1 Amerige Park Improvement Project

Project Proposal for 2020 CPA (Rev 12, 9/29/19)

Brief Project Description:

Amerige Park is bounded by Pine Street, Highland Ave, Savin Street and Fellsway East. This park area hasn’t seen significant improvements in eight years. The last work was done at the tot lot around 2011. The courts, which are the focus of the current proposal, were worked on in 2007.

With the assistance of the MRA archives, we learned more about the prior work done at the Amerige Park Tennis courts: “A notice to proceed with work was signed on Nov. 8, 2007. The contractor was Argus Construction Corp. of Bedford, MA.”

The specifications from the 2007 resurfacing project run to 42 pages. You can download the specifications, along with photos of the site plan from that project at the following URL:

http://www.maldenhistory.org/Parks/Amerige/Tennis/ ​

The cost of the project to resurface tennis courts in 2007 was $98,680.00.A non-federal funding source was used because the project was not CDBG eligible. A cost of living increase from 2007 to 2019 was used to estimate a present day cost. That increases the 2007 project cost by 22.85%, based on American Institute for Economic Research (see https://www.aier.org/cost-living-calculator) ​ ​

This leads to a current day cost of $121,228.55. Including some additional items, such as signage and a water fountain. As a result, we have set the new project estimate to be $125,000. 2

Location Description:

Amerige Park, Fellsway East

Current Usage:

● Tennis courts are in poor condition. New cracks have developed. ● The courts are at risk of becoming unsafe and completely unusable. ● Grass is growing up through cracks in numerous areas ● This project will include the activities described below. A rough timeline looks like this:

Milestones and Planned Activities

Date Milestone June 15, 2019 Pre-App Submission June - July 2019 Pre-development (design, zoning, permitting) June - July 2019 Community Outreach / Further Input Aug - Sept 2019 Involvement of DPW, MPS, MRA, Mayor’s Office and others

Sept 20, ‘19 Site Visit

Sept 27, ‘19 Final Application Edits

Sept 30, ‘19 Final Application Submitted

June 2020 Expected Date of Project Completion and Public Use

Project Activities

1. Consent of Property Owner 2. Final Detailed Design (right down to lettering / color on signage!) 3. Cost estimates of all related work 4. Identified Sources of Funding 5. Community Outreach / Further Input a. City Department Outreach - Department of Recreation / DPW b. Community (neighbors etc.) outreach: possibly have an event right at the tennis courts? c. Stakeholder outreach: Tennis Team Coaches / Players d. Invitation to welcome additional project volunteers

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

3 6. Draft: Final Application, for review by Malden Redevelopment Authority, DPW, Dept Rec 7. File: Final Application to CPC by September 10 @ 6 pm 8. Filing Deadline: The CPC extended the application date to September 30, 2019. This is for applicants with a pre-approval already in place. We look forward to your applications.

The following summary represents key elements in the Amerige Park Improvement Plan.

Future Design:

The following summary represents key elements in the Amerige Park Improvement Plan.

● Primary Goal: Safe, high frequency, expanded utilization of Amerige Tennis Courts ● Usage: Home court for strong MHS tennis teams, heavily used by residents with wide age range ● Citywide: Malden Rec offering Youth Tennis Academy at Howard Park ● Recent: Improvements to pedestrian safety on Fellsway East ● Current: Numerous cracks in surface; weeds and grass growing through ● History: Courts resurfaced circa 2007. Last significant update to Amerige was the tot lot, including a refurbished /street hockey court. This was in July 2011 by City Bond, estimated at $153,856.

Further Considerations:

1. What kind of court surface should be installed? 2. Would “clay” courts be allowed for high school matches? Are there maintenance / cost considerations? See details on Williamstown clay courts - a unique experience for many!

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

4 Historical Elements:

Amerige Historical Trivia

Who was Henry Amerige? In the 1885 Malden Register, he served as Superintendent of Streets, living at 18 Highland Ave. Others at that address: Alfred and George H. The Amerige Brothers were "prosperous grain merchants from Malden, " after they relocated to California during the great land rush and successfully helped build the city of Fullerton, CA! https://bit.ly/2Ya10nQ ​

Who was Joseph Gaffey? He served as the city’s Recreation Director Joe Gaffey and is the namesake of the tennis courts at Amerige Park.

