were complete, the CAC had ation of the Carlton Street Footbridge. of this amount), even though approved by recommended that the general require- the local Army Corps of Engineers office ments of the Certificate for the in Waltham and at the operations level in Supplemental Final Environmental Washington, would depend on political Impact Report had been met. Subjects pressure, specifically at the Massachusetts which were substantially complete State House and influential legislators and included: officials in Washington, DC. h the structure of a Maintenance and The Project continues to be a high priority Management Oversight Committee locally due to the serious need for flood (MMOC) which would guide the control as well as the historic nature of implementation of the Project; the resource. h a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Brookline GreenSpace Board member, which defined the role of the MMOC; Hugh Mattison, is current Co-Chair of the CAC. Arlene Mattison, President of BGSA, h a Maintenance and Management Plan, which specified the labor hours required View of the Carlton Street Footbridge from the park side. The and BGSA Board member, Kate Bowditch, restoration of this historic access to Brookline’s Riverway Park serve on the CAC and on the MMOC. to bring the Project area portion of the is a component of the Muddy River restoration project. BGSA Board member, Isabella Callanan Emerald Necklace up to accepted levels Photo by Hugh Mattison of maintenance (the Arnold Arboretum and Executive Director, Tina Oddleifson, maintenance standard was one of the are also members of the CAC. measures used). Areas of continuing concern to the CAC included: h the lack of a towing enforcement plan by to allow street sweeping (this is related to stormwater management and the longevity of the Project’s life): h continued failure by Brookline to specify “enforceable commitments and a timetable for restoration and reopening of the Carlton Street Footbridge in its cur- rent location”; h standards for maintenance of the Parkways under the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and h allowing the environmentally-sensitive area at the former Kelly Skating Rink in Olmsted Park to be used as a staging area for removal of contaminated sediment. View of the Muddy River in Riverway Park, Brookline. Photo by Marian Lazar

5 Historical Profile:

By Deborah Rivers ypress Street Playground, or Cypress Field, as it is alternately called, estab- Clishes a large forecourt in front of the . The field is divided by a walk which runs from Tappan Street to Davis Avenue. To the east is a tot lot with a wading fountain and a basketball court. To the west is an athletic field with two baseball diamonds and enough space for a soccer field. The field serves a number of functions

Memorial Day battle scene reenactment at Cypress Street Playground. Date and photographer unknown. Collection Brookline Main Library.

the upper end. In 1884, a fence around the square feet was bought. At some point, a park was removed. The playground was bandstand had been erected, but it was enlarged in 1886 when an additional 67,179 removed in 1897. A new flagstaff by Boston Sledding on hill at Cypress Street Playground, winter 2005. Photo by Deborah Rivers. related to the High School, the nearby neigh- borhoods, and the Town as a whole. The land that was to become Cypress Street Playground, approximately 5.4 acres, was bought from William B. Craft et al. (S. Clark and J. Murray Howe) for $45,878.80 in 1871 “to be used, improved and maintained for the public use forever, as and for a Public Square, Park, Common or Playground, not other- wise.” The Cypress Street land and that which was to become Brookline Avenue Playground, purchased at the same time, are believed to be the first sites in the country acquired for the purpose of establishing public munic- ipal playgrounds. The relationship to schools was deliberate. In 1876, the recently acquired property on Cypress Street was filled with loam from the Fairmont Street pit, thirty young maples were planted, and a spruce flagpole was erected. By

1880, the Brookline Athletic Club had built a Skating at Cypress Street Playground. Date and photographer unknown. track and seats to give sports exhibitions at Collection Brookline Main Library.

