Open Space and Recreation Plan Town of Natick

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN

TOWN OF NATICK

2012

TOWN OF NATICK

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN

2012 UPDATE

Board of Selectmen Open Space Advisory Committee

Paul R. Joseph, Chairman Martin Kessel, Chair Carol A. Gloff, Vice Chair Michael Linehan, Vice-Chair Charles M. Hughes, Clerk David Coffey, Clerk Nicholas S. Mabardy George Bain, Conservation Commission Joshua Ostroff Representative (until 2012) Pat Conaway (until 2012) Terri Evans, Planning Board Representative David Ordway, Recreation and Parks Commission Representative (until 2012) Margie Brenner (from 2012) Mark St. Hilaire, Recreation and Parks Commission Representative (from 2012) Doug Shepard, Conservation Commission Representative (from 2012)

Prepared by: Open Space Advisory Committee

With assistance from: PGC Associates, Inc. 1 Toni Lane Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 533-8106 [email protected] www.pgcassociates.com

Cover photo: Entry to Pegan Cove

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

Many Town of Natick boards, commissions and departments participated in supplying and/or reviewing information that went into the preparation of this report. These include, in particular:

Board of Selectmen Conservation Commission Recreation and Parks Commission Planning Board Board of Assessors GIS Division, Department of Public Works Community Development Department

A special acknowledgement is due to the residents of Natick who attended and participated in the public forums and/or otherwise provided valuable comments and assistance.

12/3/12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 - PLAN SUMMARY ...... 1

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION ...... 3 A. Statement of Purpose 3 B. Planning Process and Public Participation 4

SECTION 3 - COMMUNITY SETTING ...... 7 A. Regional Context 7 B. Natick’s History 9 C. Population Characteristics 11 D. Growth and Development Patterns 15

SECTION 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ...... 23 A. Geology, Soils and Topography 23 B. Landscape Character 27 C. Water Resources 29 D. Vegetation 34 E. Fisheries and Wildlife 39 F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments 45 G. Environmental Challenges 48 SECTION 5 - INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST ...... 53 A. Introduction 53 B. Protected and Recreational Open Space 53 C. Other Public Lands 54 D. Other Private Lands 54

SECTION 6 – COMMUNITY VISION ...... 77 A. Description of Process 77 B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals 77

SECTION 7 – ANALYSIS OF NEEDS ...... 78 A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs 78 B. Summary of Community’s Needs 79 C. Management Needs 81 SECTION 8 – OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 83

SECTION 9: ACTION PLAN ...... 85

SECTION 10: PUBLIC COMMENTS ...... 97

SECTION 11: REFERENCES ...... 104

iii

Appendix A: Accomplishments Since 2002 Plan ...... 107

Appendix B: Community Input ...... 116

Appendix C: ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan ...... 124

Appendix D: Field Use Data ...... 173

LIST OF TABLES

1 Population Growth, 1990-2010 . . . . . 11 2 Ethnicity, 2000 and 2009...... 12 3 Current and Projected Population by Age Cohort . .. 13 4 Income, 2000 and 2009 ...... 14 5 Land Use Changes, 1971-1999 . . . . . 18 6 General Soil Association ...... 26 7 Water Resources ...... 29 8 Common Wetland and Upland Species Observed in Natick . 35 9 Wildlife Species in Natick . . . . . 42 10 Vernal Pools ...... 43 11 Protected Public Open Space and Recreation Parcels. . . 56 12 Protected Private Open Space and Recreation Parcels. . . 66 13 Conservation Restrictions ...... 67 14 Chapter 61, 61A and 61B Lands . . . . . 69 15 Private Cemeteries ...... 70 16 Other Public Lands/Unprotected . . . . . 71 17 Other Public Lands/Tax Possession . . . . 75

LIST OF FIGURES

1 Regional Context ...... 8 2 Zoning Map ...... 21 3 Bedrock Lithology ...... 24 4 General Soils Map...... 25 5 Land Use ...... 28 6 Surface Waters ...... 30 7 Aquifers and Public Wells . . . . . 32 8 Zone II Areas ...... 33 9 BioMap ...... 40 10 Estimated and Priority Habitats . . . . . 41 11 Scenic and Unique Resources . . . . . 46 12 Protected and Recreational Open Space . . . . 76 13 Action Plan Map ...... 96

SECTION 1 - PLAN SUMMARY

This 2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan is an update of a previous plan completed in 2002. The plan contains the following major elements:

A description of the public input utilized in developing the Plan; A demographic profile; A summary of recent and projected growth trends; An environmental description of the Town; An inventory of existing protected open space and recreation facilities; An analysis of open space and recreation needs; A statement of goals and objectives; and A seven-year action plan.

This plan stresses the need for protecting water resources and other sensitive environmental lands, including priority habitat areas, as well as the need for the preservation of cultural resources. It also stresses the need for developing trails, improving recreation facilities, and addressing management needs. It recommends a combination of acquisition and regulatory measures to expand the open space and recreation inventory, protect natural resources, increase access to both passive and active recreation resources, link open space areas to promote biodiversity and maintain migratory paths for wildlife and trails for humans, and expand the range of recreation resources that are available to serve the needs of residents of all ages and diverse interests.

The Community Setting section notes the regional context, history, development patterns and population growth of Natick. It notes that the 1970 population was accommodated on .13 acres per person. However, the growth between 1970 and 2000 required .64 acres person resulting in the loss of substantially more open space. Population projections to 2030 by age cohort indicate modest growth to 35,139 persons from 33,006 in the 2010 U.S. Census.

The Environmental Inventory and Analysis section describes the geology, soils and topography of the Town and includes a description of landscape character and scenic resources. Major surface waters are noted and mapped along with public wells and aquifers. Priority habitat areas are also mapped and species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern are identified.

The Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest identifies 1074 acres of protected open space and recreation land owned by the Town, State and abutting towns. Another 665 acres are protected by private, non-profit groups and an Agricultural Preservation Restriction. A total of 265 acres are in Conservation Restrictions and 90 acres are in private cemeteries for a total of 2095 acres of well-protected land. There are also 467 acres are in limited protection as Chapter 61, 61A and 61B lands (it should be noted that some of these overlap with the conservation restrictions so they cannot be added to the other figures for a total.

The Analysis of Needs section identified a variety of needs and priorities, Among these are the strong stewardship of natural resources, especially protection of aquifers; providing connections among open space areas; developing trails and other passive recreation facilities; improving maintenance of existing recreation facilities; and increasing communication among entities responsible for open space and recreation sites and programs.

The Community Vision section describes the process used for public input that was used to develop the goals and objectives. The goals include the following:

Protect Natick’s open spaces, including lakes, rivers, streams, woodlands, farms, and parks, that can be enjoyed by future generations; Provide and maintain playing fields and other recreational facilities that support the needs of the population; Preserve and protect the town’s water supply, wildlife, and other natural resources; Provide a system of walking and bicycle trails that connect our open spaces and provide a way to travel throughout the town; Seek opportunities for reclaiming previously developed sites for recreational opportunities; Increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the town’s open spaces, trails, natural resources, and recreational opportunities; and Develop and implement a management plan for open space.

The Action Plan makes recommendations addressing each of the goals. It also identifies the lead agency for each action, recommends implementation mechanisms, and includes a general schedule for each item. The key recommendations are also mapped.

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

A. Statement of Purpose

This is an update of Natick’s 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan, which was written in 2002 as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts1 to qualify for grants. The original plan was prepared by a special Open Space Advisory Committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen for that purpose. One of the recommendations of that plan was to establish and appoint the Open Space Advisory Committee as a permanent town committee, with responsibility for ensuring the implementation of the major goals of that Plan and updating the Plan as required. The permanent committee was approved by Town Meeting in April 2003 and comprises one representative each from the Recreation and Parks Commission, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board; and four at-large members, appointed by the Board of Selectmen.

The Five-Year Action Plan from the 2002 Plan may be found at Appendix A, together with specific accomplishments on these action items. Key accomplishments include the following:

Conservation/Protection Private landowners granted three new conservation restrictions (CRs), totaling about 37 acres. These are: Francis Hunnewell and Morgan Palmer, each adding to existing CRs along the Wellesley line; and Frank & Sheila Maguillon on Pleasant St. Natick received six acres of conservation land as part of the Walnut Hills Estate Development, and a 16-acre conservation restriction as part of the South Natick Hills development. The Town transferred to the Conservation Commission custody of four Town-owned parklands, ensuring their permanent protection: Pine Hill (Oak and Winter Streets) Natick Community Organic Farm, Hunnewell Town Forest, and J.J. Lane Park. In a similar action, the Town of Framingham transferred to its Conservation Commission custody of Arthur Morency Woods, which is owned by Framingham, but 16 acres of which are located in Natick.

Recreation Fields Two new fields were opened near Lilja School: Sargent Field and MathWorks Field.

Administration/Policy Town Meeting adopted a number of Zoning By-Laws that include requirements for open space (e.g., Comprehensive Cluster Development Option) or pocket parks (Housing Overlay Option Plan (HOOP) and the Smart Growth Overlay District (Chapter 40R) Program). The Town created advisory committees to explore the Cochituate Rail Trail and the Cochituate Aqueduct, and created a new Town Forest Committee and Walking Trails Maintenance Committee.

1 Prepared in accordance with the Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook, as revised through March, 2008 by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services

Funding As a result of the Natick Mall expansion, the Town received $7.2 million in mitigation funds for the Conservation Fund, plus an addition $500,000 toward the Cochituate Rail Trail.

Trails Using a combination of Town-owned land and easements from developers, the town completed the 1.5-mile Eisenmenger Trail from Natick Center to South Natick. Many additional trails were completed, including in the Mumford Wildlife Forest (part of the 16-mile Charles River Link Trail), Timothy Coolidge Hill, the Henry Wilson History Trail, Anniballi Park at Pegan Cove, and several parts of the Takawambpait Trail. Trailhead kiosks and trail markings were completed for several trails. Townwide trail maps were published and distributed, as were detailed maps of Hunnewell Town Forest and the Eisenmenger Trail.

The 2002 Plan expressed alarm at the pace at which new development was taking over existing open space. Fortunately, the emphasis in recent years has been to encourage redevelopment of underutilized land in the downtown area and on existing industrial land, through zoning such as the HOOP and the Smart Growth Overlay District (40R) program. The only large-scale development of open space since 2002 has been South Natick Hills, a 40B project built on a 55- acre site off South Main Street near the Sherborn border. As mentioned, 16 acres of that, with wetlands and rare species, was preserved through a conservation restriction, and a series of walking trails was promised.

B. Planning Process and Public Participation

In a sense the process of updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan began with the approval of the 2002 Plan. As the town has gone forward in implementing that plan, the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) has continuously sought feedback from the public and from town boards, including:

Visibility: Presence at public events such as Natick Days; the Natick Community Farm pancake breakfast; and the town Health and Fitness Day Outreach: Public updates through e-mail lists and Facebook Volunteer activities: Encouraging trail volunteers and organizing trail days Town updates: Annual reports to the Board of Selectmen; and regular meetings with the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Recreation and Parks Commission.

Other valuable input has come from the “Natick 360” process, a comprehensive long-range planning process that resulted in a strategic plan for the town’s future. From May 2006 through March 2008, the town engaged in outreach and discussion, with participation of several thousand residents and members of the business community in a series of Vision and Values Workshops; Strategic Options Workshops; a survey of residents; and planning-focused meetings among Natick 360’s five sponsoring town boards. The planning process addressed open space and

recreation in the context of the wide range of issues important to the town’s future. Open space- related results developed through Natick 3602 are summarized in Section 7: Analysis of Needs.

The OSAC undertook a review and update of the 2002 plan to fulfill the requirement that Open Space and Recreation Plans be updated every 5-7 years. With the recommendation of the OSAC, the Conservation Commission approved and funded the hiring of a consultant to be responsible for selected portions of the plan update. After examining three bidders, the Commission in June 2009 awarded the contract to Gino Carlucci of PGC Associates. At that time the OSAC provided a status report to the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Recreation and Parks Commission.

The OSAC decided to draw from the comprehensive public participation in the Natick 360 process, including the scientifically valid community survey rather than conduct another survey of residents. However, two public forums were scheduled to focus on open space and seek public comment, one at the beginning of the process, the other at the end. Both forums were announced in the Natick Bulletin & Tab, and notices sent to the committee’s 140-person e-mail list and 55- member Facebook Group. The meetings were posted on the Town’s bulletin board and web site. Flyers for the first forum were distributed at the committee’s Natick Days table and at the Library and Town Hall.

The first forum took place October 21, 2009 at the Morse Library, and solicited public opinions on goals and priorities for open space. Fourteen members of the public participated and an additional 10 provided comments by e-mail.

After spending several months refining this and other input into updated Goals and Objectives, in November and December 2010 the OSAC presented a draft to Conservation Commission, Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, and Recreation and Parks Commission for their comments. The OSAC devoted a large portion of four addition meetings to the development of these Goals and Objectives into a Seven-Year Action Plan.

Meanwhile, PGC Associates developed updates for Sections 3, 4, and 5. Section 5 (Inventory of Lands) proved a particular challenge, as the Assessor’s database proved incomplete, and in some cases incorrect, in its description of land status.

A draft of the entire plan was posted on the Town’s web site. On October 13, 2011, a second public forum was held to solicit comments on the entire draft, focusing particularly on the Seven Year Action Plan. In addition to the OSAC and consultant, this Forum was attended by ten members of the public, most of whom were either current or former members of various committees in town involved in some way with open space. Some had been involved for many years; others were new. Participants made many useful suggestions, and these were incorporated into the Seven Year Action Plan.

2 The complete document is available at http://www.natickma.gov/Public_Documents/NatickMA_BComm/nat360/index

Once the final sections of the plan had been completed, the OSAC met again with the four Town boards mentioned above for their final comments.

Appendix B provides a summary of all Community Input received through this process. Section 7 analyzes the Community Needs.

SECTION 3 - COMMUNITY SETTING

A. Regional Context

Located 17 miles west of Boston, between the Route 128 and I-495 technology corridors in southern Middlesex County, Natick provides a mixture of suburban residential, commercial, and light industrial land use. Local and regional commercial districts are situated along its major highways, reflective of its location within an easy commute to Boston, Worcester, and Providence. Its three major transportation arteries are the Massachusetts Turnpike, Route 9, and the Boston and Albany Railroad, all of which connect Boston with western Massachusetts. Natick owes much of its growth to its location on these major east-west corridors. Routes 27 and 135, major collector roads, cross in the center of town and provide connections to Framingham to the west, Wellesley to the east, Wayland to the north, and Sherborn to the south. Route 16 travels through South Natick, connecting Wellesley and Sherborn. See Map 1, Regional Context.

Natick is within the jurisdiction of Boston’s Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and participates in regional planning efforts as part of the MetroWest Regional Collaborative (MWRC), a sub-region of MAPC. Natick participated in MAPC’s 2008 production of “MetroFuture,” the official regional plan for Greater Boston. This Open Space and Recreation Plan is consistent with that plan, especially in its acknowledgment of regional natural and recreational resources, in its recommendation for communicating with neighboring Towns to identify potential trails which could cross town borders, and in focusing growth within existing cores with infrastructure.

The State Division of Conservation Services has a statewide open space and recreation plan called Massachusetts Outdoors 2006, also known as the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Some of the findings of that plan for the Northeastern region that includes Natick are discussed in Section 7, Analysis of Needs.

Natick is nestled between the upper basins of the Charles and Sudbury Rivers in Middlesex County and shares four open spaces with neighboring towns.

The Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, consists of 735 acres plus another 165 acres under conservation restriction.3 Most of this area is within Natick, the remainder in Sherborn. It has 9 miles of walking trails through a variety of habitats, as well as a universally accessible trail. It provides a venue for hiking, birdwatching, photography, cross-country skiing and other activities, and offers year- round access.

3 A conservation restriction is a provision on a deed that prohibits or limits development on a parcel of land.

7 Map1: Regional Context ACTON WINCHESTER VU117 (!62 (!2 §¦¨95 (!2A CONCORD 4 MAYNARD LEXINGTON (! ARLINGTON STOW LINCOLN

BELMONT VU117 126 HUDSON SUDBURY VU WALTHAM (!60

(!27 WATERTOWN

ut20 WAYLAND ut20

MARLBOROUGH WESTON

(!30 NEWTON

SOUTHBOROUGH (!9 BROOKLINE §¦¨90 FRAMINGHAM WELLESLEY (!9 NATICK NEEDHAM 95 §¦¨ BOSTON

(!16 VU135

ASHLAND DEDHAM VU135 VU126

SHERBORN DOVER WESTWOOD

HOPKINTON (!27 HOLLISTON VU109 Legend MEDFIELD (!85 VU115Federal County NORWOOD DCR-State Parks & Recreation Municipal 495 1A ut1 §¦¨ DCRS/DFG Land Trust(! MILLIS Department of Fish & Game Conservation Organization (!16 CANTON MILFORD MEDWAY DCR-Urban Parks & Recreation WALPOLENon-Profit 95 DCR-Water Supply Protection Private §¦¨ 109 VU SHARON CommonwealthNORFOLK of Massachusetts County Line BELLINGHAM FRANKLIN Natick DPW-GIS 75 West Street Natick, Mass. 01760 January 9, 2012 © Data Sources: Town of Natick & MassGIS

Cochituate State Park, managed by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation, consists of over 1100 acres, including Lake Cochituate itself and the land surrounding the lake. Two of the lake’s three “ponds” are located in Natick, while the northern pond lies in Framingham and Wayland.

Pegan Hill Reservation, a 32-acre property managed by The Trustees of Reservations, is located in Dover and Natick. A glacial drumlin, its thickly wooded habitat is laced by remnant stone walls. It is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset, and has a one-mile walking trail.

Morency Woods, a 14.5 acre property that spans Natick and Framingham and is under the control of the Framingham Conservation Commission. There are trail access points from both Natick and Framingham.

The Town of Natick sees opportunities and needs for cooperative effort with neighboring towns to preserve and manage a number of current open space projects:

Natick maintains and operates a municipal golf course, Sassamon Trace, on land that is partly in Natick and partly in Sherborn.

The Town has been discussing two old aqueducts that go through Natick and have the potential of providing trail links to neighboring towns.

The Town would like to ensure that there remains continuous open space between Union Street, in Natick, and Lake Waban, in Wellesley, of which portions (nearly 200 acres) are currently under conservation restrictions.

With a particular interest in aquifer protection, the Town retains an interest in the protection of Elm Bank in Dover, where one of Natick’s town wells is located.

Among abutting towns, Sherborn completed an OSRP update in 2007, while Dover’s plan was approved in 2011. Framingham’s OSRP expires in 2013 or 2014. No information is available on Wayland, Weston and Wellesley.

B. Natick’s History4

The town’s original residents were Native Americans. They gave the Town its name, which means “place of hills.” Natick Plantation was established in 1651 by English missionary

4 The major source for information on Natick history is Michael J. Crawford, History of Natick, Massachusetts, 1650-1976 (Natick Historical Commission, 1978).

Reverend John Eliot along the Charles River as the first and largest Praying Indian town, which became a model for others in Massachusetts. Reverend Eliot converted them to Christianity and on October 14, 1651 successfully secured a charter from the Legislature granting them two thousand acres of land, part of the original “Dedham grant”. Natick was known as the Indian town because the Indians had established their own government based on the English model, held town meetings, and elected their own town selectmen and other officials before the English settled in the town. The 1658 grant of the northwest piece of Dedham enlarged Natick to six thousand acres.

King Philip’s War (1675-1677) began with the discovery of the assassination of the Natick Praying Indian John Sassamon. He had learned how to read and write English in Natick and provided much help to the settlers. He was assassinated because he warned the Governor that Philip was making plans against the English. Wampanoag Chief Metacomet (who was called King Philip) went to war against the settlers. As a result, Natick’s Indian population was forced to resettle on Deer Island, despite John Eliot’s protests and assurances that the Natick Praying Indians posed no threat. Most of Natick’s Indians perished from the cold and lack of food and medical care while on Deer Island. They later returned to Natick. After John Eliot died in 1690, an Indian named Takawampbait, who had been ordained by Eliot, became their leader until his death in 1716.

When English settlers began migrating to Natick center, they rebelled at having to travel to and support the Indian church in South Natick. The resulting “Meeting House Dispute” was resolved by a successful petition to the General Court in 1761, attaching northern Natick to Needham. This “Needham Leg” extended west to Lake Cochituate and included downtown and all but a sliver of land at Natick’s northern boundary. In 1781, Natick was incorporated as a town and in 1797 the “Needham Leg” was restored to Natick.

During the colonial and early Federal period Natick was predominately agricultural, with numerous orchards and lumber, grist and other mills. In 1835, the Boston and Albany Railroad was built through Natick, causing a rapid industrial expansion. Natick’s growing shoe industry became the third largest shoe production community in the country, with 23 shoe manufacturers by 1880. In 1858, the H.H. Harwood Baseball factory, another “cottage industry,” began producing the first center-wound balls with figure-eight-stitched horsehide covers, setting the standard for baseballs and producing Official League Baseballs.

In 1874, a major fire destroyed almost all of the buildings in Natick Center. The wooden buildings were replaced with predominately three-story brick buildings. That, and the depression of the railroad tracks below street level, dramatically changed Natick’s appearance, and created one of the few wholly Victorian town centers in eastern Massachusetts.

Natick resident Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, may have had as its inspiration Natick’s reputation as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Natick’s Henry Wilson, Vice President from 1873-1876 under Ulysses S. Grant, was an abolitionist, and wrote the 3-

volume “History of the Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in America” (1872-77), the final volume of which was published posthumously by his estate. Walnut Hill School, now a school for artistically gifted students, was established as a girls’ school in 1893 on the site of the Harwood estate, and today attracts students from around the world. Natick experienced rapid population growth in the 1880s, with immigrants from Ireland, England, Nova Scotia, Italy, and Albania. By the beginning of the 20th Century, the shoe industry was declining, and Natick slowly changed from a major manufacturing town to a commuter suburb of Boston. Natick at one time boasted an airfield and an automobile factory, and east Natick was widely known for its greenhouses. The population increased dramatically after World War II, with the economic stimulus of new high technology firms developing within Natick itself, and, to a greater extent, within an easy commute along Route 128 and Route 495. The establishment of two commuter-rail stops in Natick Center and West Natick provided easy public transportation to Boston. In the 20-year period between 1940 and 1960, Natick’s population more than doubled, from 13,851 to 28,831, and it reached 31,057 by 1970. The “baby bust” dip in the birth rate during the late 1970s and early 1980s contributed to a significant decrease in the number of people per household and the population declined to 29,461 in 1980. Since 1980, the population has risen slowly to 30,510 in 1990, 32,170 in 2000 and 33,006 in 2010.

C. Population Characteristics

Population Growth

As the table indicates, population growth has been slow and steady from 1990 through 2010.

TABLE 1 POPULATION GROWTH 1990-2010

Population Percent Change Annual Growth Rate* 1990 30,510 3.6% .35% 2000 32,170 5.4% .53% 2010 33,006 2.6% .26% Source: U.S. Census 1990 and 2000, and 2010 Population Counts by U.S. Census *Calculated by authors

The 2010 U.S Census showed a total of 14,121 housing units, of which 13,406 were occupied. It indicated 13,406 households with an average household size of 2.44.

Ethnicity

Table 2 indicates the ethnicity of Natick’s population in 2000 and 2010. The predominant race in 2010 was white, with 87.3 percent of the population, followed by a small, but growing Asian population (7.2 percent, up from 3.9 percent in 2000). The remaining population is black (2.1 percent), American Indian (0.1 percent), other (1.2 percent), and two or more races (2.0 percent). Hispanics constituted 3.0 percent of the population. The trends to 2010 indicate growth in the Asian, African-American and Hispanic populations.

TABLE 2 ETHNICITY, 2000 AND 2010

Race 2000 2010 White 92.0% 87.3% Black/African-American 1.6% 2.1% American Indian/Alaska Native 0.1% 0.1% Asian 3.9% 7.2% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific 0.1% 0.0% Islander Other 0.8% 1.2% Two or more races 1.6% 2.0% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 2.0% 3.0% Source: U.S. Census 2000, and 2010

Age

Table 3 presents the actual 2000 population by age cohort as well as projections to 2030. The table indicates that children 5-19 years of age, which increased from 4713 in 1990 to 5448 in 2000, reach a peak of 5650 in 2010 then fall slowly to 5215 in 2020 and 5130 in 2030. These demographics may explain the rapidly increasing use of the town’s recreation fields in recent years.

TABLE 3

POPULATION PROJECTIONS TO 2010, 2020 AND 2030 BY AGE COHORT

AGE GROUP 2000 2010 2020 2030 0-4 2370 2388 2440 2496

5-9 2124 2073 1948 2009 10-14 1903 1890 1742 1719 15-19 1421 1687 1525 1402 5-19 5448 5650 5215 5130

20-24 1219 1610 1496 1319 25-29 2076 1872 2037 1833 30-34 2905 2175 2392 2272 35-39 3198 2603 2405 2690 40-44 2860 2839 2297 2524 45-49 2476 2972 2444 2252 50-54 2056 2277 2014 1522 55-59 1619 2269 2600 2182 60-64 1335 2117 2588 2466 20-64 19,744 20,734 20,273 19,060

65-69 1159 1519 2105 2425 70-74 1191 1199 1941 2386 75-79 990 956 1230 1712 80-85 660 755 740 1206 85+ 608 631 635 724 65+ 4608 5060 6651 8453

TOTAL 32,170 33,833 34,579 35,139 Source: MAPC, 2006

Population Growth by Age Cohort, 2000-2030 Population 25000

20000 0-4 15000 5-19 10000 20-64 65+ 5000

0 2000 2010 2020 2030 Year

The median age of Natick’s population is steadily increasing. Also, as the above chart illustrates, while the 0-4, 5-19 and 20-64 population is projected to remain relatively steady through 2030, the 65+ cohort, which has risen from 3,984 in 1990 to 4,608 in 2000, continues to increase steadily to 5,060 in 2010, and then increases dramatically to 6,651 in 2020 and then to 8,453 by 2030. This may explain the growing interest in trails and other forms of “passive” recreation.

Income

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Natick’s per capita income in 1999 was $36,358, median household income was $69,755 and median family income was $85,715. As shown in Table 4, by 2010, the American Community Survey estimated that these figures had increased significantly. The estimated U.S. per capita income in 2010 was $26,942, while median household and family incomes were $51,222 and $62,112 respectively.

TABLE 4 INCOME, 2000 AND 2010

2000 2010 Per Capita Income $36,358 $46,613 Median Household5 Income $69,755 $88,311 Median Family6 Income $85,715 $111,449 Sources: 2000 U.S. Census 2010 U.S. Census ACS 3-Year Estimates

5 A household includes all people who occupy a housing unit. 6 A family is two or more people related by birth, marriage or adoption and residing together.

Employment Trends

Natick is an economically vibrant community, with a low unemployment rate and is known as a business-friendly community. As a testament to the desirability of Natick, many major employers have chosen to locate their world or national headquarters in Natick, including: Cognex, MathWorks, and Boston Scientific, among others.

This corporate presence may account for Natick’s lower unemployment rate, historically lower by at least one-third than the statewide rate. In February 2011, the unemployment rate in Natick was 5.1%, compared with statewide rate of 8.7%. In 2011, Natick’s total labor force was 18,787. The average weekly wage increased from $910 in 2002 to $1128 in 2010. The largest sector in 2010 was Retail Trade with average monthly employment of 5,902, followed by Professional and Technical Services (5,003), Education and Health Services (4,462), and Leisure and Hospitality (2,301).

D. Growth and Development Patterns

1. Patterns and Trends

Natick’s commercial center began in the south part of town and shifted north in several stages, following the development of regional transportation systems. In the mid-17th century Natick was settled on the Charles River, in what is now South Natick. In the mid-19th century the railroad hastened development north to what became Natick Center. With the advent of the automobile in the 20th century, commercial activity moved further northward to Route 9 and finally northwest toward the Massachusetts Turnpike’s only Natick access at Exit 13.

In the 19th century, the economy in Natick and much of Massachusetts shifted from agricultural to industrial. Natick’s geography was dramatically changed in 1835, when the railroad connecting Boston and Worcester was built through the geographical center of town. The area around the train station became known as Natick Center, which quickly surpassed South Natick in population and economic activity. The railroad made Natick Center an ideal site for new factories, and housing for workers sprouted up nearby. To a lesser extent, South Natick also experienced some of this type of growth. Maps from the late 1800s show Natick as two distinct communities – Natick and South Natick. In other areas of Natick, abandoned farmland reverted back to woods. Between 1800 and 1900, as Natick urbanized, its population increased tenfold, from about 900 to 9,000. In 1900, nearly 2,000 persons were employed in manufacturing, and only 123 in agriculture.

In the 20th century as manufacturing declined, Natick became a bedroom community of Boston. In the 1930s, Route 9 was built as the state’s first divided highway, allowing easy automobile access from Natick to Boston or to Worcester. By 1950, two-thirds of Natick’s full-time workers

were employed outside of Natick, including Boston. Workers could live in Natick Center and commute by train or car to their jobs. In 1957, the Massachusetts Turnpike was constructed along the old aqueduct right-of-way, with Exit 13 at the Natick-Framingham border. The Turnpike, along with the existing Route 9, gave commuters access to Boston, as well as new high technology businesses located along Route 128 to the east and Route 495 to the west.

Following WWII, housing for the returning soldiers and their families was built in East Natick, North Natick (known as Wethersfield), and West Natick. These areas have retained their suburban neighborhood character and relative affordability, and they continue to be sought out by young families. During this time, Route 9 became a regional commercial center. In 1951, Shoppers World was built, just across the Framingham line, as New England’s first regional shopping center, followed by the Natick Mall and Sherwood Plaza in the 1960s. The housing and commercial developments during this period used up the majority of buildable land in the central and northern parts of town. Only South Natick escaped this round of development, primarily because it was less accessible to major transportation routes.

The area within walking distance of the West Natick train station experienced another building boom in the early 1970s and ‘80s, when a large subdivision of homes was built on the site of a former golf course on the northern side of Route 135, and large condominium and apartment complexes such as Natick Green and Natick Village, Natick’s first experiment with cluster zoning, were built on the south side of Route 135. This is where some of Natick’s highest population density is located and where there has been little accommodation for publicly accessible open space.

Route 9’s commercial development, which began with Shopper’s World, expanded into what is known as the “Golden Triangle,” an area defined by Route 9, Route 30, and Speen Street, although the commercial activity extends considerably beyond these streets. This area is about half in Natick and half in Framingham. Although the vacant land in this area is long gone, the density of activity continues to increase, as single-story structures and parking lots have been largely replaced by retail and office buildings with associated parking garages. The area near Exit 13 off the Massachusetts Turnpike continues to be one of the most desirable locations for office buildings and retail space in Metrowest. A new condominium development associated with Natick Mall and a nearby apartment complex, both completed between 2007 and 2010, are significant as the first residential developments in this part of Natick since colonial times. Chrysler Apartments will break ground in 2012 on 400 additional units. The new residential population creates new demand for open space and recreation as well as pedestrian amenities in this part of town.

During the 1990s and into the new millennium, substantial subdivision development has occurred wherever available land could be acquired, consuming a significant amount of woodland and open space. Table 5 illustrates the changes in land uses from 1971 to 1985 to 1999 (most recent year available). As the table illustrates, agricultural land declined by 30% between

1971 and 1999 and forestland declined by 17%. In absolute terms, 520 acres of forest land was lost.

During the same period, urban land increased by 798 acres, or 15.1%. The largest increase was in residential development, which increased by 708 acres. This is interesting because the population increased by 1113 between 1970 and 2000. In other words, the 1970 population occupied about .13 acres per person (dividing the total acreage devoted to residential land uses by the 1970 population of 31,057), but, as individual lot sizes grow, it took .64 acres per person to accommodate the additional 1113 persons added to the population between 1970 and 2000.

TABLE 5 LAND USE CHANGES, 1971-1999

LAND USE 1971 1985 CHANGE 1971-1985 1999 CHANGE 1985-1999 CHANGE 1971-1999 TYPE ACRES ACRES ACRES PERCENT ACRES ACRES PERCENT ACRES PERCENT Crop Land (Ac) 230.8 201.4 -29.4 -12.74% 186.9 -14.5 -7.20% -43.9 -19.02% Pasture (Ap) 193.7 167.5 -26.2 -13.53% 113.2 -54.3 -32.42% -80.5 -41.56% Perennial 105.9 103.9 -2 -1.89% 68.4 -35.5 -34.17% -37.5 -35.41% TOTAL AGRICULTURE 530.4 472.8 -57.6 -10.86% 368.4 -104.4 -22.08% -162 -30.54% 0 FORESTLAND (F) 3004.1 2794.8 -209.3 -6.97% 2484.2 -310.6 -11.11% -519.9 -17.31% OPEN LAND (O) 202.7 196.3 -6.4 -3.16% 167.3 -29 -14.77% -35.4 -17.46%

Participation Recreation (Rp) 183.8 134.6 -49.2 -26.77% 123.4 -11.2 -8.32% -60.4 -32.86% Spectator Recreation (Rs) 4.5 3.9 -0.6 -13.33% 3.9 0 0.00% -0.6 -13.33% TOTAL RECREATION 188.3 138.5 -49.8 -26.45% 127.3 -11.2 -8.09% -61 -32.40% 0 Commercial (Uc) 541.6 588.6 47 8.68% 605.0 16.4 2.79% 63.4 11.71% Industrial (Ui) 138.7 156.8 18.1 13.05% 161.4 4.6 2.93% 22.7 16.37% Mining (M) 16.0 16.0 0 0.00% 16.3 0.3 1.88% 0.3 1.88% Public or Transitional 350.9 336.7 -14.2 -4.05% 351.6 14.9 4.43% 0.7 0.20% Multiple Residential 100.2 201.7 101.5 101.30% 203.9 2.2 1.09% 103.7 103.49% High Density Residential (R1)1 579.6 580.2 0.6 0.10% 580.2 0 0.00% 0.6 0.10%

Med. Density Residential (R2)2 2520.8 2579.6 58.8 2.33% 2928.0 348.4 13.51% 407.2 16.15%

Low Density Residential (R3)3 850.3 969.8 119.5 14.05% 1047.4 77.6 8.00% 197.1 23.18%

Transportation (Ut) 140.7 140.7 0 0.00% 143.0 2.3 1.63% 2.3 1.63%

Waste Disposal (Uw) 55.3 55.3 0 0.00% 55.3 0 0.00% 0 0.00% TOTAL URBAN 5294.1 5625.4 331.3 6.26% 6091.9 466.5 8.29% 797.8 15.07% 0 Inland Wetland (Fw) 398.0 389.8 -8.2 -2.06% 378.4 -11.4 -2.92% -19.6 -4.92% Water (W) 608.1 608.1 0 0.00% 608.1 0 0.00% 0 0.00% TOTAL WATER 1006.1 998.0 -8.1 -0.81% 986.5 -11.5 -1.15% -19.6 -1.95%

TOTAL AREA 10,225.8 10,225.8 10,225.8 Source: University of Massachusetts Resource Mapping Project 1Lot of less than ¼ acre.2Lot sizes of ¼ to ½ acre. 3Lot sizes of more than ½ acre.

