open space recreation plan
Transcription
open space recreation plan
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS THE HONORABLE KEVIN DUMAS MAYOR PREPARED BY OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND FORESTRY RECREATION DEPARTMENT JULY 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS ________________ PREPARED BY OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN COMMITTEE JULY 2009 WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND FORESTRY RECREATION DEPARTMENT OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN COMMITTEE ROBERT MANGIARATTI CHAIRMAN LYNN MENDES MARY POIRIER JOHN MARTH HEATHER VAILLANT RICK CONTI OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN COMMITTEE SUPPORT STAFF AURELIO ALMEIDA PARKS AND FORESTRY SUPERINTENDENT DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND FORESTRY GARY G. AYRASSIAN DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DENNIS WALSH RECREATION DIRECTOR RECREATION DEPARTMENT LEE FULLER ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1.0: PLAN SUMMARY/PREFACE Plan Summary/Preface……….………………..…………………………...……...………………………… page 1 CHAPTER 2.0: INTRODUCTION §2.1 §2.2 §2.3 §2.4 Statement of Purpose……………………………………………………………………………... page Definitions……………………………………………………...…………………………….…... page Public Participation and Planning Process………………………….……………………………. page Plan Implementation……………………………….………………………………….………….. page 2 3 5 5 CHAPTER 3.0: COMMUNITY SETTING §3.1 §3.2 §3.3 §3.4 §3.4.1 §3.4.2 Regional Context………………………..………………...…………………………………….. page Community History …………………………...…...……...……………………………………... page Population Characteristics…………………………….…………………………………..……... page Growth and Development Patterns………………………………………………………..……... page Infrastructure………………………….…………………...………….………………………….. page Long–Term Development Patterns……………………………..………………………………… page 7 8 9 10 11 11 CHAPTER 4.0: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS §4.1 §4.2 §4.3 §4.3.1 §4.3.1.1 §4.3.1.2 §4.3.2 §4.3.3 §4.3.4 §4.3.5 §4.3.6 §4.3.7 §4.4 §4.5 §4.6 §4.6.1 §4.6.2 §4.6.3 §4.7 Topography, Geology, and Soils……………..……………………...…………………………… page Landscape Character………………………………...………………………………….…………page Water Resources………………………………………..………………………………………… page Ten Mile River Watershed…………………………………..…………………………………… page Bungay River Sub–Watershed…………………………………..……………………………….. page Seven Mile River Sub–Watershed…………………………………...…………………………… page Taunton River Watershed………………………………………………...………………………. page Blackstone River Watershed…………………………………………………..…………………. page Mount Hope/Narragansett Bay Watershed…..…………...…………….………………………… page Flood Hazard Areas……………………………………………………………………………….page Wetlands………….……………………………………………………………………………….page Aquifer Recharge Areas.…….…………………………………………………………………….page Vegetation………………………………………………...…………….…………………………page Fisheries and Wildlife………………………………………..……….………………………….. page Scenic Resources and Unique Environments…………………………………………………….. page Ecologically Sensitive Area……………………………………………………………………….page Scenic Landscapes……………………………………………………………...………………… page Historical and Archeological Resources…………………..……………………………………... page Environmental Concerns..…………………………………..………………………………….… page 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 19 21 22 22 23 24 27 CHAPTER 5.0: INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST §5.1 §5.2 §5.3 City Conservation Land………………………….…………….……………..………………..…. page City Department of Water and Wastewater Land………………………………………………... page City Park and Recreation Land…………………………………………….……………...……… page CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 30 33 34 §5.4 §5.5 §5.6 Private Recreation Land………………………………………………………………….………. page Other Protected Land……………………………………………...……………………………… page Large Tracts of Unprotected Open Space…………………...…………………………………….page 39 40 41 CHAPTER 6.0: COMMUNITY GOALS Community Goals…………………………….……..…….………………………………...………………. page 44 CHAPTER 7.0: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS §7.1 §7.2 §7.2.1 §7.2.2 §7.3 §7.3.1 §7.3.1.1 §7.3.1.2 §7.3.1.3 §7.3.1.4 §7.3.1.5 §7.3.2 §7.3.2.1 §7.3.2.2 §7.3.2.3 §7.3.2.4 Summary of Resource Protection Needs…………..……..……………...………………………. page Summary of Community’s Needs……………………..…………………………….…………… page Needs Identified from Public Forum………...……………..…………………………………….. page Needs Identified from Open Space and Recreation Committee....………….....………………… page Management Needs…..…………………………………………….……………..……………… page Active Recreation Areas…..………………………………….………………………...………… page Aquatic Facilities…..……………………...……………………………………………………… page Fields, Courts and Fencing…..………………...…………….…………………………………… page Playground Structures…..…………………………...………….…………………………………page Access and Signage…..…………………………………..….…………………………………… page Zoo and Parks…..……………………………………………..………..………………………… page Access Paths and Trails…..……………………………………….……………………………… page Walking/Hiking Paths and Trails……………………………………..………………………….. page Bicycle Paths…..…………………………………………...……………..……………………… page Boat Landings…..……………………………………………………………...…….…………… page General Public Neighborhood Access to Open Space…………………..………..……………… page 45 45 45 45 46 46 46 47 47 48 48 48 48 49 49 49 CHAPTER 8.0: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES §8.1 §8.1.1 §8.1.2 §8.1.3 §8.1.4 §8.2 §8.2.1 §8.2.2 §8.2.3 §8.3 §8.3.1 §8.3.2 §8.3.3 §8.3.4 §8.4 Open Space Preservation and Protection……………..…………………..………………..……... page Planning……………………………………………………………......……………………….… page Land Acquisition………………………………………………..………………………...……… page Policies to Limit Loss of Open Space………………………...………………..………………… page Protection of Natural Resources, Endangered Species, and Habitat………………..….………… page Active Recreational Facilities and Services……………………………..………..……………… page Address Safety and Access Issues………………………..………………………………………. page Upgrade and Maintain Existing Park and Recreational Facilities……..…………..…………….. page Expand of Recreational Facilities……………...……………………………………...…………. page Passive Recreation/Trail Opportunities…………...…...…………..…………………...