6 Cypress Street Playground

Spar Co. was later erected. The Town Report Flag Day ceremonies, with the field serving as of 1904 stated that it was “most difficult to the parade terminus and grounds for a carni- keep order [in the park] with the variety val-like assemblage of rides and food of uses.” In 1909, the architect Guy Lowell’s plans for a new bandstand were accepted, but it is not clear if Lowell’s design was ever built. The 1921 Town Report states that the Cypress Street bandstand was a “disgrace.” It would be interesting to know if the “disgrace” was the design, shoddy construction, or condition resulting from poor maintenance or patron abuse. Over the years, the Playground has been the site of many activities, including ice-skating, track meets, baseball, and football. School athletic functions are currently scheduled at the field, including fairly intensive use as a soccer venue. Cypress Field continues to be used for a variety of less formal activities, including pickup basketball and soccer games, picnicking and sunbathing in the Summer baseball game on Cypress Field about to get underway. Photo by Deborah Rivers. summer, and sledding in the winter, as well as a gathering place for students and neighbors. concessions. In the aftermath of September Credits: Brookline Preservation Commission 11, 2001, it became the place where Brookline document on Brookline Parks. Special thanks to In 1970, there was a proposal to use the site citizens gathered to share the anguish Greer Hardwicke of the Town’s Preservation for a new manual arts building. In the mid- caused by that tragedy and to honor its Commission staff, Anne Clark, Brookline Room 1990’s, a replacement plan for the high school local heroes. The Boston Globe estimated librarian, Brookline Library, and Helen Charlupski, involved building a new structure on the west that 10,000 citizens gathered at Cypress Brookline School Committee member. end of the field. The old high school build- Field on September 23, 2001 for the ing—which dates from 1938 as it replaced the ecumenical services. High School that burned—would then have been removed, with the result being the dividing of the field into two parcels. Community opposition led to an acceptance of a design in which the existing building was retained with an addition, including a new front entrance facing Cypress Field. Acknowledging the relationship of the school to the field, it was subsequently voted to close the block of Greenough Street that separates the school from the field to through traffic during school hours. Because of its central location and capacious open space, Cypress Field has served as the location for celebrations and commemora- tions throughout its history. In the past it was the venue for elaborate Memorial Day obser- vances, including mock battles on the field. In A gathering of neighbors, a regular Monday evening tradition on summer evenings in Cypress Field. more recent times, it has become the focus of Photo by Deborah Rivers.

7 Synthetic Turf in Brookline: By Frances Shedd Fisher

he recently completed Park and in any public process, the principal criticism as a community we have too few playing Recreation Commission Design we heard was that consideration of synthetic fields to serve the multi-sport, multi-sea- T Review Process to consider and turf should have been conducted as part of a son recreational demand. Brookline High recommend the installation of synthetic turf Town-wide planning process. In addition, we School and Recreation Department in the oval at Harry Downes Field (about believe the abutters to Downes Field felt the programs serve about 4,200 participants 28% of the park) has not yet resulted in a full decision that synthetic turf should be installed in the spring (172 teams) and about 2,200 consensus on benefits, potential risks or costs. at Downes Field had been made before they participants in the fall (110 teams). As a An objective review of the facts as we know were ever brought into the discussion. result of the level of demand, Brookline’s them is presented in the following summary. A word on the choice of Downes Field for fields are consistently over-used leading (See the BGSA website brooklinegreenspace.org installation of synthetic turf.: The installation to poor playing conditions, as well as a for additional information, or contact Erin of synthetic turf at Downes will not require chronic inability to satisfy demand. Synthetic Chute, Director of Parks and Open Space for programmatic changes. Significantly, as the turf needs no drying out time so allows the Town, or the Friends of Harry Downes Town football field for Brookline High more days for play throughout the year, Field, Sarah O’Neill and Alan Cohen, School and Pop Warner in Brookline and while providing a surface that can stand Co-Chairs.) This review leads us to the Jamaica Plain, Downes is eligible for a subsidy up to rough contact sports. conclusion that further discussion at a from the NFL foundation; additionally, a Provides environmental benefits Town-wide level should be pursued before a substantial private gift is available for Synthetic turf requires no fertilizers or broad-based capital program to install infilled d synthetic turf if installed at the Town football pesticides. Water use—principally to clean synthetic turf in Brookline’s athletic fields is field. While there was some early confusion the surface of the turf—would be minimal. undertaken. While BGSA has so far focused on surrounding the circumstances of the Runoff from fields installed with synthetic information gathering and attention to neigh- funding support, the conclusion remains that turf does not contain known contaminants. bors’ concerns, we do conclude that synthetic the subsidy was only available for Downes Provides a safe, uniform playing surface turf has merit as a means to extend the number Field. That takes us back to the question “Is of play days for recreational field sports where synthetic turf good for Brookline?” d The uniform playing surface reduces the scarcity of fields results in overuse. It is fair injuries resulting from stumbles. The BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC TURF (INFO. FROM BOB to note that if a sufficient number of fields claims of safety additionally relate to the LYNCH, DIRECTOR OF RECREATION FOR THE were available to fully satisfy program needs, installation methodology which results in TOWN, AND OTHER SOURCES): we believe a majority of our constituents a resilient surface which reduces injuries Provides a consistent multi-season would prefer natural turf to synthetic turf. resulting from falls. Synthetic installations all-weather playing surface A word on the Design Review Process (which, attempt to mimic the feel of a natural in this case, related primarily to the question d This is the principal benefit and is not dis- grass field in excellent condition. Natural of the pro’s and con’s of synthetic turf): While puted by opponents of synthetic turf. This turf, when used daily, quickly compacts there is almost always room for improvement is very significant in Brookline because after a complete rehab. Synthetic products