2. Infrastructure a. Transportation System

Natick is served by multiple transportation modes including major highway systems (Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 9), local and collector systems (Routes 135, 27, and 16), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) rail system. In Natick, these facilities have the effect of dividing the town, including major open space areas like Cochituate State Park, and inhibiting the development of bicycle and pedestrian connections across them.

Interstate Routes 95 (state Route 128) and 495 divide the region into transportation corridors connected by numerous “spokes” providing access to Worcester (25 miles), Boston (18 miles) and Providence, R.I. (35 miles), numerous inter-state train and bus facilities, and six airports within 40 miles (Boston, Manchester, N.H., Bedford, Worcester, Providence, and Norwood).

The MBTA commuter-rail passenger service to Boston and Worcester is one of the fastest growing commuter rail lines in the Boston Metropolitan area. Natick is also a member community of the Metrowest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) system, which provides four routes with stops in Natick: one route terminates at the Riverside station on the Green Line, while a second provides hourly service to Natick Mall, both commuter rail stations, and key shopping areas. The Natick commuter shuttle route services the Natick Center train station and a number of major employers.

Anecdotally, an increasing number of Natick residents are using Natick’s roads to commute both short- and long-distance by bicycle. Additional accommodations for bicycles may be needed to address this increasingly used mode.

In conjunction with the Town of Natick, the State has redesigned and reconstructed Route 135 (the east-west highway through the center of town, between the Framingham and Wellesley borders). The upgraded roadway provides vastly improved vehicular safety at intersections, improved crosswalks and improved sidewalks. Similar improvements are planned for Route 27 north of Natick center to Wayland. b. Water Supply System

Natick currently draws its water from a Town public water supply system of several wells, two reservoirs, and a distribution system of water mains. Town groundwater resources are protected through the town’s Aquifer Protection District (APD). Projects proposed within this district must comply with the Bylaw.

c. Sewer Service

Natick sewer service is tied into the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) sewer extension, which carries the waste to a treatment facility at Deer Island in Boston Harbor. Many homes still depend on septic systems and have not tied into the public sewer system. As additions and new construction continues, the Town Health Department and Conservation Commissions urge residents to “hook-up.” There are active sewer extension projects currently underway. The MWRA has recently been renovating the old MWRA system through Natick the last few years.

3. Long Term Development Patterns

Natick’s zoning map is attached as Map 2. Until the early 2000’s, most of Natick’s single- family housing was built in areas with zoning requirements ranging from 12,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. The most significant recent developments have taken place in South Natick in residential zoning of 40,000 square feet. As noted above, using more land per person for residential development results greater loss of open space. This has been mitigated to some degree as some of these subdivisions have opted for the Cluster Development provision, which allow a greater number of total units, in exchange for leaving at least 30 percent of the total land area as preserved open space. In recent practice, the Planning Board has negotiated as much as 50 percent preserved open space, primarily in South Natick.

Natick’s commercial and industrial zoning is concentrated in two parts of town: The “Golden Triangle” area, defined by Route 9, Route 30, and Speen Street, is zoned for commercial or industrial uses. Additional commercial zoning continues east along Route 9 to the Wellesley border. Route 9 continues to be a prime location for a number of prominent and sizable commercial businesses. The expanded Natick Mall is now the largest mall in New England.

The second area is Natick Center, which constitutes a “Downtown Mixed Use District.” This zoning allows a mixture of uses, including single and multi-unit residential, commercial, and offices. Additionally, on the downtown’s north edge are two small industrial zones, in which lie some of the remaining brick factory buildings from Natick’s industrial past. Most of these have been converted or permitted for high density residential uses.

In recent years, there has been more neighborhood activism and more efforts by Town boards to preserve some of the open spaces that neighborhoods have enjoyed for decades. New projects could continue to deplete the amount of available open space, particularly interconnecting greenways necessary for biodiversity. Natick’s Planning Board and Conservation Commission and their staffs work with developers to preserve interconnecting stretches of open space and trails.

20 Map 2: Zoning Map

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In 2000 and 2002, the Town adopted a series of cluster development bylaws as a means to preserve open space.

The Town has also been proactive is encouraging higher density development downtown. In 2004, Town Meeting adopted a Housing Overlay Option Plan (HOOP) overlay zoning district. This provision, which provides two overlay districts in primarily industrial zones in Natick Center, allows more intensive housing development provided that a minimum of 15% of the resulting units are affordable along with certain other requirements. The HOOP includes incentives for the creation of open space. In 2006, Town Meeting created a Smart Growth Overlay (SGO) 40R district. Plans for the first 40R housing project, located on the former site of a paper reprocessing facility know as “Natick Paperboard,” have been approved by the Planning Board. It preserves 35% of the parcel as open space and will result in 150 housing units.

According to the Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest (Section 5 of this Plan), Natick has several categories of land that might be developed.

The most likely to be developed is privately owned land with no protection.

The town has a considerable amount of privately owned land with minimal protection – land that might not be protected in the future (e.g. Chapter 61, 61A and 61B parcels).

Finally there are major parcels of land used by town, state or federal government land that might be declared surplus property at some point. These provide the Town of Natick with an opportunity to obtain the land before it is developed.

SECTION 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS

A. Geology, Soils and Topography

1. Essential Structure

Natick is dominated by low elevation terrain, which is generally less than 200 feet above mean sea level. The major high and low points in town vary from the broad, dominant slopes of Pleasant Hill, Carver Hill, and Drury Hill to the low, rolling areas of Natick Center and West Natick. Elevations range from roughly 110 feet along the Charles River to 410 feet at Pegan Hill, the highest point in Natick. From Pegan Hill, a series of four hills with elevations of 300 feet or greater run along the eastern side of the town up to Route 9. These hills include Carver Hill (300 feet), Broad Hill (312 feet), Train Hill (300 feet), and Pleasant Hill (313 feet). Drury Hill and Tom Hill (both with elevations of 300 feet) are the only dominant slopes in western Natick.

Most of the underlying bedrock in Natick is covered by surficial deposits, although bedrock outcrops are common. The largest area of rock outcrops occurs in the region between Indian Brook, Dug Pond, Everett Hill, and Davis Brook. Stratified deposits of well compacted glacial till are the dominant geologic feature in both the Charles River and Sudbury River watersheds.

A large preglacial valley is carved into the bedrock between the Sunkaway, Morse’s Pond, Coolidge Hill, Indian Brook, and the Charles River. The till deposits in this area are generally less than 20 feet thick and are composed of gravel and sands with some clay combined in a poorly sorted mixture. Several of the town’s water supply wells are located in this large, water- bearing region. Map 3 presents Natick’s Bedrock Lithology.

A 1968-69 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service soil survey has been updated. In addition, Coffin and Richardson (1979) provide information on soil characteristics. See Map 4 (General Soils) and Table 6 (General Soil Association)

Natick is covered by a variety of glacial soils. The soils are generally mixed glacial drift on the drumlin hills; (i.e., Pleasant Hill, Broad Hill, Carver Hill, and Tom Hill); sandy to rocky soils on the outwash areas; (i.e., the gravel pit on Oak Street, Little County Road, and the U.S. Army Natick Labs area); and peats and organic mucks in the wetland areas (i.e., the Sunkaway, Davis Brook, and Indian Brook drainage). Covering almost half of Natick are well-drained, permeable, and usually stone-free Hinckley soils, which have good agricultural potential and can produce large volumes of water from deep wells, but can also easily absorb sewage effluent. Their coarse substratum provides little filtering action and the water in wells can be polluted if located near a source of contamination.

23 Map 3: Bedrock Lithology

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TABLE 6 GENERAL SOIL ASSOCIATIONS

Acres Percentage

Hinckley-Made Land Association 4,704 46 Woodbridge-Paxton Association 2,050 20 Hollis Association 1,740 17 Windsor-Deerfield Association 810 8 Muck Association 480 5 Canton-Muck Association 450 4

TOTAL 10,234 100

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Soil Conservation Service

Natick (from an Algonkian word sometimes interpreted as "Place of Hills") is typical New England 'swamps and drumlins'. Its establishment as a town prior to the Revolutionary War meant that the population settlement was on prime land along the river, until the railroad came through, taking the (flattest) path of least resistance. Natick was a farming and manufacturing town until after World War 2, when, due largely to its proximity to Boston and excellent rail access, most of the farmland was converted into housing. This farmland included most of the flat, well drained land that would be appropriate for active recreation, e.g., fields for soccer, baseball, etc. Fortunately, concurrent with the increase in housing was an increase in land set aside for schools, including ball fields and playgrounds. Due to the town's fairly high level of development, most of the land now available in Natick for any increases in 'active' recreation consists of that set-aside land, including property remaining after the reassignment (e.g., Cole Elementary School to Cole Recreation Center) or demolition (e.g., Murphy Elementary School) of those post-war schools built for the Baby Boomer population growth. Other available property suitable for active recreation generally has various difficulties, such as the Morency Woods area (former sewer beds on the Framingham line).

Passive recreation opportunities abound, particularly with the very active Planning Board encouragement since the 1970's for developers to include open space, and specifically trails, in their developments. This was recognized several years ago when the still-incomplete trail system between South Natick and Natick Center was named the Eisenmenger Trail System, after long- time Planning Board member and trail advocate Bob Eisenmenger. This focus on passive recreational opportunities continues, with the enlarging and improvement of J.J. Lane Park, the current efforts of the Cochituate Rail Trail and Cochituate Aqueduct (Trail) Study Committees (repurposing to trail use an abandoned rail bed and a 150 year old abandoned aqueduct right-of- way, respectively), and the Planning Board's continuing focus on the creation of trails. Additionally, two new town buildings, the new High School on West Street and the Community- Senior Center on East Central Street, included trails in their planning.

2. Effects on Development, Drinking Water and Wastewater

Natick relies on groundwater for its drinking supplies. Glacial soils provide the primary medium by which the aquifers are recharged. The aquifers that serve as Natick’s primary source of drinking water need to be protected. Because Natick is on the MWRA wastewater system, future development will be tied into that system. While this will not contribute to problems because of septic systems, it will continue the drawdown and removal of water from Natick aquifers through the MWRA system, possible contributing to future shortages of water.

Since Natick does have a municipal water supply and a municipal sewer system, the impacts of soils, geology and topography are minimized compared to towns that do not have such municipal systems. However, Natick is nearly built out, so the remaining land is more marginal with more issues to be addressed as it is developed.

B. Landscape Character

Natick has a great variety of landscapes. It has high-density “urban” areas in Natick Center and “suburban” areas such as the commercial corridors along Route 9 as well as forests, hills, river valleys, etc. (including several lakes, ponds, rivers and streams), and open agricultural lands. Map 5 illustrates the various land uses in Natick. Natick has many lakes, covering 621 acres, which form a necklace of water running from Lake Cochituate in the north to Dug Pond in the south. A 10-minute walk could take you from the frenetic activity of the Natick Mall to the shores of Lake Cochituate, where fishermen, boaters and bathers peacefully co-exist in their recreational pursuits.

The 100-acre Hunnewell Town Forest descends from Walnut Hill to Route 9 at the Sunkaway. The Sassamon Trace Golf Course, on Route 27 and West Street, abuts a large expanse of Sherborn open space and the Natick High School recreational fields. Across West Street are Timothy Coolidge Hill and an additional ball field. A short drive south on Rockland Street to Everett Street brings you to Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, where deer can be seen grazing in the early morning mist or twilight evenings. Heading east toward South Natick village, the views to the south of the Charles River and the large undeveloped expanses of woodlands on the opposite shore are exquisite, topped only by the turn down past the historic Bacon Free Library and the South Natick Dam, where the Charles River cascades over the falls and under a historic stone arch bridge, as canoeists and a variety of birds share the water. A right on Pleasant Street brings you to Belkin Lookout Farm, a large working farm.

Northeast Natick still has a number of wooded areas, as well as several vernal pools. It has been targeted by more recent development and its character is at risk of changing.

Numerous trails connecting these diverse areas have been and are being preserved. Building on the trail network is an important component of promoting and protecting Natick’s landscape character.

C. Water Resources

Water bodies and wetland areas cover approximately 13.5 percent of the town's total area. A nearly continuous chain of lakes and wetlands extends through the town, from north to south. The water bodies comprising this chain include Lake Cochituate, Fisk Pond, Dug Pond, and the Indian Brook drainage. This chain continues through the southern portion of Natick along the Charles River corridor. The northeastern corner of Natick is dominated by the low-lying Sunkaway area and Nonesuch Pond. The Sunkaway is a low wetlands area fed by Sunkaway Brook that is crossed by Route 9. This results in Route 9 being frequently flooded, and at one time Route 9, was subject to continual sinking despite the constant filling and shoring up of the area. A road improvement project related to an expansion at MathWorks may address this problem. Many smaller low-lying wetland areas are scattered throughout the town.

1. Watersheds

Natick is divided in half with two watersheds: the Charles River, which drains the eastern and southern portions of the town, and the SuAsCo (Sudbury-Assabet-Concord), which drains the western and northern portions of town. The watershed boundaries are shown on Map 6.

These drainages are classified as Class B waters under Massachusetts regulations (314 CMR 4.05). The Charles River passes through the southeastern corner of Natick. Major sub-basins within the Charles River watershed consist of Indian Brook (including Dug Pond), Davis Brook, and Jennings Pond (which includes the Sunkaway region and Pickerel Pond). Natick's portion of the SuAsCo watershed includes Lake Cochituate and Fisk Pond, with their tributary basins of Beaverdam Brook, Course Brook, Pegan Brook and Snake Brook. Table 7 below is a list of all water resources under each watershed area:

TABLE 7 WATER RESOURCES

SuAsCo Watershed Charles Watershed Lakes Cochituate Charles River Little Roundy Nonesuch Pond Fisk Pond Pickerel Pond Course Brook Mud Pond Meadow Pond Jennings Pond Beaverdam Brook Morses Pond Snake Brook Dug Pond Pegan Brook Indian Brook Wildwood/Speen Pond Davis Brook Saddlebrook Pond MacArthur Pond Bacon Pond Grist Mill Ponds

2. Surface Water

Water bodies and associated wetlands in Natick comprise a total of 1,287 acres, approximately 13.5 percent of the town’s gross acreage. The largest water body is Lake Cochituate, which covers roughly 440 acres within Natick. A complete list of ponds and brooks is given in Table 7 above.

Surface waters in Natick provide many recreational opportunities. Lakes, ponds and rivers offer fishing, swimming and boating. They are often surrounded by scenic walking trails with particularly good areas for bird and animal watching. The Charles River has a boat launch at the dam that is often used by canoeists. Cochituate State Park encompasses all of Lake Cochituate and Fisk Pond and provides swimming, boating, and picnicking opportunities. The Town maintains a swimming beach at Dug Pond.

3. Aquifer Recharge Areas

The Aquifer Recharge and Zone II7 areas are shown on Maps 7 and 8. The main aquifer generally bisects the town’s subsurface from North to South, links to the north with Wayland and stretches over to Weston, to the east to Framingham then south, to Sherborn. The recharge areas are typically found in the second concentric circle around the aquifer area, but often sporadically shifting. From the information on Map 7, it appears more land in Natick is aquifer or recharge area than not.

4. Flood Hazard Areas

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) most recent Q3 Flood Zone data from June 4, 2010 there are four levels of flood hazard areas present in Natick: A, AE, X500 and ANI. Zone A is an area inundated by 100-year flooding or which no Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) have been determined. Zone A areas in Natick are located around Nonesuch, Fisk, and Dug Ponds and around Lake Cochituate. Zone AE is an area inundated by 100-year flooding for which BFE’s have been determined. In Natick these areas include the Wetlands around Jennings Pond and along Mud Pond Stream south of Route 9, around Cochituate Pond, along Beaver Dam and Davis Brooks, and along the Charles River. Zone X500 is an area inundated by 500-year flooding; an area inundated by 100-year flooding with average depths of less than 1 foot or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile; or an area protected by levees from 100-year flooding. X500 zones in Natick include wetlands south of Winter Street, wetlands around Pickerel Pond and along Mud Pond Stream north of Route 9, along Beaver Dam Brook, three patches of wetlands south of Route 135 just west of Fisk, Dug and Cochituate Ponds, wetlands near Everett Hill, wetlands along Davis Brook, wetlands north of the Route 16 and

7A Zone II is an area designated by the State as a protected area for a municipal or community water supply well. Activities within this zone are strictly limited.

31 Map 7: Aquifers and Public Wells

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Union Street intersection, and along the Charles River. There are also X500 zones along a short brook near Glen Street and around a small water pool in the northernmost part of town just north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Zone ANI (Area Not Included) is an area that is located within a community or county that is not mapped on any published Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The Soldier Systems Center (Army Lab) on Lake Cochituate is designated as Natick’s only ANI zone. Map 6 illustrates the flood hazard areas.

5. Wetlands

Natick has wetlands information located on maps with scales of 1”=100’ that also includes flood plain information and transition zones. Any activity within this 100 feet and/or within 200 feet of a river or perennial stream is subject to the discretion of the Conservation Commission, as per the Wetlands Protection Act (Chapter 131, section 40), River’s Protection Act (a 1996 amendment to the Wetlands Protection Act), the state regulations pertaining to these acts (310 CMR 10.00 and 310 CMR 10.58 respectively), Stormwater Management Policy and Natick’s Wetlands Protection Bylaw and Regulations.

The Wetlands Protection Bylaw, Article 79 of the Natick Bylaws, passed Town Meeting on April 27, 2000 and took effect the following August 24th. The new Bylaw increased the restrictions placed on wetlands in town by dividing the 100-foot jurisdictional buffer area provided by the state law into a “no-disturb” zone (first 25 feet), a “no-build” zone (first 40 feet) and the remaining 60 feet which requires permission from the Conservation Commission for any work within it.. It also regulates isolated wetlands subject to flooding and vernal pools (See discussion of vernal pools in the Fisheries and Wildlife section below). In addition, it provides for wildlife corridors. The Town has also adopted a stormwater management bylaw and regulations in compliance with EPA’s Phase II requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems. These require a permit for land disturbances greater than 40,000 square feet and prohibit illicit discharges into the stormwater system. These bylaws can be accessed at the Natick website at: http://natickma.gov/Public_Documents/NatickMA_ConservComm/ Wetlands are shown on Map 6.

D. Vegetation

1. General Inventory

As shown on Map 5, vegetation within Natick is typical of the eastern Massachusetts region. Upland areas are dominated by a mixed deciduous and coniferous tree line, while the low-lying wetlands are predominantly red maples. The undeveloped open fields in Natick have combinations of upland grasses, goldenrods, and asters with scrub shrubbery dominated by roses and brambles. Wetland communities form combinations of trees, shrub, and herbaceous layers, which are listed below. Some wetland areas exist as either shrub swamps or herbaceous marshes.

A large portion of the Sunkaway is an Atlantic white cedar swamp, which is much less common than red maple swamps.

Several years ago, a field survey was conducted at various locations within the town (i.e., the Sunkaway, Pegan Cove Park, Indian Brook, and the Bacon Street Water Supply Area) to identify representative vegetation communities. The more common species observed in Natick's uplands and wetlands are listed in Table 8.

TABLE 8 COMMON WETLAND AND UPLAND PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED IN NATICK

Upland Vegetation Wetland Vegetation

Tree Layer: Tree Layer: Red Oak Red Maple White Oak Ash White Pine Gray Birch Shrub Layer: Black Cherry Alder Sweet Pepperbush Shrub Layer: Highbush Blueberry Honeysuckle Swamp Dogwood Witch Hazel Arrow-wood European Buckthorn Swamp Azalea Multiflora Rose Withe-rod Bramble Herbaceous Layer: Herbaceous Layer: Sedges Upland Grasses Common Cattail Goldenrod Cinnamon Fern Club Moss Skunk Cabbage Common Dewberry Hydrophilic Grasses

2. Forest Land

There are several large portions of forested land in Natick, including a Town Forest, public parks, and privately-managed wildlife sanctuaries. All sites offer valuable recreational experiences and important wildlife habitats.

The Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, accessible at 280 Eliot Street, is a large uninterrupted 735 acre (plus 165 acres of Conservation Restrictions) block of woodlands (including some in neighboring Sherborn) that includes nine miles of walkable trails in addition to a quarter-mile universally accessible trail and boardwalk along Indian Brook. The habitats include both woodland and wetland areas. The Sanctuary has recreational value in walking and hiking, birdwatching, photography and sketching. In the winter months, the network of trails can be used for snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

Coolidge Woods and Coolidge Hill offer a scenic recreational area just a short walk from Natick Center. The short walk south from downtown makes the Coolidge Woods a valuable recreational escape from the urban area of downtown. Coolidge Woods marks the start of the new 1.5-mile Eisenmenger Trail, which continues past MetroWest Medical Center and across easements through several housing developments.

The 100-acre Hunnewell Town Forest on the south side of Route 9, was donated to the town by Mary Hunnewell in 1933 – in memory of her late husband Horatio Hollis Hunnewell. The forest includes a variety of topography, such as pine-covered slopes, mixed hardwood forest, a small stream, a marsh and a small pond. While the steep slopes are covered by pine trees, the lower and damper areas are home to red maple trees, sweet pepperbush shrubs and poison ivy. The forest is accessible from either Oak Street or Bacon Street.

On the north side of Route 135 near Natick Center, Pegan Cove Park is adjacent to Cochituate State Park and is leased by the Town from the State. The 22-acre park has an entrance lined by a majestic canopy of white pine. Despite its location on the lake, boating and swimming are prohibited in Pegan Cove Park. However, it does offer recreational activities such as hiking, birdwatching, biking, fishing, and picnicking. In the winter time, skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating are permitted.

Mumford Wildlife Forest in the southeast corner of Natick is a managed forest operated by the New England Forestry Foundation, offering newly created trails that provide a view, on a clear day, or Mt. Wachusett and Mt. Monadnock, 59 miles away. The trails continue through the adjacent Pegan Hill Reservation, owned by The Trustees of Reservations.

3. Public Shade Trees

Public shade trees are managed by the Natick DPW’s Land Facilities and Natural Resources Department under the Tree Warden. Such trees line public streets and right-of-ways and landscape public grounds such as cemeteries, schools and the town common.

At the Fall Town Meeting on October 10, 1995, Article 25 was adopted addressing public shade trees in the Zoning Bylaw and adding the definition, “All trees within a public way or on the boundaries thereof, and where the boundaries of the way cannot be made certain by records or monuments a tree shall be taken to be within the highway and to be public property until the contrary is shown.”

According to the subdivision rules and regulations in Natick, any tree twelve (12) inches in diameter or larger shall not be removed in the construction of a new subdivision.

4. Agricultural Land

Two plots of scenic agricultural land in Natick offer particular recreational opportunities to the public. The Belkin Family Lookout Farm is one of the oldest working farms in the country. The farm was originally established in 1651 by Natick’s orginial settlers with John Eliot. Since then, it had been owned and managed by eight different families and individuals until Steve and Joan Belkin purchased it in July 2005. In addition to its scenic views and agricultural value, the farm also includes a petting zoo with emus, goats, donkeys, rabbits and sheep. (http://www.lookoutfarm.com)

The non-profit Natick Community Organic Farm in South Natick was founded in 1974 on Town- owned land and has produced organic crops ever since. Additionally, it provides open space and educational opportunities for the public. Its educational emphasis is on year-round classes for youth. In 2009 the Town transferred ownership of the property to the Conservation Commission, ensuring its permanent protection as open space.

5. Wetland Vegetation (source: Habitat Values of New England Wetlands, Cathy Pedevillano/Army Corps of Engineers Waltham, MA May 1995)

Wetland vegetation in Natick is typical of wetland vegetation found throughout New England. Palustrine Forested Wetlands are wetland areas commonly referred to as “wooded swamps.” The flora in this habitat is varied in the canopy level by species such as red maple, white cedar, hemlock, spruce and fir. Other trees sometimes found in Palustrine Forested Wetlands include white pine, yellow birch, elm and ash. Wetlands shrubs occurring in these areas include highbush blueberry, sweet pepper-bush, swamp azalea, silky dogwood and common arrowwood. The herbaceous vegetation includes cinnamon fern, sensitive fern, royal fern, skunk cabbage, spotted jewelweed, sphagnum and goldthread.

Palustrine Scrub-shrub Wetlands are dominated by species that are still in the sapling and shrub stages. Such species include highbush blueberry, sweet pepperbush, swamp azalea, spicebush, arrowwood, winterberry, willow alder, dogwood, common elder, buttonbush and meadowsweet. Additionally, herbaceous species associated with these areas include cinnamon fern, sensitive fern, spotted jewelweed, sphagnum sedges, rushes and hydrophilic grasses. The vegetation is an important resource for associated wildlife as it provides nesting habitats and food resources for various bird and insect species.

Other wetland areas include Palustrine Emergent Wetlands, Lacustrine Habitat and Riverine Habitat wetlands. Palustrine Emergent Wetlands are the marsh and wet meadow areas. These are easily recognized by cattail vegetation and sometimes also contain tussock sedge, blue flag, and water willow. Lacustrine Habitats are permanently flooded lakes or reservoirs while Riverine Habitats are deepwater areas with flowing water such as rivers and streams. Both habitats provide trees and shrubs along their banks that serve as unique resources for wildlife.

6. Rare Species

According to the National Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natick is home to six different rare species of vegetation:

Shining Wedge Grass – Last sighted in 1915, Shining Wedge Grass is currently classified as a threatened species. It is a perennial grass with shiny dark green blades. It has a slender stem that grows ¾ - 2 ½ feet tall. It will grow in either dry or moist conditions, often in rocky woods and hillsides.

Podgrass – Podgrass is a tall grass (9-18 inches) with spaced out leaves and yellow-green flowers. It is currently classified as endangered and was last sighted in 1899. It grows in acidic peatlands often alongside sedges and sphagnum mosses. Podgrass is currently threatened by water quality issues. Road salt, residential lawn fertilizers and septic system pollutants cause unsuitable conditions.

Threadfoot – Last sighted in 2001, Threadfoot is listed as a species of Special Concern. It is a freshwater plant species that grows in flowing waters such as the Charles River. Its fleshy pads tend to anchor to cobbles and rock ledges. The species is currently threatened by siltation, water pollution and drastic water flow changes.

Lion’s foot – Lion’s foot is native to the Southeastern United States but extends as far north as Massachusetts. It was last seen in Natick in 1905 and is now listed as endangered. It is a long- lived perennial with flowering stems as tall as one to two meters. It is found inland in open rocky woods and along power line right of ways. Its current threats are shading from trees and shrubs, and browsing by deer. (http://www.newenglandwild.org/docs/pdf/Nabalusserpentarius.pdf)

Andrew’s Bottle Gentian – This is a herbaceous flower species that grows deep blue flowers from two to four centimeters. Its stems are as tall as thirty to sixty centimeters. While native to the Northeast United States, the plant was last sighted in Natick in 1917 and is currently listed as endangered (Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.)

Purple Milkweed – The Purple Milkweed is a herbaceous plant species native to the Eastern United States. It has pink flowers that turn purple as they mature. These flowers have a tendency to attract butterflies and are often used for this purpose in gardens. It is currently listed as endangered, and was last seen in Natick in 1943. (Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.)

According to its most recent publication in August 2009, the National Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has certified

17 vernal pools in Natick. Vernal pools and their surrounding critical terrestrial habitats support wetlands vegetation that is critical for the accompanying wildlife population. Vernal pools are discussed in more detail below.

In addition to the Priority and Estimated Habitats, NHESP has produced a mapping project regarding land conservation and biodiversity that identifies Core Habitats and Critical Natural Landscapes throughout Massachusetts. The Core Habitats are the most viable habitats for rare species and natural communities. The Critical Natural Landscape habitats are the buffer areas that connect core habitats and contain mostly undeveloped land. The initial BioMap was produced in 2001 and updated in 2010). This project, is available as an interactive map at: http://maps.massgis.state.ma.us/dfg/biomap2.htm

The updated BioMap2 indicates 5 Core Habitat areas with abutting Critical Natural Landscape habitats in Natick. . These include the entire Lake Cochituate region, Charles River downriver of dam to the Wellesley line, an area near South Natick Hills a portion of Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary straddling the Sherborn town line and some areas near Pickerel Pond.

Map 9 presents the BioMap2 and Map 10 illustrates the Priority and Estimated Habitats.

E. Fisheries and Wildlife

1. Inventory

The topography in Natick encourages plant diversity and in the undeveloped areas creates cover and food for birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. For most species, the best habitats are found in areas that are well watered, have abundant understory vegetation, and are relatively free of human intervention. For some game species, such as white-tail deer or beaver, the size of the contiguous range is important. Recently, sightings of moose, coyotes, beaver, turkeys, minks, river otter, and red fox have become more common. White tail deer frequent the town. Specific wildlife data for Natick are not readily available; however, based on the Charles River Corridor Plan, Charles River Watershed Association, the presence of species listed in Table 9 (Wildlife Species in Natick) can be inferred.

39 Map 9: BioMap2

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TABLE 9 WILDLIFE SPECIES IN NATICK Birds Migratory/songbirds: bunting, sparrow, towhee, cardinal, goldfinch, oriole, vireos, and warblers (some rare) Birds of prey: hawks and owls Waterfowl: geese, ducks and teal Marsh and rium birds/waders: rail, woodcock, bittern (rare), and heron Upland game birds: grouse, quail and pheasant Great Blue, Black-crowned Night, and Green Herons are common along the Charles River. Reptiles/Amphibians Frogs, salamanders (some rare), snakes, toads and turtles Small Mammals Beaver, chipmunk, fox, muskrat, otter, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, squirrel, weasel, mink, fisher, and coyote Large Mammals White tailed deer

Source: Charles River Corridor Plan, Charles River Watershed Association

Fishing is a very popular recreational activity in Natick. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullheads, pickerel, sunfish, and white suckers are the primary warm-water species caught. Few of the streams in the Charles River watershed, however, are capable of supporting natural populations of cold-water fish. The region relies on stocking of several streams and ponds to support a “put-and-take” fishery for rainbow and brown trout. For example, a total of approximately 300 rainbow, brown trout, bass, salmon, and tiger muskie are released into Lake Cochituate, Dug Pond, and the Charles River annually. The fish-stocking program is managed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. For updates on the stocking program, go to: http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm

In addition to the fish stocking programs, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, in conjunction with other state and federal agencies, have begun a program to restore anadromous fish runs in the Charles River. It is anticipated that the once abundant shad, alewife, and blueback herring populations will begin to increase once the construction of fish ladders along the Charles River has been completed, and sixty miles of the Charles River will again be open to anadromous fish.

2. Vernal Pools

Vernal Pools certified by NHESP in Natick are listed in Table 10. Vernal pools are unique wildlife habitats best known for the amphibians and invertebrate animals that use them to breed. Vernal pools, also known as ephemeral pools, autumnal pools, and temporary woodland ponds, typically fill with water in the autumn or winter due to rising ground water and rainfall and remain ponded through the spring and into summer. Vernal pools dry completely by the middle or end of summer each year, or at least every few years. Occasional drying prevents fish from establishing permanent populations. Many amphibian and invertebrate species rely on breeding habitat that is free of fish predators.

TABLE 10 VERNAL POOLS

Pool ID Number Street Address Parcel ID 1 905 Winter Street 04-0000010C 2 906 Winter Street 04-0000010CK 3 1370 251 South Main Street 59-00000010 4 1583 45 Lakeview Avenue 50-00000063 5 1623 21 Mill Street 49-00000226 6 1982 12 Front Street 54-0000070 7 1983 Cedar Street 54-0000065F 8 1984 42 Leach Lane 54-0000080 9 2023 Devin Drive 08-0000035C 10 2025 21 Mill Street 49-00000226 11 2123 26 Kensington Road 09-0000009A 12 2413 11 Oakland Street 51-00000119 13 2713 50 Kensington Road 09-0000010B 14 2777 107 Pleasant Street 70-00000003 15 2991 109 Pleasant Street 70-0000002C 16 3142 Tech Circle 09-00000028 17 5087 155 Glen Street 78-0000004A 18 5088 155 Glen Street 78-0000004A

Italicized Vernal Pools are new additions since the 2002 Natick OSRP

Sources: MassGIS and Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.

A number of vernal pool indicator species are of concern in Massachusetts. The blue-spotted and jefferson salamanders are listed as species of special concern along with the fairy shrimp. The marbled salamander and spadefoot toad are listed as threatened. Other species present include the spotted salamander, wood frog, and featherfoil. Several other species are facultative vernal pool species in Massachusetts. The eastern ribbon and eastern hognose snakes are listed as present under their state conservation status. Special Concern species include the four-toed salamander, spotted turtle, wood turtle and eastern box turtle. The blanding’s turtle and the ringed boghaunter dragonfly are listed as threatened and endangered respectively. These species of special concern

are particularly endangered by the destruction of vernal pools and their surrounding terrestrial habitats.