………… page Greenways………………………..………………………………………….…………………… page Recreational Trails……………………………………………...………………………………… page River Corridors………………………………………………..……..………………...………… page Transportation Corridors………………………………………………..…………...…………… page Historical and Cultural Resource Protection……………….………………..…………………… page 50 50 50 51 51 52 52 52 53 54 54 54 55 55 55 CHAPTER 9.0: FIVE–YEAR ACTION PLAN §9.1 §9.1.1 §9.1.2 §9.1.3 §9.1.4 §9.2 §9.2.1 §9.2.2 Year 1 Action Items………………………………………...…….………………………………. page Open Space Preservation and Protection………………………...………………………..……… page Active Recreational Facilities and Services…………………………..…………..……………… page Passive Recreation/Trail Opportunities……..……………...…………………………………….. page Historical and Cultural Resource Protection…………………………………...………………… page Year 2 Action Items……………………………..…………………………………..…………… page Open Space Preservation and Protection……………..…………..……………………………… page Active Recreational Facilities and Services……………..……………………..………………… page CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 56 56 56 57 57 58 58 58 §9.2.3 §9.2.4 §9.3 §9.3.1 §9.3.2 §9.3.3 §9.4 §9.4.1 §9.4.2 §9.5 §9.5.1 §9.5.2 §9.6 Passive Recreation/Trail Opportunities……...………………..….………………………………. page Historical and Cultural Resource Protection……………………..…………….………………… page Year 3 Action Items…………………………………………………………………...………….. page Open Space Preservation and Protection…………………………………….…………………… page Active Recreational Facilities and Services……………………………..……..………………… page Passive Recreation/Trail Opportunities…..……………………...…………...……...…………… page Year 4 Action Items………………………………………………..…...………………………… page Open Space Preservation and Protection……………………..……….……..…………………… page Active Recreational Facilities and Services……………………………………....……………… page Year 5 Action Items…………………………………………………………………..……..…… page Open Space Preservation and Protection………………………..……………………………….. page Active Recreational Facilities and Services………………………..…………………………….. page Ongoing…………………………………………………………………………………………... page 59 59 59 59 60 61 61 61 61 62 62 62 63 CHAPTER 10.0: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT §10.1 §10.2 §10.3 §10.4 §10.5 §10.6 §10.6.1 §10.6.2 §10.6.3 §10.7 §10.8 §10.8.1 §10.8.2 §10.8.3 §10.9 Facts and Background……...……………………………………………………………….……. page What is the CPA?…………………………………………………………….……………….….. page Adopting and Implementing the CPA……………………...………………………………….… page Surcharge Options……….…………………………………………………………….……….… page Exemption Alternatives….…………………………………………………………….……….… page Benefits to the Community…………………………………………………………….……….… page Open Space and Recreation………..……………….………………………………………….… page Historic Preservation……………………………………………………………………..…….… page Affordable Housing…………………………………………………………………………….… page Community Preservation Committee..…………………..…………………………………….… page Non–General Fund Allocation of Monies………………...……………………………………… page Revenues…………………………………………………………………………….………….…page Expenditures……………………………………………………………………….………….….. page Annual Commitment of Current Year Revenues………………………………………………… page Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..………………….… page 70 70 70 71 72 73 73 73 73 74 74 74 74 74 75 CHAPTER 11.0: REFERENCES, APPENDICES AND MAPS References…………………………………………………………………………………………………… page APPENDICES: Appendix A Appendix B Letters of Review ADA Access Self–Evaluation MAPS: Base Map (Locus) Environmental Justice Populations Zoning Map Soils Map Surficial Geology Map Special Landscape Features Map Water Resources Map Open Space Map Drinking Water Supply Map Active Recreation Map Action Plan Map CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS Section 3.1 Section 3.3 Section 3.4 Section 4.1 Section 4.1 Section 4.2 Section 4.3 Section 5.0 Section 5.2 Section 5.3 Section 9.0 · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 76 CHAPTER 1: PLAN SUMMARY / PREFACE The 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN is an expression of public goals, objectives, needs, and priorities for recreational facilities and preservation of open space in the City of Attleboro. The plan is intended to guide the City, as it makes decisions over the next five years in two related areas of public policy: • • Meeting current and future active and passive recreational needs of the City’s residents; and Acting, and encouraging others to act, to preserve open space in order to protect and enhance the quality of life enjoyed by residents. This plan includes a five–year action plan with specific recommendations for the acquisition, use, and preservation of open space and for the development and management of facilities for recreational activity. The process of developing this plan involved a high degree of public involvement in order to be responsive to community values and needs. While this Committee has been mindful of its responsibility to set realistic, achievable goals, it has also attempted to give full representation of the hopes and aspirations expressed by the public as represented in its diverse membership and as recorded in the comments it received during the public participation process. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee (Committee) also recognizes that implementation of the recommendations outlined in this plan are subject to a variety of constraints. Private ownership of land, availability of funds, and legal requirements may all influence the implementation of this plan. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee was appointed to update the City’s 2002 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN and to reflect changes in open space and recreational land use in the City and changes in the priorities of its residents. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that the plan be updated every five years in order for the City to be eligible for open space and recreational grant funding. The Committee recognized, and was encouraged, that many of the goals and recommendations outlined in the 2002 plan have been accomplished. Examples of these achievements include numerous improvements at City Recreation facilities, including the addition of irrigation, repaving of lots, and the reconstruction of ball fields. Additionally, several other substantial achievements were realized including the restoration of Blackinton Park, the hiring of a playground safety inspector and the development of uniform signage at City properties. Building on the accomplishments of the OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN prepared in 2002, the 2009 plan represents a renewed commitment to meet the growing and changing needs of our residents for open space preservation and recreational services. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 1 CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTION 2.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this plan is to guide citizens and City officials in efforts to protect open space and to continue to provide recreational services in the City of Attleboro. The importance of open space and recreation to the health and well being of the community cannot be overstated. By providing recreational opportunities to our citizens, we promote physical and mental health, as well as the value of teamwork. By protecting open space, we provide recreational opportunities, and protect the air, water, and biodiversity upon which we all depend. This plan includes a wealth of background information and analysis, which will help to inform the public of the status of open space and recreational resources in the City. The plan also includes goals, objectives, and an action plan that charts a course for the future and is tempered by the recognition of competing priorities and limited financial resources. This plan was prepared in an effort to meet the requirements and guidelines of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), Division of Conservation Services (DCS), which requires communities to plan for their open space and recreational needs by updating and receiving approval for their open space and recreation plans in five year planning horizons. DCS’ guidelines require that specific information be included in the plan while also affording communities the flexibility to include other relevant information. Capitalizing on the success of the 2002 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN, the 2009 plan represents a renewed commitment to adapt to the growing and changing open space and recreational needs of residents. The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee built on the work of others by utilizing pertinent data and recommendations found in previous open space and recreation planning studies of Attleboro. This Committee used the 2002 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN as a foundation document for its work, and its progress was due to the groundwork completed by the previous committee in 2002. This Committee has reviewed the 2002 Five–Year Action Plan, noting which efforts have been completed and those that have not. It also clarified and emphasized some of the policy statements in the 2002 plan. In addition to the 2002 plan, the Committee also utilized other recently completed planning initiatives that were relevant to this purpose, including the: • CITY OF ATTLEBORO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM, FISCAL YEARS 2009–2013, prepared by the City of Attleboro, Department of Planning and Land Use, March 2008; • CITY OF ATTLEBORO LAND USE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STUDY, prepared by Community Opportunities Group, Inc, Connery Associates, the Growth Management Study Steering Committee, and the Department of Planning and Land Use June 2000; • A REGIONAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 2001–2005 for the Municipalities of the Ten Mile River and Narragansett/Mt. Hope Bay watersheds, prepared by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 2 2.2 DEFINITIONS The Committee recognizes that terms such as "open space" are subject to interpretation. Therefore, for purposes of this plan, the Committee developed a definition for several key terms that are applied throughout this report. These definitions are presented below: ¾ Open Space is land that has not been developed for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes. Open space may be publicly or privately owned. Open space includes the following: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ land which forms part of a public water supply, including well fields, aquifers and recharge areas, and adjacent buffer zones; land which contributes to a local watershed system through replenishment of groundwater or stream flows; agricultural land, grasslands, fields, and forests; freshwater marshes and other wetlands; river, stream, lake, and pond frontage; lands which provide scenic vistas; land serving as wildlife habitat; and land in recreational use. ¾ Unprotected Open Space is open space owned by an individual, group, or other entity with the right to pursue development of the land. ¾ Protected Open Space is open space, which is subject to certain restrictions that limit the use and transfer of the property in order to maintain its status for conservation and/or recreation purposes. To qualify as protected open space, a parcel must meet at least one of the following requirements: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ¾ A legal deed restriction which requires that the parcel remain as open space for recreation, park, or conservation purposes in perpetuity, regardless of ownership (See Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 184, Sections 31–33). The parcel is owned by the City of Attleboro and is under the control of the Department of Parks and Forestry, Recreation Department, or Conservation Commission (these properties are protected under Article 97 of the Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of Massachusetts). The parcel is owned by the City of Attleboro and is under the control of the Department of Water and Wastewater. The parcel is owned by a non–profit conservation organization whose stated purpose is to preserve the parcel in its natural state in perpetuity. The parcel is owned by, or under the control of, a state or federal agency whose management purpose includes the protection of open space. Open Space in its Natural State is open space that has retained its natural condition and has not been developed for residential, commercial, industrial, or active recreational purposes. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 3 ¾ Recreational Uses include the use of open space for parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, golf courses and driving ranges, outdoor skating rinks, outdoor swimming pools, community gardens, trails, and non– commercial youth and adult sports. Open space may include private recreational uses, such as private outdoor swimming pools, golf courses, and athletic fields. However, land is not considered as open space if it is used for any of the following: miniature golf or other amusements; covered or indoor skating rink; horse or dog racing facility or stadium; gymnasium, field house, bowling alley, or similar temporary or permanent structure for indoor sports activity. ¾ Active Recreation generally refers to team sports or organized sports with facilities, which require the alteration of the natural landscape. Active recreational activities usually require well–maintained turf or a special playing surface. Active recreational activities often attract spectators and may require parking, restrooms, and facilities for storing equipment. A list of active recreational activities might include baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, fitness courses, horseshoes, archery or target– shooting, swimming, street hockey, skateboarding, or ice–skating or roller–skating on an outdoor rink. ¾ Passive Recreation generally refers to activities which are non–motorized, non–commercial, and non– competitive. However, there are exceptions. Passive recreation is usually an individual activity, rather than a team activity. Passive recreational facilities generally require little or no modification to the natural landscape. In some cases, parking or toilet facilities may be necessary. A list of passive recreational areas and associated activities might include the following: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ fields used for kite flying; model airplane flying; sledding; or stargazing; water bodies used for fishing; boating; canoeing; kayaking; sailing; ice–skating; forests used for picnicking; camping; orienteering; or hunting; trails (unpaved) used for walking; guided nature walks; self–guided nature and historic trails; bird– watching; photography; jogging; cross–country skiing; horse–back riding; mountain bike riding; or use of motorized vehicles such as dirt bike riding and all–terrain vehicles; and trails (paved) used for walking; wheelchair accessibility; bicycling; or roller skating. Whether any of the above activities should be permitted on a particular open space parcel is, of course, dependent upon the management needs and goals of the property owner. ¾ Chapters 61, 61A, and 61B of the Massachusetts General Laws allow private property owners to receive a special designation of an annual reduction in local property taxes provided that the property is used and/or managed as open space. ♦ ♦ ♦ Chapter 61 applies to private lands managed as forests. Chapter 61A applies to private agricultural lands. Chapter 61B applies to private recreation lands. If an owner later decides to no longer maintain status under Chapters 61, 61A or 61B, a municipality has a 120 day statutory right–of–first–refusal to purchase the property. For the purposes of this report, these lands are considered to be unprotected open space. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 4 ¾ Greenways are corridors of protected open space managed for conservation and recreation purposes. They often follow natural land or water features, and may link nature preserves, parks, cultural features, and historic sites. Greenways may include transportation corridors for automobiles, cyclists, pedestrians, or they may consist entirely of undeveloped open space and passive recreation areas that serve as corridors for wildlife migration. 2.3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND PLANNING PROCESS In order to ensure that the 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan reflects the residents’ needs and desires, a public participation process was undertaken. The first step was the appointment of a six member Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee by Mayor Dumas in March 2008. This Committee consisted of a broad–base group of volunteer citizens that included representatives from representatives from the Recreation Commission, Park Commission, Conservation Commission, Planning Board, as well as representation from private organizations. The Committee was charged with the responsibility of preparing a plan that would guide recreation and open space planning for the City over the next five years. Assisting the Committee was a support team consisting of the City’s Superintendent of Parks and Forestry, the Recreation Director, the Environmental Planner, and the Director of Planning and Development. The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), as well as The Land Conservation Center also provided resources and assistance through the City’s Department of Planning and Development. The 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan was the product of the cumulative effort of citizen participants through an extensive public planning process. From examining prevailing open space and recreational planning concepts to understanding social values and changing life–style patterns, from analyzing local trends, needs and deficiencies related to open space to recreation issues to resource inventory, management and maintenance issues, the planning process is representative of a comprehensive effort by the Committee to prepare a five–year action plan with realistic, feasible, and