View of Downes Field oval track. Photo by Marian Lazar

8 Weighing Benefits and Questions

currently in use have been on the market year history, though the actual components the Recreation Director in setting guide- about 10 years; studies are being conduct- used in creating the product have been in lines on synthetic field use on hot days. ed to quantify the actual benefit the use for decades. BGSA has compiled Quick coupler irrigation valves will be synthetic surface may provide. Unlike the information on materials used in synthet- located near the edge of the track so the old astro-turf product, synthetic turf in ic turf but, as a community, we rely on the field surface can be cooled on hot days. use today is not excessively abrasive. research and opinion of Alan Balsam, Aesthetics and other sensory considerations Ph.D., MPH, Brookline’s Director of Reduces maintenance costs Synthetic turf is not a living, variable enti- Health, who has indicated that while there d Labor related to mowing etc. plus cost of ty that attracts birds, bees and butterflies. d may be imponderables, his review of the materials related to maintenance of natural Synthetic turf does not smell like “sum- pertinent literature and interviews with turf (water, seed, fertilizer, etc.) push the mer” when mowed, or when rain falls on other scientists who have researched these cost of even minimal maintenance beyond it on a hot summer day. It is very green all questions lead him to conclude that syn- the cost of maintaining synthetic turf. year round. Some dogs don’t like it—to thetic turf is no more hazardous to player However, while maintenance costs are some that’s a good thing, to others a nega- health than natural turf. These questions indisputably reduced, once the higher tive. Synthetic turf does not enhance the will, no doubt, continue to be of interest capital cost of synthetic turf is added back, natural experience of open space; its to all constituents, and to the Town the overall cost for synthetic turf is higher. installation on playing fields is simply Health and Recreation Departments. The critical cost difference supporters of practical. It is all business, no romance. synthetic turf point to is total cost per Heat factor These differences will be paramount to use. See below for further discussion of d We include this as a separate issue because some; to others the benefits of extended comparative costs. it is indisputably true that synthetic turf field use outweigh aesthetic considera- Provides a uniform playing surface for a period installations retain heat, so on a hot sum- tions. In consideration of neighborhood of 10 - 12 years (standard warranty 8 years) mer day the surface will be somewhat preferences, the DRC has recommended hotter than nearby natural ground. One that the lines on the field be painted, This relates to cost and directly to number d report estimated the increase in tempera- rather than permanently installed, so that of available playing days, as a field with ture at about 10 degrees. While Town they do not add to the artificial look of synthetic turf does not need to be taken personnel found no cases where heat from the field in the off-season. out of service as often as natural turf synthetic turf has presented a problem, fields. When a natural turf field is taken COMPARATIVE COST ANALYSIS—SYNTHETIC TURF caution should be exercised by coaches out of service to be refurbished, it is out VERSUS NATURAL TURF: and the Recreation Commissioners and for two growing cycles, or about 10 Cost of synthetic turf installation at Downes months. When a field is taken out of ser- Field will be partially funded by a private gift vice, another field is called on to meet the specifically related to a field used for football recreational program needs, leading to a ($400k); additionally, a grant by the NFL continuous cycle of field overuse and cap- foundation is available if the installation is at ital requirements to support field sports. Downes ($200k); this is because Downes is a park with a football field used by multiple QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIONS TO SYNTHETIC TURF communities (Brookline and Jamaica Plain), RAISED BY CONSTITUENTS and so meets the NFL grant criteria. The cost Health factors to the Town for this specific project at Downes d A variety of concerns have been raised in will be $300k ($200k + $100k for optional connection with possible health risks items and contingency), partially met with related to synthetic turf materials (hard CDBG funds. This special funding support latex and sand). In addition, concern has will not be available in future installations of been expressed about the relative cleanli- synthetic turf. The all-in costs shown below ness of synthetic turf, particularly if dogs for synthetic turf reflect this fact. are permitted on it as, unlike grass, syn- In comparing costs, it is important to note thetic products do not contain microbes that the playing surfaces are not necessarily to assist in the biodegrading process. For comparable in quality. Cost to maintain a some there is a general uneasiness about using a synthetic product with only a ten- View of Downes Field track as seen from Highland (continued on page 10) Road. Photo by Sarah O’Neill