3. Corridors for Wildlife Migration

An analysis of existing open space and NHESP Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape Habitat lands reveals two possible pathways to serve as corridors for wildlife migration in Natick. Probably pathways occur when several large tracts of habitats are located in close enough proximity for wildlife to travel from one area to another. One such stretch of land creates a potential North-South corridor from Lake Cochituate on the Wayland town line to South Main Street (Route 27) on the Sherborn town line. The corridor at its northern extent includes conservation open space around Lake Cochituate from the Wayland town line southward to West Central Street (Route 135). It continues with a small tract of Cochituate State Park recreational open space along West Central Street, and southward to conservation open space surrounding Fisk Pond. Next, it reaches recreational open space around and south of Dug Pond extending to South Main Street where it continues into Sherborn.

There is a potential East-West corridor for wildlife migration in South Natick along the Charles River. The Charles River, which offers a natural wildlife corridor, supports great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, and green herons (McAdow, 1999), as well as a large number of more common waterfowl. The corridor begins at the intersection of the Natick, Dover and Sherborn town lines and continues northeasterly along the Charles River through a Critical Natural Landscape habitat area. It continues along the river just south of Route 16 to the Glen Street Park conservation open space. Finally, it crosses through South Natick falls and into the Hunnewell Field Playground conservation open space before crossing the Dover town line.

4. Rare Species

The NHESP’s list of Rare and Endangered Species by town is available at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/town_lists/town_n.htm#natick. According to the publication, the Boreal Turret Snail is the only species in Natick that is listed as endangered and was last sighted in 1977. Two species, Hentz’s Redbelly Tiger Beetle and Mustard White are listed as Threatened and have been spotted historically. All other rare species in Natick are listed as species of Special Concern. These include the Blue-spotted salamander (last sighted in 2003), Purple Tiger Beetle (1937), Intricate Fairy Shrimp (1998), Mocha Emerald (1971), Triangle Floater (2000), Eastern Pondmussel (2006), Creeper (2000) and Eastern Box Turtle (2007).

It is important to note that NHESP does not have the resources to conduct methodical surveys of rare species by town, so species which were last seen many years ago may still be present but difficult to detect.

F. Scenic Resources and Unique Environments

Map 11 presents Scenic and Unique Resources in Natick. A discussion of them follows.

1. Scenic Landscapes

The Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary is a large and well- maintained natural area located along the Charles River in South Natick and neighboring Sherborn. Broadmoor includes woodlands and meadows, but is best known for its water. A boardwalk traverses Indian Brook and its wetlands areas, giving the public, and particularly schoolchildren, first-hand knowledge of the functions and importance of wetlands.

Lake Cochituate consists of three interconnected ponds, all within the Cochituate State Park. The park is enjoyed as many as 200,000 visitors each year, many from urban areas in and around Boston. They come to enjoy swimming, boating, and picnicking. Although houses surround most of the lake, the state park owns a strip abutting the lake, providing natural scenery for park visitors.

The Hunnewell Town Forest has a large hill and several large strands of White Pines and Hemlocks, and is entered by a path along Little Jennings Pond, a scenic wetlands area.

Lookout Farm offers a pick-your-own fruits and a farm store. Lookout is one of several remaining farms in South Natick offering picturesque vistas of open space in a relatively quiet, undisturbed section of town.

The Sassamon Trace golf course, formed from the capping of Natick’s landfill and abutting former apple orchards in Sherborn, and surrounded by school recreational fields and wetlands, presents an imposing feature, part of a broad expanse of open lands in both Natick and Sherborn.

Natick has a number of officially designated scenic roads: Winter and Frost streets in the northeast corner of town; Bacon (from Wellesley town line to Walnut Street) and Walnut Streets north of the town center; and many streets in the more rural southern part of town: Cottage Street, Dover Road, Everett Street, Farwell Street, Glen Street, Glenwood Street, Pegan Lane, Pleasant Street (South Natick), Rockland Street, South Street, Union Street and Woodland Street..

Town committees and community groups are working at connecting all of these wonderful places to each other, to conservation lands, to other towns, and even to the Natick Mall and businesses whose employees use or would like to use alternative means of transportation. These efforts are positive steps at preserving and utilizing to its best advantage the invaluable open space remaining in Natick

45 Map 11: Scenic and Unique Resources

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2. Major Characteristic or Unusual Geological Features

Natick has several notable hills that offer scenic value and should be protected: Pegan Hill, Carver Hill, Broad Hill, Train Hill, Pleasant Hill, Drury Hill, and Tom Hill. The valley between the Sunkaway, Morse’s Pond, Coolidge Hill, Indian Brook and the Charles River is another notable geological feature. The Charles River and especially its waterfall at the South Natick Dam offer particular scenic value.

3. Cultural, Archeological and Historic Areas

Natick is also rich in archeological sites. One of numerous Indian burial grounds is located on Pond Street within a block of downtown. Recent improvements to the intersection of Route 16, Union Street and Pleasant Street unearthed Indian remains and artifacts, as did the construction of the Massachusetts Turnpike ramps at Route 30. Several residential building projects either unearthed similar archeological materials, or were suspected of doing so. The Legislative grants to the Natick Indians of thousands of acres of land in South Natick and around Long Pond (now Lake Cochituate) make it extremely likely that many more such sites exist.

In addition to its natural attractions, Natick has a number of areas of historical interest. The John Eliot Historic District, in South Natick, is the site of the original Praying Indian settlement of 1651. This area is still has the character of the early 19th Century, with Colonial, Federalist, and Greek Revival architecture. The Henry Wilson Historic District, running along West Central Street in Natick Center, preserves a number of houses from the mid-19th Century, including the home of Henry Wilson, 18th Vice President of the United States, as well as a cobbler shop associated with Wilson. The new Henry Wilson History Trail connects these sites with Wilson’s grave at the Old Dell Park Cemetery.

Natick Center also includes Main Street, dominated by three and four-story brick buildings built immediately after the Great Fire of 1874. This is one of the few wholly Victorian downtowns in eastern Massachusetts. One of these buildings, the 1875 Fire House, was renovated in 2004 by The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) as a regional center for visual and performing arts. The 9,000 square foot, 290 seat handicapped accessible facility offers modern state-of-the-art performance amenities in a historic setting. Programs at TCAN include national performers, emerging artists, arts education, classical music, community theatre and visual arts. More information is available at http://www.natickarts.org. Walnut Hill School, which holds performances and exhibits and also supplies talent to TCAN, is world-renowned as an educational facility for high schoolers gifted in the arts.

The Town Common becomes the town gathering-place during warm months, with weekly outdoor concerts at the bandstand, farmer’s markets, flea markets, and holiday festivals for families. The entire downtown area has been revitalized in recent years by the presence of

TCAN, and the construction of the municipal complex and library, along with restaurants such as the Dolphin, Dah Mee, Bakery on the Common, and Park Street Ice Cream.

The Museum of World War II is a well-kept secret but valuable historic resource, open by appointment only. It is a 10,000 square foot private collection that, according to its website, was described by London’s Imperial War Museum as “a fully staffed private collection containing the most comprehensive display of original World War II artifacts on exhibit anywhere in the world.” http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/09/24/veil_lifts_on_a_trove_of_ wwii_treasures/

Natick has two public libraries. The downtown Morse Institute Library, built in 1873 in Victorian Gothic style, has more than doubled in size, with the addition architecturally sensitive to the old, as provided in Mary Ann Morse’s will. The historic Bacon Free Library, overlooking South Natick Dam, also houses the museum of the Natick Historical Society and its collection of Natick’s history and natural history.

4. Unique Environments

Natick has no areas designated as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. However, there are important ecosystems. The BioMap2 prepared by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program shows several important areas for biodiversity based on the occurrence of rare species. The largest is the area including and near Cochituate State Park, followed by Broadmoor. There are smaller areas along the Charles River near the Wellesley town line, some areas of the Sunkaway, and an area east of South Main Street near the Sherborn town line.

Additionally, the Charles River corridor provides a habitat for the “threadfoot” plant, as well as animals including waterfowl, white-tailed deer, mink, and otter. A unique Atlantic white cedar swamp is located around Mud Pond in the Sunkaway. More information on plants and animal species, and ecosystems with Natick are found elsewhere in this section.

G. Environmental Challenges

1. Hazardous Waste and Brownfield Sites

According to the DEP, there have been 373 reportable releases of hazardous waste in Natick since 1986. The information is available at http://db.state.ma.us/dep/cleanup/sites/search.asp. Of those 373 reportable releases, 259 were oil, 42 were hazardous materials, 21 were mixtures of oil and hazardous materials and 51 were other types of hazardous waste.

The DEP classifies the sites of hazardous waste releases by their compliance status. Most sites in Natick are classified under various statuses that are not cause for serious concern. However, ten sites in Natick are classified under Tier 1, which is the level that requires state oversight for cleanup activities. The AGT Laboratories site has been classified under Tier 1B, which is the second highest level of a Tier 1 site. The release on this site requires a permit, but since it is not Tier 1A the work may be performed by a Licensed Site Professional without prior consent from the DEP. Nine other sites fall under Tier 1C, which fall under the same requirements as 1B but are not considered as hazardous.

2. Landfills

According to the Massachusetts DEP, two sites in Natick are designated as current or former solid waste sites. Both sites are related to the Natick Landfill on West Street. The Landfill ceased operations in 1993 and was certified as capped in 2003. It was then transformed into a 75-acre golf course that includes leased land in the Town of Sherborn. The DEP also recognizes the site as an active compost site.

3. Erosion

The banks of the Charles River must be monitored for erosion. Runoff from impervious surfaces including buildings, roads and parking lots can contribute to erosion far downstream from their location.

4. Chronic flooding

The lower parking lots and playing fields at the old high school, which is the site for the new high school building, has been known to flood extensively during heavy rains. Architects for the proposed new school believe that the flooding is due to an insufficient 50-year old drainage system at the old building and are confident that the problem can be resolved by removing obstruction from that pipe that drains water to Dug Pond. The site is not within a flood zone.

Another area subject to chronic flooding is the MBTA train tracks near the Natick Center station. The MBTA often is forced to divert west-bound trains on the Natick portion of the Worcester- Framingham commuter rail line when tracks flood after serious rainstorms. The station is built in a trench downtown, below the surface level of the streets. Runoff tends to accumulate particularly on the inbound track. However, the MBTA has installed a pumping station to address this issue. http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x280666001/MBTA-work-wont-fix-track-flooding- in-Natick.

Other areas of flood concern are located in the Flood Hazard areas discussed in part C4 of this section.

5. Sedimentation

The Natick Soldiers System Center, informally known as Natick Labs, is currently planning to clean polluted sediment from the bottom of Lake Cochituate. The bottom of the lake has been contaminated with Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that were released in the 1980s, possibly in a transformer explosion at the Natick Labs research facility. The Army has proposed a range of plans for treating the sediment, from doing nothing to undergoing a dredging and disposal plan at a price of $21.7 million. Any plan must be approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

The Charles River is also at risk for sedimentation. According to the Charles River Watershed Association, the river south of Watertown Dam contains sediment and associated chemicals with the potential to cause “serious, persistent environmental and public health problems.” Chromium, lead, copper, mercury, DDT and various fossil-fuel combustion products can all be found in this part of the river. Many hazardous compounds have been banned, but remain present in sediments that will require cleaning for years to come.

6. New development

The major issue for Natick appears to be, not so much the historic hazardous waste spills, but monitoring existing residential development and commercial developments to make sure that all reasonable precautions are being taken to avoid additional spills. Since the early 1980s, the Planning Board has imposed Aquifer Protection District controls on all new or redeveloped commercial and industrial sites located over or near the town’s aquifers. Each of these permits mandates a variety of specific requirements that each property owner must abide by. It is not clear, however, that any official in the Town of Natick is inspecting any of these sites to make sure that the Planning Board’s requirements are being met.

7. Ground and Surface Water Pollution

The DEP has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) report to assess the water supply sources in town. The report found that there are hazardous material storage and contaminations in Zone I. The DEP recommends that Natick develops a wellhead protection plan.

In 2008, the Water Division began the fifth phase of its water main realigning project. Five and a half additional water mains have been cleaned and lined to remove manganese and other contaminants that have accumulated for over one hundred years. The Water Division also drained, cleaned, and inspected both water storage tanks. http://natickma.gov/Public_Documents/NatickMA_Pubworks/images/waterqualityreport.pdf

Problems identified with the existing water supply system include high manganese content, which is common in New England. According to the Water Dept. Superintendent, Cypress Wells at Evergreen and the Springvale wells have had a volatile organic compound problem in the past. The Town of Natick has installed an effective filter treatment system at the Springvale site, which handles all of north Natick's volatile organic compound problems adequately and effectively. The Town has recently drilled 2 replacement wells at Springvale. It continues to sample and monitor the quality of the water as to implement stormwater improvements to reduce impacts on drinking water.

8. Impaired Water Bodies

According to the EPA’s latest data from 2006, there are three impaired water bodies in Natick: Jennings Pond, Lake Cochituate and the Charles River. Jennings Pond has been reported as an impaired water body on each EPA report since 2002. The pond is contaminated by noxious aquatic plants. Lake Cochituate has also appeared on the report each year since 2002 and is contaminated by organic enrichment/oxygen depletion, pathogens and toxic organics. The Charles River has a more extensive presence on the impaired water bodies list. It has appeared on each report since 1998, and is contaminated by noxious aquatic plants, nutrients, organic enrichment/oxygen depletion, pathogens, toxic organics and turbidity north of the South Natick Dam. South of the dam, it is impaired by metals, noxious aquatic plants, nutrients, organic enrichment/oxygen depletion, pathogens, turbidity and unknown toxicity. http://iaspub.epa.gov/waters10/state_rept.control?p_state=MA&p_cycle=2006

Ongoing efforts to improve the condition of these impaired bodies are extremely important. The Army’s effort to remove sedimentation from Lake Cochituate, completed in 2010, is a strong first step in cleaning that water body. The Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) continuously works to develop strategies to clean the river. In 1995, the CWRA’s research convinced the EPA to launch a plan to restore the Charles to fishable and swimmable conditions by 2005. Water quality has significantly improved through wastewater treatment and the elimination of contaminated discharges. The goal has been met along most of the river but some areas remain in need of improvement. Milfoil, an invasive species, continues to be a problem in Lake Cochituate.

9. Invasive Species

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are thirty-three (34) varieties of aquatic invasive species currently threatening Middlesex County. Twenty-two (22) of those species are exotic while the other twelve (12) are native transplants. The table is available at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&size=50&sortBy=1&status=0&fmb=0& pathway=0&stcolist=MA%20--%20Middlesex.

10. Environmental Equity

Although Natick is not included on a list of communities that include environmental justice populations, a small portion of western Natick, abutting Framingham in the area of Morency Wood is shown on a state map as being an environmental justice area, http://www.mass.gov/mgis/ej_boston_metro.pdf . In general, the major open space and recreation resources are fairly well distributed in town. Cochituate State Park is in the northwest section, Broadmoor in South Natick and Hunnewell Town Forest in the east. However, the western and northern parts have fewer recreational amenities than other parts of town.

The water quality in Lake Cochituate has become an important environmental equity issue due to the number of people who use its fish as a part of their diets. Marco Kaltofen, who runs an environmental investigation firm in Natick and was cited in the Boston Globe, has interpreted an Army survey and concluded that 97 percent of all fish taken home from the lake are going to minority or immigrant households. Kaltofen believes that the language gap and lack of a local education prevent such people from acquiring the knowledge necessary to deter them from eating the fish. Additionally, a tougher economy increases the amount of people relying on local fishing as a staple of their diets. It is imperative to continue with efforts to improve and maintain the water quality in the lake. Pregnant women and children are particularly at risk for eating contaminated fish causing both physical and mental disorders.

SECTION 5 - INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST

A. Introduction

Protected open space serves several valuable functions. Depending on the type (e.g. forest, meadow, wetlands, farmland, etc.) open space can provide valuable habitat for both plant and wildlife, help replenish and protect aquifers, reduce and absorb storm water runoff, produce a sustainable source of a wide range of resources, and absorb and/or treat pollutants. Open space also offers numerous active and passive recreational opportunities and adds scenic views to the landscape. “Protected” open space is land that is preserved because it is under the care and custody of the Conservation Commission, is subject to a conservation restriction or other deed restriction, is owned by a nonprofit organization whose purpose is the preservation of open space, is dedicated as park land or is otherwise protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution.

B. Protected and Recreational Open Space

This section provides an inventory and map of areas that are important to Natick due to their current open space value and/or recreational use. Protected private as well as public sites have been included (See Tables 11 through 15). Other lands not protected are included in Table 16 and Table 17 lists tax title lands. Though continued open space or recreational use is not guaranteed on those private sites identified, these parcels nonetheless are important to the Town. Undeveloped private lands provide aesthetic amenities, maintain the community’s rural character, and assist in protecting the Town’s natural resource base. It should be noted that an evaluation of the handicapped accessibility of the recreational sites is included in Appendix C as part of the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

The parcels are also included on Map 12, Protected and Recreational Open Space. As shown in Table 11, the Conservation Commission has 402 acres of protected land under its jurisdiction, while the Recreation and Parks Commission has 203 acres. Another 60 acres are protected for water supply protection of other recreation uses, for a total of 665 acres of protected Town land.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts controls 387 acres of protected land, including 338 at Cochituate State Park. The rest is the Sudbury, Cochituate and Hultman aqueduct rights-of-way.

The Towns of Wellesley, Framingham and Wayland own a total of 21 acres within Natick. These include Morse Pond, Morency Woods and a portion of the Hultman Aqueduct, respectively.

Private, non-profit preservation organizations own 508 acres in Natick. Most, 444 acres, is within Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Broadmoor Reservation (which also extends into

Sherborn). The rest is divided among The Trustees of Reservations, the New England Forestry Association and the Dover Land Conservation Trust (See Table 12).

A portion of Lookout Farm is under an Agricultural Preservation Restriction, which protects 106 acres. Hopewell Farms Homes Association, a private development, includes 53 acres of protected open space and there is another 31 acres in Fairview Estates. As indicated in Table 13, there are a number of Conservation Restrictions, which total 287 acres, and the private cemeteries listed in Table 15 total 90 acres. Thus, the total area of well-protected open space in Natick is 2149 acres.

In addition, there are 467 acres in the Chapter 61, 61A and 61B programs in Natick. These are programs which tax breaks for land in forestry, agriculture or recreation respectively, in return for a commitment to continue those uses and to offer the Town a right of first refusal to purchase the properties prior to any change of use. Since the properties can be released from these requirements upon the payment of back taxes, they are not considered to be permanently protected. It should be noted that some of this acreage is also included in the conservation restrictions.

C. Other Public Lands

Table 16 presents other public lands which are not permanently protected. Of the 419 acres in this category, more than half, 240 acres, consists of schools and playgrounds. Most of the rest includes public facilities such as municipal buildings, public housing, post offices, the U.S. Army Labs, and the National Guard Depot.

Table 17 lists tax title properties. These are parcels that the Town has taken due to non-payment of property taxes. Most of these are tiny parcels and all together they constitute just over 10 acres. However, these should be examined on a case-by-case basis to determine which might be suitable to serve as pocket parks for the neighborhoods in which they are located.

D. Other Private Lands

As part of this update we have identified a broad range of privately owned, unprotected parcels which may offer opportunities for the provision or acquisition of open space.

In the 2002 Plan, we noted that Natick had only 331 acres remaining of privately owned, unprotected open space, and expressed concern about their potential development. In preparing this update, we are pleased to report that 62 of these acres have been protected, while only 45 acres have been developed. The balance of the parcels remain privately held and unprotected.

Applying a more comprehensive methodology in this update, we have identified 1,067 acres of privately owned, unprotected parcels with potential open space of note. This was done by

compiling information on two types of privately held property: parcels of 5 acres or more which either contain a single residence or are institutional parcels with significant undeveloped land; and one- to five-acre parcels which either have no structures or have nominal structures of low value.

We do not anticipate that all of the 1,067 acres identified here would be appropriate or available for open space. That said, the list is key to identifying parcels which may, in sum or part, present opportunities for conservation easements, open space acquisition, or other preservation strategies. As a number of these parcels have the potential to be developed under present or future zoning regulations, we are not publishing the detailed list as part of the Plan update.

The Town appreciates the stewardship of owners of the remaining undeveloped land that remains in Natick. As opportunities become available, the Town will promote the acquisition and/or preservation of all or portions of that land. The Town will also seek opportunities to return previously developed or underdeveloped private land to natural conditions as appropriate.

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS

Description/ Assessor’s Area Management Recreation Public Protection Site# Zone Existing Uses Condition Location Map/Lot# (Acres) Agency Potential Access Status TOWN OF NATICK/CONSERVATION COMMISSION 03-01, 03-13A, Needs trail Winter Woods 03-13B, 04-10, Conservation, walking markings 11.1 12.84 R3 ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 (Winter Street)* 04-10CK, trails and mainte- 04-11, 04-12 nance Nonesuch Pond Yes (water 11.2 04-20A 0.075 R3 Possible boat access Unknown ConCom Yes Art. 97 Oak Hill Rd End access) 11.3 Winter Street 04-10C 2.22 R3 Conservation Unknown ConCom No Yes Art. 97 08-35 Pine Hill Good. 08-35B Conservation, walking 11.4 Oak Street 17.67 RSC Needs trail ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 08-35D trails (231, 252, 257) markings 08-36 Oak Street 08-6A 11.5 (Wayland Town 08-17C .54 RSC Conservation Unknown ConCom No Yes Art. 97 Line) 13-147 Pryor Road 11.6 13-387 8.46 RSC Conservation Unknown ConCom No Yes Art. 97 (10, 15, 25) 13-126A 14-16, 14-68, Sunkaway/ 14-69, 14-70, 14- Art. 97 for Pickerel Pond 71, 14-78, 14-104, ConCom Usable, ConCom Worcester 14-112, 15-103, RSA Conservation/ parcels. although (Public Works Yes 11.7 Street/Oak 20-96**, 20-97A, 156.29 RSC well protection, boat Yes Temp. for not actively 14-78 & 20- Street/Pickerel 20-97B, 20-97C, Com II launch, walking trails DPW maintained 97E) Road/ Pamela 20-97F, 20-97E, Water Road 20-102A, 21-240B, parcels 21-240BB 11.8 Euclid Ave (circle) 14-111 0.18 RSC Pocket park Good ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97

*Bold indicates purchase with LAND (Formerly Self-Help) funds. **Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 10/10/2000.

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

Description/ Assessor’s Area Management Recreation Public Protection Site# Zone Existing Uses Condition Location Map/Lot# (Acres) Agency Potential Access Status TOWN OF NATICK/CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Continued) Yes 10 Ingleside 15-108A Conservation, possible (Adjacent to 11.9 Road/Petersen 2.42 RSA Unknown ConCom Yes Art. 97 15-108* trails Cochituate Road (off 15) Aqueduct) Yes 15-153 Wellesley Road- (Adjacent to 11.10 15-155 0.57 R4 Conservation Unknown ConCom Yes Art. 97 Whittier Rd ext. Cochituate 15-157 Aqueduct) Very good, Hunnewell Town 20-2**, 20-3 Conservation, walking needs 11.11 Forest 97.45 RSC ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 trails, nature study better trail 440 Worcester St markings Arlington Road 11.12 20-152A 0.29 RSA Pocket park Good ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 (circle) Tiny lot, 11.13 10 Shore Road 21-9A 0.08 RSC Conservation ConCom No Yes Art. 97 unknown Conservation, access to Tiny lot, 11.14 Grove Road 21-111 0.01 RSC ConCom No Yes Art. 97 Jennings Pond unknown 11.15 31 Grove Road 21-52A 0.128 Conservation Unknown ConCom No Yes Art. 97 Public path to Lilja Needs 11.16 42 ½ Bacon Street 29-23A 0.04 RSC ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 School repair Recreation: picnic Recreation J.J. Lane Park# 185 Fair. Plans 11.18 33-35A 3.26 RSA facilities, open field for and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Speen Street to expand games Dept. Currently industrial, to Currently be reclaimed as industrial; to 11.19 Mechanic Street 35-106 0.93 LI ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 recreational (parking and be access to rail trail) reclaimed

*Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 10/10/2000 **Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 10/27/09 #Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 10/22/09

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

Description/ Assessor’s Area Management Recreation Public Protection Site# Zone Existing Uses Condition Location Map/Lot# (Acres) Agency Potential Access Status TOWN OF NATICK/CONSERVATION COMMISSION (Continued) Conservation (flood To be Yes 11.20 Bacon Street** 36-241 6.25 RSC control) and recreation ConCom Yes Art. 97 developed (trails) (trails) planned Conservation (abuts 11.21 Boden Lane* 39-36, 39-36ZB .95 RSA Unknown ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 Beaverdam Brook) Yes Tiny parcel, (Adjacent to 11.22 24 Edwards Rd 41-24 0.17 RSA Conservation ConCom Yes Art. 97 unknown Beaver Dam Brook) Yes Com (Adjacent to 11.23 128 Speen Street 41-83A 0.4 Conservation No access ConCom Yes Art. 97 II Beaver Dam Brook) Middlesex Path* Good. 11.24 Hunter’s Hill 43-402 6.16 RSA Middlesex Path Actively ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 Hunters Court End maintained 14 Sylvia Ave.- 48-37 11.25 16&17 Spooner 48-38 .84 RSA Conservation Unknown ConCom No Yes Art. 97 Ave. 49-192 48-49A RESG 11.26 21 Home Avenue 0.67 Conservation Unknown ConCom No Yes Art. 97 48-49B EN 51-31FA 11.27 Grace Circle .79 R3 Conservation Unknown ConCom No No Art. 97 51-31FB To be 11.27a 0 Craigie Street# 52-5F .35 RSA Conservation ConCom Yes Path Art. 97 developed Sherman Nature Conservation (wetlands), Preserve 54-65C Yes 11.28 12.92 R2 Recreation (trails, Good ConCom Yes Art. 97 Front Street-Cedar 54-65F (Trails) neighborhood play area) Street No visible 11.29 Farwell Street 60-7D 1.50 RSB Conservation ConCom No Yes Art. 97 access

* Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 10/10/2000. Other parcels of Middlesex Path not clearly under control of ConCom are listed in Item 11.45. **Acquired on 12/30/08 as part of Walnut Hills Estate development. #Acquired on 7/8/2011

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

11.30 Cottage Street 61-7E 2.86 RSB Conservation Unknown ConCom No No Art. 97 90 Cottage 11.31 61-17 2.50 RSB Conservation Unknown ConCom Yes? Yes? Art. 97 Street** Organic Farm: sugar shack, Natick Community greenhouse, workshop 11.32 Organic Farm* 63-40 27.02 RSB Very good ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 building, barn for animals, Eliot Street animal pens, farm stand 11.33 Pleasant Street** 63-21B .29 RSB Waterway Good ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97

26 Dover Road, 51 64-42, 64-64, RSA/ 11.34 Water Street, 2.00 Conservation Very good ConCom Yes Yes Art. 97 Water Street end** 64-64B RSB Yes (Abuts 65-1 Good. no Sherborn 11.35 South Main St. 65-1B 16.03 RSB Conservation ConCom Yes Art. 97 access Conservatio 65-1C n land) 0 Wild Meadow Trail not Access to 11.35a 66:17BH 0.41 RSB Potential trail ConCom Yes Art. 97 Lane# developed abutting land Yes (Abuts Green area 11.36 61 Cottage Street 67-17 0.09 RSB Conservation ConCom Sudbury Yes Art. 97 next to road Aqueduct) Yes (Abuts 146 Cottage 67-29D 11.37 13.70 RSB Conservation Wetlands ConCom Sudbury Yes Art. 97 Street^ 67-30D Aqueduct) Good, not Yes (Boat 11.38 186 Eliot Street 68-11 1.60 RSB Conservation ConCom Yes Art. 97 developed Launch) Yes (Abuts 11.39 Pegan Lane 79-6 0.62 RSB Conservation Good ConCom Pegan Hill Yes Art. 97 Reservation) Sub-Total, Conservation Commission 401.57

*Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 5/7/09. The Farm itself also owns another parcel listed under Conservation Restrictions in Table 13. **Transferred to ConCom by Town Meeting on 10/10/2000 ^Purchased at Town Meeting 10/7/1999 #Acquired on 10/20/10

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

Description/ Assessor’s Area Management Recreation Public Protection Site# Zone Existing Uses Condition Location Map/Lot# (Acres) Agency Potential Access Status TOWN OF NATICK/RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT 27-151A Recreation: picnic tables, Murphy Field Recreation 27-151B RESG/ playground, softball field, 11.40 155 North Main 3.69 Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 27-151C RSA soccer field, ½ court Street Dept. 26-193 basketball Recreation & Parks Cole Recreation 31-258A, offices/indoor facilities, Recreation Center 31-258B, 11.41 9.91 RSA picnic tables, playground, Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 179 Boden Lane/ 31-259, 2 ball fields, 3 soccer Dept. 144 Hartford Street 32-185 fields, ½ basketball court Recreation: picnic tables, Recreation Loker Park Tot Lot 11.42 35-1 2.13 RSA playground, open field, Good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 79 Walnut Street ½ court basketball Dept. Navy Yard Field Recreation RESGE Recreation: playground, 11.43 41 Washington 35-300 2.53 Good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 N ball field, basketball court Avenue Dept. Henry Wilson Recreation Memorial Building RESGE Historical building with 11.44 40-72 2.25 Good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 181 West Central N historical artifacts Street Dept. Good, Recreation Middlesex Path 42-36, 42-37, 42- RSA/ 11.45 12.64 Recreation: trail actively and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Middlesex Avenue* 45B, DMU maintained Dept. Recreation Indian Burial RESGE Yes 11.46 43-255 0.30 Historic site Good and Parks Yes Art. 97 Ground N (Benches) Dept. Cottage Square Recreation RESGE 11.47 77 South Main 44-34 0.15 Landscape Good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 N Street Dept. Recreation: benches, Natick Common 44-131A gazebo used for concerts, Recreation 12-20 South Main 44-131B DMU/ 11.48 1.65 open space used for Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Street, 3-5 East 44-131C RSC numerous public events Dept. Central Street 44-131D throughout year *See also Item 11.24 for parcel of Middlesex Path under control of ConCom

TABLE 11 PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

Description/ Assessor’s Area Management Recreation Public Protection Site# Zone Existing Uses Condition Location Map/Lot# (Acres) Agency Potential Access Status TOWN OF NATICK/RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT (Continued) Lincoln Square Recreation 11.49 90 East Central 44-288 0.18 RSC Landscape Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Street Dept. Coolidge Field Recreation: 2 ball fields, Recreation 11.50 90 East Central 44-380 3.66 RSA basketball court, skating Good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Street area Dept. Coolidge Hill Recreation Recreation: trails with 11.51 (Coolidge Park) 52-150 19.00 RSA Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 kiosk 38 School Sreet Ext Dept. Recreation Coolidge Woods Recreation: trails with 11.52 52-164 19.24 RSB Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Sheridan Street end kiosk Dept. Sassamon Trace Recreation Golf Course, clubhouse, 11.53 251 South Main 59-10 74.22 RSA Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 restrooms Street Dept. Recreation Chase Arena Ice skating arena (no 11.54 59-12 15.50 RSA Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 75 West Street open space) Dept. Recreation Glen Street Park Recreation (accessible Not 11.55 63-14 8.00 RSB and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 33 Glen Street by boat), scenic developed Dept. Grove Park/South 63-21 Recreation: picnic Recreation Natick Multi- 11.56 63-21A 2.89 RSB facilities, fishing, board Fair and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 Purpose 63-21B* launch / basketball court Dept. 23 Pleasant Street South Natick Dam Recreation Recreation: benches, 11.57 (Old Town) Park 63-23 0.56 RSB Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 scenic area 7 Pleasant Street Dept. Recreation: used for Recreation Shaw Park 11.58 63-61 0.79 RSB crafts shows, informal Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 53 Eliot Street play Dept. Recreation: 3 baseball Recreation Hunnewell Park RESGE 11.59 64-48 11.21 fields,, concession Very good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 24 Pleasant Street N building Dept. * See Item 11.33

TABLE 11 P ROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

Description/ Assessor’s Area Management Recreation Public Protection Site# Zone Existing Uses Condition Location Map/Lot# (Acres) Agency Potential Access Status 18-67B, 18-67C, 18- Recreation: picnic Mary Bunker Recreation 67D, 18-67E, 18- tables, tent platforms, 11.60 Community Park 68A, 18-68B, 5.06 RSA Good and Parks Yes Yes Art. 97 building with kitchen, Vesta Road 18-68C, 18-68D, 18- Dept. 68E, 18-68F rest rooms Sub-Total, Recreation and Parks Dept. 202.90 TOWN OF NATICK/OTHER Jennings Pond Recreation (boating, 11.61 21-95A 9.90 RSC Very good Selectmen Yes Yes None 53 Oak Street fishing) 24 Worcester 11.62 21-115 0.07 Com II Close to Jennings Pond Unknown Public Works No Yes None Street Springvale Well Yes Temp 11.63 1076 Worcester 26-168 4.30 RSA Water Supply Very good Public Works Yes (Trails only) (Water) Street Part Sargent & 29-270A, 30-14A, Picnic tables, 2 playing Yes (Trails 30-36AB, 30-36B, Recreation & Part 97A, 11.64 Mathworks Fields 36.96 RSC fields, trails, Morse’s Very good and active Yes 30-37A, 30-38, Parks; part part temp Oak Street Pond Well recreation) 30-37D*, 30-36A* Public Works Boden Lane 11.65 39-38 .39 RSA Cemetery Good Selectmen No Yes None Cemetery West Field# Recreation: Small Recreation 11.66 40-77A 1.17 RSA Very good Yes Yes Unclear 56 Mill Street baseball field and Parks Broad Hill Yes Temp 11.67 Reservoir 45-22, 45-12D 7.71 RSC Water Supply Very good Public Works Yes (Trails) (water) 90 Union Street Sub-total, Other Town lands 60.5

TOTAL PROTECTED TOWN LANDS1 664.97

*These properties are shown in Natick GIS as owned by John and Barbara Goodman and contain 2.22 acres. Recently acquired? #Owned by Natick Housing Authority 1Includes land owned in fee only. See Table 8 for Conservation and Agricultural Preservation Restrictions

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

SITE# DESCRIPTION ASSESSOR’S AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC / LOCATION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Map 6:31,31A Map 11: 9A, 13A, 14B, 14C, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21B, 22,23B, 27, 30, 31, Map 12: 60A, 64C Map 17: 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 118, 39A, 75A, 113A, Map 25: 9A, 12A, 24A, 253A, 253B Map 26: 19A, 39A, 158A, 168B, 168D RSA Department of Cochituate Map 33: 3B, 28A Ind II 11.68 Map 35: 311 337.62 Recreation Conservation and Yes Yes State Park RESGEN Map 41: 23A, 28A, Recreation 69A, 72A 80, 83, Com II 83C, 83D, 95A, 98, 119A, 119B, 119C, Map 42: 34, 35 Map 43: 436, 436A Map 49: 120A, 123A, 128A, 133A, 139C, 140C, 149A, 149B, 149C, 239A, 242A, 243C, Map 58: 30A, 92D, 93H, 96 State Park (101)

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

SITE DESCRIPTION/ ASSESSOR’S AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC # LOCATION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS (Continued) Sudbury 54-13, 54-81, Aqueduct 54-79, 62-3, 67- Massachusetts Cottage RSB, 11.69 4, 67-16, 67-37, 20.4 Aqueduct Water Resources Yes Yes St/Leach RSC 68-14, 71-5A, Authority Lane/Union 71-5B, 71-5C Street 6-21A, 7-77, 7- Cochituate 80, 7-80A, 8-1A, Aqueduct 14-75A, 14-75B, Oak Street/ Massachusetts 14-75C, 14-75D, RSA, 11.70 Commonwealth 19.53 Aqueduct Water Resources Yes Yes 15-105, 15- RSC Road/Pine Authority 109A, 15-109B, Street/North 15-109C, 15- Main Street 109D, Hultman 2-3, 2-4A, 2-4B, Massachusetts Aqueduct 2-4C, 2-4D, 2- 11.71 8.31 RSC Aqueduct Water Resources Yes Yes Commonwealth 10A, 2-10B, 2- Authority Road 12B Department of 11.72 Water Street 64-65A 0.67 RSA Conservation Conservation and Yes Yes Recreation TOTAL PROTECTED STATE LANDS 386.53

TABLE 11

PROTECTED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS (Continued)

SITE DESCRIPTION/ ASSESSOR’S AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC # LOCATION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS TOWN OF WELLESLEY Morse Pond Wellesley Park 11.73 30-37B, 30-37C 1.25 RSC Recreation/Pond Yes Yes Off Border Road Department TOWN OF FRAMINGHAM Morency Woods 39-32A, 39-32B, Framingham 11.74 Off Morency 16.14 RSA Forest Yes Yes 39-32C ConCom Street TOWN OF WAYLAND Hultman 11.75 3-9 3.71 RSC Wooded Wayland Yes Yes Aqueduct TOTAL PUBLIC PROTECTED OPEN1 1071.84 SPACE AND RECREATION LANDS

1Includes land owned in fee only. See Table 8 for Conservation and Agricultural Preservation Restrictions Source: Natick Assessor’s Office.