attainable goals and objectives. As an intense effort was to obtain public participation was just completed for the 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan, it was determined that the 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan would not involve public participation to the level of the 2002 plan. A public charrette was advertised thoroughly and was held on Saturday June 21, 2008. The charrette was facilitated by the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District and was used to solicit public input on the successes of the 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan as well as determine what goals and plans the City should pursue in the 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan. This charrette was recorded by Attleboro Area Cable Access to be played throughout the summer for public viewing. Additionally, the charrette was covered in the Sun Chronicle newspaper as well as included in a segment of Attleboro Update on Attleboro Area Cable Access all in an attempt to solicit public input 2.4 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION The success of the 2002 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN has demonstrated that the plan was not a stagnant document that “sat on the shelf”. The Committee is therefore confident that the collaborative effort of the Administration, state agencies, and local organizations will provide the necessary stewardship to ensure the effective implementation of the 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN. The primary stewards of the plan include the City’s Recreation Department, Department of Planning and Development, Conservation Commission, Recreation Commission, and Parks Commission. In addition, other public and private CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 5 organizations are available to assist the City with implementation of this plan. Several private organizations also actively promote open space preservation, passive recreation, and/or the development and maintenance of active recreational opportunities and facilities within the City, including the Friends of Capron Park, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Friends Interested in the Revitalization of Attleboro (FAIR), Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and various youth and adult recreation leagues. As many of the goals and action items identified in this plan will require capital expenditures, identifying and securing funding will be a challenge. However, the City of Attleboro has been successful in identifying and securing a variety of funding sources to achieve its open space and recreation goals. Funding sources for open space acquisition and the development of recreational facilities have included City funds, which were used in many instances to leverage grant funds from various public agencies and private organizations. The City has implemented numerous projects with financial assistance from competitive grant programs administered by state agencies. These funding sources include grant funds from DCS through its Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) and Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities Program (PARC) that assist communities with the acquisition of open space for conservation purposes and with the acquisition and development of open space for parks and active recreation facilities. In addition, local and regional private philanthropic trusts and foundations have provided financial assistance for recreational projects, including the Attleboro Land Trust, Massachusetts Audubon, the Attleboro Foundation, the Balfour Foundation, the Augat Foundation, Fred S. Briggs Trust, and Friends of Capron Park. Other state and federal agencies that provide grant programs for open space preservation and the development and maintenance of park and recreation facilities include: the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund administered by DCS, the Greenways and Trails Demonstration Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Historic Landscape Preservation Grant Program administered by DEM, the Lakes and Ponds Grant Program administered by DEM, the Recreational Trails Grant Program administered by DEM, the Riverways Small Grants Program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Environmental Law Enforcement’s (DFWELE) Riverways Programs, the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s (MHC) Preservation Projects Fund, the Survey and Planning Grant Program administered by MHC, and the National Park Services’ (NPS) Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) Grant Program. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 6 CHAPTER 3: COMMUNITY SETTING 3.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT The City of Attleboro is a diverse urban community located in southeastern Massachusetts (see Base Map locus). The City is bound by the communities of North Attleborough and Mansfield to the north, Norton, Rehoboth, and Seekonk to the east and south, and Cumberland and Pawtucket, Rhode Island to the west and south. Covering a land area of 27.5 square miles, Attleboro provides a unique combination of an urban and suburban setting. Known as the birthplace of the jewelry industry in New England, the City has a rich cultural history and a vibrant commercial and industrial economy that serves as an employment center for the Providence–Fall River–Taunton area and contributes an estimated 23,000 jobs to the regional economy. Located in Bristol County, Attleboro is positioned along the Boston to Providence transportation corridor and is conveniently served by a federal and state highway system, a regional transit authority and rail service. Attleboro’s interstate highway transportation network includes Route I–95 with five interchanges and Route I– 295 (which connects with Route I–95 within Attleboro). The junctions of interstate highways Route I–195 and Route I–495 are located within a short drive of the City. In addition, US