9 Synthetic Turf in Brookline (continued from page 9) natural grass surface that is actually comparable to a synthetic surface would be prohibitive and Related Positive unrealistic for Brookline as fields would have to be taken out of service and refurbished every two Developments years, versus the realistic assumption of every four years. The playing life of a synthetic turf field h As a result of this Design Review Process is believed to be 10 – 12 years, though the warranty for the product is 8 years. The longer service the Director of Recreation has improved period of synthetic turf prior to refurbishing contributes to its cost profile. the contract users of Brookline fields will be required to sign. For example, it will be a requirement for users to leave fields From Erin Chute, Director of Parks and Open Space: Total for Downes (Curr. $) in a clean condition. Failure to honor Est. cost of installing synthetic turf field ($7.55 psf) = $ 796,525 Est. cost of installing a new natural turf field ($4.26 psf) = $ 449,430 the agreement will be a cause for Est. cost of refurbishing synthetic turf in year 10 ($4.50 psf) $ 474,750 sanctions, ultimately denial of playing Per time refurbishing cost for natural turf field ($1.04 psf) = $ 110,000 rights in Brookline. Annual maintenance for natural turf ($0.44 psf) = $ 46,821 h Further, with respect to the neighborhood Est. annual maintenance for synthetic turf (raking and line painting) = $ 14,220 adjacent to Downes Field, police have agreed to vigorously enforce traffic laws; Weeks of play assumptions (from Director of Recreation). (Relates to cost per play time): A typical playing season on natural turf in Brookline = 30 weeks/459 uses (5,508 for 12 yrs.) for example, ticketing or, if necessary, Assumption for one playing season on synthetic turf = 42 weeks/756 uses (9,072 for 12 yrs.) towing violators who block driveways Assumption for play time lost in refurb. natural turf = 20 weeks (actually, about 32 weeks) when attending sports events at Downes Assumption for play time lost in refurb. synthetic turf = 10 weeks Field. The Director of Recreation has agreed to assist in educating those who Cost comparisons over 12 year period: Total cost (capital costs + maintenance) v. cost per use attend recreational events as to where to New natural turf field, refurbished on 4 yr. cycle v. $1,341,282 / $ 280 park and the importance of parking New synthetic turf field, refurbished after 10 years $1,441,915 / $ 162 legally. The Transportation Director, David Friend, is also working with the Existing (refurbished) natural turf field, refurb. on 4 year cycle v. $1,001,852 / $ 209 neighborhood and the Recreation New synthetic turf field, refurbished after 10 years $1,441,915 / $ 162 Commissioners on achieving solutions The preliminary conclusion is, therefore, that on a cost per use basis synthetic turf is cost that benefit the neighborhood. effective ($162 compared with $209), even without a substantial subsidy, as with the Downes h These new understandings reflect well on installation. (The subsidies available at Downes make the cost question for that installation the desire of the Town to improve the an easy one, as a test case.) The question quality of life for the neighbors of that remains, however, (in addition to those Downes Field. These changes are long already cited), is: where do recreational team overdue and should be honored without sports stand in the hierarchy of priorities in the neighborhood having to remind Brookline? Even if one favors team sports, officials of these understandings. the added play times are not expected to h Friends of Harry Downes Field has permit expanded programming, so while it recently been formed to pay closer atten- is a benefit to kids currently playing field tion to issues that may arise in the park, sports, it is of no benefit to those who don’t. as well as to celebrate the park’s benefits Is the approximately $440k additional cost to the neighborhood. The Friends are not per field for synthetic turf the best use of of one mind, but generally oppose the taxpayer resources? This is a question for installation of synthetic turf in the oval at citizens to answer. Neighboring communities, Downes Field. Arlington, Boston, Lexington, Belmont, and As an aside, Brookline GreenSpace observes Dexter School, have concluded that synthetic that Downes Field is, effectively, the front turf is safe and worth the investment. yard of the abutting neighborhood; while Current plans are to install synthetic turf at the neighbors support sports for kids, their the new Newton Street Landfill soccer field. proximity to the field naturally intensifies We are told, once again, that this is a special Goal post at Downes Field. Photo by Marian Lazar their day to day concerns where the field situation with respect to cost, as much of the and the impact of its use are concerned. preparation cost for the field is required under the EPA reclamation order. Brookline GreenSpace urges a broader planning discussion on synthetic turf. Town-wide policy should not be determined by a couple of special situations.