TABLE 12

PROTECTED PRIVATE OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PARCELS

SITE DESCRIPTION/ ASSESSOR’S AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC # LOCATION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS PRIVATE NON-PROFIT PRESERVATION ORGANIZATIONS (MGL 59, Section 5, Charitable Exemption) 72-6, 72-7F, 73-1, Broadmoor 73-2, 73-23, 73-7, Wildlife Massachusetts 12.1 74-1, 74-11, 74-1A, 443.59 RSB Recreation, Habitat Yes Yes (Fee) Sanctuary Audubon Society 76-3, 77-5, 77-6A, 280 Eliot Street 77-6B, 77-7, 77-8A Pegan Hill The Trustees of 12.2 75-5, 79-5, 79-7 32.16 RSB Recreation Yes Yes Pegan Lane Reservations Mumford New England 12.3 Wildlife Forest 79-4 32.47 RSB Forestry Forestry Yes Yes Pegan Lane Foundation Dover Land 12.4 Pegan Lane 75-1AA .168 RSB Conservation Conservation Yes Yes Trust Sub-total, Non-Profit lands 508 .39 AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION RESTRICTIONS (APR) Belkin Lookout 12.5 70-5, 75-10 106.20 RSB Agriculture Private Yes Yes (Fee) Farm Sub-Total, Agricultural Preservation 106.20 Restrictions OTHER PRIVATE PROTECTED LANDS Hopewell Farms 66-33, 66-34, 66-35, Homes Assoc./ 71-2E, 71-2H, 71- 12.6 52.77 RSB Conservation Private Yes No Everett Street 2HA, 71-10, Hopewell Road 72-63 Fairway Estates 12.7 33-61 32.10 RSA Conservation Private Yes No 218 Speen St. Sub-Total, Other Private Protected Lands 84.87 TOTAL NON-PROFIT, APR AND OTHER 699.46 LANDS Source: Natick Assessor’s Office, 2011

TABLE 13

CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS

SITE DESCRIPTION/ GRANTOR APPLICATION AREA ZONE EXISTING HOLDER OF ASSESSORS COMMENTS # LOCATION / APPROVAL (Acres) USES/ RESTRICTION MAP/LOT# DATES CONDITION Broadmoor 9/21/1978/ Broadmoor 13.1 Arnold Hunnewell 18.8 RSB Conservation MassAudubon 78-4A (part) 155 Glen St. 10/25/1978 area 19-7, 19-8, Mathworks Apple Hill 7/7/1983/ 13.2 12.3 RSC Conservation Town of Natick (parts) Mathworks Route 9 Association 8/6/1983 27-239 (all) Algonquin Hill 45-18, 45- Algonquin Hill 10/7/1991/ Public Trail 13.3 Homeowners 43.7 RSC Conservation Town of Natick 23A, 45-75, 70 Union Street 10/31/1991 easement Association 53-42, Broadmoor 9/3/1991/ Part of 13.4 Emily L. S. Lewis 0.39 RSB Conservation MassAudubon 77-5 152 South Street 12/31/1991 Broadmoor Broadmoor Arnold W. 11/13/1991/ Part of 13.5 36.0 RSB Conservation MassAudubon 78-4A (part) 155 Glen Street Hunnnewell 12/26/1991 Broadmoor Part of larger Near Mumford Dover Land parcel in Harry J. & Cynthia 6/9/1992/ 13.6 Wildlife Forest 3.4 RSB Conservation Conservation 79-3 Dover. Abuts P. Healer 8/28/1992 Pegan Lane Trust Mumford Wildlife Forest Dover Land Elizabeth B. 6/9/1992/ 13.7 Pegan Lane 0.2 RSB Conservation Conservation 79-3 Jackson 8/28/1992 Trust Part in Louisa B. 8/27/1992/ The Trustees of Wellesley and 13.8 Leach Lane 43.38 RSB Conservation 46-4 (part) VonClemm 12/21/1992 Reservations part in Leach Lane area Natick Benjamin B. Corner of Community 6/1/1993/ 13.9 Taylor & Marshall 3.0 RSB Farm 68-12AC Riverbend and Organic Farm 6/28/1993 Colins Trust Eliot Streets Eliot Street Adjacent to Arnold N. , Walter 3/8/1996/ Glenwood 13.10 Fair Street & Jane P. 19.6 RSB Conservation MassAudubon 69-36, 69-39 9/6/1998 Cemetery and Hunnewell Charles River

TABLE 13

CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS (Continued)

SITE DESCRIPTION/ GRANTOR APPLICATION AREA ZONE EXISTING HOLDER OF ASSESSORS COMMENTS # LOCATION / APPROVAL (Acres) USES/ RESTRICTION MAP/LOT# DATES CONDITION Part of Hunnewell Farm Walter Hunnewell 10/8/1996/ The Trustees of 55-54, 55-59 13.11 4.0 RSC Conservation Hunnewell Leach Lane & Hunnewell 1/30/1997 Reservations (part) Farm Mathworks 4/22/1997/ Part of 13.12 Near Carlisle DIV Natick .9 Conservation Town of Natick 10/30/1997 Mathworks Terrace Francis D. 11/20/1997/ The Trustees of 54-80 13.13 Leach Lane 20.8 RSB Conservation Part of Hunnewell 12/24/1997 Reservations (part) Hunnewell/ 6/28/1999/ The Trustees of RSB, 38-1, 38-1A Leach Lane 13.14 Leach Lane Morgan Palmer 12/20/1999, 29.9 Conservation Reservations RSC (part) area 2009 Woodland Village Woodland Village Natick 62-9FA, 62- 13.15 Farm Hill Road, Homeowners 2000 21.41 RSB Conservation Conservation 9FB, 62-9FC, Davis Brook Drive, Corporation Commission 62-9FD 5/24/2002/ Ice House 13.16 Ice House Lane B & B Land Corp. .35 RSA Conservation Town of Natick 59-16A 6/29/2002 Lane The Trustees of Part of Francis O. 11/21/2003/ Reservations 54-80 Hunnewell/ 13.17 Leach Lane 7.0 RSC Conservation Hunnewell 12/23/2003 (part) Leach Lane area Frank & Sheila 5/2/2005/ The Trustees of 70-15A, 70- 13.18 Pleasant Street 5.7 RSB Conservation Maguillon 8/5/2005 Reservations 15D (part) South Main Natick 13.19 St./Rockland South Natick Hills 2011 15.8 RSB Conservation Conservation 66-24 (part) Street Commission TOTAL CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS 286.81

Source: Dave Dimmick and Martin Kessel

TABLE 14

CHAPTER 61, 61A and 61B LANDS

SITE DESCRIPTION/ ASSESSOR’S AREA* ZONE EXISTING USES OWNER # LOCATION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CHAPTER 61 14.1 1 Dorset Lane 38-1A 65.404 RSC Forestry Morgan Palmer CHAPTER 61A Belkin Lookout Farm 70-5, 75-7, 75-8A, 148.11 RSB Truck crops (vegetables), Trans National Group, SCV 89 Pleasant Street 75-10B, 75-10C, Orchards, LLC 14.2 75-10D, 75-15, Nurseries 75-10, 79-4B Windy-Lo Nursery 72-39E 11.433 RSB Truck crops Philip Flagg 14.3 305 Eliot Street Sunshine Farm/ 2 57-3 11.55 RSA Truck crops Lawrence Geoghegan 14.4 Speen Street Leach Lane, 55-59 5.63 RSC Field crops Hunnewell Land Trust 14.5 Harp Court 55-54 Pasture 80 Rockland Street 66-10 7.5 RSB Field crops Martin Kozlowski Real Estate 14.6 Trust 14.7 155 Glen Street 74-1B 11.02 RSB Field crops Arnold W. Hunnewell 14.8 155 Glen Street 78-4A 54.61 RSB Non-productive land Indian Farm Trust Fair Street, 69-36, 41.99 RSB Field crops Arnold W. Hunnewell Jr., et al 14.9 Glenwood Street 69-39 8 Wayside Road 66-9, 67-15, 67-14 25.166 RSB Field crops John J. McHugh 14.10 159 Cottage Street Pasture CHAPTER 61B Phillips Pond Road, 74-5NA, 74-3A, 74- 15.024 RSB Hiking trails Phillps Pond Homes 14.11 115 Glen Street 3B, 74-3C, 69-55, Association 74-3, 74-5, 74-3D Algonquin Hills 45-18, 45-23A, 45- 48.19 RSC Hiking trails Algonquin Hill Homeowners 14.12 70, 112, 120 Union 75, 53-42, 53-44 Association Street, Woronoco Dr. Woodland Village 62-9FA, 62-9FB, 21.411 RSB Hiking trails Woodland Village 14.13 Farm Hill Road, 62-9FC, 62-9FD Homeowners Corporation Davis Brook Drive, TOTAL CHAPTER 61, 61A AND 61B LANDS 467.04 Source: Natick Assessors Office, 2011 *Area overlaps with conservation restrictions in some cases.

TABLE 15

PRIVATE CEMETERIES

SITE DESCRIPTION/ ASSESSOR’S AREA ZONE EXISTING USES OWNER # LOCATION MAP/LOT# (Acres) North Cemetery 15.1 18-11 2.8 RSA Cemetery North Cemetery Association North Main Street Dell Park 41-120, 42-23*, 15.2 45.75 RSA Cemetery Dell Park Cemetery Pond Street 50-73 Hebrew Cemetery 59-38, 59-39, 59- Windsor Avenue/ 40, 59-41, 59- Fairview Avenue 45A, 59-45B, 59- Hebrew Cemetery 15.3 5.14 RSA Cemetery 45C 59-46, 59- Association, Inc. 47, 59-48A, 59- 48B, 59-48C, Old Natick Burying Mr. Peabody and his 15.4 Grounds/Union 54-60B .45 RSB Cemetery successors Street Glenwood Glenwood Cemetery 15.5 Cemetery/ 69-37, 69-38 19.5 RSB Cemetery Associatioin Glenwood Street St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Archdiocese 15.6 50-36 16.44 RSZ Cemetery Cemetery of Boston TOTAL PRIVATE CEMETERY LANDS 90.08

Source: Natick Assessors Office, 2011

*Shown on Assessor’s Map, but does not come up on Assessor’s Database or GIS search.

TABLE 16

OTHER PUBLIC LANDS/UN-PROTECTED LANDS

LOCATION/ ASSESSORS AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC DESCRIPTION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS SCHOOLS/PLAYGROUNDS Bennett-Hemenway Elementary School 12-200 10.23 RSA School/Playground Yes Yes 22 E. Evergreen Road Committee Wilson Middle 19-18B, 19-19, School 22 Rutledge Road 19-20, 19-21B, 12.21 RSA School/Playground Yes Yes Committee 19-22C, 19-22E East Playground 21-243A, 21- 5.96 RSA School/Fields Selectmen Yes Yes Oak/Cleveland Circle 243B, 21-243C Lilja Elementery School 29-271 5.19 RSC School/Playground Yes Yes 41 Bacon Street Committee Kennedy Middle/Brown 32-13, 32-46, 32- Elementary School 48 32-47A, 32- 35.69 RSA School/Playground Yes Yes 165 Mill Street/Jean Burke Drive/ Committee 48B Hartford Street High School/Memorial School/Beach/ 50-18, 50-18B, Beach/Memorial Field/Timothy Baseball School 50-18C, 59:8, 59- 136.46 RSA Yes Yes Coolidge Hill field/Track/Forested Committee 9, 59:10A, 59:52 West Street/ Durant Road Property Johnson School School 51-284A/B 7.30 RESGEN School Yes Yes South Main Street/Pitt Street Committee Eliot School 63-1 2.84 RSA School Selectmen Yes No 5 Auburn Street Memorial Elementary School School 63-42A 24.98 RSB School Yes Yes 97 Eliot Street Committee Sub-Total, Schools/Playgrounds 240.86

TABLE 16

OTHER PUBLIC LANDS/UN-PROTECTED LANDS (Continued)

LOCATION/ ASSESSORS AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC DESCRIPTION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS TOWN LAND (SELECTMEN) Nonesuch Pond 04-97 2.815 RSC Vacant Selectmen Yes No Indian Rock Road Pamela Road 08-3PS .017 RSA DPW Selectmen No No 15 Bayberry Road 12-85F 0.181 RSA Vacant Selectmen No No Superior Drive 17-9B .078 RSA DPW Selectmen No No 233 North Main Street 18-12 .11 RSA DPW Selectmen No No 43 Centre Street 20-45A .024 RSA DPW Selectmen No No 395 Worcester Street 20-97E .11 Comm II DPW Selectmen No No 2 Rhode Island Avenue 21-189 .354 RSC Fire Station Selectmen No No 5 Mercer Road 24-90C .06 Ind I DPW Selectmen No No 268 Speen Street 25-247, 25-248A, 1.85 RSA Fire Station Selectmen No No 25-248B Yes Mostly vacant, with 322-324 Bacon Street* 26-131, 26-132 .265 RSA Selectmen (adjacent to Yes small building rail trail) Deerfield Lane 28-70A .014 RSC DPW Selectmen No No 152 Hartford Street 31-36 .3 RSA Vacant Selectmen No No 214 East Central 38-10 .03 RSC DPW Selectmen No No 147 West Central 41-83B .01 Comm II DPW Selectmen No No 16 West Central 43-263 .663 RSA Parking lot Selectmen No No 43-387, 43-382A, 43-388A, 43- RSA/ Main/Middlesex/Summer/Spring 1.13 Parking lot Selectmen No No 388B, 43-388C, DMU 43-388E 44-25, 44-26, 44- Morse Institute Morse Institute 14-18 East Central/6 Clarendon 27, 44-32A, 44- .853 RSC Board of No No Library 32B Trustees

*Purchased by Town Meeting in Spring, 1999

TABLE 16

OTHER PUBLIC LANDS/UN-PROTECTED LANDS (Continued)

LOCATION/ ASSESSORS AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC DESCRIPTION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS TOWN LAND (SELECTMEN) 13 East Central Street 44-138 .45 RSC Town Hall Selectmen No No 44-139 School East Central Street .51 RSC Parking Lot No No Committee Community/Senior Center 44-271A/44-271B 9.44 RSC Under construction Selectmen Yes Yes 109 East Central/44 Union Street 44-326, 44-327, 44-328, 44-329, South Avenue/Clarendon/East Fire Station/Parking 44-330, 44-355, 3.34 DMU Selectmen No No Central/Hayes Streets lot 44-356A, 44-357, 44-359, 44-360 Vacant 26 Mill Street 49-225 11.6 RSA (Streams/wetlands Selectmen Yes Yes on site) 59 Cottage Street 52-46A .275 RSA Vacant Selectmen Yes Yes 204-210 Union Street 54-60A, 54-61 .655 RSC Fire Station Selectmen No No 1 Countryside Road 61-40AB .01 RSA DPW Selectmen No No 58 Eliot Street Bacon Free 63-24A, 63-24B .75 RSB Bacon Free Library Library Board of No No Trustees 56 Everett Street 72-38 .51 RSB Vacant Selectmen No No Sub-Total 36.40 NATICK HOUSING AUTHORITY West Hill Park Natick Housing 40-76, 40-77 3.57 RSA Housing No No 50 Mill Street Authority Natick Housing 6 Plain Street 43-31 .11 RESGEN Housing No No Authority Natick Housing 2 Hunters Hill Court 43-397 .07 RESGEN Housing No No Authority Myra Hayes Home Natick Housing 44-392A 1.5 RSC Housing No No 72 South Main Street Authority

TABLE 16

OTHER PUBLIC LANDS/UN-PROTECTED LANDS (Continued)

LOCATION/ ASSESSORS AREA ZONE EXISTING USES/ MANAGEMENT RECREATION PUBLIC DESCRIPTION MAP/LOT# (Acres) CONDITION AGENCY POTENTIAL ACCESS NATICK HOUSING AUTHORITY (Continued) Natick Housing 1 Westview Avenue 44-233 .23 RSC Housing No No Authority Natick Housing 2 Cottage Court 44-392B, 44-393 3.12 RSC Housing No No Authority Natick Housing 199 Pond Street 49-255 .31 RSA Housing No No Authority Natick Housing 106 Pond Street 50-27 .26 RSA Housing No No Authority 51-45A, 51-45FA, 51-75, 51-76A+B, Bennett Street/Forest Avenue Natick Housing 51-81,51-85, 18.75 RSA Housing No No Ext./Curve Street/Cedar Avenue Authority 51-87A, 51-88A, 51-88B, Natick Housing 92 South Main Street 51-349 .10 RSC Housing No No Authority Sub-Total 28.02 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS National Guard Depot 41-84 28.96 RSC Vacant National Guard Yes Yes* 149 Speen Street Sub-Total 28.96 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Post Office U.S. Postal 8-2C 2.37 RSC Post Office No Yes 177 Pine Street Service Research and U.S. Army Labs 34-27 79.3 RSA U.S. Army No No Development Post Office U.S. Postal 44-130 .73 DMU Post Office No Yes 15 Common Street Service Sub-Total 82.4 TOTAL PUBLIC UNPROTECTED LANDS 417.97

Source: Natick Assessor’s Office, 2011 *4 acres adjaent to J.J. Lane Park are leased to the Town

TABLE 17

OTHER PUBLIC LANDS/TAX POSSESSION

ADDRESS MAP/PARCEL ACREAGE 13 Oak Hill Road 4-27 0.040 Alden Street 4-32A 0.240 12 Alden Street 4-35 0.160 17 1/2 Alden Street 4-54A 0.020 15 Hovey Avenue 4-90 0.090 4 Pine Street 6-18 0.010 3341/2 North Main Street 6-91 0.065 324 North Main Street 6-91B 0.030 38 Pine Street off 7-78 0.030 26 Evergreen Road 12-50B 0.005 25 Waring Road 13-159 0.090 35 Felch Road 13-159A 0.110 60R Harwood Road 14-16A 5.57 16 Pickerel Road 14-72 0.290 29 Otis Street 14-73 0.480 Upland Road 15-180 0.112 30 Orchard Road 21-349 0.340 38 Loker Street 26-51A 0.010 34 Second Street 26-58A 0.020 19 Marshall Avenue 29-177A 0.050 College Road 30-36B 0.037 6 Frances Avenue 33-12A 0.002 50 Harvard Street 36-196+ 0.710 Harvard Street End 36-196B 0.121 17 Vale Street 36-206 0.390 49 Morency Street 39-79A 0.046 Concord Street 43-103B 0.020 Main Street 43-382A 0.020 3 Union Street 44-245 0.010 7 Hayes 44-354D .19 32 Prescott Avenue 48-15A 0.430 27-1/2 Prescott Avenue 48-18 0.037 25 Prescott Avenue 48-20 0.074 22 Prescott Avenue 48-34 0.220 Marshall Avenue end 57-5A 0.005 21-1/2 Marshall Avenue 57-8A 0.270 TOTAL 10.34

Source: Natick Assessor’s Office, 2011

75 Map 12: Protected and 11.71

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11.74 SPEEN ST school BROAD'S 11.21 11.23 11.48 13.8 11.44 HILL U 11.68 MIDDLESEX 11.46 N 11.50 IO 11.68 Fisk PATH N 11.67 135 W. CENTRAL ST (RTE 135) S 11.47 T )" M Pond ST D I 15.2 N 13.13 L PO 11.66 SL & 16 11.26 15.2 11.52 COOLIDGE WOODS 11.69 14.5 T school 13.3 13.11 school 11.51 15.6 27 EISENMENGER TRAIL TAKAWAMBPAIT 11.25 Dug )" TRAIL 11.28 Pond school COOLIDGE HILL TIMOTHY T 11.27 C S 15.3 COOLIDGE O N T I 15.4 SPEEN ST A T 11-27a HILL A M 11.57 . G

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13.15 S 11.58 11.72 14.4 11.68 T NATICK 11.59 school 14.13 NSTAR school 11.31 COMMUNITY ROW 11.54 ORGANIC FARM 11.34 SUNSHINE FARM school 11.56 11.30 11.32 Sassamon-Trace 11.33

P Golf Course 11.55 L E 11.69 SOUTH A 11.53 13.9 S NATICK DAM TRAIL A N 13.17 11.32 T 11.35 13.18 S 11.37 11.38 T 14.10 13.10 14.6

15.5 14.9 14.11 11-35a 11.36 11.69 12.6 14.2 11.69 T T S 0 0.5 1 LIO E E Miles VE r 12.4 RE 16 TT e 12.6 ST )" 12.5 14.3 v i R 12.1 s l e r 14.2 a 13.1 & 5 Legend h Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary C 11.39 14.8 14.7 Chap. 61, 61A & 61B Protected Lands Other Towns 12.1 MUMFORD 12.3 Chap. 61 Non-Profits WILDLIFE Management FOREST PEGAN HILL 12.2 Chap. 61A ConCom APR 13.6 & 7 Chap. 61B Recreation Other Private 13.4 Conservation Restriction Other Natick Cemetery Conservation Restriction Commonwealth Natick Hiking Areas NOTE: Conservation restrictions as shown on this map do not represent Hiking Trails the recorded descriptions. This map only indicates that a conservation restriction is in place for a given parcel. Refer to the South Middlesex HIKING Registry of Deeds for the legal definition of each restriction. PROPOSED

Natick DPW-GIS 75 West Street Natick, Mass. 01760 April 9, 2012 © Data Source: Town of Natick

Map 12: Protected and Recreational Open Space

SECTION 6 – COMMUNITY VISION

A. Description of Process

The process for developing an updated set of Goals has gone on continuously as the town worked to fulfill the Goals set forth in the 2002 Plan. As elaborated in Section2: Introduction, the Open Space Advisory Committee has been gathering ongoing feedback through its public outreach efforts. There was also a huge amount of public participation in the Natick 360 process, which looked at open space among Natick’s overall long-range planning. And, finally, the OSAC organized a range of public forums and board meetings aimed specifically at developing this Open Space and Recreation Plan.

The broad Goals in this plan are similar to those stated in the 2002 plan. One goal has been added (item 5), two have been enlarged significantly (items 2 and 3), and others have been reworked in minor ways, based on the input received.

B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals

1. Protect Natick’s open spaces, including lakes, rivers, streams, woodlands, farms, and parks, that can be enjoyed by future generations

2. Provide and maintain playing fields and other recreational facilities that support the needs of the population

3. Preserve and protect the town’s water supply, wildlife, and other natural resources

4. Provide a system of walking and bicycle trails that connect our open spaces and provide a way to travel throughout the town

5. Seek opportunities for reclaiming previously developed sites for recreational opportunities

6. Increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the town’s open spaces, trails, natural resources, and recreational opportunities

7. Develop and implement a management plan for open space

SECTION 7 – ANALYSIS OF NEEDS

A. Summary of Resource Protection Needs

Most of Natick’s land has already been developed. There are a few remaining larger tracts and smaller parcels of undeveloped land. The Wetlands Protection Act and the town’s Wetlands Bylaw will protect most, if not all, of the remaining privately owned wetlands from direct development. However, development pressures currently being faced will negatively impact many wetlands through increased runoff from impervious surfaces and associated pollution, as well as pollution from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers from newly-developed lawns.

In addition, the destruction of upland forest and field areas through development will negatively affect wildlife habitat. Deer, turkeys, foxes, woodpeckers, wood thrushes and many other upland species will be displaced.

Natick’s population is currently growing, but unlike prior periods of growth, the current growth is primarily in multi-unit dwellings. Natick has a commitment to “Smart Growth,” which can provide housing for more residents with the least impact on open space and natural resources.

Residents demonstrated support for this approach in the Natick 360 Community Survey, a random survey with 1192 completed responses. When asked for their level of agreement with 20 different statements about the future of Natick, “Plan proactively for growth” and “Reduce negative impacts on the environment” ranked 3rd and 4th, each gathering 84 percent agreement.

As part of the “Natick 360” process, over 325 citizens gathered for a series of Values and Visions workshops. This input was consolidated into six core “Values” – one of which was “Natick’s stewardship of its diverse open spaces, and natural resources.” In addition, community input was developed into seven key “Visions” – one of which was to create a future in which “Natick’s natural resources are preserved and accessible to the community.” This “Vision” was further elaborated as follows:

Natick supports responsible stewardship of its natural resources, including its aquifer, open spaces, forests and trees, farms, parks, lakes, wildlife habitat and views. Natick may exercise this stewardship through appropriate acquisition, regulation, mitigation and restoration strategies.

A priority in the preservation of the remaining open land is the protection of aquifers and the land through which they are recharged. The need to protect these areas is extremely high, given Natick’s dependence on groundwater for its water supply.

Also, many of our existing protected open spaces would be enhanced by improving and developing linkages between them, such as the proposed Takawambpait Trail linking Natick Center with the Charles River in South Natick. Besides providing the obvious recreational benefits, these linkages will maintain or restore Natick’s ecological network, by providing greenways and wildlife corridors. Eventually, these corridors could connect the Sudbury River

(in Saxonville in Framingham) and Lake Cochituate with the Charles River via the proposed Cochituate Rail Trail and the Takawambpait Trail.

In general, residents demonstrated strong support for Town purchase of more open space. In the Natick 360 Community Survey, residents were asked about their willingness to pay additional user fees, property taxes, and/or sales taxes to help fund various items in Natick. “Purchase of land for future parks and open space” ranked 8th of 23 items listed, with 60 percent strongly or somewhat in support. (In fact, much open space purchase can be accomplished without cost to residents, through the use of mitigation money currently in the Conservation Fund.)

Based on the survey, Public Hearing, and other input, the priorities for open space protection can be summarized as follows: Connect existing parcels to provide both wildlife corridors and recreational trails for residents. Protect areas with environmental impacts, particularly those adjacent to water bodies and areas with critical wildlife habitat.

Massachusetts Outdoors 2006 notes that the Northeastern Region (of which Natick is a part) ranks fifth among the regions in both open space acreage and percent of regional land area in open space, while having the second highest population. The Northeastern Region, ties the Central Region for the largest number of open space and recreation sites overall.

B. Summary of Community’s Needs

Natick, like many eastern Massachusetts communities, is being faced with an increased growth in population, which results in demands for increased local recreational services. These include both active and passive recreation opportunities, which involve recreation programs and facilities alike. This combined with an emergence of leisure activities puts an increased demand on the community of Natick.

As development has spread throughout the town, the need for more neighborhood recreational facilities has grown, especially in underserved neighborhoods like North and West Natick. In addition, the intense use of the existing facilities has resulted in the degradation of playing fields and outdoor facilities.

The Natick Recreation and Parks Department identifies the recreational needs in Natick as follows:

1) Improve maintenance of outdoor sites and facilities along with the development of existing areas to get the most recreational value from them.

2) Acquire additional land so as to provide a greater variety of facilities for the public use (active and passive recreation).

3) Develop more passive recreation opportunities in the community (trails, picnic areas, etc.)

Natick’s playing fields are currently in maximum use, and are being damaged from overuse. Given the substantial increase in the youth recreation population in town, the introduction of new sports, like lacrosse, and the substantially increased demand for additional playing fields, Natick needs to look into the acquisition and/or lease arrangement for utilizing new lands throughout Natick. There are also active user groups for playing fields, and the need for fields continues to exceed the demands. More fields are needed (See Appendix D for field use data).

Lake Cochituate receives 200,000 visitors each year and is one of the most popular destinations in the greater Boston area for swimming, picnicking, field sports, boating and fishing, according the Cochituate State Park Management Plan, by the Department of Environmental Management. The National Guard site lies on the shores of Lake Cochituate and could provide a much-needed addition to Lake Cochituate’s recreational uses. The Cochituate State Park Management Plan urges that, should this property become surplus, the state should make every effort to add it to Cochituate State Park.

The increased interest in passive recreation is indicated, in part, by the growing number of walkers and joggers in Natick. This has led to the need for an expanded multi-purpose trail system. These trails could be built as part of a system to connect either the commercial and residential centers of the town or to connect existing open space areas as part of a greenbelt system. Examples of this include the new Eisenmenger Trail and proposed Takawambpait Trail connecting the South Natick area to the Downtown area and the Cochituate Rail Trail, which will connect Natick Center to the Natick Mall/North Framingham area.

The Cochituate and Sudbury aqueducts offer some scenic views through North Natick and South Natick, respectively. The public uses portions of the aqueducts now, but further use is possible. The Town is currently working with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and has created a study committee to explore use of the Cochituate Aqueduct.

Many newcomers and a surprising number of longer-term residents are unaware of existing recreational opportunities. Many Town-owned facilities are not identified by signs. Until recently, there had been no town-wide maps showing the location of both active and passive recreational amenities. Recently several town boards and citizen’s groups have gotten together to work on correcting these problems.

The substantially increased demand for, and use of, existing recreation facilities has caused a deterioration of many of them. There is a need to improve maintenance of existing facilities to provide safe and adequate facilities. Irrigation systems should be developed where needed and existing facilities should be rested occasionally to allow renovation or rejuvenation.

Natick's population, like that of the rest of the state is aging. Due to the perception by many of its residents that it provides a very good quality of life relative to its tax burden, many of the town residents decide to stay in town even after retirement (hence the need, and support, for the new Community-Senior Center). Many of the downtown public buildings (Town Hall, library, public

safety building, Community-Senior Center) have been built or significantly expanded in the last twenty years, with commensurate access improvements for persons with disabilities or with mobility difficulties. Additionally, as much of the trail system as feasible has been made or is being made accessible to the mobility-challenged, and is being identified as such by the recently created Trails Maintenance Committee, both on-site and in any promotional materials (web site, maps, etc.). Also, reconstruction of many of the major roads in town (e.g., Main St. (Rt.27), Central St. (Rt. 135), and Oak Street) are providing better pedestrian access, including sidewalk and ramp access. Appendix C provides a detailed ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

Based on comments made at our Natick Days table and comments at our Public Hearing, Natick residents have indicated tremendous enthusiasm for walking and bicycle trails. Particular needs expressed:

Provide parks and recreational opportunities in high-density parts of town, particularly West Natick and downtown. Provide more trail maps, both online and in print. Create more trails, both for exercise and recreation and also to connect parts of town. Create trails particularly suited for bicycles. Provide better directional signs, particularly in the Hunnewell Town Forest and on the two long trails, Eisenmenger and Takawambpait trails. Provide organized walks so people can become more familiar with the trails. (The Natick 360 Community Survey showed residents feel very safe in Natick, but less so in town parks, particularly among those aged 65 and older. Guided walks and other educational programs could address this perception.) Create trails to link historic sites (such as the recent Henry Wilson History Trail), with appropriate historic markings Maintain open space parcels, playing fields, and trails. Respond to the need for a dog park. Current de facto use of Coolidge Field presents conflicts with sports uses. Develop the Cochituate Rail Trail Develop fully accessible trails.