Routes 1 and 1A as well as secondary state routes 118, 123, and 152 all traverse the City. The Attleboro area is serviced by the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA), which provides public transportation throughout the region. The City’s transportation network also includes the northeast (Boston–New York) corridor rail system with passenger and freight rail service. Attleboro is also home to two Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) commuter rail stations. Located at the southern end of the MBTA’s Attleboro/Stoughton commuter rail line, Boston’s South Station is within a 45–minute rail commute while Providence, Rhode Island is within a 12– minute rail commute. There is also easy access from Attleboro to the region’s two major airports, Boston’s Logan Airport and Rhode Island’s T.F. Green Airport. Attleboro is home to a rich diversity of natural, historic, and cultural resources. The City is located primarily within the region’s Ten Mile River watershed. Approximately eight river miles of the Ten Mile River flow through the City. The waterway meanders from points north and converges with the Bungay River just to the north of the downtown. As it flows through the urban core and to the south, the river is channeled and impounded in several locations where many manufacturing facilities have historically been established. The Ten Mile and Bungay Rivers, along with their tributaries provide vast areas of natural habitat and recreational opportunities for residents. The City’s other watersheds include the Taunton River watershed, which extends into the eastern portion of the City, the Blackstone River watershed, which extends into the western–most portion of the City, and the Mt. Hope / Narragansett Bay watershed, which extends into a small area at the southern end of the City. According to the US Census Bureau, the city’s population grew from 38,383 in 1990 to 42,068 in 2000, an increase of 3,685 persons, or 9.6%. During the same period, the population increased by 5.6% in Bristol County, 6.0% in the SRPEDD region, and 5.5% in the Commonwealth. Attleboro’s population growth during the period from 1990–2000 exceeded county, regional and statewide statistics. According to SRPEDD population estimates, it is estimated that the city’s population grew from 42,068 in 2000 to 43,113 in 2007, an increase of 1,045 persons, or 2.5%. During the same period, the population increased by 1.6% in Bristol CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 7 Legend LOCUS NS MA Roadways Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access Other Numbered Hwy Major Road - Collector Minor Street or Road, Ramp Rail ñ City Hall L Policestation %U Fred Barteck Recreation Center Y Firestations # c Public Library Æ %U WPCF %U WTP Hospitals ÆP Hospital with ER ÆP Hospital Schools k Public k Private k Collaborative D FIEL CITY OF ATTLEBORO Æk ( i & % RHODE ISLAND LE k Manchester Pond Reservoir !"d$ #Y PÆk Ip RH ODE ISL City of Attleboro #Y ^z %U S PÆ ^s #Y #Y Ó ^ #Y k k k REHOBO TH k %U SEEKONK 0.5 AND Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 #Yñ %U L E k ¸k ] !"d$ c kk Æ k kÆ k k k W TON NOR RT NO TT HA H UG RO BO ^z N BASE MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 County, 2.1% in the SRPEDD region, and 1.6% in the Commonwealth. Attleboro’s population growth during the period from 1990–2000 and from 2000-2007 exceeded county, regional and statewide statistics. The median age of Attleboro residents increased from 36.1 years, which was slightly younger than Bristol County’s (36.7 years), SRPEDD’s (36.9 years), and the Commonwealth’s (36.5 years) to an estimated 38.1 in 2007. 3.2 COMMUNITY HISTORY In 1661, settlers purchased the land on which Attleboro is situated from Wamsutta, chief of the Wampanoag Indians. Since the laws of the Massachusetts colonies prohibited Indian owned lands from being purchased by individuals, a group of settlers from the Plymouth and Rehoboth colonies formed a company of about 80 persons. Captain Thomas Willett requested that the title to the land immediately northwest of Rehoboth be purchased. For about 30 years, this tract was known as the North Purchase and was annexed to the town of Rehoboth. Subdivided and allotted to citizens, it was incorporated in 1694 as the Town of Attleborough, named after Attleborough, England. As settlers arrived in the North Purchase, a public house was built in 1670 by John Woodcock on Olde Bay Road (now US Route 1). The Woodcock house was fortified as a garrison and became a well–known rendezvous and tavern during the Indian and Revolutionary Wars. One of a chain of fortifications extending from Boston to Rhode Island, it played an important role as the site of many historically significant events of the Massachusetts colonies. Part of the house and burial ground still remain in the Town of North Attleborough. The most critical period in the history of Attleboro’s settlement came during the Indian, or King Phillip’s War, in 1675–1676. The natural meadowlands, which the settlers valued as part of the North Purchase, became exposed farms that were especially vulnerable to Indian attacks. In 1743, the single Attleborough Congregational parish was divided by law into the First Parish in the west of town and the Second Parish in the east. In the same year, the first meeting of the Second Parish (East Attleborough) took place in a private home. At that time, it was decided to seek a minister and build a meetinghouse at the intersection of the main roads from Boston to Bristol and from Plymouth to Providence. The church, located within what is now the City’s downtown, was built by 1748 and designated as the Second Congregational Church of Attleborough. The running of the railroad through the church burial ground in 1834 caused a bitter controversy in which graves were opened and the contents removed with or without the consent of surviving family. During the Revolutionary War period, residents of Attleborough participated actively in the framing of the Massachusetts Constitution; and from a total population of about 2,000, approximately 600 men served in the militia and the Continental army. In the early years of the Attleborough settlements, organized education was scarce and erratic. In 1774, state legislation authorized towns to organize school districts of 50 to 100 families for instruction in English, Latin and Greek. The town divided into five districts in 1745. In 1804, a school committee was chosen to select textbooks, and in 1808, the town was divided into 18 districts. The first superintendent of schools was selected in 1883. During this period, two high schools were planned, one on High Street in North Attleborough and one on Peck and Bank Streets in East Attleborough. By 1884, the latter was open, offering classical, general, and English courses. This school was in use as a high school until 1913 and as an elementary school until 1939. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 8 Industrial life started early in Attleboro. In 1787, Isaac Draper established a tannery within the town boundaries. The year 1801 saw the beginning of the textile industry when Major Ebenezer Tyler began manufacturing print cloth. Nehemiah Dodge purchased this textile mill — located on the banks of the Ten Mile River — in 1819, and the Dodges soon became very influential in the community. With the opening of the Boston–Providence Railroad line in 1836, great impetus was given to the development of the industrial and commercial life of the town. In addition to the manufacture of jewelry, other industries included bleaching and dyeing, the manufacture of textiles, optical goods, paper, machinery, pressed steel, and automobile accessories. As East Attleborough took form at the junction of the main routes from Boston to Bristol and from Plymouth to Providence and expanded rapidly when the Boston–Providence railroad line was put through its center in 1836. Soon, the town of Attleborough had grown so large that an opinion, in favor of a division, began to be discussed. After several years of debate, the Town was divided in 1887, and North Attleborough was incorporated as a separate town. Division was the only major change in Attleborough’s town government until 1914, when, it received its City charter, elected its first mayor, and modernized the spelling of its name. Throughout the 20th century, Attleboro continued its evolution from an agricultural mill village community to a center for manufacturing and commerce. With its existing rail access, its relative close proximity to seaports in Boston and Providence, and its abundant river power, Attleboro transformed into one of the region’s largest employment centers. Manufacturing pursuits during this time included jewelry, textiles, and tannery enterprises. As the automobile became more prevalent in people’s lives, the City’s residents began to spread out from the urban centers into what had historically been rural agricultural lands. Attleboro’s first Historical Commission was appointed in 1968. The primary role of the commission was the development and implementation of a historic preservation plan for the City, including an inventory of properties of historic, archeological, or architectural significance. The commission, comprised of seven appointed members continues this important work today. Since celebrating the City’s tri–centennial in 1994, the commission has found a renewed interest in Attleboro’s history. Citizens care deeply about their heritage as proven by the recent formation of the Attleboro Historic Preservation Society. This is an enthusiastic group dedicated to preserving the City’s historic properties and educating the public in all historical aspects. The City’s Historic Commission annually presents historic preservation awards to recognize individuals and businesses for preserving their heritage in the community. Additional information on Attleboro’s historic and archeological Resources is included in Section 4.6.3. 3.3 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Understanding the characteristics of the City’s population is a vital element in identifying patterns of needs and interests in order to anticipate and properly accommodate future open space and recreation needs. The change in size, rate of change, distribution, composition, and density are all-important dynamics of a population that need to be examined. For example, analyzing the population’s distribution would help in planning the number and location of recreational facilities, while examining the population’s composition (i.e., senior citizens, school aged–children, middle–aged persons) would help in planning the type of needed recreational facilities. The City of Attleboro has one identified Environmental justice area located in the downtown portion of Attleboro. (See Environmental Justice Map) CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 9 Environmental Justice Populations Boston Natick Sherborn Dover Dedham Westwood Quincy Milton Massachusetts Environmental Justice Criteria: Southeast Region Environmental Justice (EJ) populations are determined by identifying all Census 2000 block groups that meet any of the following criteria: Income Cohasset Hingham Minority 25% or more of residents population belong to a minority group Foreign25% or more of residents are foreign-born born English 25% or more of residents lack proficiency English language proficiency Weymouth Braintree Medfield Scituate Norwood Randolph Canton Norwell Millis Holbrook Rockland Walpole Marshfield Stoughton Avon Abington Sharon Hanover FranklinNorfolk 495 95 Plainville North Attleborough Rhode Island Taunton Raynham Swansea Somerset 24 Populations meeting two EJ criteria Truro income and minority population income and English proficiency Wellfleet income and foreign-born Middleborough minority population and English proficiency minority population and foreign-born Plymouth Lakeville Freetown Fall River minority population foreign-born Carver SeekonkRehoboth Dighton Berkley income Provincetown Duxbury East Pembroke