10 Brookline’s First Green Building (continued from page 2)

“A project like this creates a model for how to (Left) Seth Kaplan speaking at reduce energy use, and a byproduct of energy Go Green! fundraiser. Kaplan is an attorney with the Conservation use is greenhouse gases which are accelerating Law Foundation and a member climate change. Brookline GreenSpace has an of the Brookline GreenSpace interest in projects like this because climate Alliance Board. change is a negative for trees, forests and habitat. So we applaud Dr. Balsam and the Town for this (Below) St. Patrick’s Day revelers at the beautiful Ballroom environmental initiative.” Veronique. Local businesses, led by The project is expected to go out to bid this Ballroom Veronique, and Brookline environmentalists turned out for a May; September 2006 is the projected good cause. completion date. Photos by Lauren Babich.

Alan Balsam (third from left), Director of Health for the Town, shown at the Go Green! event with Friends of Brookline Public Health. Photo by Lauren Babich

Yes! I want to protect Brookline’s GreenSpace Get Connected! heritage for generations to come. Visit our website at As a member of the Alliance Name ______www.brooklinegreenspace.org you’ll receive our publication and find updated information on PLACE, periodic e-mail Address______hot topics, events and other infor- alerts to keep you informed mation about open space issues in Brookline. You’ll also find an of timely meetings and Telephone______Email ______open space map, directions to events affecting open space ( ) Acorn ($25) sanctuaries, and contact informa- in Brookline, as well as invita- ( ) Turfbuilder ($50) tion for all the Park Friends tions to educational forums ( ) Good Apple ($100) Groups in Brookline. and events on open space ( ) Oak ($250) issues in our community. Join our email list ( ) Copper Beech ($500) serve and you’ll receive important Contributions are tax ( ) American Elm ($1,000) updates and information on deductible. Neighborhood events, meetings, and other ( ) Steward ($2,500) Associations and Friends time-sensitive information perti- groups are invited to join nent to open space in Brookline. Mail to BGSA the Alliance. Please call Just send us an email at 277-4777 for information 370 Washington Street [email protected] to Brookline, MA 02445 let us know you want to join. Brookline GreenSpace Alliance Non-Profit Org. 370 Washington Street U.S. Postage Paid Boston, MA

ed to Brookline, MA 02445 v Permit No. 53810 eet. Alliance has mo ashinton Str W ed! eenSpace ters at 370 ean Stringham e mov y J ookline Gr e’v larger quar W The Br Photo b at the olunteers, ris Hall, er olff ond v W s P . y Bruce Goar and F Friends of Hall’ Nan St. spring clean-up Photo b . y ed y y in . vation y Ann Blair y to or man et trucks and y sponsor instructing Call ee climbing on a den, or large shade ar e f t of tr W ements. ookline Conser ent of buck v o ee r ents o T ocess is under wa y Hoar Sanctuar ookline Public Librar v oper car ok dles to access the canop el w e the adv pe impr Blak Chair of Br or ookline . , on the fine ar w of Br vide pr ormation. Br o , ean Stringham Arborists utilize climbing techniques Vie ookline Parks and Open Space Division y Erin Pra y J e inf common in arboricultural practice toda long bef opes and sad This method has been utilized f erner Lohe der to pr ees. y BGSA. om Brady ears, or mor or b with r tr Commission, field trip to D y A master planning pr T W Recent E Recent (At right) consider landsca cranes, Photo b in the Br f Photo b