In a survey of the Northeastern Region for Massachusetts Outdoors 2006, residents asked what new facilities would most benefit them. The respondents in this region place the highest priority for new facilities on road biking (14.1%), then playground activity (13.8%), swimming (12.6%), walking (11.8%), golfing (9.1%) and basketball (8.3%).

C. Management Needs

Responsibility for many of the open space and recreational goals is clear. For example, the Recreation and Parks Commission is responsible for playing fields and other recreational facilities and programs. The Conservation Commission is charged with protecting sensitive resource areas. However, other goals are not so clear. Since approval of the prior Open Space

and Recreation Plan, the Open Space Advisory Committee has overseen trails development and maintenance through a Trails Subcommittee. However, the Planning Board created and enforced the easements that many trails followed, and the Conservation Commission funded trails maintenance, and oversaw overall management of conservation lands. In 2011, the Conservation Commission restructured trails responsibility with creation of a new Walking Trails Maintenance Committee.

A need that was stated frequently is the need to maintain the land, trails, and recreational facilities that we have. There is a clear need for a Management Plan that includes specific tasks, who is responsible, and what resources are required.

Identification of parcels is also a key need. As we assembled our Inventory of Open Space, we realized that, as in 2002, there is no central place to find all Conservation Restrictions, Deed Restrictions, trail easements, Chapter 61 lands, and other documentation of open space. This information should be centrally available to all boards and commissions. For example, we found 10 parcels that Town Meeting had transferred to the Conservation Commission in October, 2000, yet were still listed in the Assessor’s Database under other entities.

While many of Natick’s boards and agencies work well together, there is a clear need for improved communication among them. One example is that, in the past, properties have come out of Chapter 61, 61A or 61B status, but interested boards, like the Conservation Commission, had not received notice of their change. The Board of Selectmen and the Assessor’s Office should be encouraged to notify the Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee of any change in the status of any protected parcel.

SECTION 8 – OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Based on the community needs that were identified, we further developed our overall vision with the following goals and objectives:

1. Protect Natick’s open spaces, including lakes, rivers, streams, woodlands, farms, and parks, that can be enjoyed by future generations

1-A Protect privately held open space through acquisition, conservation restrictions, easements, and other means 1-B Permanently protect public and quasi-public open space 1-C Develop potential revenue streams for open space preservation 1-D Seek federal, state, and private grants to preserve additional open space for the town 1-E Develop and maintain zoning and land use tools to protect open space 1-F For all above Objectives, prioritize: Areas that enhance existing Open spaces, by creating larger contiguous parcels or connecting existing open space, neighborhoods, trails, or wildlife corridors Open space in areas of the town currently deficient in open space Areas adjacent to rivers and ponds and environmentally sensitive areas Areas of historic significance Priority wildlife habitats

2. Provide and maintain playing fields and other recreational facilities that support the needs of the population

2-A Maintain existing fields and recreation facilities 2-B As needed, develop town-owned land or secure additional land for fields and recreation activities

3. Preserve and protect the town’s water supply, wildlife, and other natural resources

3-A Protect open space near water resources and the Aquifer Protection District 3-B Limit use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers townwide 3-C Support environmental best practices in storm water management 3-D Foster wildlife corridors and preserve habitats

4. Provide a system of walking and bicycle trails that connect our open spaces and provide a way to travel throughout the town

4-A Acquire land or secure easements to provide continuous walking and bicycling trails, to be used both for recreation and transportation 4-B Develop and mark new and existing trails

5. Seek opportunities for reclaiming previously developed sites for recreational opportunities

5-A Strategically acquire developed parcels for conversion or restoration to open space or recreation use, based upon priorities of Objective 1-F 5-B Convert properties to appropriate open space or recreation uses

6. Increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the town’s open spaces, trails, natural resources, and recreational opportunities

6-A Use print and electronic resources to publicize the location, amenities, and availability of town open spaces 6-B Develop and maintain signs to mark all publicly accessible open spaces 6-C Promote universal access for trails, recreation facilities, and conservation areas and provide information for persons with disabilities 6-D Foster appreciation of open space and recreation resources to encourage a broader commitment to the community as a whole

7. Develop and implement a management plan for open space

7-A Identify responsibilities and resources for all types of open space and recreation parcels 7-B Engage residents, businesses, and other groups as active stewards or sponsors 7-C Promote coordination among the various town boards, commissions, and departments responsible for open spaces, including the Board of Selectmen, Department of Public Works, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, School Committee, and the Open Space Advisory Committee; and counterparts in neighboring communities

SECTION 9: ACTION PLAN

The following chart summarizes the key recommended actions the Town of Natick should undertake to address its open space and recreation needs over the next seven years. The chart also identifies the lead agency and supporting agencies (if any) for each recommendation, a schedule for implementation, potential implementation mechanisms, and possible funding sources, where applicable. Map 13 illustrates the recommendations.

ACTION PLAN SUMMARY

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding Goal 1: Protect Natick’s open spaces, including lakes, rivers, streams, woodlands, farms, and parks, that can be enjoyed by future generations

1-A Protect privately held open space through acquisition, conservation restrictions, easements, and other means

(1) Protect key open space parcels using the Conservation Fund ConCom OSAC N/A 2012-18 Conservation and other available funds Fund, mitigation negotiation (2) Secure open space as part of the permitting process Planning Board ZBA; ConCom Permitting 2012-18 N/A process (3) Actively encourage landowners to put land under conservation OSAC or CDO; Town Buy or gift 2012 Mitigation restrictions or Agricultural Preservation Restriction ConCom Administrator; funds; BOS donation (4) Review appropriateness of utility easements and “paper” streets OSAC; Trails CDO Need legal 2012-13 for open space Comm. clarification of Town title

1-B Permanently protect public and quasi-public open space

(1) Preserve open space held by the Town that is not already ConCom School Comm; Discuss with BOS 2012-18 N/A protected as open space BOS (2) Work with state and federal agencies to ensure protection of BOS; Town ConCom; Negotiations 2012-18 Conservation future surplus properties, including the National Guard Depot Administrator Fire/Police; Fund; other Rec & Parks; state officials (3) Continue to work with the Massachusetts Water Resources ConCom OSAC; Existing 2012-18 N/A Authority regarding preservation of land along the Cochituate Coch Aqueduct; committees and Sudbury Aqueducts Advisory Comm

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission BOS = Board of Selectmen CDO = Community Development Office Coch = Cochituate Rec = Recreation

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding 1-C Develop potential revenue streams for open space preservation (1) Continue to seek payments to the Conservation Fund and other Planning Board ConCom Board practices 2012-18 Mitigation mitigation from developers and policies (2) Assess community interest, and if appropriate take steps for a Selectmen OSAC; Town Meeting; 2012-18 Tax new Town-wide vote on the Community Preservation Act Historic Comm; Ballot question Housing Auth

1-D Seek federal, state, and private grants to preserve additional open space for the town

(1) MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation Selectmen Rec & Parks; CDO to seek 2012-18 Grants OSAC; CDO grants; sync w/ related grants secured by others (2) Massachusetts LAND and PARC programs ConCom OSAC; CDO CDO to seek 2012-18 Grants grants (3) Others CDO ConCom; OSAC Reactive 2012-18 Grants

1-E Develop and maintain zoning and land use tools to protect open space

(1) Ensure that new zoning bylaws encourage the set aside of CDO; OSAC Specifications for 2012-14 N/A open space, trail easements, Conservation Fund payments, etc. Participating new zoning boards bylaws (2) Ensure the public receives open space benefits during site plan Planning OSAC Secure trail 2012-18 N/A reviews by Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Board; easements, open Zoning Board of Appeals ConCom; ZBA space as approp ed OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission CDO = Community Development Office Rec = Recreation ZBA = Zoning Board of Appeals

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding

1-F For all above Objectives, prioritize: Areas that enhance existing open spaces, by creating larger contiguous parcels or connecting existing open space, neighborhoods, trails, or wildlife corridors Open space in areas of the town currently deficient in open space Areas adjacent to rivers and ponds and environmentally sensitive areas Areas of historic significance Priority wildlife habitats Farm land, fallow land, and other open space that may be made available for farming use by license, lease or deed restriction

(1) Classify all considered parcels by these criteria OSAC ConCom; Database (non- 2012-18 N/A Environmental public) Compliance Ofcr (2) Hold periodic meetings among relevant Town boards to rank OSAC Planning Board; Joint meetings 2012-18 N/A the priority of specific parcels ConCom Goal 2: Provide and maintain playing fields and other recreational facilities that support the needs of the population

2-A Maintain existing fields and recreation facilities

(1) Develop and implement a management plan, as described in Recreation and DPW; Town Review regularly Ongoing Town Goal 7 Parks Dept. Administrator to ensure budget, implementation Conservation Fund

2-B As needed, develop town-owned land or secure additional land for fields and recreation activities

(1) Conduct periodic needs assessment for different current and Recreation and OSAC Annual review of Annual N/A future uses Parks Dept. Plan (2) Create additional tennis courts Recreation and Annual review of Annual Town budget Parks Dept. Plan (3) Create pocket parks, with priority for densest neighborhoods, Recreation and OSAC Review density v. 1 neighbor- Conservation particularly downtown Parks Dept. open space at hood every Fund, Grants “microscopic” 2 months level; involve neighborhood

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission DPW = Department of Public Works

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding (4) Develop land for community gardens with priority for densest Recreation and ConCom; Review density v. 2 neighbor- neighborhoods Parks Dept. OSAC open space at hoods per “microscopic” year level; involve neighborhood (5) Develop J.J. Lane and adjacent leased land Recreation and CDO Prioritization of 2012-13 Conservation Parks Dept. parcel usage Fund, Grants, Town Meeting (6) Re-create field adjacent to new community center Recreation and Community Ctr p/o Bldg Comm 2012-13 Community Parks Dept. Bldg Comm Center bonds (7) Create dedicated dog parks Recreation and OSAC Resident groups 2012-13 TBD Parks Dept. as catalyst (8) Enhance public access to Charles River, Lake Cochituate and Recreation and OSAC 2012-15 TBD water bodies with consideration of parking, signage and site Parks Dept. improvements (9) Explore public boat storage opportunities Recreation and OSAC 2012-15 TBD Parks Dept. Goal 3: Preserve and protect the town’s water supply, wildlife, and other natural resources

3-A Protect open space near water resources and the Aquifer Protection District

(1) Protect land around these areas ConCom MA DCR Various Ongoing N/A (2) Limit the allowed activities near water resource areas and within ConCom; MA DCR Zoning Bylaws Ongoing N/A the APD Planning Bd; ZBA (3) Explore creating open space districts to buffer large bodies of CDO and Zoning Zoning bylaws 2012-14 N/A water, using conservation restrictions, zoning, overlay districts, associated consultants or other means boards

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission DPW = Department of Public Works

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding

3-B Limit use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers townwide

(1) Maintain lists of discouraged and recommended items ConCom Board of Health Social media; 2012; Town Budget outreach, events; annual Natick Pegasus update (2) Limit use of non-organic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers ConCom DPW DPW Ongoing Town Budget by the Town Board of Health Board of Health (3) Provide information to discourage such use by private parties, CDO Board of Health; Social media; Onoging Town Budget particularly in the APD and near water bodies DPW outreach, events; Natick Pegasus (4) Promote use of organic fertilizers and Integrated Pest CDO Health Dept; Social media; Ongoing Town Budget Management DPW outreach, events; Natick Pegasus (5) Provide public education regarding limiting lawn size, CDO Health Dept; Social media; Ongoing Town Budget maintenance and water BOS (as Water DPW outreach, events; Commission) Natick Pegasus (6) Promote use of environmentally-friendly grasses

3-C Support environmental best practices in storm water management

(1) Provide regular maintenance of drainage DPW ConCom Ongoing Town Budget (2) Put signs on catch basins indicating where the water ends up DPW ConCom Eagle Scout proj? ASAP Town Budget (3) Promote use of rain gardens, porous pavement and other Planning Board ConCom practices to promote aquifer recharge

3-D Foster wildlife corridors and preserve habitats

(1) Work with Mass Audubon, the state’s Natural Heritage program, ConCom; Mass Audubon, Review of maps; Ongoing ? and schools to identify critical habitats Environmental State walks; data and Compliance School Dept base creation & Officer usage (2) Develop signage to alert the public of critical habitats ConCom OSAC Request DPW ? ?

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission CDO = Community Development Office BOS = Board of Selectmen DPW = Department of Public Works

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding Goal 4: Provide a system of walking and bicycle trails that connect our open spaces and provide a way to travel throughout the town

4-A Acquire land or secure easements to provide continuous walking and bicycling trails, to be used both for recreation and transportation

(1) Acquire and develop the Cochituate Rail Trail BOS; ConCom; In process 2012-18 Conservation Cochituate Rail OSAC Fund, grants Trail Adv Comm (2) Complete Takawambpait Trail OSAC Trails Maint Negotiations 2012-14 Conservation Committee Fund, fundraising (3) Ensure public access to Sudbury Aqueduct ConCom MWRA Discuss w/MWRA 2012-13 N/A (4) Continue to explore and if appropriate develop the Cochituate ConCom Cochituate Discuss w/MWRA 2012-15 Conservation Aqueduct Aqueduct Study Fund, grants, Comm fundraising (5) Explore use of utility easements for trails ConCom; OSAC; Legal opinion 2012-14 N/A CDO Trails Comm from Town Counsel (6) Explore use of “paper” streets for trails OSAC CDO; Legal opinion 2012-14 N/A Trails Comm from Town Counsel (7) Develop trail from Broads Avenue to Sherman Nature Reserve ConCom OSAC 2012-14 N/A

(8) Continue to develop additional trails OSAC ConCom; Review of maps 2012-18 Conservation Planning Bd; (macro & micro) Fund, Trails Comm Public input fundraising, grants

4-B Develop and mark new and existing trails

(1) Develop trail construction standards, including marking, Trails Comm ConCom TBD 2012 N/A bridges, walkways and surfaces (professional); adopt existing e.g. AMC?

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission TBD = To Be Determined CDO = Community Development Office MWRA = Mass. Water Resources Authority

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding (2) Design, build and mark trails in conformance with these Trails Comm ConCom TBD 2012-18 Conservation standards (professional & Fund, volunteer) fundraising (3) Upgrade and mark existing trails to these standards with a Trails Comm ConCom TBD 2012-18 Conservation priority of marking the Eisenmenger Trail and the Hunnewell (professional & Fund, Town Forest volunteer) fundraising (4) Provide offsite directional and locational signs to trailheads Trails Comm ConCom Identify existing 2012-14 Fundraising, standards Cons Fund (5) Place kiosks or signs, incluidng contact information, at Trails Comm ConCom TBD (volunteer) 2012-18 Conservation trailheads with amenities, e.g. map dispensers Fund, fundraising (6) Provide pet waste bag dispensers Trails Comm ConCom TBD (volunteer) 2012-18 Conservation Fund, fundraising Goal 5: Seek opportunities for reclaiming previously developed sites for recreational opportunities

5-A Strategically acquire developed parcels for conversion or restoration to open space or recreation use, based upon priorities of Objective 1-F

(1) Continue dialog regarding National Guard site Town Admin Many Negotiation 2012-14 N/A (2) Monitor other potential state and federal surplus sites CDO Many Negotiation Ongoing N/A (3) Monitor potential commercial and industrial properties ConCom Planning Bd Negotiation Ongoing N/A ZBA (4) Review tax delinquent properties OSAC; Treasurer/Collect Prioritize annually Ongoing N/A BOS or when list is generated

5-B Convert properties to appropriate open space or recreation uses

(1) Determine needs in collaboration with neighbors, abutters, and OSAC Rec & Parks; Public input thru Ongoing N/A town boards ConCom outreach/events (2) Develop sites accordingly ConCom Rec & Parks Ongoing Fundraising Cons Funds

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission TBD = To Be Determined CDO = Community Development Office Rec = Recreation ZBA = Zoning Board of Appeals

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding Goal 6: Increase awareness, appreciation, and use of the town’s open spaces, trails, natural resources, and recreational opportunities 6-A Use print and electronic resources to publicize the location, amenities, and availability of town open spaces (1) Develop town-wide open space and trail maps and provide OSAC Trails Comm; Regular review 2012-18 Fundraising, them on-line and in print. Town Forest Conservation Comm; Fund ConCom; DPW (2) Develop a web site as part of the Town web site, public displays OSAC; Trails Comm; 2012 Fundraising, and presentations, and other means to provide public IT Town Forest Conservation information Comm; DPW Fund (3) Sponsor trails walks and canoe or bicycle trips to introduce OSAC Trails Comm; 2012-18 N/A people to the available opportunities Town Forest Comm; ConCom (4) Place large trail maps at strategic locations in town OSAC Economic Devt 2013-15 Fundraising, Comm Cons Fund (5) Promote through traditional and social media outlets OSAC Economic Devt 2012-18 N/A Comm (6) Include information on open space, recreational and historic Economic Devt OSAC 2012-18 NA sites in Natick’s economic development and tourism promotions Comm

6-B Develop and maintain signs to mark all publicly accessible open spaces

(1) Determine who is responsible for signs ConCom Trails Comm; Assignment 2012 N/A DPW (2) Determine a consistent graphic standard for signs ConCom Economic Devt Identify existing 2012-13 N/A Comm standards (3) Acquire funding for acquisition and installation of signs ConCom Economic Devt 2012-14 Fundraising Comm (4) Purchase and install signs, includiing contact information DPW ConCom Request 2012-13 N/A (5) Provide historic and natural history information at trail heads or other appropriate locations

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission IT = Information Technology CDO = Community Development Office DPW = Department of Public Works

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding

6-C Promote universal access for trails, recreation facilities, and conservation areas and provide information for persons with disabilities

(1) Deternine accessibility levels for each trail and facility Disability Trails Comm Use state as 2012 Officer standards (2) Continue to work with the Commission On Disability for design Disability Trails Comm 2012-18 Grants of new facilities and improved accessibility of existing facilities Officer (3) Indicate accessibility levels in brochures, maps, and other OSAC Disability Officer, Include in print 2013-18 Included in public materials Trails Comm material print development materials (4) Particularly look at places with higher population of seniors and OSAC Rec. & Parks 2013-18 persons with disabilities

6-D Foster appreciation of open space and recreation resources to encourage a broader commitment to the community as a whole

(1) Provide programs in schools OSAC School Dept Plan/schedule 2012-18 N/A activities (2) Participate in Natick Days and other town events OSAC Plan/schedule 2012-18 N/A activities (3) Provide guided walks and programs to foster open space OSAC Trails, Bike, Rail Plan/schedule 2012-18 N/A appreciation Trail, Aqueduct activities committees (4) Use trails to promote connectivity between communities OSAC OSAC Work with 2012-18 fundraising neighborhood groups Goal 7: Develop and implement a management plan for open space

7-A Identify responsibilities and resources for all types of open space and recreation parcels

(1) Catalog all documents relating to open space (such as Town CDO Hire consultant? 2013 Town meeting actions, Town purchases, conservation restrictions, Meeting grants of easements, conditions included in Town board appropriation decisions, etc.) and ensure that the Town Assessor and relevant Town boards have this information

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission IT = Information Technology CDO = Community Development Office DPW = Department of Public Works

Implementation Possible Recommendation Lead Agency Other Agencies Schedule Mechanisms Funding (2) Develop plans for conservation land, trails (both Town-owned OSAC “Owners” of each 2012 N/A and easements), playing fields, parks, and other parcel (3) For each one of these, list tasks, who makes decisions, who “Owners” of 2012 N/A does work, and where money and other resources are going to each parcel come from (4) Determine annual budget requirements and sources “Owners” of ConCom; 2012 N/A each parcel BOS (5) Annually review implementation of management plan OSAC ConCom; Intentionally Annual N/A Rec & Parks scheduled CDO; BOS

7-B Engage residents, businesses, and other groups as active stewards or sponsors

(1) Develop standards for trail stewardship Trails Comm ConCom; OSAC Addendum to Mgt Ongoing N/A Plan (2) Define opportunities for trail and open space sponsorship Trails Comm ConCom; OSAC Natick Pegasus, Ongoing N/A etc. (3) Find stewards and sponsors Trails Comm ConCom; OSAC Active outreach Ongoing N/A (4) Engage volunteer groups in trail work Trails Comm Various Active outreach Ongoing N/A (5) Provide recognition to stewards, sponsors, and volunteers Selectmen Trails Comm; Annual Fundraising ConCom dinner?

7-C Promote coordination among the various town boards, commissions, and departments responsible for open spaces, including the Board of Selectmen, Department of Public Works, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, School Committee, and the Open Space Advisory Committee; and counterparts in neighboring communities

(1) Track progress on these Action Plan items, and report quarterly OSAC BOS; Town Quarterly N/A to relevant Town boards and committees Administrator (2) Encourage communications among boards, committees and OSAC BOS; Town Review N/A communities Administrator other’s reports in semi-real time

OSAC = Open Space Advisory Committee ConCom = Conservation Commission TBD = To Be Determined BOS = Board of Selectmen Rec = Recreation CDO = Community Development Office

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Natick DPW-GIS 75 West Street Natick, Mass. 01760 April 9, 2012 © Data Source: Town of Natick, MassGIS & NHESP

Map 13: Action Plan

SECTION 10: PUBLIC COMMENTS

Letters from the following are attached:

Board of Selectmen Planning Board Conservation Commission Recreation and Parks Commission Metropolitan Area Planning Council

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101

102

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SECTION 11: REFERENCES

Blanchan, Neltje (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.

Natick Open Space Advisory Committee (2002) Open Space and Recreation Plan 2002

Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (2008) Open Space Planners Workbook,

Strategic Planning Oversight Committee (2008) Natick 360 – Strategic Plan 2008-2012

Crawford, Michael J. (1978) History of Natick Massachusetts, 1650-1976, Natick Historical Commission

Charles River Watershed Association (1981) Charles River Corridor Plan

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (2011) http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/dfwrec.htm

Natick Assessor’s Office (2010 and 2011) Property records

Natick Department of Public Works (2011) GIS Division http://host.appgeo.com/natickma/

University of Massachusetts – Amherst (various years) Resource Mapping Project, Department of Forestry

Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (2011) Executive Office of Administration and Finance http://www.mass.gov/mgis/massgis.htm

Federal Emergency Management Agency (2010) Middlesex County Flood Insurance Study, June 10

Pedevillano, Cathy (1995) Habitat Values of New England Wetlands, Army Corps of Engineers Waltham, MA, May

Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (2004) http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/profile/304.pdf

Massachusetts, Division of Employment and Training (2008) (MassStats), http://massstats.detma.org .

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, (2008) http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhrare.htm

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Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, (2008) http://www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/nhbiofind.htm

Massachusetts Department of Revenue (2008) Division of Local Services, Municipal Data Bank, http://www.dls.state.ma.us/mdm.htm

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (2006) Population Forecasts http://www.mapc.org/data_gis/data_files/BaselinePopulationForecasts.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture (undated) Soil Survey of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office

U.S. Department of Commerce (various years) U.S. Census, Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office

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APPENDIX

A. Accomplishments Since 2002 Plan B. Community Input C. ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan D. Field Use Data

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Appendix A Accomplishments since the 2002 Plan

The following pages contain the “Five-Year Action Plan” from Town of Natick Open Space and Recreation Plan 2002. Boxes list activities related to each action item through October 2011.

SECTION 9 – FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN The following “Five-Year Action Plan” enumerates specific action items under each Goal and Objective. Each action item includes a year or range of years when that item will be addressed. We have not yet defined who is responsible for each action item, but rather have defined as one of the first tasks, listed under Goal 6, to hold a series of discussions with town boards to determine this responsibility. Also within Goal 6 is a proposal to make the Open Space Committee permanent, and we anticipate that this committee to take an overall coordination role for all of the Action Plan items. These actions are illustrated on Map 6A (5-Year Action Plan Map) and Map 6B (Open Space – Target Projects).

Goal 1: Protect Natick’s open spaces, including lakes, rivers and streams, and woodlands, in a natural state that can be enjoyed by future generations

Objective 1-A: Seek federal, state and private funding to acquire additional open space for the town (1) Identify and leverage existing unprotected town open space to seek state and federal funding for additional land on an annual basis (2002-2007) The Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Open Space Advisory Committee held series of meetings from Dec. 2005 to Feb. 2006 to produce a list of priority parcels. (2) Acquire key parcels, such as former Framingham sewer beds and long-term lease on property next to J.J. Lane Park, including funding to develop (2003) Framingham Town Meeting voted on October 7, 2003, to preserve the Framingham sewer beds as Arthur Morency Woods, encouraged by efforts made by the Natick Selectmen, Community Development Office, and Open Space Committee (OSAC) to preserve the land, which lies mostly within the town of Natick. Natick Town Meeting voted on April 16, 2006, to authorize the Selectmen to petition the Legislature for a 30-year lease on 3 acres at the north of the National Guard site to add to J.J. Lane Park. The lease was finally signed in October 2011. (3) Identify and apply for state and federal grants and other funding for preservation and protection of open space on an annual basis (2002-2007) No action.

Objective 1-B Pass the Community Preservation Act (CPA) (1) Sponsor Community Preservation summit, involving housing and historic groups (2003) The OSAC organized a summit on May 14, 2003, with representatives from various town agencies and community groups. In December 2004, a citizen’s coalition formed, leading to a public forum on March 3, 2005. Spring 2005 Town Meeting created a Community Preservation Act Study Committee, which recommended moving forward.

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(2) Encourage formation of a Community Preservation advocacy group (2003) The Natick Community Preservation Alliance advocated for the CPA in preparation for votes at Town Meeting and the general election. (3) Pass the CPA (2004) Town Meeting passed the CPA on November 2, 2005. However, the voters defeated it at the Town Election on March 28, 2006. Objective 1-C Increase the level of protection of private lands by encouraging owners to place conservation restrictions or increase the protection levels on their land (1) Annually publicize advantages of land protection (2002-2007) Private discussions held periodically with key landowners. (1) Meet with land-owners and seek to upgrade two parcels each year (2002-2007) Francis Hunnewell put a conservation restriction on phase 2 of his land north of the Sherman Nature Reserve, approved by the Board of Selectmen December 8, 2003. Just to the north, Morgan Palmer placed an additional 24 acres of his land under CR in 2009. Frank and Sheila Magullion put a CR on their Pleasant Street land, which includes a beautiful arboretum, approved by Board of Selectmen July 11, 2005. Belkin Lookout Farm previously placed 106 acres under Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) and more recently placed an addition 42 acres under Chapter 61A (which offers a more limited protection). There have been ongoing discussions by the Lookout Farm Advisory Committee and the Board of Selectmen regarding efforts by the farm to remain viable. Objective 1-D Ensure that federal, state, and other public and quasi-public open space is permanently protected (1) Provide public education to develop public support for land protection (2003-2007) OSAC provides public information table annually at Natick Days, as well as Community Farm’s Pancake Breakfast; Town Government Open House; Oldtown Fair; and Health, Fun & Fitness Day. (2) Work with responsible town agencies to develop permanent protection for town-owned open space (e.g. Community Farm) (2005) After considerable discussion among town agencies, Town Meeting voted on May 7, 2009, to transfer Natick Community Organic Farm to the Conservation Commission, thus preserving the land. Fall 2009 Town Meeting approved similar articles transferring custody to the Conservation Commission of J.J. Lane Park (October 22, 2009) and Hunnewell Town Forest (October 27, 2009). (3) Work with the federal and state agencies to plan for the protection of future surplus properties (e.g. National Guard site) (2003-2007) Town has signed a long-term lease for the north portion of the National Guard site (see item 1-A(2). Town is in contact with state regarding possible disposition of the complete National Guard site.

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Objective 1-E Work with Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals to develop zoning or land use tools to protect open space, such as: (1) Promote and expand concept of cluster zoning (2003) Town Meeting passed the Comprehensive Cluster Development Option zoning bylaw on Dec. 2, 2002. The OSAC worked with the Planning Board on the open space provisions. (2) Recommend fees and mitigation measures for development (2003) The Planning Board ensured that FAR funds from the new Mall project went into the Conservation Fund to be used for open space, as provided in section 328 of the Natick Zoning Bylaws. Articles proposing to use these FAR funds for other purposes were brought to Town Meeting in spring 2004 and spring 2009 but were defeated both times. As part of the Walnut Hill Estates, the Ciccarelli family gave 6 acres of land to the Conservation Commission for flood control and walking trails, accepted by the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 30, 2009. As part of the South Natick Hills 40B development, 16 acres containing wetlands and endangered species were put under conservation restriction (CR), and walking trails were provided throughout the property in 2011. Plans for Natick Paperboard site, now nearing construction, included open space designed to ensure a harmonious relationship with the abutting Cochituate Rail Trail. (3) Recommend zoning controls or land use controls to preserve open space (2003) Town Meeting passed the Housing Overlay Option Plan (April 15, 2004) and the Smart Growth Overlay District Program (Dec. 19, 2006). In both cases, the OSAC helped the Planning Board draft provisions that encourage "pocket parks" in areas of dense developments downtown. (4) Explore expansion of wetlands bylaw (2003) Conservation Commission developed regulations clarifying provisions of Natick’s Wetlands Protection Bylaw. Objective 1-F For all above methods, prioritize: Areas that enhance existing open spaces, by creating larger contiguous parcels or connecting existing parcels or trails Open space in areas of the town currently deficient in open space Areas adjacent to rivers and ponds and environmentally sensitive areas As mentioned in 1-A(1), the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Open Space Advisory Committee held series of meetings to produce a list of priority parcels. The priority parcels have at least one of the above criteria, and in some cases two or three.

Goal 2: Preserve and protect the town’s water supply Objective 2-A Protect open space near water resources and the Aquifer Protection District (1) Protect lands around these areas (2003-2007) (2) Limit the allowed activities near water resource areas and within the APD (2003) Objective 2-B Limit use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers within the APD (1) Develop guidelines for maintaining town owned lands within the APD using environmentally friendly materials (2003)

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(2) Provide public education regarding limiting lawn size, maintenance, and water (2003) (For all of Goal 2): These are primarily the responsibility of the Conservation Commission, and the Open Space Advisory Committee has taken no action.

Goal 3: Provide a system of walking and bicycle trails that connect our open spaces and provide a way to travel throughout the town Objective 3-A Acquire land or secure easements to provide continuous walking and bicycling trails, to be used both for recreation and transportation, and for wildlife migration corridors (1) Secure public access to the Natick portion of the Cochituate Rail Trail (2003) The Selectmen appointed a Rail Trail Task Force in 2006, renamed the Cochituate Rail Trail Advisory Committee, which recommended proceeding with plans for a Cochituate Rail Trail. The committee has met regularly since then to continue planning process and negotiations with CSX over the land. Town Meeting has designated mitigation money from the Mall expansion toward planning. In 2006, the Conservation Commission appropriated money from the Conservation Fund to purchase land from CSX at the end of Mechanic Street adjacent to the Rail Trail. (2) Develop trails to South Natick: John Eliot Trail and Daniel Takawambpait Trail (2003) On Oct. 15, 2007, the Selectmen officially named the 1.5-mile trail from Coolidge Field to Memorial School, previously referred to as The Eliot Trail, as the Robert Eisenmenger Trail, to honor the 35-year Planning Board member who was key in obtaining many of the easements used by this trail. The trail was completed and marked from Coolidge Field to Woodland Street by 2003, with a dedication held Oct. 25, 2003. The remaining portion, through Woodland Village to Memorial School, was completed by 2006, and a dedication and walk were held on May 18, 2008. The homeowners association raised concerns about erosion and safety on the trail at the top of the cliff behind the condos. These issues were resolved in 2010 when the DPW, supported by Conservation Funds, redesigned and rebuilt this portion of the trail. The Takawambpait trail was officially named by the Selectmen on Dec. 10, 2007, honoring the Natick Praying Indian who succeeded John Eliot as minister. The trail is open (but not yet marked) through the Algonquin development. Discussions are proceeding regarding access through private land to connect to Sherman Nature Reserve. In 2003 the Town considered, but ultimately did not agree to, a land swap that would have traded the Town-owned Eliot School to the Eliot Montessori School in exchange for the land across the street, which would provide the southern link of the Takawambpait Trail. An alternative easement was obtained on the western edge of the David Morse House property at 21 Eliot Street. The trail from Eliot Street to the Sherman Nature Reserve, including a bridge over a stream, was constructed on May 20, 2007. Several side trails were also developed or planned. MetroWest Medical Center upgraded its trail system, which connects to the Eisenmenger Trail, by renovating the Fitness Trail and creating a new Born Learning Trail. The Town secured permission from Mary Ann Morse Healthcare for public use of a side trail that connects the Eisenmenger Trail to Milk Street (off Union Street). The Riverbend School (formerly Montessori) provided an easement for a side trail connecting the Takawambpait Trail to Broads Avenue (also off Union Street). All of these took place in 2010. (3) Ensure public access for use of the Sudbury Aqueduct (2003) The longest continuous portion of the Sudbury Aqueduct runs from Memorial School to Cottage Street. Most of this is owned by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The public has been using this portion for years, and the town has held discussions with the MWRA regarding formal public access. Meanwhile, the Planning Board has secured access to the two private parcels near Cottage Street. In

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2005 the Planning Board negotiated, and the Conservation Commission funded, purchase an easement through the lot on the east side of Cottage Street In 2011, as part of a Cottage Street subdivision, the Planning Board secured a donation to the Conservation Commission of the remaining parcel. Public access has been available for a number of years for the shorter portion of the Aqueduct from Union Street to Leach Lane. The portion east of Leach Lane to Pond Road in Wellesley is privately owned and public access is not possible. (4) Acquire missing links for existing trails (2002) The Planning Board on October 13, 2004 granted a subdivision approval to Drew Estates that provides for trails extending from existing town land at Glen Park along the Charles River (currently inaccessible by land) and provide a future connection to Glenwood Street. OSAC has also discussed ways to connect Glen Park to the popular town park at the Charles River Dam. The Conservation Commission accepted the gift of a small piece of land at the end of Wildmeadow Lane (off Everett Street) that provides the opportunity to connect to planned trails in South Natick Hills. (5) Continue to develop additional trails (2003-2007) The Mumford Wildlife Forest trail was constructed on September 18, 2004, and was dedicated on October 30, thanks to efforts by neighbors, trail enthusiasts from around the region, and the New England Forestry Foundation, which owns the property. This trail forms part of the 16-mile Charles River Link Trail, which connects to the Bay Circuit Trail. A second trail and bridge was created in 2006. Volunteers fixed up trails through Timothy Coolidge Hill, across street from High School, which was dedicated on Oct. 22, 2005. The Natick Historical Commission received a grant in March 2008 to develop the Henry Wilson History Trail, which goal along the shore of Fisk Pond and connects various sites associated with the vice president. The major work on this trail was done on April 25, 2009. In 2010 the Town obtained an “8M” permit from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, allowing Natick to use the MWRA-owned portion of the Cochituate Aqueduct from the Pickerel Pond area (behind Huron Drive) to the Wellesley line (north of Route 9), where it could connect to Wellesley’s Crosstown Trail. Because of vegetation, it is currently virtually impossible to walk on the Aqueduct. On May 19, 2011, the Conservation Commission appointed a Cochituate Aqueduct Study Committee to look into the feasibility of a walking trail along the Aqueduct and the adjacent Pickerel Pond area. There has been growing interest in developing short trails that connect neighborhoods. The Planning Board is working with the developer of Sanctuary Estates to provide a trail, promised in subdivision plan, to connect Whispering Lane with Woodleigh Road. In July 2011, the Conservation Commission purchased land for a trail between Craigie Street and Clearview Drive, which will enable residents to continue to walk between these two neighborhoods and to Natick Center. OSAC has explored several areas of land owned by the Town but little-known by the public, and has begun discussions about future trails. These areas include: a trail along the Charles River (see item 4 above); the Sunkaway area around Pickerel Pond; the "Pine Hill" area between Oak Street, Winter Street, the Brandon School; trails around the Oak Street Gravel Pit by Morses Pond; a trail from Senior Center to Union Street; a trail through conservation land that the town received as part of the Walnut Hill Estates development; and a trail along Dug Pond as part of the new Natick High School construction.