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Overall Plan:

● Renovate Courts ● Modernize Fencing and Facilities (player area, benches etc.) ○ At least two courts with blended lines to aid in tennis instruction for younger players ○ Proper lining / striping for Pickleball / Youth Tennis ● Update signage around courts ● Introduce Historical Signage concerning “Amerige” name ● Water fountain ○ Goal to make water available in order to encourage health and environment (while discouraging use of disposable plastic bottles in favor of refillable containers) ○ Example sites from Wakefield to Williamstown, MA ● Additional projects as budget allows ○ Practice backboard ○ / Softball covered team benches ○ Bocce ○ Appropriate seating, especially along tennis courts in shade of trees

Additional community input was obtained on the needs of Amerige Park in early September. As a result of that input, we’ve added to the list of possible CPA funding for “Amerige Park Modernization”:

1. Addition of bike stands, in the vicinity of the tennis courts and green space 2. Tot Lot - Fencing damaged / dangerous - redesign needed a. Some suggest replacement of fencing to fully enclose tot lot b. Others suggest removing fencing to open space 3. Wheelchair Accessible Playground Equipment / Ramp 4. Art Arena / Performance / Theatrical / Music / Dramatic Stage

1. Tot Lot Fencing Redesign a. Current fencing is damaged and dangerous b. Option to remove fence entirely, or replace and close in with gate 2. Inclusive Playground Design a. Wheelchair accessible Ramps, multi-use structures b. Art / Theatre / Music / Stage 3. Field Improvements a. Including safety review b. Expansion of ball field for multi-generational use (youth and adult) 4. Bike Racks a. Add to area around tennis courts b. Add to area around ball fields

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Estimated Cost: $195,000

1. Tennis Court Modernization: $125,000 a. Striping for Pickleball and Youth Tennis 2. Water Fountain: $15,000 a. Tri-Tier Height (adult, child, pet) 3. Amerige Park Modernization: $55,000 a. Signage / Team Benches / Tennis Benches / Bike Racks 4. Irrigation / Safety Review a. Tot Lot Modernization b. Inclusive Playground Design Element c. Fencing Adjustment / Removal d. Field Improvements e. Irrigation Control Covers

Some estimates suggest this project could be completed for less. Estimates are needed.

We’ve seen average cost to resurface a tennis court ranging from $4000 to $8000. This depends on a variety of factors. Resurfacing all five courts at Amerige, by these estimates, might cost $50,000 - $100,000. Based upon a comparison of projects resurfacing costs for Amerige tennis courts in 2007 ($98,680.00) suggests today’s estimate for the tennis court is $125,000.

None of the estimates have been quoted by a vendor.

Funding: CPA, State of Massachusetts (adjacent to state road / Fellsway), other sources

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

7 Proposing Team

“Friends of Amerige Park” ​

● Includes Charlie Conefrey, Brian DeLacey, Lenny Merullo, Bill Muise ● Support, Input, Design, Needs Review invited from:

○ Residents ○ Athletic Director: Charlie Conefrey ○ Malden High School Tennis Teams and Coaches ○ Letter of Support from City Councillor Debbie DeMaria ○ Malden Recreation Department: Joe Levine ○ Department of Public Works: Bob Knox ○ Malden Redevelopment Authority: Deborah Burke ○ Malden Mayor’s Office: Mayor Gary Christenson and Maria Louse ○ Malden School Department Superintendent: John Oteri ○ Malden School Department Assistant Superintendent: Kelly Chase

● Additional Review by Debra Burke of the MRA and Maria Luise of the Mayor’s Office and ​ Councillor Craig Spadafora ● Invited Comments from Alex Pratt, MRA ​ ● Public Comments and Contributions from Amanda Linehan ● Public Comments collected from “Malden Ward 3” Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaldenWard3/

Civic Engagement!