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Objective 3-B Develop and mark these trails (1) Designate responsibility for trails (2002) Tim Collins created Natick Walks in early 2003. To ensure coordination with Town boards and commissions, Tim was also appointed chair the Trails Subcommittee of the Open Space Advisory Committee, created in March 2003. As that subcommittee became inactive, Pat Conaway in early 2010 began organizing groups of volunteer“Trail Buddies” to maintain trails. Pat was appointed to the OSAC and the new Trails Maintenance Committee. Responsibilities were formalized on May 19, 2011, when the Conservation Commission appointed a new Town Forest Committee, responsible for the Hunnewell Town Forest, and a new Trails Maintenance Committee, responsible for other trails. (2) Develop new trails (2003-2007) See items under Objective 3-A above. (3) Mark trails using standardized system (2003-2007) Elissa Landre, director of Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, trained several volunteers in best methods of marking trees with yellow and blue circles. Beginning in mid-2003, volunteers marked trails at Anniballi Park at Pegan Cove, Coolidge Hill, and Coolidge Woods. Trails Subcommittee coordinated with Conservation Commission, as owner of several trail locations, regarding a standard format that could be used throughout the town for trail location signs (visible from street), trailhead kiosks (providing maps and information about each trail), and directional signs (for trail junctions). The first kiosks and signs were installed in September 2003, and now exist at Coolidge Hill, Coolidge Woods, the Hamlet development, Middlesex Path, Hunnewell Town Forest, Timothy Coolidge Hill (near the High School), Anniballi Park at Pegan Cove, and Mumford Forest.

Goal 4: Ensure that playing fields and other recreational facilities support the needs of the population Objective 4-A Develop additional fields and play lots on existing town-owned land, where appropriate, including: (1) Oak Street Gravel pit (2003–2005) The MathWorks Field was opened in 2008, using money from the Conservation Fund and money donated by MathWorks. This field joins existing Sargent Field on the former gravel pit site. (2) Unused high school land (2004–2005) The site plan for the new High School calls for a reversal of the location of the school building and the adjacent fields, with no net increase in fields. However, as part of the building project, Memorial Field was rebuilt as a turf field in 2011, which will allow the field to be used many more hours each week. (3) Small town-owned parcels to fill need for play lots (2003–2007) Neighborhood effort has led to development of Loker Park. (4) Redesign and develop existing town recreation fields for better community use (2003-2005) The new turf field, mentioned in (2) above, will allow community use as well as school use. The Recreation and Parks Department and Natick Soccer Club have discussed building a turf field at the Cole Recreation Center land, but cost is a major impediment.

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Objective 4-B Acquire or secure use of land appropriate for playing fields (1) Look into land owned by private, public, or nonprofit entities that could be used by Natick residents as playing fields through a partnership arrangement, including National Guard facility and J.J. Lane Park on Speen Street (2002-2004) See item 1-A(2). Current plan for the expanded J.J. Lane Park includes a softball diamond and a soccer field, although there will be a public process before the final design. (2) Consider purchasing additional land for playing fields (2003-2007) No action. (3) Support the Department of Recreation and Parks to develop and improve newly acquired fields and facilities (2003-2007) No action.

Goal 5: Increase residents’ awareness of Natick’s open spaces, trails, natural resources, and recreational opportunities Objective 5-A Publicize the location, amenities, and availability of town open spaces (1) Establish a trail/greenway committee to create a plan for developing trails within the town, publicizing them, and establishing connections with other communities. As described in item 3-B(1) above, originally the Trails Subcommittee, and currently the Trails Maintenance Committee, has been responsible for development of trails (elaborated in Goal 3 above) and publicizing trails (elaborated in this Goal). The Open Space Advisory Committee has met several times with the Wellesley Trails Committee regarding possible connections between the two trails networks. The most promising is the Cochituate Aqueduct (see item 3-A(3) above). (2) Work with town groups and neighboring communities in developing town-wide open space and trail maps. (2003) A town-wide map was developed in April 2003 under auspices of Natick Walks, with cooperation from the DPW's GIS director. Large maps have been on display in Library and Town Hall. Small maps, as well as brochures focusing on particular regions of town, have been available at Library and have been distributed at Natick Days and other town-wide events. The first detailed trail map, showing Hunnewell Town Forest, was published in May 2009. A map of the Eisenmenger Trail was published in September 2010. (3) Develop a web site, public displays and presentations, and other means to provide public information (2003-2007) The OSAC has had an informational table at every Natick Days since 2001, as well as at other town gatherings such as the Community Farm's Pancake Breakfast, Oldtown Community Fair, Town Government Open House, and Health, Fun & Fitness Day. Both the Open Space Advisory Committee and Natick Walks created web sites on natick.info, now defunct. In October 2011, the OSAC put material on its page of the Town of Natick web site relating to the Open Space and Recreation Plan update, but there is no current information on open spaces or trails.

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(4) Sponsor trails walks and canoe or bicycle trips to introduce people to the available opportunities (2003-2007) Natick Walks offered walking tours at its kick-off event on April 12, 2003, at its dedication of the Coolidge Hill and Coolidge Woods kiosks on October 25, 2003, at the Hunnewell Town Forest Rededication on May 22, 2004, and in October 2004 held a regular series of walks for a short time. The Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee annually provides a series of bicycle tours during Massachusetts Bicycle Week. Events by these and other groups are listed at http://www.millermicro.com/eventscalendar.html. In October of 2010 and 2011, the Open Space Advisory Committee in conjunction with other groups, sponsored a Natick Trails Days. Objective 5-B Develop signs to mark the entrances of accessible parks, woods, playing fields, trails, and other publicly accessible open spaces (1) Work with community – citizens, citizen groups, and private corporations – to develop signs and maps and acquire open space. Natick Walk and the Trails Subcommittee were very successful in getting volunteers for trail development and maintenance from neighbors and interested community groups, and received significant private donations for signs. (2) Determine who is responsible for signs (2002) (3) Determine a compatible signage scheme (2003) (4) Acquire funding for acquisition and installation of signs (2004) (5) Purchase and install signs (2005) Items (2)–(5): See item 3-B(3) above. Objective 5-C Ensure that recreation and conservation areas are accessible to all individuals, and provide information for those with special needs (1) Designate accessibility levels (2002) No action. (2) Continue to work with the Commission On Disability for design of new facilities and improved accessibility of existing facilities (2003-2007) No action. (3) Indicate accessibility levels in brochures, maps, and other public materials (2003-2007) The first Town Walking Guide (2003) gave a rough indication of which trails are accessible, but current trail maps do not.

Goal 6: Develop an organizational structure to enable us to achieve these goals Objective 6-A Provide for a permanent Open Space Committee (1) Make the Open Space Committee (originally appointed only until July 2002) into a permanent committee (2002) A permanent Open Space Committee was adopted by Town Meeting on April 10, 2003, with the addition of a new Article 32 to the Town of Natick By-Laws. (2) The Open Space Committee would: Report to the Board of Selectmen annually and invite other groups and constituents

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Meet with town boards as needed Meet with user groups and citizens as necessary Serve as an advocate and advisor to other town boards on issues of open space (2003-2007)

The Bylaw lists these responsibilities of the committee: to serve as an advisory body and resource to the Board of Selectmen in carrying out the major goals outlined in the Natick Open Space and Recreation Plan, in revising the Plan as needed, and reporting annually to the Board of Selectmen regarding its activities. In practice he committee has generally performed all of the functions described in this action item. Objective 6-B Develop a management plan, including an operating budget, for maintenance of all areas of town-owned open space (3) Designate which department(s) are responsible for the management plan (2002) Needs to be clarified. (4) Designate which department(s) are responsible for the maintenance plan (2002) The Trails Subcommittee was created by the Open Space Advisory Committee to coordinate trails development as well as maintenance, mainly through volunteer efforts. As noted previously, in 2011, the Conservation Commission appointed a Town Forest Committee and a Trails Maintenance Committee, which are now responsible. In July 2006, the Conservation Commission allocated $200,000 of the Conservation Fund to a "Trails Maintenance Account," with interest to be used for trails maintenance. This action was suggested by the Board of Selectmen and supported by the Open Space Advisory Committee and Planning Board. (5) Enter into partnerships with abutters, user groups, land trusts, businesses, and enthusiasts (2003- 2007) The Trails subcommittee has reached out to neighbors to create dialogue on trail policies. Neighborhood and community groups have been involved in trail maintenance. Volunteers have also participated in trail clean-up annually as part of Natick Service Day. See also item 5-B(1). Objective 6-C Ensure coordination among the various town board and commission responsible for open spaces, including the Selectmen, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Recreation and Parks, Schools, and the Open Space Committee. (1) Develop a process to ensure that all relevant boards (including Assessor, Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Open Space Committee) are aware of changes in protection status of land parcels (2003) There is no formal process, although OSAC is usually informed of developments by town administration or by the Planning or Conservation representatives to the OSAC. (2) Develop a process of providing notice of surplus town land to these town boards (2003) No action.

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Appendix B Community Input to Open Space and Recreation Plan

1. NATICK 360: VALUE AND VISION STATEMENTS – FEB. 1, 2007

Value Statements in Detail

As citizens of Natick, we value Natick’s stewardship of its diverse open spaces, and natural resources. Natick residents value abundant open spaces reflecting its diverse geography, with a healthy aquifer, lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands, wildlife habitat, trees, forests, open fields, farms and parks. Residents enjoy these spaces in a variety of ways ranging from individual meditation to family outings to organized recreational activities.

Vision Statements in Detail

As citizens of Natick, we aspire to create a future in which Natick’s natural resources are preserved and accessible to the community. Natick supports responsible stewardship of its natural resources, including its aquifer, open spaces, forests and trees, farms, parks, lakes, wildlife habitat and views. Natick may exercise this stewardship through appropriate acquisition, regulation, mitigation and restoration strategies. Within this stewardship ethic, Natick makes these natural resources appropriately accessible to the community. Natick adopts policies and practices to reduce pollution of air and water, increase energy independence and support preservation of available open spaces within the town. http://natickma.gov/Public_Documents/NatickMA_BComm/nat360/Value%20and%20Vision%20Statements.Final %20020107.pdf

2. NATICK 360: COMMUNITY SURVEY – AUGUST 2007

Page 5: Willingness of residents to pay additional user fees, property taxes, and/or sales taxes to help fund various items in Natick “Purchase of land for future parks and open space” ranked 8th of 23 items (just below top tier) with 60% willing (25% strongly willing, 35% somewhat willing) “Build the Rail Trail” ranked 19th with 44% willing (15% strongly willing, 29% somewhat willing)

Page 8: How important various reasons were to residents when deciding to live in Natick: “Appearance and overall beauty of the town” ranked 3rd of 22 items – 72% extremely or very important “Availability of parks and open space” ranked 6th – 61% extremely or very important “Community stewardship of open space/resources” ranked 10th – 56% extremely or very important “Availability of recreational activities” ranked 13th – 54% extremely or very important

Page 10: Level of agreement with various statements about the future of Natick: “Plan proactively for growth” ranked 3rd of 20 – 84% agree (38% strongly agree, 46% agree)

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“Reduce negative impacts on the environment” ranked 4th – 84% agree (41% strongly agree, 43% agree) Increase open space and accessibility ranked 12th – 57% (20% strongly agree, 37% agree) Build the Rail Trail ranked 16th – 44% (19% strongly agree, 25% agree) http://natickma.gov/Public_Documents/NatickMA_BComm/nat360/Natick%20Final%20Report_Aug%2 029.pdf

3. NATICK DAYS COMMENTS

The Open Space Advisory Committee has had tables at every Natick Days since our creation in 2001. This has given us an opportunity to talk with hundreds of residents and hear about their interests. Each year, we have discussed our impressions, recorded in Committee minutes. The following is a summary:

2006

41 people signed up for our e-mail lists, far more than ever before. Everyone who signed up wanted to be on the Natick Walks list, and about half wanted to be on the Open Space list as well. All people who came to our table were highly supportive of open space and trails. Many expressed criticism of too much development in town. People were particularly enthusiastic about the following locations (in approximately this order of interest): the Rail Trail, downtown trails in general, Coolidge Hill in particular, the Eliot Trail (Coolidge Field to Memorial School), Mumford Forest, Hunnewell Town Forest, and the Sudbury Aqueduct. There were pictures on the table which led people to ask about Coolidge Hill and Mumford. People brought up the other locations on their own -- or asked questions that led me to describe the location. Three people protested (one very vocally) the blocking of the Sanctuary-Morningside trail. Finally, a number of people want to go on organized walks and signed the Natick Walks mailing list for that purpose. Many people prefer a group because they are unfamiliar with the trails or uncomfortable walking alone.

2007

Tim brought a beautiful new large trails map, with more colors and more trails than before, and people loved it. Everyone wanted smaller copies and even offered to pay. The biggest message we got was even more practical -- to put the map online, along with the smaller detailed maps of the individual areas. As usual, we spent most of our time showing people locations of trails and open spaces that they were unaware of.

2008

Fix up Rockwood section of Eisenmenger Trail Need more directional signs, particularly on Eisenmenger and Takawambpait trails Provide trail maps on the web. Town Forest Trails mentioned in particular. Reprint the Natick Walks walking guides. Concern that we are acquiring more land when we should concentrate on keeping up land we have. Several people mentioned particular problems with Coolidge Hill.

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Would like organized walks.

2009

People loved the Town Forest map, and wanted to see more maps online, particularly the Eisenmenger Trail. Several people wanted to know how to follow the Eisenmenger Trail. I tried to describe each little turn, but explained that several key signs had recently been knocked down, and that the ones in Woodland Village were being help up. A town official spent a lot of time at the table. He sees great potential for the trails in the Pickerel Pond area. In the Town Forest, he urged us to replace the ad-doc neighborhood bridge over Little Jennings Pond with a safer bridge. An abutter to the Town Forest thinks we should add in connections from the Town Forest to abutting streets (Bay State Rd. area and MacArthur Road area).

2010

• Many requests for a readable townwide Trails Map • Some questions about the Tackawambpait Trail • Cochituate Rail Trail – Town still negotiating w/ CSX, but several questions from residents about prospects for the trail. • Questions about biking on town trails • Questions re: increased accessibility for disabled.

4. PUBLIC FORUM ON OPEN SPACE GOALS & PRIORITIES

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE October 21, 2009 Public Forum on Open Space Goals & Priorities Morse Institute Library Meeting Hall

MINUTES

Committee members present: Martin Kessel, chair; George Bain; David Dimmick; Terri Evans; Mike Linehan. Consultant: Gino Carlucci. Public: Maureen Sullivan, Gary Pease, Pauline Drew, Josh Ostroff, Chris Kruczynski, Dick Miller, Jill Miller, Susan Geiser, Carol Gloff, John R. Drew, Peter Golden, Bob Watjen, Larry Forshner, Bob Eisenmenger

The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 pm.

Martin Kessel said purpose of the meeting was to gather input from the public on open space goals and priorities to use in updating Natick's Open Space and Recreation Plan. To introduce the process, the agenda would begin with short presentations from committee members and consultant. Note: The PowerPoint presentations used by the panelists are attached.

Gino Carlucci, consultant with PGC Associates, discussed the purpose and State requirements for an Open Space and Recreation Plan.

Mike Linehan reviewed Goals and Objectives from the 2002 Plan, with examples of accomplishments.

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Dave Dimmick discussed the range of open space categories that the plan can address.

Comments from the public:

(1) Chris Kruczynsk, Town Meeting Pct. 4 – Never give in to turf field (artificial turf) temptation. Chemicals get into air and groundwater. Fields get too hot. Would like to join committee. Protect Dug Pond from runoff as result of high school construction; filtration, reuse, etc. to prevent polluting pond.

(2) A. Richard (Dick) Miller - 5 Goals remain excellent. Add: Trails in the woods - natural trails. Public congregation spaces, e.g. downtown, such as library front yard. Nature in the middle of town, e.g. Rose Kennedy Greenway area – rocks and streams downtown. Re: Implementation, go after CPA again; public understanding grows each round. Re: Goal 5: No description of explicit activities. Suggest: (1) Weekly hikes – many of us willing to lead. (2) Teaching activities, such as nature interpreters, Natick Praying Indians teaching. Re: Goal 1: Cochituate Rail Trail has longest impact is biggest project. Would like to see it not paved, like Elm Bank. Nov. 23 is CRT Public Forum to present initial plan.

(3) Jill Miller, also Natick Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee – Liked archeology inventory idea, and willing to help. Ensure Natick 360 forum inputs are considered

(4) Susan Geiser, Town Meeting Pct 7 and B&PAC - Received notice yesterday Organic Farm is taking back community garden plots. Would like to find place for them, such as gravel pits or Sunkaway. Connection across Route 9 to connect Town Forest and Sunkaway. More trail markers, e.g. Underground Railroad site on Middlesex Path.

(5) Gary Pease, Natick Soccer Club - 1400 kids in program Current fields are inadequate, e.g. when rains night before Loss of fields when Wilson and Ben-Hem rebuilt. Club helped fund Cole South, irrigation at High School and Wilson, Sargent and MathWorks. We lease fields from state at Elm Bank with Wellesley, but not necessarily permanent. Make sure meet long-term field needs. Need process for field improvements.

(6) Larry Forshner, Town Meeting Pct. 6 – Seek opinion about Town Forest transfer to ConCom. Martin responds: OSAC endorsed, because would result in permanent protection and would consolidate management. Introduces Josh Ostroff.

(7) Josh Ostroff, Selectmen Preparing presentation for Town Meeting on Town Forest. Reiterated Martin’s rationale, plus possible use of Conservation Fund for needs. Also endorsed by Finance, Selectmen, Planning, Conservation, and existing Town Forest Committee. Build connections among groups with different interests in open space, e.g. Natick’s history and heritage, organized sports groups. Purchasing open space can pay for itself compared with cost of educating more children, etc. Signage and interpretive signage (e.g. historical, geographical, habitat). Short paragraph in Town Administrator’s newsletter. Identify accomplishments to date to build constituency. Identify what learned from Plans in other communities.

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(8) Peter Golden – 2002 Goals admirable. Add: Link natural resources to historic resources. Create gateways and pathways to historic sites. Understanding of environment depends on engaging with it. Find ways to draw people, particularly younger, back to woods, as Weston Forest & Trails Assoc. Open space presents tourist opportunity.

(9) Bob Eisenmenger, former Planning Board and Open Space – Natural Guard site was highest priority with Open Space Fund, because of needs in West Natick. Improve signage and care of walking trails. We have better trail system than Wellesley, but they have better signs and informational meetings. Aqueducts: Sudbury Aqueduct currently from Memorial School to Cottage St. can be extended to Hopewell Farm at little cost. Also Cochituate Aqueduct from Wellesley line to Pickerel Pond would extend Wellesley trails system.

(10) Chris Kruczynsk: Question: How do you complement Conservation Commission and Planning Board? George Bain responds: OSAC advises ConCom on land acquisitions. Dave notes we’ve held joint meeting with ConCom and Planning regarding priorities.

(11) Peter Golden – Explicit, self-conscious promotion of town's open space and trails. Heritage tourism in Mass. $3 billion.

(12) Bob Watjen, trail steward with Trustees and Broadmoor – Is current plan on web site? Martin: natick.info/openspace What were goals regarding specific sites from last Plan? Mike: Sometimes we have to be vague regarding specific private parcels. What does committee propose for 2009 prior to public comments? Martin: This is initial step. There will be at least one more public hearing when we have draft. Not only protect, but also maintain, with implementation plan. Agree with suggestion on historic properties. Provide access to scenic vistas. Connectivity/linking of properties

(13) John Drew – Be clear with neighbors/abutters regarding purchase of property, trails, and signage. Be as open as possible.

(14) Dick Miller – Emphasize scenic locations. Find location for benches. For high locations, may need to trim down trees to get view. Henry Wilson History Trail will have historic signage (delayed because of less-than- successful partnering).

(15) Peter Golden - To enhance community participation: get neighborhoods to "bid" for playgrounds or pocket parks, etc., like those in Brookline.

(16) Bob Watjen – Is it necessary to specific parcels to qualify us for matching funds? Gino Carlucci: Yes, plan must target parcels, at least in general terms.

Martin thanked everyone for coming and encouraged people to sign e-mail list, and to send in any additional comments by any of the methods described on the slide.

The meeting was concluded at 8:45 pm.

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5. E-MAIL COMMENTS TO OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

13 Oct 2009 - Andrew Linnell – Sustainable farms 14 Oct 2009 - Cathleen Collins – Dog parks 21 Oct 2009 - Glynn Hawley - Promote use of trails, particularly Farm Hill Village 21 Oct 2009 - Jack Carr – Cochituate Rail Trail a priority 21 Oct 2009 - Christine Zeliger – Recreational space in West Natick 22 Oct 2009 - "Jane" – Open space for fitness 23 Oct 2009 - Nancy Geiser – Land by Lilja School for community garden plots 25 Oct 2009 - Cathi Fournier" – More walking trails, with places to sit and picnic 10 Nov 2009 –Dick Cugini - Natick Recreation Commission input 27 Dec 2009 - John Magee – Use Mall mitigation money in West Natick 7 Oct 2011 – Randy Johnson – Public access to water bodies and misc. 14 Oct 2011 – Dick Cugini, Recreation and Parks Superintendant – various comments

6. COMMENTS FROM TOWN BOARD MEETINGS RE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Planning Board Meeting - November 3, 2010

Andy Meyer Think we already have great fields, but in favor of increasing Senior Center trail Continue to mark trailheads

Bob Foster Playing fields are not open space, not a priority Priority is bike and walking trails Public awareness Acquisition

Julian Munnich Recreation land separate category from open space. In the past, people have confused Open Space Fund with building and maintaining playing fields. Separate but worthwhile purpose. Pocket parks

Glen Glater Could do more to be inviting to bicyclists – simple amenities, such as water at Dam and Common, port-a-potties. Was private trail on public land, but new owner didn’t use (???) Solicit info on trails we don’t know, and negotiate for easements

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Peter Nottonson Parking

Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 15, 2010

To: Open Space Advisory Committee From: Joshua Ostroff Date: January 3, 2011 Re: Open Space and Recreation Plan comments

This will provide comment from the Board of Selectmen on the Goals & Objectives for the October 31, 2010 Open Space Plan draft.

The Goals and Objectives are clearly stated, well thought out and reflect a positive vision of the Town’s outdoor assets for recreation, preservation and environmental purposes. The Town will benefit by implementation of many of the goals you have set forth.

The Board has one suggestion for your consideration. To make the plan and the goals more accessible to a wide audience, consider citing specific or representative examples of the action steps or natural resources that you have identified, whether these have been achieved already or are yet to be realized. Of course, land that is subject to future acquisition should not be identified if that would complicate the acquisition.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this plan and offer comments, and please accept the Board’s apologies for the delay in providing this feedback.

Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting - December 6, 2010

Goal 4 (Trails): Add a new Objective 4-C to maintain the trails. (It was noted that was already covered in Objective 7-A, but committee members thought including it here would emphasize it more, and noted a parallel objective for maintaining field in 2-A) Goal 7 (Management Plan) is crucial – emphasize as much as possible. Add to this Goal, a new Objective 7-D: Maintenance Plan be established and acted on. Once Management and Maintenance Plan is agreed upon by designated groups in 7-C, this plan be executed by one central agency – someone charged with this mission – maybe a group with representatives from all the boards. (Now all departments call in to DPW. Need accountability) Opinion was expressed that the Conservation Fund should not lie dormant but should be used for its intended purpose, including (in addition to acquisition of sites like the Rail Trail and National Guard site) development of the expanded J.J. Lane Park.

Conservation Commission Meeting - January 20, 2011

Matt Gardner suggested under Objective 4A including priority for small parcels that may not have much open space value but provide trail connectivity between neighborhoods. Under 1D, he suggested seeking grants from MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation for these trails, since they would encourage walking. Bob Bois said we should encourage Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic fertilizers on Town fields (Objective 2A) and townwide (Objective 3B). Bob also said that providing pooper scoopers on Town property would have environmental benefits.

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Bob said under 3C to put signs on catch basins identifying where the water ends up. Matt suggested reporting annually on compliance with the Goals.

7. PUBLIC FORUM ON DRAFT PLAN

Town of Natick Open Space Advisory Committee Public Forum – October 13, 2011 Morse Institute Library Community Room

Members Present: Martin Kessel, Mike Linehan, Terri Evans, Dave Coffey, George Bain, Pat Conaway. Consultant: Gino Carlucci Others Present: Jill Miller, Richard Miller, Robert Eisenmenger, Paul Joseph, Dick Cugini, Randy Johnson, Bob Watjen, Tony Petro, Peter Golden, Irene Kessel

Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM

An introduction to the meeting was given by Martin Kessel. A summary of the 2012 Open Space & Recreation Plan was given by Gino Carlucci. Mike Linehan went over the Goals, Objectives and Action Plan.

Among the feedback that was presented, interest was expressed in the following topics:

1) Use of materials that could reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers 2) Rain gardens, porous pavements and other best practice examples 3) Right of way areas under the high tension lines in the vicinity of Hartford and Mill streets as potential open space 4) Signage along trails, e.g. uniformity in signage or trail marking and noting the town agency responsible for upkeep (to promote feedback) 5) Waterway access and the potential of boat rental and storage areas 6) Natick Community garden 7) Improvement to Town Forest signage 8) Online availability of maps and other materials 9) Promotion of open space for economic development and tourism 10) Historical signage and history walks

A deadline for comments on the plan was set for October 28, 2011.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.

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Appendix C

ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

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ADA SELF-EVALUATION AND TRANSITION PLAN

Part 1: Administrative Requirements

Designation of an ADA Coordinator

The Town Administrator has designated Paul Carew, Director of Veterans Services, as the ADA Coordinator (See attached letter).

Grievance Policy

For the General Public. This policy applies to all programs sponsored or conducted by the Town of Natick.

EQUAL ACCESS TO FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES Maximum opportunity will be made available to receive citizen comments, complaints, and/or to resolve grievances or inquiries.

STEP 1: The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, email address and phone number of complainant, and location, date and description of the problem. Reasonable accommodations, such as personal interviews or recording of the complaint will be made available for persons with disabilities who are unable to submit a written complaint.

The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his designee as soon as possible, but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:

Deputy Town Administrator Town Hall, 13 East Central Street Natick, MA 01760 508-647-6410

STEP 2: When a complaint, grievance, request for program policy interpretation or clarification is received either in writing or through a meeting or telephone call, every effort will be made to create a record regarding the name, address, and telephone number of the person making the complaint, grievance, program policy interpretation or clarification. If the person desires to remain anonymous, he or she may.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the Deputy Town Administrator will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible violation. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the Deputy Town Administrator will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as audio recording, enlarged type face, etc.. The response will explain the position of the Town of Natick and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint.

Copies of the complaint, grievance, and request for program policy interpretation or clarification and response will be forwarded to the appropriate town agency (i.e. park commission, conservation commission). If the grievance is not resolved at this level it will be progressed to the next level.

STEP 3:

If the response by the Deputy Town Administrator does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his designee may appeal the decision of the Deputy Town Administrator within 15

125 calendar days after receipt of the response to the Town Administrator of his designee.

Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the Town Administrator or his designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the Town Administrator or his designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as audio recording, enlarged type face, etc. with a final resolution of the complaint.

All complaints received by the Deputy Town Administrator, appeals to the Town Administrator or his designee, and all responses from the Deputy Town Administrator and Town Administrator or his designee will be kept by the Town of Natick for at least three years from the date of final resolution.

Public Notification

Notices are posted in Town Hall and other public buildings on bulletin boards designated for public notices indicating that the Town of Natick does not discriminate on the basis of disability. The Town’s standard employment application also includes a non-discrimination statement (see attached relevant section of employment application). The employment application is posted on the Town’s web site.

Disability Commission

The Town’s Commission on Disability actively participated in the self-evaluation and the preparation of this report.

Part 2: Program Accessibility

The following is a discussion of the primary findings from the self-evaluation of the Town’s recreation sites and any measures needed to bring them into compliance. Attached to this report is an inventory of each of the Town’s recreation sites.

The Natick Recreation. and Parks Department provides a number of various programs and activities to all members of the community. It is the policy of the Department to accommodate and serve the recreational needs of all its residents, no matter what an individual's disability might be. In many cases, a staff member and/or volunteer is assigned, one on one, to an individual so as to guarantee ones participation in recreation programs.

Recreational activities include indoor swimming opportunities, health and exercise programs, arts and crafts programs, drama programs, social activities and trips, sports programs, day camp programs, and camping trips.

Accessible outdoor recreation facilities are present throughout the park system so as to provide picnicking, walking, swimming, creative play and athletic sport opportunities for all populations of the community.

Examples of facilities within Natick that achieve this goal are Memorial Beach, Camp Arrowhead, Longfellow Sports Club, South Natick Picnic Grove, Cole Recreation Center, Wilson Middle School, Pegan Cove Park, Natick High School Track and the majority of our playgrounds and outdoor basketball courts.

Programs that are attended by our special needs population with participation numbers during each calendar year are available upon request, from the Natick Recreation and Parks Department, and attached here by reference. These programs are supported by the Parents of the Handicapped

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(PATH), who fundraise and work with the Natick Recreation and Parks Department administration towards implementation of said leisure activities.

Highlights and Proposals for Future (see Inventory for detailed status of these sites)

Pegan Cove: The entrance to the main trail from the Washington Avenue parking area is level, but the passage by the gate is marginally too narrow for a wheelchair. The trail from there to the open field has untreated soil surface material which is accessible for challenge levels 1 and 2, and crosses over a broad, even bridge with excellent entrance and exit transitions.. Recommendation: Alter gate bypass to accommodate wheelchairs, both manual and electric.

Middlesex Path: Not currently accessible (marginally) due to entrance width, ground cover and rough terrain. Recommendations: 1) Alter gate bypasses (both ends) to accommodate wheelchairs, both manual and electric. 2) Widen path near stone block to permit wheelchair usage. 3) Investigate moving (or expanding) path to the top of the (currently brush-covered) berm that appears to extend to the VFW parking lot.

Hunnewell Town Forest: From Oak Street, access past gate is insuffiently wide and too uneven to provide wheelchair passage. Minor modifications could correct this problem. The path beyond is solid, hard packed, natural soil, which is accessible.

Camp Arrowhead: Building, which is owned by the state, is not accessible. Recommendation: Work with state to bring up to code.

Part 3: Employment Practices

Attached to this report is a letter from the designated ADA Coordinator stating that Natick’s employment practices are consistent with ADA requirements. Also attached is a copy of Natick’s more detailed policy regarding practices and accommodations for persons with disabilities.

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EXCERPT FROM EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

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NATICK’S ADA POLICY

I. ADMINISTRATION

The ADA Coordinator is Paul Carew, Director of Veterans Services.

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ADA Inventory of Recreation and Conservation Lands and Facilities

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Facility Inventory LOCATION: Daniel J. Murphy Park-155 North Main Street (11.40)*

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic tables Picnic tables meet the ADA requirements. No accessible path of travel to picnic tables - must approach from grass covered ground or over wood chips

Play Areas 2 Composite Both have transfer platforms providing same experience for all structures 2 Swing Sets Ground level Ground surface is manufactured wood fiber providing access to all activities equipment Access Routes From parking lot there is no accessible route -- Must approach from grass covered ground . Within playground area all routes are accessible.

Game Areas Access Routes Only access to fields and court is over grass covered ground - no Softball field accessible path Soccer field No spectator seating 1/2 Court Basketball

Programming Girls Softball Programs are available to all Neighborhood play Youth Soccer practice

Services and Technical Information is available in alternative formats upon request. The Assistance process to request interpretive services or other alternative formats is included in the Town's ADA policies attached.

Parking There are two parking areas. Both are gravel surfaces with no striping for cars. There are no handicapped parking signs designating any space for handicapped parking nor any markings on the ground. Surface slope of parking areas does meet regulations. Openings in surrounding fence are 3ft or greater for access to park.

Site Access, Path of Site Access The accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area and Travel, Entrances parking areas to accessible entrance is hard packed gravel. The whole parking lot is hard packed gravel with no accessible paths of travel indicated. No ponding of water noted. Path of Travel There is no Path of Travel except a paved walkway from No. Main St. to Franconia Road which runs adjacent to the playground area. From parking lots to this walkway one must travel over grassy surfaces, and over grassy surface to either field and basketball court. * Numbers in parentheses refer to Map 12: Protected and Recreational Open Space 137

Entrances The entrance from No. Main St. onto the walkway is accessible, the entrance from Franconia onto the walkway is wide enough; however, is too steep to be accessible. The entrances from the parking areas as stated above for path of travel.

Signage There are no signs at the entrances to the park. At the playground area there is a sign that meets the ADA regulations.

Facility Inventory LOCATION: 164 Oak Street (part of 11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

None This is open space wetlands

Facility Inventory LOCATION: 192 Oak Street (part of 11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

None This is open space wetlands

Facility Inventory LOCATION: 41, 45 and 49 Winter Street (Winter Woods) (11.1)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Trails vary in width from 3 to 4 feet wide. Surface material is natural ground, not level and steep in places. There is no signage other than the sign giving the name for this conservation land.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Oak Hill Road end (11.2)

Activity Equipment Notes

None Very small piece of land from end of road to water's edge down a steep embankment between two neighbors. Appears that neighbors are using for their canoe and row boat. No public access.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 231, 252, and 257 Oak Street, Pine Hill (11.4)

Activity Equipment Notes

None Open space and wetlands, with some rough trails. Not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 10, 15 and 25 Pryor Road (11.6)

Activity Equipment Notes

None Open space, some wetlands, no trails or access visible

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 13 and 20 Pickerel Rd. and Pickerel Rd. End (part of 11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Open space wooded and wetlands with some rough trails. Not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Zero Pamela Road and End Emerson St. (part of 11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

None Open space wooded wetlands, no trails, no access.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 15 Peterson Street off (11.9)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Open space, wooded/wetlands, rough trails are not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 29 Upland Road (tax possession)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Open space, wooded with some wetlands, rough trails are not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 54 Harwood Rd. (part of 11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

Boat Launch for Street side has no access, it is a wooded area with a steep slope to the canoes/rowboats pond. The path is too steep and ground surface of stone and gravel is Path to waterfront not accessible. Boat launch area is not accessible. Trails Trails are rough ground surface with tree roots and unleveled ground. These are not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Harwood Road, behind East School (part of 11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

None Woods and wetlands, open space. No trails or accesses visible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 467,429, and 241 Worcester Road, Hunnewell Town Forest (11.7)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Access with parking on Oak Street. Access without parking on Bacon Street. Bacon Street entrance not accessible due to gate, rough surface, seepness of grade, and pitch (DPW truck access to water tank). Oak

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Street access point: Access past gate is insuffiently wide and too uneven to provide wheelchair passage. Minor modifications could correct this problem. The path beyond is solid, hard packed, natural soil, which is accessible except during or immediately after heavy precipitation. The path continues to be accessible when it forks left (towards field); this trail has slight grade, some minor rockiness, but is marginally accessible to the field. Side trails from this area are too rocky, rooty, and/or steep to be accessible. The entrance path that bears right at the fork along Little Jennings Pond and associated wetlands is accessible for about 50 more feet, but then becomes puddled and uneven. Recommendation: construction of on-grade deck on Little Jennings Pond with a railing to provide fishing and wildlife observation opportunities to both handicapped and non handicapped persons. The rest of the Town Forest consists of many trials, none of which are accessible. Small parking area Parking area off of Oak Street is small, natural ground cover, no striping or signs provided.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 31 Grove Street (11.15)

Activity Equipment Notes

None Small wooded plot

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 10 Shore Road (11.13)

Activity Equipment Notes

Woods and wetlands None

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 42 ½ Bacon Street (11.16)

Activity Equipment Notes

Walkway Narrow strip of property between houses with blacktop walkway connection one street with another. Blacktop walkway is cracked and broken - not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 24 Edwards Street (11.22)

Activity Equipment Notes

Wooded area None No access noted

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 128 Speen Street (11.22)

Activity Equipment Notes

Pond and woods None No access noted

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 111 West Central Street (Middlesex Path) (11.24)

Activity Equipment Notes

Parking lot No handicapped parking provided. Parking lot should have been built with one handicapped parking space marked van accessible as this lot is fairly new. Recommendation: bring parking lot up to code.

Trail Not currently accessible (marginally) due to entrance width, ground cover and rough terrain.The entrance to the main trail from the West Central Street parking area up a slight rise, on grass, but the passage by the gate is marginally too narrow for a wheelchair. The trail from there to the large stone block has mixed surface material, including crushed stone which is marginally wide enough for a wheelchair, and only slightly uneven. The path narrows a bit just before the stone block, becoming inadequately narrow for about 20 feet after the stone block, but then becomes wide and fairly level, still with a natural surface, that might become excessively spongy in wet weather or shortly thereafter. From that point until the gate at the end of Middlesex Avenue, the trail is wide and quite smooth, with only a small dip (puddle potential) about halfway down, and some slight side-to-side pitch in places, less than 5%. At the Middlesex Avenue gate, the sides of the gate are currently too narrow and uneven to allow wheelchair access to this otherwise wheelchair compatible portion of the trail. Also, parking at this end of the trail is on-street, unmarked, and very limited. Side paths of Middlesex Path are too narrow, covered with exposed roots, are on steep slopes or are otherwise inaccessible. Recommendations: 1) Alter gate bypasses (both ends) to accommodate wheelchairs, both manual and electric. 2) Widen path near stone block to permit wheelchair usage. 3) Investigate moving (or expanding) path to the top of the (currently brush-covered) berm that appears to extend to the VFW parking lot. This berm, near the east end of Middlesex Trail, currently hosts the Mountain Bike park, disconnected from the west end by a cross-cut. A trail on the berm would provide much better drainage, and potentially access from the VFW parking area.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Winter Street (3 parcels opposite Frost St.) (part of 11.1)

Activity Equipment Notes

Wooded areas None Small wooded parcels

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Hunter Court (part of 11.24)

Activity Equipment Notes

Wooded area None Wooded area near Middlesex Path. No access.

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 14 Sylvia Avenue (11.25)

Activity Equipment Notes

Wooded area None Small wooded parcel of land.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 26 Mill Street (Town Land/Selectmen)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded parcel of land, no visible access

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Off Farwell Street (11.29)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded area, no visible access

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 90 Cottage Street (11.31)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded parcel near aqueduct, no visible access

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Cottage Street (2 parcels) (11.30,?)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded and wetlands, no visible access

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: South Main Street (3 parcels) (11.35)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded land, no visible access

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 61 Cottage Street (11.36)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Green area next to road with some flowers.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 186 Eliot Street (11.38)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded greenbelt following Charles River- no facilities

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Pegan Lane (Pegan Hill Reservation) (11.39, 12.2)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Not accessible- rough terrain, steep slope, curb at entrance Remainder of property is wooded.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 146 Cottage Street (2 parcels) (11.37)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Wooded land near aqueduct and power lines

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 179 Boden Lane (Cole Recreation Ctr.) (11.41)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Tables with benches Not on accessible path; ground cover is hard packed ground with greater than ¼ inch level change to the concrete pad that the tables sit on; some of the ground cover is wood chips; no backs or arm rest; tables do have wheelchair accessible end, they are at the correct height and there is an adequate number.

Play Areas Play equipment Ground surface is sand with accessible path to composite structure On both sides transfer station. No other equipment is accessible due to the ground Swings, Composite surface. Climbing Structure, etc. Park bench One is accessible, the other is not.

Game Areas Access Routes Fields on both sides of the building have no accessible path of travel - 2 ball fields on the left side the ground cover is wood chips, grass or unleveled 3 soccer fields terrain and on the right side there is a steep slope down onto the field. ½ court basketball There is a black top walk way on two sides of the field at a higher elevation than the field. Park benches There are park benches at the field level that again are not accessible due to the steepness of the slope, no accessible path of travel.

Programming Many programs are There are too many programs to list. Programs for preschoolers, youth, held at this facility teens, adults, seniors and individuals with disabilities are held at this facility year round. All programs are open to individuals with disabilities. The building is accessible and any assistance that may be needed for utilization of the fields is given. Modifications, alternative formats or other assistance is available upon request.

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Services and Technical Information is available in alternative format upon request. There is a assistance process to request interpretive services upon request for meetings, programs or services. Technical assistance is available through the Recreation Department's Special Needs Coordinator and the Town's ADA Coordinator.

Parking 64 spaces There are 2 handicapped parking spaces, no van accessible sign. There should be three handicapped parking spaces, one being van accessible. The two handicapped parking spaces are closest to the main entrance to the building which is accessible. Parking spaces are correctly marked, signed (other than the van sign) and the right dimensions. The surface is blacktop and no greater than 5% slope. There is the correct path of travel to the building.

Site Access Path of Travel Yes Disembarking area No, other than the handicapped parking spaces Surface Yes, the surface if paved or concrete No ponding of water Yes, the surface drains in inclement weather

Path of Travel No stairs There are no stairs at three entrances. There is a lift from the main floor level to the gym level below. Path is stable and slip Yes, the path of travel to the building is paved or concrete surface. resistant 3ft wide Yes. In most place it is more than 3 ft wide Slope max. 1:20 Yes on all walkways Cross slope Is less than 2% on the walkways No change in level Paved walkways are all at the same level and entrances are at the same level or no greater than ¼". Protruding objects None Curb cuts There are curb cuts from the parking lot to the walkway

Entrances Three public entrances are accessible to a person using wheelchair independently. There are no signs. There is five feet of level space from the door on the interior of the building and 4 ft of level space on the exterior of the building. Signs to the accessible Entrances should be provided as required. Doors All doors have at least 32" clear opening There is 18" clearance on the latch pull side of door Door handle The door handle is no higher than 48" and operable With a closed fist. Vestibule The vestibule is more than 4 ft plus the width of the door swinging into space Access to elevators The building has a lift which is accessible from the main entry vestibule very near the main entrance door. Door mats Door mats are less than ½" thick. These are not securely fastened. The door mats need to be securely fastened.

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Signs There are no signs at non-accessible entrance indicating directions to accessible entrances. Emergency egress - There are alarms with flashing lights and audible signals as well as alarms emergency lighting.

Stairs Risers There are no open risers on the set of stairs from the main level to the gym nor on the set of stairs to outside from the connector hall. Treads Treads are minimum of 11" wide Handrails On the inner stairs there is a handrail on both sides. On the outer stairs there is a hand rail on one side that extends from the bottom of the stairs by 12" and connects to the building at the top. There is a level area at the top of the stairs that is greater than 5 ft to the door. On the other side, the handrail extends below the stairs by 12" and extends beyond the stairs by less than 12" then ends there. That side of the landing at the top of the stairs is open. The railings have been removed. This section of railing should be replaced or something else put in its place to prevent someone from falling over the side. Handgrip Handgrips are round, of a smooth surface and measure between 1 ¼” and 1 ½” in size. Clearance to wall The interior handrails are 1 ½” from the wall. There is no wall on the exterior handrails.

Doors Clear opening All doors have greater than 32" clear opening Clear floor space All doors have greater than 18" clear floor space Closing speed All doors have a minimum of 3 second to within 3" of the latch Pressure All interior doors have a maximum pressure of 5 lbs Threshold All thresholds are a maximum of ½" and beveled on both sides Hardware The hardware on the exterior doors is operable with a closed fist. The hardware on the interior of the building is not. The hardware on the interior of the building needs to be changed to that which can be operable with a closed fist. Hardware height Hardware is between 36" and 48" above the floor Level floor space Clear level floor space extends out 5 ft from both sides of door in all interior rooms. All exterior doors have 5 ft of clear level space extending on both sides except the main entrance which has 4 ft of level space on the exterior side of the door. Hazardous areas Doors opening into hazardous areas do not have hardware that is knurled or roughened. This needs be changed.

Restrooms five ft turning space There is one ladies room and one men's room that are accessible. There is a five foot turning space measured at 12" from the floor. Sinks There is one sink in each of the above mentioned restrooms that has a clear floor space of 30" by 48" for a forward approach. The sinks are mounted without pedestals or legs and are 34" to the top of the rim Sinks extend at least 22” from the wall There is a minimum of 19" deep, 30" width and 27" high open knee space. Pipes are not covered with insulation as required. Faucets are operable with a closed fist

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Stall One stall in each of the accessible restroom is a minimum of 60" wide by 72" deep. Stall door is 36" wide. Stall door in the Ladies room swings out. The stall door in the men's room swings in. Stall doors should swing out. In the men's room the depth is greater than 72" allowing the door to swing in without taking away from the 72" clearance. Both stall doors are self closing. The stall door in the ladies room has pull latch on the outside of the door, not on the inside and the men's room does not have a latch on either side. The lock on the stall doors is operable with a closed fist and is 32" above the floor level. The coat hook is 54" high. Toilet Both toilets are 18" from center to nearest side wall Both have 42" minimum clear space from center to farthest wall or fixture On both the top of the seat is 17"-19" above the floor Grab Bars Both have grab bars on the back and side walls closest to the toilet The grab bars are 1 ¼" in diameter with 1 ½" clearance to the wall and are located 30" above and parallel to the floor. The grab bars are roughened surface and 42" long. Fixtures The toilet paper dispenser is located below the grab bar and 24" above the floor One mirror in each restroom is set a maximum of 42" to the bottom and is tilted. Dispensers are a maximum of 42" above the floor, except in the men's room the paper towel dispensers are too high and need to be lowered to 42".

Floors Surface The floors are linoleum tiles and are not non-slip surface. Carpeting is high-density, low pile, non-absorbent, stretched taut and securely anchored. Corridors Corridors are more than 3 ft. wide Protruding Objects There are no protruding objects in the corridors. The only objects are benches, chairs and vending machines. All have a height of less than 27" or greater than 80" and/or have a solid body such as the vending machines.

Drinking Fountains Spouts The spout at the drinking fountain is no higher than 36" from the floor Control to the outlet and is hand operated, but not by push button nor lever control. The control cannot be operated with a closed fist. Knee clearance There is knee space underneath the fountain and there is a clear floor space of 30" x 48" for a parallel approach

Telephones There is not a public phone in this building. Users need to use the office phone when necessary which is accessible. The office also has a TTY machine.

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Signs, Signals, and Switches and controls Almost all switches and controls are a minimum of 36" and a maximum Switches of 48" above the floor for forward reach. Very few were at the 54" height for side reach. Outlets Electrical outlets in the classrooms and most of the office areas were centered no lower than 18" above the floor. In the kitchen area there are some outlets just below the cabinets and above the countertop. These are not reachable by a person in a wheelchair. There were other outlets that are reachable in this room. Warning signals Warning signals are visual and audible. Signs There were no signs in the building nor outside the building other than the one sign on the building that states the name of the building and the department. There should be signs that direct persons to the accessible entrances, signs by each room that tells what room it is, directional signage and signs at the restrooms that include whether it is accessible that meet ADA and AAB regulations.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 185 Speen Street (J.J. Lane Park) (11.18)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic table The picnic area is not accessible as it sits on the top of a hill with a Grills steep grade. There is no accessible path of travel to this area. Trash cans

Game Area Open field generally Open field with grass covered hard packed ground for volleyball or badminton set up

Programming No scheduled The park is open to the general public and can be reserved for group programs outings.

Parking Small gravel lot No parking spaces marked and no signage.

Site Access No accessible path of travel

Building Restroom No accessible entrance to any part of the building. Restrooms not Storage Room accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 79 Walnut Street (Loker Park) (11.42)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic tables No accessible path to picnic tables or benches. The entrance to the park Benches is over hard packed ground and broken pavement then over grass with Trash cans varying degrees of slope.

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Play areas Playground The ground surface is sand in the play area; therefore, is not accessible. equipment No accessible path of travel, transfer platform or other form of access to Benches the equipment.

Game Areas ½ Court basketball From the entrance the only access is over grass covered ground that is uneven. No accessible path of travel. Baskets set at 10' height. Open field No access to lower field due to steep slope from entrance at upper level. On the lower level access is over rough grass surface.

Programming No scheduled programs are held at this park.

Parking There are 10 parking spaces along Bacon Street to the north side of the park with no handicapped parking. There is one handicapped space on Belvidere (on the east side of the park) with access to the park. This is primarily a neighborhood park where people walk to the park.

Site Access No accessible path of travel.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 41 Washington Avenue (Navy Yard Field) (11.43)

Activity Equipment Notes

Play area Playground Ground surface is sand under the equipment and is not accessible. Equipment

Game areas Ball field Seating No accessible path of travel to game areas or spectator seating. Basketball court Basketball rims set at 10' height.

Programming Field scheduled for Little League. No scheduled programs by the Recreation and Park Department. Basketball court used by neighborhood and others for pickup games.

Parking No parking lot. Off street parking or next door at the Italian American Club. No marked spaces.

Restrooms Portable toilet Not accessible. Facility

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: West Central Street (Henry Wilson Memorial Building) (11.44)

Activity Equipment Notes

Building Historical artifacts This is a small historical building containing shoemaking artifacts similar to those used by Henry Wilson. The building is generally locked and not open to the public, but can be viewed through the window. The building is not accessible.

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None None The remainder of the property is open grass and wooded areas.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Pond Street (Indian Burial Ground) (11.46)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None An old cemetery with no amenities. No accessible path of travel.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Cottage Street/ Rte. 27 (Cottage Square) (11.47)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None This is an open grassy area at this intersection.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 20, 12 South Main Street and 3, 5 East Central Street (Natick Common) (11.48)

Activity Equipment Notes

Path of Travel Walkways All walkways are greater than 3 feet and all curb cuts are accessible. Curb cuts

Park benches All park benches are located along an access route All have access to open spaces All have back and arm rests There is an adequate number as all are accessible.

Gazebo Access Route The gazebo is not accessible. There are a set of stairs to the entrance. Stairs The stairs have no open risers, the nosing is not projecting, treads are greater than 11" and there are handrails with a smooth surface on both sides. However the handrails wood, are not oval or round and are much larger than 1 1/4. to 1 1/2 ".

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 90 East Central Street (Lincoln Square) (11.49)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None A triangular area between intersections with grass and flowers.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 9 Chester Road and Sheridan Street End (Coolidge Play Field/Park) (11.50, 11.52)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails Entrance to trails in Coolidge Woods is in the back comer of the park. To access the trail there is no accessible path of travel and the slope of the trail is not accessible. The ground surface of the trail is rough terrain and not accessible. There is an informational kiosk for Coolidge Woods.

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Game Areas Skating area Skating area is not accessible. There is no accessible path of travel to the skating area 2 Ball fields There is no accessible route to the back ball field or the spectator seating at this field. The front field has hard packed level ground surface to player benches and spectator seating. Basketball court There is no accessible route to the basketball court

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 38 School Street Extension (Coolidge Park/Woods) (11.51)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails There are no accessible trails due the steepness of the slope, the natural ground cover and rough terrain. There is an informational kiosk for Coolidge Hill.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 23 Pleasant Street (So. Natick Multipurpose Area) (part of 11.56)

Activity Equipment Notes

Game Area Basketball Court Court has curbing around the court which prohibits access to wheelchair users. Basket rims are set at 10' height.

None None The remainder of the property is open space, wetlands, flood plain and greenbelt along the Charles River.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Pleasant Street (Grove Park) (part of 11.56)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic table The ground surface is rough with tree roots, pine needles and bark Grills mulch, although it is level [less than 1:20]. There is no prepared access Trash cans route. The height of the tables and grills meets accessibility requirements, but the ground surface needs attention to take away mounds of earth and debris where they have accumulated. Trash cans are located near picnic tables. The back picnic tables are not accessible

Fishing area None There is an area at the end of the point with railings overlooking the Charles River where many people fish. The path of travel to this area is rough with roots, bark mulch, pine cones and pine needles. With maintenance this could be an accessible route.

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 33 Glen Street (Glen Street Park) (11.55)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None This property is woods, wetlands and flood plain bordered by homes and the Charles River.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 7 Pleasant Street (South Dam Park) (11.57)

Activity Equipment Notes

Park benches and The park is accessible at the Pleasant Street entrance, but not from the walkways Bacon Library side as the slope is too steep. The walkways are paved, but broken up and heaving under trees in some places. The walkway is 4' wide and wider in some areas. The park benches are along the walkway; however, only two would be along the walkway that is 1:20. The other walkway is too steep. The ground cover needs to be built up in front of the benches so that the level change from the walkway or ground to the concrete slab for the benches has a level change of no more than ¼ inch. The benches have back and arm rests.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 53 Eliot Street (Old Town or Shaw Park) (11.58)

Activity Equipment Notes

Walkway None The walkway in from the driveway on the right of the main entrance needs work to bring it back into compliance. There are some unleveled areas. The slope and width are in compliance. All walkways are hard packed ground and stone dust and are of the correct width. There is no change in level. The accessible entrance is from a private parking lot that has handicapped parking. No parking is provided except on the street. There are no handicapped parking spaces on the street.

Entrance way Steps The front entrance has steps with stone walls on each side. There are no handrails. The steps do not have open risers and the nosing are not projecting. The treads are greater than 11 inches. These stairs need handrails to comply with regulations.

Historical element In the back of the park is a high curved stone wall with a bench built into the wall, grist mill stones in the ground and flower beds on both sides. This area is up two -three steps from the main park level. This area is not accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 24 Pleasant St. (Hunnewell Farm Fields)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic tables The picnic tables are located in an area where there is no access except over rough ground. These are not accessible.

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Play area Playground There are no accessible elements and the ground surface is not equipment accessible.

Game Areas 3 Ball fields The entrance to the lower field is off Pleasant St. This entrance to the fields is not accessible. The slope from the sidewalk to the field is 3.5" : 24". There is no accessible route to the player's benches nor to the spectator seating. The back field is not accessible from either entrance due steep slope and rough terrain. The upper field is accessible to the spectator seating. The ground surface need some re-grading to bring it back into compliance to provide access to the dug outs. Batting cage The batting cages are on hard packed ground located near the parking lot. The ground is level. Inclement weather could cause muddy conditions.

Programming Little League These are the primary field for the Little League. The Recreation and Parks department does not schedule programs in this area; they only schedule the field for Little League. It is our understanding that Little League does provide access for individuals with disabilities.

Parking The parking lot is stone and gravel. This is not an accessible surface. There are no markings for parking spaces. There are two handicapped parking signs which are not at the correct height. There is no van accessible parking sign. It is estimated that about 51-60 cars could park in the lot which would require three handicapped parking spaces with one being van accessible. There should be one of these spaces available at the concession stand end of the parking lot, with two near the upper field mounted at a height at a minimum of 5’ and maximum of 8' to the top of sign.

Concession Building Access to the interior of the building was not possible; however, the building is not accessible. There is a change of level greater than ¼” from the ground to the concrete slab the building rests on. There was also a second smaller building which appears to be a maintenance shed. This was also not accessible.

Toilet Portable Toilets There were two portable toilets near the parking lot. Neither of these were handicapped accessible.

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 18 E. Evergreen Road (Bennett-Hemenway) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

Play Areas Playground The playground in back of the school's ground surface is manufactured equipment wood fiber and has a transfer platform on the composite structure. All ground elements are accessible. The entrance to the playground, however, has a slope greater than 1:20 and is actually very steep. This needs to be changed. The playground on the E. Evergreen Street side also has a ground surface of manufactured wood fiber and a paved path to the playground. There is a 3" edge onto the path to the equipment. The equipment is accessible.

Game Areas Ball Fields Access to the ball field is over natural grass surface, no accessible path of travel is provided. Soccer Field Access to the soccer field is over natural grass surface, no accessible path of travel is provided.

Parking Est. 75 parking There are 4 handicapped parking spaces with signs in between each two spaces pointing the space on either side of the sign. The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Regulations require one sign at the head of each space. A drop off area is provided. There is no clear path of travel from the handicapped parking spaces to the entrance. Persons would need to go behind cars and through the parking lot to get to the curb cut near the entrance.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 24 Rutledge Road (Wilson School) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None The school and grounds were entirely rebuilt in 2003 and met the ADA requirements at that time. With curb cuts, ramps, and level transitions, the gymnasium areas are ADA accessible. The outdoor basketball courts are also on grade and accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 7 Oak Street (Lilja School, Sargent and Mathworks Field) (Schools, 11.64)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic tables There are a couple of picnic tables located behind the school toward Sargent Field. There is no accessible path of travel to these tables. Park benches There are park benches along the paved walkway from the parking lot toward the school. These are accessible and have back and arm rests.

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Play Areas Playground There are two playgrounds at this site. The playground on the Bacon Equipment Street side has pea stone ground surface with an access pad to the stairs on the composite structure rather than to the transfer station. Therefore, this playground is not accessible for any elements of play. Park benches in this area are not accessible. The second playground on the Oak Street side also has pea stone as a ground surface which is not accessible. There is an accessible path, but it is buried in pea stone and therefore is not accessible. The composite structure does have a transfer platform, but no other elements are accessible.

Game Areas Ball Fields The new parking lot at Mathworks Field includes two handicapped spaces, with easy access to Mathworks Field and a somewhat longer access via sidewalk to Sargent Field. Jogging Trail The trail is not accessible because it is at the same level as the field down a steep slope. The trail is stone dust on hard packed ground and is wide enough if an accessible path of travel were established. Ball Fields There are two fields up by the school. The lower, smaller field is not accessible as it sits down at the bottom of a steep slope. The upper field is accessible over hard packed level ground. Basketball court The path of travel from the court to the main entrance of the school is accessible. Basket rims are not easily adjustable for height. In the path of travel from the basketball court or play area to the main entrance there is a grate with openings greater than ½ inch.

Programming The ball fields are used by Little League, scheduled through the Recreation and Park Department. The schools use the fields and play area for recesses and special events. There is no other programming that occurs on this site.

Parking MathWorks Field There are two handicapped spaces in this lot. There is a curb cut to the Parking lot walkway. Lilja School Parking There are two handicapped parking spaces in the front of the building on the field side. These are on a cross slope that is far greater than 2%. The right side of the curb cut is 15% and should not be greater than 1:10. There is not a van accessible access aisle between the parking spaces and no van accessible sign. Existing signs are lower than 5 feet. This location is not the closest to the entrance to the building. These need to be moved to the more level

Site Access Path of Travel The path of travel from the handicapped parking spaces in front of the school is too steep. The path of travel from the handicapped parking on the Oak Street side of the building meets the regulations. The path of travel from the parking lot at Mathworks Field is accessible. The portion of the parking lot by Sargent Field is not accessible, because there is a steep drop to the field. Disembarking There is a disembarking area on both sides of the school with curb cuts to the walkways. Surface Surface is concrete or paved. Ponding of water Ponding of water should not occur at these sites.

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Path of Travel The path of travel does not require the use of stairs, the paths are concrete or paved and are greater than 3 feet wide. The slopes vary. In some areas they meet the regulations and in others they are far too steep especially on the right side of the main entrance. There is no change in level, no protruding objects and there are curb cuts at appropriate locations.

Signage There are signs for Lilja School, Sargent Field, and Mathworks Field.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Mill/Hartford Street (Kennedy Middle School) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

Game Areas Soccer field There is path of travel to the fields. Access is over grass covered Ball field ground and is not level in all areas.

Programming The fields are scheduled by the Recreation and Parks Department for Little League and Youth Soccer usage. The Recreation and Parks Department also holds a large summer camp program at this facility during the summer. All programs are open to individuals with disabilities and the facility is accessible with some exceptions. In the facility the program areas used are accessible. Services and Technical Alternative formats and interpreter services are available upon request. Assistance

Parking There are four handicapped parking spaces, no van accessible space. Signs are at an incorrect height and need to be changes to between 5 feet and 8 feet. The accessible spaces are closest to the handicapped entrance. Striping does not comply with the regulations. Surface is paved and on level ground. The path of travel to the curb cut and handicapped entrance brings a person behind the cars and across the drive. Curb cut at main entrance, the sides do not meet the slope requirements.

Ramps The ramp at the entrance on the right has a slope of 15% which is far greater than allowed by the regulations. The ramp has appropriate handrails on both sides.

Site Access Parking to entrance The surface is paved, in some areas needs maintenance. Appears to have some low areas that may pond during rain.

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Path of Travel To building The path of travel to the building does not require the use of stairs, is stable, firm and slip resistant and is greater than 3 feet wide. The slope is less than 5% except at the ramp and there is no level change greater than ½.". There are no protruding objects to the building. To game area The handicapped parking is in front of the school and the fields are behind the school. This is a long distance to travel which makes the fields not accessible to many individuals with disabilities. There is paved walkway from the parking lot around to the back of the school. From the walkway access to the fields is over uneven grass covered ground.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 80 Hartford Street (Brown School) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

Play Areas Play equipment Playground on right of school has access path to the stairs instead of the Access Routes transfer platform. Ground cover is manufactured wood fiber around the composite structure which is an accessible surface. The ground surface needs to be maintained. Individual pieces of play equipment are primarily in lower level and the slope to this playground equipment is too steep. Access route from parking area or school is concrete walkway. Access route throughout playground is hard packed ground or pavement. The playground on the left of the school needs ground surface maintenance and the ground surface needs to be brought up to the same level as the brick entrance. At this time the playground is not accessible due to the level change from the brick entrance to the ground surface of the playground. The individual pieces in the playground, i.e. swings, seesaw, etc. are not accessible. There is a curb cuts from the parking area onto the walkways and the entrance to the playground on right side, but not on left side

Game Areas Basketball court The basketball court is accessible. Height of basket rim is estimated at 8'. Ball Field Baseball and Soccer fields do not have an accessible route to the benches or field as there is only the grass covered ground. There should be an accessible route of travel to the field and benches.

Programming The fields are scheduled through the Recreation and Parks Department for use by Little League and Youth Soccer. They are also used by the day camp program operated by the Recreation and Parks Department during the summer. Programs are open to individuals with disabilities. Services and Alternative formats and interpreter services are available upon request. Technical Assistance The ADA Coordinator is available for technical assistance.

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Parking The handicapped parking spaces to the left of the front door have a slope for parking that exceed 2%. Handicapped parking on the right side of the building need to be reconfigured. There should be a curb cut in-between each parking space to the walkway. The handicapped parking signs are 8'11" high and should be between 5' and 8' high. There is no van accessible space on either side. The spaces on the left are closets to the entrance and there is a drop off area in front of the school.

Site Access and The route from the school to the field includes a walkway in the island Path of Travel by the flagpole. This walkway has a slope exceeding 5% and therefore is a ramp. This needs to be graded to meet requirements for walkways or needs handrails on both sides for a ramp. The sidewalk cross-slope in front of the school is greater than 2% and should be less than 2%.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 124 Pond Street (Natick High School and Memorial Beach) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

High School All the fields near the High School have been removed for construction Play Areas of the new High School (due to be completed in September 2012). After that, when the old High School is torn down, new fields, basketball and tennis courts will be created and will meet current ADA requirements.

Football Field At the stadium entrance to the track and field and football fields, the clear opening of the gate measured 24 inches. The stadium entrance to the track and field and football fields is accessible.The path of travel to the concession stands on the west side of the football field is not a firm stable surface as defined. The west side stadium seating is accessible. The entrance to the south side of the football stadium near the shot-put area, there was a lip of 4 inches to get onto the sidewalk. The east side stadium seating is accessible. The concession stands on the east side of the football field do not have a firm, stable path of travel. Mahan Baseball Field This field is not accessible. The path of travel to the field is rough terrain. The restrooms are not accessible. The batting cages, seating and dugouts are not accessible. Soccer Fields These fields are not accessible. The path of travel to the fields and seating is over grassy surface. Practice Fields The practice fields behind the football field are not accessible. There is a gravel drive that goes back to the field, but this is uneven and the slope is greater than 1:20.

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Programming These fields are used primarily by the schools. The softball fields are used by Men’s and Women's softball and the public uses the basketball and tennis courts. The Recreation and Parks Department schedules the softball fields, operated the Women's Softball league and offers tennis lessons and the tennis association at the·tennis courts. The town requires that all programs be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Services and Alternative formats and interpreter services are available upon request. Technical Assistance The ADA Coordinator is available for technical assistance.