Initial Outreach to the Malden High School Tennis Team (students and coaches)

Main Contact: [email protected] ​ Backup Contact: [email protected] ​

You can find more information at www.maldenhistory.org/Parks/Amerige https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaldenWard3/

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Reference Projects

These projects are similar - tennis court projects in neighboring areas where CPA funds were used

Peabody had a similar situation with the “sad state” of their tennis courts and, according to public reports, approved the use of CPA Funds for this type of project. https://www.salemnews.com/news/local_news/cpa-cash-could-fill-cracks-at-tennis-courts/article_3549c d37-67dc-5df5-98b0-ccb77ab90b40.html

Marshfield’s CPA-funded Peter Igo Park Earns Tennis Industry’s Public Park of the Year Award (2018) https://www.communitypreservation.org/success-stories/news/marshfield%E2%80%99s-cpa-funded-pe ter-igo-park-earns-tennis-industry%E2%80%99s-public-park-year https://www.patriotledger.com/news/20160701/marshfields-igo-park-is-back-in-swing-again

Lexington Recreation included tennis court resurfacing https://www.lexingtonma.gov/sites/lexingtonma/files/uploads/presentationrecreation_article_14f-g-h-l.pd f

Frontier Regional https://www.communitypreservation.org/success-stories/news/regional-projects-are-growing-area-succe ss-cpa

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

9 Amerige Aerial

Image Source: Google Earth

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

10 Amerige Field Assessor Information

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These images are from the site plan prepared for the 2007 resurfacing project. The specifications for the ​ 2007 resurfacing project run to 42 pages. You can download the specifications, along with photos of the site plan from that project at the following URL: http://www.maldenhistory.org/Parks/Amerige/Tennis/ ​

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

12 Site Photos More photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/3tFBvSyTXTW5yrkC9 ​

NOTES Malden Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2017 https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/malden-open-space-and-recreation-plan/

REF: CPC Documents - http://www.cityofmalden.org/content/community-preservation-committee-related-documents-and-information

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

13 Water Fountain

Serves multiple purposes:

1. Celebrating Malden’s Healthy water supply 2. Providing Healthy Refreshment for users of Amerige Park (all ages) 3. Contribution to cut down use of environmentally unhealthy PLASTIC

This part of the project provides needed hydration, cuts down on plastic pollutants and trash Multi-functional: used for people to get a sip, fill a water bottle, or provide hydration for a dog.

Williamstown, MA

Wakefield, MA

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

14 The Amerige Courts are lighted. They are heavily used by all ages.

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

15 Have Clay Courts ever been considered for Amerige?

Williams College / Williamstown Clay Court Tennis

Williamstown reportedly allows public use of their Clay Courts. These require a different kind of maintenance and offer a different playing experience. This could be a unique experience for high school competitors? There may be environmental benefits (e.g. less reflected heat, longer-term durability) on clay surfaces.

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

16 Conditions of Amerige Courts as of August 28, 2019

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Tot Lot Fencing

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Inclusive Playground Design Source: https://www.gametime.com/resources/me2 ​

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

20 Field Improvements

1. Address Irrigation Controls to improve safety for all athletes (especially hazardous for youth soccer in vicinity of goals) 2. Improve the Little League / Softball field so that it could also be used as an adult softball field

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

21 Bike Racks

Only one bike rack is visible. It would seem like more bike racks would encourage visitors to ride bikes to the tennis courts, ball field, basketball courts and even picnic table areas.

This would encourage people to ride to the park on a bike.

Many students use the park and do not use an automobile to get there.

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Some Added Ideas from 9/27/19

Image: https://youtu.be/9dU_kpZwYM4

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

23 Benches - overlooking tennis courts under shade of hill trees

Bocce

Source: https://www.packaworld.com/packabocce.html ​

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Simple Team Shaded Benches for little league/softball field

Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA

25 Signage - Amerige Park, City of Malden “Home of Golden Tornados Tennis”

Tennis Mesh

Source: https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/newengland/boston-tennis-classic-2019.html

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CPC Application Due 9/30/19 Source: https://www.cityofmalden.org/DocumentCenter/View/1851/CPC-Application-Form-Fiscal-Year-2020 ​

The following six-page application is due on September 30, 2019

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Amerige Park Improvement Project, 2020 CPA