Parking and There are 7 handicapped spaces included in 168 parking spaces. In the Site Access front of the school at the handicap parking the left most HP space the width measured 8 feet 3 inches which meets code. The left HP space in front of the school has an access aisle that measured 5 feet wide which meet code. The right HP space, on the right side of the access aisle, in front of the school measured 12 feet in width. The 3rd HD space in front of the school measured 13 feet in width. There was no van accessible stripped access aisle at the HP parking in front of the school. The crosswalk at the front of the school, at the HP parking, there were no curb cuts provided. At the main entrance the north curb cut in front of the Auditorium entrance doors measured Center: 18.9% Left: 18.8% Right: 23.9%. These all too steep. There is no path of travel from the upper parking spaces to the lower parking spaces. At the exit of the front driveway the south side curb cut measured Center: 9.9% This should not exceed 8% At the exit of the front driveway the south side curb cut directs people into the path of traffic. There is no reciprocal curb cut to the south side curb cut provided at the exit of the front driveway.·· The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the north curb cut measured: Center: 8.4% Right: 9.9% The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the north curb cut had a lip greater than 112 inch. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the north curb cut directs people into the path of traffic. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the north curb cut has pooling of water at the lip of the curb cut. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the south curb cut measured: Center: 13.9 Left: 10.0% · The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the south curb cut had pooling of water at the lip of the curb cut. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the 2nd parking lot, north entrance, the south curb cut The curb cut heading south on West Street at the 2nd parking lot, south entrance, the north curb cut had a lip greater than 1/2 inch. The curb cut heading south on West Street at the north entrance to the lower lower parking lot, the south curb cut measured: Center: 11.0%, sides, 11.4% The sidewalk heading south on West Street, between the lower parking lot and the lower lower parking lot there is no edge protection on the interior side of the sidewalk. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the south entrance to the

158 lower lower parking lot, the north curb cut measured: Center: 9.6% The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the south entrance to the lower lower parking lot, the south curb cut measured: Center: 5.8% Left: 8.2% Right: 7.4% The curb cut heading south on West Street at the south entrance to the lower lower parking lot, the south curb cut directs people into the path of traffic. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the south entrance to the lower lower parking lot, the south curb cut has pooling of water at the lip of the curb cut. The curb cut heading south on West Street, at the south entrance to the lower lower parking lot, the south curb cut has a lip that is greater than 112 inch. The curb cut in the lower lower parking lot measured: Center: 13.9% Left: 14.0% In the student parking lot near the student drop off there was a built-up curb ramp with no side protection. The slope of the built-up curb ramp at the student drop off in the lower lower parking lot measured 9.9%. On the south side of the gymnasium entrances there are 5 doors with exterior handles and 10 inch lips at the doors. The HP space outside the south side of the gymnasium has been removed. There is no handicapped parking in this parking lot for the gymnasium, field nor tennis courts. There were no curb cuts to provide access onto the sidewalk near the gymnasium. At the west side of the gymnasium on the south side of the building, the built up curb ramp has a running slope that measured 12.5%. At the west side of the gymnasium on the south side of the building, the built up curb ramp does not have any protection from the vehicular lane. The door leading around the tennis court near the lake, measured less than a 36 inch clear opening. At the southwest comer of the building the sidewalk leading to the entrance has pooling of water. At the southwest comer of the building the sidewalk leading to the entrance has a lip that measured 1 inch. At the exterior doorway that leads to the entrance to the cross over bridge had a lip that measured 3/4 inch. At the exterior doorway that leads to the entrance to the cross over bridge the doorway had a clear opening that measured less than 36" inches. The walkway that leads to the doorway to the cross over bridge there is pooling of water along that walkway. The north side entrance to the ramp on the west side of the building does not have· a flat level area. On the south side of the ramp, there is no path of travel to the doors. At the sidewalk at the entrance at the rear of the building at the "tow area/No parking" sign the sidewalk is in disrepair. The sidewalk at the entrance at the rear of the building at the "tow area/No parking" sign the sidewalk has no flat level area. The sidewalk at the entrance at the rear of the building at the "tow area/No parking" sign the sidewalk has a lip that measured 1 3/4 inches. The doorway at the entrance at the rear of the building at the "Tow

159

area/No parking" sign measured a 29 l/2 inch clear opening. At the North Star entrance there is a step up to the doors. At the Summer Program Office doors to maintenance area there are steps up to the double doors. At the main entrance on the north side driveway, the curb cut on the west side, heading to the street had a 3 inch lip. At the main entrance On the north side driveway, the curb cut on the west side, heading to the street measured: Center: 9.5% Left: 12.5% At the main entrance on the north side driveway, the curb cut on the west side, heading to the street has pooling of water. At the main entrance on the north side driveway, the curb cut on the west side, heading to the street directs people into the path of traffic of the driveway. The main entrance on the north side driveway, the curb cut heading to the driveway east side measured: Center: 8.5% Right: 6.5% At the main entrance north side on West Street the curb cut leads people into the path of traffic. At the main entrance north side on west measured- Center: 7.7% Left: 12.6% Right: 8.1% On the north side of the main entrance the south side curb cut measured: Center: 9.2% Left: 9.0% On the north side of the main entrance the south side curb cut leads people into the path of traffic. On the north side of the main entrance the south side curb cut had a lip that measured 3/4 inches. The student parking across from West Street had a 28 l/2 inch clear opening to the sidewalk. The sidewalk near the entrance to the student parking across from West Street near the guardrail measured 39 inches wide. · The sidewalk leading down to the student parking across from West Street (NOT the topography of the land!!) had a running slope that measured 23.9% and 21.7%. The sidewalk leading down to the student parking across from West Street (NOT the topograph)' of the land!!) had pooling of water at the bottom. On the sidewalk that leads down into the vehicle entrance to the student parking across from West Street, the blend to common level measured a running slope of 16.9%. The sidewalk at the student parking across from West Street measured 41 l/2 inches wide. The curb cut on the east side of school leading to the main entrance walkway measured: Center: 7.6% Right: 10.3% There were 310 parking spaces at this location at the school site and 164 spaces at the football field. There are 117 parking spaces located at Mahan field with no handicapped parking spaces.

Signs Need directional signage to direct people to an accessible entrance.

Memorial Beach

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Picnic Facilities Picnic Tables Located beyond the accessible path over grass covered ground, not an accessible path of travel. Picnic tables are at the correct height with open end for wheelchairs. Grills Located in the same area with the picnic tables. Trash cans Located in the same area.

Swimming Beach Accessible path from gate entrance to water, bathhouse including restrooms and concession. Entrance to beach is across the street from the football field parking lot which is also used for the beach. This distance is greater than 200 feet. Plans have been developed to create two handicapped spaces within the beach property. The only shade that is provided is in the picnic area.

Programming The Recreation and Parks Department operates swimming lessons, a swim team and other programs at this site. All programs are open to individuals with disabilities. Services and Technical Alternative formats and interpreter services are available upon request. Assistance The ADA Coordinator as well as several special needs staff in the Recreation Department are available for technical assistance.

Parking The parking lot used for the beach is the same as discussed above for the football field.

Site Access Path of travel There is a paved walkway with curb cuts from the parking lot to the entrance of the beach. If parking is provided on site an accessible path of travel from these parking spaces would need to be created. Disembark area There is not a disembarking area other than stopping on the street. There is a curb cut and sidewalk at the entrance to the beach. Surface The surface is evenly paved. Ponding of water There is ponding of water next to the curb but at the entrance.

Path of Travel The path of travel is a sidewalk, paved on the exterior of the beach along the street, concrete inside the beach area. The path is stable firm and slip resistant and is a minimum of 3 feet wide. The slope of the sidewalks are a maximum of 1:20 with a cross pitch of 2%or less. There is a continuous common surface, no changes in level greater than ½ inch. There are no protruding objects. There are curb cuts parking, corners, drives and in front of the entrance.

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Entrances Primary entrance The primary entrance, gate entrance, to the beach is accessible to persons using wheelchairs independently. There is no signage. Any postings or signage need to meet the ADA and AAB regulations. In front of and after the gate there is a level area. As the gate is open when the beach is open there are no doors or gates to open. This is one continuous path of travel from the side walk, through the gate, to the sidewalk inside the beach. The gate does allow for a 36" clear opening. Bathhouse entrances The entrances to the restrooms are accessible with the path of travel at the same level as the entrance. The doors allow a 36" clear opening with a 18" clear floor space on the latch, pull side of the door. Door handles are no higher than 48" and are operable with a closed fist. The entrances are accessible to persons using wheelchairs independently. Signs at these entrances do meet AAB regulations. The entrances to the guard room, inside the concession area and the first aid room are not accessible as there is one step down to gain entrance to the guard room or concession area and one step up to the first aid room. These are employee areas only and not open to the public unless an injury occurs. All of these areas need to comply with ADA regulations; however, when work was last done at this building AAB regulations did not apply to employee areas.

Restrooms The restrooms were renovated to meet AAB regulations prior to 2002. Sink There is a five foot turning space measured at 12" from the floor. At least one sink in each room has a clear floor space of 30" x 48" without legs or pedestal and extends 22" from the wall. There is appropriate knee space and faucets are operable with a closed fist. The pipes are not covered with insulation. Stall There is one stall in each restroom that are 60" x 72", with a door that is 36'' wide, is self closing and has a pull latch. The latch on the stall door is operable with a closed fist and 32" above the floor. Toilet The toilets are 18" from center to nearest wall, with a 42" clear space from center to farthest wall. The top of the seats are 17"-19" above the floor. Grab bars Grab bars are located on the back and side wall in both men's and women's stalls and meet the measurements as required. Fixtures The toilet paper dispensers are 24" above the floor. One mirror in each restroom is tilted and set at 42" to the bottom. Dispensers are a maximum of 42" above the floor.

Floors The floors are concrete, painted with a slip resistant paint so that when wet users of the beach do not slip and fall. There are no mats or rugs in the building. There are no protruding objects.

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Telephone The telephone is located just inside the dutch doors to the guard room. The telephone is not accessible to persons using a wheelchair without assistance. This is a payphone and within the guard room does meet the requirements for height, but not the access and reach measurements. The telephone does have volume control. There is a second phone for staff and emergency use in the first aid room. This phone is not accessible.

Switches, Controls, Switches and controls are located between 36" and 48" above the floor. Signs There are no electrical outlets in public areas. There are no alarms or warning signals. The only signs are those at each restroom and these meet the requirements. Other postings are put up from time to time, i.e. flyers, posters, etc. that do not meet the requirements.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: South Main Street/Pitt Street (Johnson School) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

Play Areas Playground There is a paved path into the play area, then the area is not accessible. equipment The paved area ends at an octagonal shaped paved area then there is a level drop that far exceeds ½''. The ground surface in the play area is manufactured wood fiber which is an accessible material. There are landscape beams between the main area and the sandbox and log house. This prohibits access for a wheelchair user. At the rubber matting access pad there is a level change to the ground surface that exceeds ½''. Park benches These are not accessible. There is no accessible path of travel.

Game areas Ball field There is no accessible path of travel to this field which serves as a Little league field and soccer field. Courts Behind the school are a basketball court and street hockey court.· These are not accessible. There is no path of travel to these courts.

Programming The Recreation and Parks Department utilize the street hockey court for programming and schedule the fields for use by Little league, Youth Soccer and groups. As this site is not accessible programs would need to move to another location should a person with a disability register for a program initially schedule for this site. Services and Technical Alternative formats and interpreter services are available upon request. Assistance The ADA Coordinator and Recreation Special Needs staff are available for technical assistance.

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Parking Parking for the school is primarily in back of the school with no markings in a dirt lot. No outdoor facilities are handicapped accessible from this parking lot. There is some parking in front and along the drive that are not marked; however, the drive.in front of the school is very steep. Handicapped parking would need to be behind the school for an accessible entrance to the school and at the street level in front of the school for access to the play area. No other facilities would be accessible due the steep grades of the property.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: West Street across from Memorial Field (Timothy Coolidge Hill) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails This is a woody, hilly property, with no programmed activity. The trails on this hill are not ADA accessible. Sometime prior to 2002, an adventure course existed on this property.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Eliot Street (Community Farm) (11.32)

Activity Equipment Notes

Sugar Shack Not accessible. No accessible path of travel and door is too narrow. No room inside for a wheelchair. A new building would have to built to provide for accessibility.

Trails There are numerous trails on the farm property. Most are wide enough and are hard packed ground or untreated soil. For many of the trails slope meets the requirements for a path of travel. Due to the ground cover most trails are a Challenge level 1 or level 2. The back trails are more narrow footpaths on steeper slopes or along wetlands.

Greenhouse There is a level change at one door of 1 ½ inches and stairs at the other door. The aisles in the greenhouse are less than 36" due to the number of raised beds.

Parking Parking is along the drive or near the workshop building on gravel and hard packed ground. No parking spaces are marked. No handicapped parking is designated. Should have at least one space near the accessible entrance to the workshop building on level ground.

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Workshop Building At the store entrance there is a level change greater than ½''. This could be corrected if the ground surface were re-graded. The entrance into the kitchen and the entrance into the older workshop area are not accessible due to a step up and change of level greater than ½''. The back entrance to the newer workshop is by stairs. The side entrance into the newer workshop area is accessible. The ramp leading to this entrance has a level change greater than ½''. Re-grading the ground surface would eliminate this change in level. The ramp also needs handrails on both sides. The entrance provides for a 36" clear opening. The sink in newer workshop is not accessible. The kitchen in older workshop area is not accessible. There is one restroom that was built to be accessible; however, the grab bar in back of the toilet has been removed, cabinets have been built under the sink and the room is used for storage of items. This restroom needs to be renovated to be accessible by the removal of the cabinet under the sink, the restoration of the grab bar on the back wall and the removal of many of the items stored.

Animal pens Most of the animal pens are not easily accessible due to the rough terrain of the land and no accessible path of travel.

Bam The barn and greenhouse attached to the barn are not accessible due to the steep slope at both entrances and level changes greater that ½".

Farm Stand on Eliot The farm stand is along the sidewalk on Eliot Street with a paved Street surface to the stand itself and is therefore accessible.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Elliot Street (Memorial School) (Schools)

Activity Equipment Notes

Not accessible as slope is 3":24".

Play Areas Play equipment The playground on this side of the building near the tennis courts is not handicapped accessible. The playground has an accessible route of travel to the composite structure. There is no transfer platform or ramp onto the composite structure. The handrails on the stairs are square and do not meet code. No other play elements accessible The playground in front by the ball field has horizontal bars that are not accessible due the ground surface. The ground cover in the playground is pea stone which has built up over the accessible path and on the ramp to the equipment. This makes this playground inaccessible. Railings on the ramp are square and do not meet regulations for handrails. The smaller composite structure has no accessible path of travel to it.

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Game Areas Ball fields There is a paved walkway that is next to the front ball field and soccer fields. This walkway needs repair as there is heaving and cracks. Access to the field from the side walk is grass covered ground. Spectator seating for the ball field is close to the side walk and is accessible over hard packed ground. The back ball field is near the paved area in front of the school. There is no accessible path of travel as access is over uneven grass covered ground and in some areas does not drain well so there is often ponding of water. Basketball court The basketball court is next to the sidewalk. The court surface is cracked and in need of repair. The basketball rims are estimated at 10' height. Tennis courts The tennis courts are not accessible. The entrance is too narrow.

Programming The Recreation and Parks Department schedules the ball fields and soccer fields for Men's Softball, other adult softball leagues and youth soccer. Other areas are open to public use. Services and Technical Alternative formats and interpreter services are available upon request. Assistance Technical assistance is available by the ADA Coordinator and Special Needs staff of the department.

Parking Handicapped parking spaces by the tennis courts need to be re•striped for van access and a van accessible sign needs to be added. There should also be signage outside directing persons to the accessible entrance. According to present regulations the path of travel from handicapped parking spaces should be from the striped area between parking spaces and should not have the person going out into the parking lot to an accessible route to the entrance. There were about 40 parking spaces in the parking lot which would require 2 handicapped parking spaces, one of which needs to be van accessible.

Ramps Ramp at front entrance has handrails that are 2" out from the wall. The outside handrail has support posts which interfere with a continuous surface. Stairways and ramps need to have separate handrails, not shared handrails in order to provide a continuous surface without interruption by newel posts or other obstructions. The handrails on stairs must be continuous. All wood handrails on the exterior of the building need to be replaced, as these do not meet any of the present requirements.

Site Access There is a disembarking area near the front entrance to the school with a curb cut that has slopes that are too steep. The walkway is concrete and leads to stairs and a ramp. The surface is evenly paved and would not pond in this area.

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Path of Travel The curb cut at the front entrance off the circle has slopes that are 9.7% on the long slope and 21.6% and 17.7% on the short slopes. To the building there is a ramp as well as stairs as noted above. Path of travel to ball fields, soccer fields and other activity areas is discussed above. Measurements meet requirements other than those noted.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: 324 North Main Street (State Land) (Tax Title)

Activity Equipment Notes

None None Small area of open space land

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: West Hill Park (State owned/Housing Authoritv) (Other public/unprotected)

Activity Equipment Notes

Game Area Ball field No parking. Access is over grass covered ground. No spectator seating.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Camp Arrowhead/Amputee Veteran's site (State owned/ DCR) (part of 11.68)

Activity Equipment Notes

This is the site for the Camp Arrowhead program operated by the Recreation and Parks department for children with disabilities and others. This site is also the headquarters for the Amputee Veteran's of America. The site is overseen by OEM through Cochituate State Park. Swim Facility Beach There is an accessible path not only to the water, but into the water. There are no handrails. The driveway is paved as are paths into the building and to the beach area. The changing facilities are accessible. The toilet in each of the changing rooms is not. The restrooms in the main building are accessible.

Piers There are floating piers at the site which we were unable to survey as they were not set up.

Programming Special needs programs are held at this site during the summer months. The facility was renovated to make it accessible circa 1990. All activities at this site are accessible. Services and Technical Services at this site do provide modifications, alternative formats if Assistance needed and if needed interpreter services. The ADA Coordinator is available for technical assistance and the program staff at this site have training and experience working with individuals with disabilities.

Parking There is no marked parking at the camp site. There is an island that the drive circles for drop off by parents, buses, vans, etc. Amputee Veterans park on the circle or near the building.

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Site Access There is accessible path of travel from passenger disembarking area. Disembarking is at an accessible entrance. The surface is paved or concrete along the path of travel. There is no ponding of water at this area.

Path of travel Path does not require the use of stairs. Path is stable, firm and slip resistant and is more than 3 feet wide. The slope is a maximum of 1:20 with a cross pitch of 2% or less except for the path of travel to the waters edge. This path is too steep. There is a continuous common surface with no change in level greater than ½ inch except at the front door where the level change exceeds ½ inch. There are no protruding objects and curb cuts are not needed.

Entrances There are two primary entrances to the building: one set of double doors in the front and a set of double doors on the side off the patio. The doors off the patio are accessible and meet all requirements. The front door meets all requirements except for the level change that exceeds ½ inch at this entrance. The other two doors do not have an accessible path of travel and there is a step up to entrance door. There is no signage outside of the building. This building is owned by the state, and the Town has been unable to upgrade accessibility. Recommendation: The Town work with the state to upgrade building to meet code.

Restrooms In the main building the restrooms were renovated to meet AAB regulations with one exception. A variance was requested and approved regarding the access area in the stall. The stalls are two inches short of 60" x 72". All other measurements and requirements were adhered to. The toilets in the changing rooms do not meet the requirements.

Floors Floors in the building are linoleum tiles. There is no carpeting. There no protruding objects.

Telephone The telephone is located in the kitchen and sits on a table. The location is accessible.

Kitchen The kitchen does not have an accessible sink.

Switches, controls and Switches and controls are located at a minimum of 36" and a maximum signs of 48". Electrical outlets are located at various levels but no lower than 18" above the floor. The only signs are the restrooms and these meet requirements.

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: (State owned/ DCR) Pegan Cove Park (part of 11.68)

Activity Equipment Notes

Trails The entrance to the main trail from the Washington Avenue parking area is level, but the passage by the gate is marginally too narrow for a wheelchair. The trail from there to the open field has untreated soil surface material which is accessible for challenge levels 1 and 2, and crosses over a broad, level bridge with good entrance and exit transitions. This path is wide and fairly level. Other paths, including the right-hand fork to the water area, shortly after entering the main trail, are too narrow, cross over brooks, are on steep slopes or otherwise inaccessible. Recommendation: Alter gate bypass to accommodate wheelchairs, both manual and electric.

Programming The remainder of the property is open space, woods, and wetlands. No programming occurs at this site

Parking The parking lot is gravel and natural soil with no markings for spaces. There is no handicapped parking designated in this lot.

Signage There are two signs: one at the entrance stating the name of the park and meets Land and Water Conservation Fund requirements. The second sign is at the end of the parking area before you enter the park with a map of the trails. This sign does not meet ADA or AAB regulations.

Historical site None There is a stone wall separating the cemetery from the sidewalk. Anyone entering would have to climb the stone to get in. There is no accessible route.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: (Boden Lane Cemetery) (11.65)

Activity Equipment Notes

Historical site None There is a stone wall separating the cemetery from the sidewalk. Anyone entering would have to climb the stone to get in. There is no accessible route.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: South Natick Cemetery (15.4)

Activity Equipment Notes

Historical site None No accessible route.

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Facilities Inventory Megonko Road (Camp Mary Bunker) (11.60)

Activity Equipment Notes

Picnic Facilities Picnic tables The picnic tables are in open area down the hill by the lake. The trail or path as described below ends at the picnic area. The ground surface is natural soil, is accessible to open spaces and two of the three tables are handicapped accessible. There is a fire ring made of stones in the open area near the picnic tables. The open are around the fire ring is natural soil.

Trails The trail or path from the parking area and main building to the open area below follows by each of the tent platforms. The trail is natural soil and packed stone dust. The trail needs to be maintained to maintain it as an accessible path of travel. The trail is wider than 36" and meets slope requirements. There is no signage.

Tent platforms Three of the five tent platforms have a ramp from the walkway to the platform. The other two have a step or two up. The handrails on the ramps do not meet requirements. The platforms have a edge around them to prevent wheelchairs from rolling off. Tents tie down to the platform to form walls on three sides with a flexible opening in the front. The tent platforms are along a path that is natural soil and packed stone dust.

Programming No programs occur at this site at this time. The area is open to the public to picnic and to launch non-motorized watercraft. The land near the water does not belong to the Town and no improvements have been made in this area.

Parking There is no parking lot per se. The area at the top of the drive is used for parking. There are designated spaces nor any designated spaces for handicapped parking.

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Main building Restrooms Both the men's room and ladies' room are accessible. Doors have a minimum of 32" clear openings, are on an accessible route and have 18" clear space on the latch pull side of the door. There is 5 ft turning space measured 12" from the floor. One sink in each room has a clear floor space of 30" x 48" and is mounted without pedestal or legs and is 34" to the top of the rim. Sinks extend a minimum of 22" from the wall and have knee space at a minimum of 19" deep, 30" wide and 27" high. Pipes are not covered with insulation. Faucets are operable with a closed fist. One stall in each has access that is 60" x 72", the door is 36" wide, swings out and is self closing. The doors have a pull latch and the locks are operable with a closed fist. There are a coat hooks at 54" high. The toilets are 18" from the center to the nearest wall and 42" clear space from the center to farthest wall. The top of the seats are 18" above the floor. Both have grab bars located and measuring correctly. Fixtures also are at the correct height and locations. First Aid Room The first aid room is located off the main open area. The entrance and door are accessible as is the path of travel. Kitchen The kitchen sink is not accessible and the counters are too high. This kitchen is used by employees; therefore, at the time this was built the AAB did not require this to be accessible, although ADA does.

Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Oak Street and Worcester Road (East School) (School)

Activity Equipment Notes

Play Areas Play equipment The playground has been totally renovated and is accessible.

Game Areas Ball field The ball field is not accessible. The only access is across grass covered ground surface that is uneven and down a steep slope. 2 Tennis Courts The tennis courts are not accessible. The only access is across grass covered ground surface that is uneven, down a slope, through an entrance with a level change that exceeds ½ inch or on the other side down a set of stairs. The stairs do not have handrails that meet requirements. Basketball Court The access to the basketball court is the same as the tennis courts.

Programming Programming The Recreation and Parks department schedules the ball field for use by the Little League. Other activities are open for the general public.

Parking There is handicapped parking in the parking lot near the entrance to the school. There is no van accessible space or sign. There is only one sign for two spaces. AAB regulations require a sign at the head of each space.

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Facilities Inventory LOCATION: Sassamon Trace Golf Course (11.53)

Activity Equipment Notes

Golf Course Carts are available at this course; however, no carts have hand controlled operation and no carts have swivel seats. Paths are paved throughout the course.

Pro-shop and There is now a handicapped accessible ramp into the clubhouse. Restrooms

Parking There are handicapped parking spaces.

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Appendix D

Natick Recreation and Parks Department “Create Community through People, Parks and Programs”

Interoffice Memorandum

To: Natick Board of Selectmen Natick School Committee From: Richard Cugini, Superintendent • Natick Recreation and Parks Department David Ordway/Natick Recreation and Parks Commission Date: January 9, 2009 Subject: List of Town of Natick Fields with Use Hours

Spring Summer Fall Comments

Ben-Hem 104 80

Brown 104 80

Coolidge - Baseball 204 72 168 Renovate Infield

Coolidge - Softball 242 38

East 140

Hunnewell 264 98 Renovate Infield

Johnson 140

Upper Lilja 140

Sargent 200 230

Navy Yard 194 200

West 114

HS 1 & 2 360 40 164 Renovate Infield

JV Baseball/ Fr Football 234 88 388 Renovate Infield

V Football 145 Renovate • Spring

JV Soccer 300 280 Renovate • Late Spring

V Soccer 280 160 Renovate • Late Spring

V Baseball 228 72 Renovate Infield

Fr Football 220 Renovate • Spring

Memorial 236 320320 Renovate SB/Soccer Field In Fall

Murphy 230 200 Renovate Infield

J. J. Lane 144 + Groups

Lincoln 240 240 Renovate Late Fall

Loker 120 120 Renovate Fall

Kennedy 260 120 Renovate • Late Spring

Fr. Soccer 180 140 Renovate • Late Spring

Cole North 246 90 Renovate Fall

Cole South 260 250 Renovate Late Spring

Wilson 260 250100 Renovate Infield • Fall Renovate Soccer Field • Spring

Please note that 155 total hours is considered acceptable when a field receives rest in either the fall or spring by field turf experts.

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FIELD USE BREAKDOWN FOR TOWN OF NATICK

DAYS/HOURS/ FIELD MONTH WEEK DAY WEEKS SPRING SUMMER FALL

Bennett - Hemenway • LL Farm League April 5 x 2 x 4 May/June 4 x 2 x 8Games • YS 6 vs 6 Sept - Nov 5 x 2 x 12 104 80 Sept - Nov 1 x 8 x 10Games

Brown • Diamond #1 • LL Farm April 5 x 2 x 4 May/June 4 x 2 x 8Games • YS 6 vs 6 Sept - Nov 5 x 2 x 8 104 80 Sept - Nov 1 x 6 x 10Games

Coolidge Baseball • Freshmen Baseball April - June 5 x 2-1/2 x 12Games Inc. 204 72 168 • Babe Ruth League April - June 3 x 1-1/2 x 12 April - June 96 hours of Games July - August 2 x 3 x 8 48 hours of Games • Lacrosse Clinic Sept - October 1 x 5 x 3 • Soccer Use Sept - October 5 x 4 x 8 2 x 12 x 10

Coolidge Softball • Freshmen Softball April - June 5 x 2 x 12Games Inc. • Women’s Slo-Pitch League May - July 4 x 2 x 14Games • LL Youth Softball April - June 2 x 2 x 12 242 38

East • LL - T-Ball April 5 x 3 x 4 140 April - June 5 x 2 x 8Games

Hunnewell (3 Fields) • LL - and AAA April 5 x 2 x 4 264 98 1 x 6 x 4 May - June 5 x 2 x 8Games July - August 5 x 3 x 8 128 98 40 hours of Games

Johnson • LL T-Ball April 5 x 3 x 4 140 May & June 5 x 2 x 8Games Sept - Nov TBA

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DAYS/HOURS/ FIELD MONTH WEEK DAY WEEKS SPRING SUMMER FALL

Lilja • LL T-Ball April 5 x 3 x 4 140 May & June 5 x 2 x 8Games

Sargent (4 Fields) • Lacrosse Sunday 1 x 10 x 8 • LL Farm League & April 5 x 2 x 4 200 230 T-Ball May & June 5 x 2 x 8Games • Natick HS Games/Practices Sept - Nov 5 x 3 x 10 • YS 10 Sept - Nov 1 x 8 x 10Games • HS Games/Practices

Navy Yard (2 Fields) • Montrose - Lacrosse April - June 5 x 1-1/2 x 12 • LL Farm League & April 5 x 2 x 4 194 260 T-Ball May & June 4 x 2 x 8Games • YS 10 Sept - Nov 5 x 3 x 8 Sept - Nov 1 x 8 x 10Games

West Hill Park • LL T-Ball April 5 x 3 x 4 114 May & June 4 x 2 x 8Games

High School #1 (2 Fields by NHS) • HS Softball Teams April - June 6 x 2 x 12 • LL Youth Softball April - June 1 x 4 x 10Games April - June 2 x 2 x 8 • YS Pee Wee Soccer April - June 1 x 3 x 8 360 46 164 • Lacrosse Youth Program April - June 2 x 3 x 10 April - June 1 x 6 x 10Games • Businessman Softball April - August 1 x 2 x 20Games • YS - Pee Wee Soccer Sept - August 1 x 3 x 8 • HS - Field Hockey Sept - August 6 x 2 x 12 40 hours of Games

JV Baseball/Practice Football • Natick HS JV Baseball April - June 6 x 2-1/2 x 12Games Inc. • LL - Babe Ruth League April - June 3 x 1-1/2 x 12 4 x 2 x 8Games • Youth Football August 5 x 2 x 4 234 88 388 Sept - Nov 5 x 4 x 10 Sept - Nov20 hours of Games • NHS Football Teams August - Nov 6 x 2 x 14

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DAYS/HOURS/ FIELD MONTH WEEK DAY WEEKS SPRING SUMMER FALL

Varsity Football

• Natick HS Football Sept - Nov45 hours of HS Games • Natick HS Field Hockey Sept - Nov30 hours of HS Games (Potential) 145 • Youth Football Sept - Nov30 hours of Games • Natick HS Soccer Sept - Nov40 hours of HS Games (Potential)

Freshmen Football

• Freshman Football Team Sept - Nov 5 x 2 x 14 220 • Youth Practice 5 x 2 x 8

Varsity Soccer

• Natick HS Lacrosse April - June 5 x 3 x 8 • Natick HS Lacrosse Games Spring 1 x 4 x 10 • Natick HS Soccer Teams Sept - Nov 5 x 3 x 8 280 160 40 hours of Games

Junior Varsity Soccer

• Lax Practices April - June 5 x 2 x 10 • Youth Soccer Games April - June 1 x 8 x 10Games 300 280 • Natick HS Games 5 x 3 x 8 • Natick HS Soccer Teams Sept - Nov 5 x 4 x 10 80 hours of Games - YS - Fall

Freshmen Soccer

• YS Practices - 10 April 5 x 2 x 12 • Natick HS Lax Practice April - June 1 x 6 x 10Games 180 140 • Natick HS Soccer Teams Sept - Nov 5 x 2 x 8 Sept - Nov 1 x 6 x 10

Varsity Baseball

• High School Baseball April - June 6 x 2-1/2 x 12Games Inc. • LL Summer (Babe Ruth) July & August 2 x 3 x 8 228 72 July & AugustLegion - 36 hours of Games July & AugustSr. Babe Ruth - 36 hours of Games

Memorial School

• Youth Soccer April - June 2 x 3 x 10 • YS Practices - 10 April - June 5 x 2 x 10 1 x 6 x 10Games Men’s Slo Pitch May - August 4 x 5 x 16Games 236 320 320 • LL - Youth Softball April - June 1 x 2 x 8Games • Montrose Soccer Sept - Nov 5 x 2 x 12 • YS - Youth Soccer Sept - Nov 5 x 3 x 8 1 x 8 x 10Games

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DAYS/HOURS/ FIELD MONTH WEEK DAY WEEKS SPRING SUMMER FALL

Murphy (2 Field)

• LL - Youth Softball April - June 5 x 3 x 10 1 x 2 x 10Games 230 200 • YS - Youth Soccer - 8 - 10 April - June 1 x 4 x 10Games • YS - Youth Soccer - 8 - 10 Sept - Nov 5 x 3 x 8 1 x 8 x 10Games

J. J. Lane

• YS - Youth Soccer - 8 - 10 April - June 4 x 3 x 10 144

Lincoln

• YS - Youth Soccer - 10 April - June 5 x 3 x 12 240 240 1 x 6 x 10Games August - Nov(Same as Fall)

Loker

• YS - Youth Soccer - 8 - 10 April - June 5 x 3 x 12 260 1 x 8 x 10Games Fall 5 x 2 x 12

Kennedy

• YS - Youth Soccer - 11 vs 11/11 April - June 5 x 3 x 12 260 120 1 x 8 x 10Games • Middle School Games Fall 4 x 3 x 10

Cole (North)

• Adult Programs 1 x 3 x 12 • YS - Youth Soccer - 11 April - June 5 x 3 x 10 246 90 1 x 6 x 10Games • Rec Sports Clinics July - August 5 x 3 x 6

Cole (South)

• YS - Youth Soccer - 8 - 10 April - June 5 x 3 x 12 260 250 1 x 8 x 10Games • YS - Youth Soccer - 11 vs 11 Sept - Nov 5 x 3 x 10 1 x 10 x 10Games

Wilson

• Babe Ruth Spring 5 x 3 x 10 260 250 • Natick HS Baseball Spring 2 x 10 x 5 Summer 3 x 3 x 10 • Youth Soccer 1 x 8 x 10 • Youth Soccer 3 x 10 x 5 1 x 8 x 10 • Natick HS 2 x 10 x 5Games 100

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FIELD USE BREAKDOWN FOR TOWN OF NATICK

HOURS/ FIELD MONTH DAY

NON-TOWN FIELDS BEING USED

Rivers

• Little League Spring 148 hours of practice • Lacrosse Spring 40 hours of practice

Elm Bank

• Youth Soccer Spring 220 hours of practice/games Youth Soccer Fall 280 hours of practice/games

Walnut Hill Site

• Use TBD

Eliot School

• Use TBD

CODE OF USER GROUPS

LL Little League Programs (Youth Softball, T-Ball, Farm League, AAA, LL, Babe Ruth) YS Youth Soccer Program (Pee Wee, 8 - 10, 10 ,11 , 11 vs. 11)

Others

Youth Football Legion/Senior Babe Ruth Baseball, Summer Babe Ruth Youth Lacrosse Businessman Softball Men’s Slo-Pitch League Recreation - Youth Sports Clinic Montrose - Lacrosse and Soccer Teams

High School Teams

Freshmen Baseball & Softball JV/V Baseball JV/V Softball Freshmen Football JV/V Football Freshmen Soccer (Men & Women) JV/V Soccer (Men & Women) Lacrosse (Men & Women - JV & Varsity) - in conjunction with Youth Lacrosse Field Hockey (JV & Varsity)

178