Easton West Bridgewater Bridgewater Mansfield Halifax Kingston Bridgewater Norton Plympton Attleboro 195 Populations meeting one EJ criterion BrocktonWhitmanHanson Foxborough Wrentham Rochester Acushnet New Bedford Eastham 3 Wareham Bourne Sandwich Marion 6 Barnstable Mattapoisett Dennis Yarmouth Brewster Harwich Chatham income, minority population and Englilsh proficiency income, minority population and foreign-born minority population, English proficiency and foreign-born income, English proficiency and foreign-born Populations meeting all four EJ criteria income, minority population, English proficiency and foreign-born For more information contact: Janet Curtis, EJ Policy Program Coordinator 617-626-1026 [email protected] Falmouth Dartmouth Populations meeting three EJ criteria Orleans Mashpee Fairhaven Westport 0 0 Gosnold Tisbury West Tisbury Aquinnah Chilmark Oak Bluffs Edgartown Nantucket EXECUTIVE OFFICE of ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS July 2007 dsp Households earn 65% or less of statewide median household income 5 10 Miles 10 20 Kilometers According to the US Census Bureau and SRPEDD, Attleboro has experienced steady population growth during for nearly the past fifty years. Between 1960 and 2007, the population grew from 27,118 to 43,113, an average growth rate of nearly 10% (9.9%) per decade. Between 2000 and 2007, it is estimated that the city’s population grew from 42,068 to 43,113, an increase of 1,045 persons, or 2.5%. Statistical data reveals that in 2000, females comprised 51.4% of the population while males comprised 48.6% of the population. Persons aged 0–19 comprised 27.5% of the total population while persons aged 20–44, 45–64 and 65+ comprise 38.6%, 21% and 12.9% of the of the total population respectively. The US Census Bureau divides all municipalities into small subdivisions referred to as census tracts. There are eight census tracts located within Attleboro (6311 through 6318). The city’s most densely populated areas include the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods (census tracts 6314, 6315 and 6316) and the area west of the Seven Mile River (census tract 6311, South Attleboro). Between 1990 and 2000, the total number of households in Attleboro increased from 14,180 to 16,019, or 12.9%. Census data indicates that the population increased in the city’s peripheral areas (i.e., census tracts 6313, 6317 and 6318) while the population in urbanized areas (i.e., census tracts 6311, 6314 and 6315) remained relatively level. The area of the city to the south of the downtown, census tract 6318, experienced the largest population growth during the past decade — an increase of 671, or 10.2%. Overall, Attleboro’s household incomes have steadily risen in the last two decades, increasing 72% between 1990 and 2007. In 2000, Attleboro’s median household income was $50,807.00. This was the fifth lowest median household income in the region, and was slightly above the $50,502.00 statewide median income. Median family incomes are more than $8,000.00 higher than that of Attleboro household incomes. Today, the city’s median family income is $59,112.00 Manufacturing is still Attleboro’s largest employment sector, employing on average 5,453 persons in 2006. Fifty–four percent of Attleboro’s top 26 employers are manufacturing based businesses, of which five are jewelry manufacturers. Attleboro’s principal manufacturing businesses employ approximately 21.2% of Attleboro’s workforce. Other leading employment sectors are the retail trade industry and the accommodation and food service industry. Data from 2001 to the present illustrates several trends within the Attleboro employment base. Overall, the number of jobs in both the goods and the services domains decreased from 21,649 jobs in 2001 to an estimated 18,648 jobs in 2007 — a 13.9% decline. However, other Attleboro industries have not experienced the same level of decline, nor is it likely that this decline will continue. Between 2001 and the second quarter of 2007, construction and financial activities increased by 6.9% and 10.1%, respectively, and education and health services increased 6.2%. The leisure and hospitality industry also grew 13.5%. Industries showing the greatest decline between 2001 and 2007 include manufacturing (31.9%), trade, and transportation. Utilities declined 11.8%, and professional and business services fell 37.8%. 3.4 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS As is the case with many older New England communities, Attleboro’s early development evolved without land use regulation. During the 1800s, the community emerged as an industrial center. Development escalated in the downtown and along rivers while outlying areas remained primarily farmland. In 1942, the City adopted the zoning ordinance to guide growth and development. The zoning ordinance, and the later adoption of subdivision regulations in 1954, provided for a variety of lot sizes, setbacks, and housing types. In addition, most residential development was directed away from areas of commercial and industrial land use (see Zoning Map). Since the early 1960’s, development has continued to move into outlying areas, along with municipal infrastructure. While development and redevelopment certainly occurred within the center during this period, growth occurred primarily outside the urban core as well as along the Routes 1 and 1A corridor. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 10 Legend N W D IEL NSF MA ZONING Central Business General Business General Residence A-10,000 S.F. General Residence B-12,000 S.F. General Residence C-16,000 S.F. Highway Industrial Industrial Business Park Planned Highway Business Single Residence A-10,000 S.F. Single Residence B-12,000 S.F. Single Residence C-16,000 S.F. Single Residence D-20,000 S.F. Single Residence E-30,000 S.F. Waterbodies River/Streams Rail Roadways Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access Other Numbered Hwy Major Road - Collector Minor Street or Road, Ramp E S SRB ( %&i R HODE ISLAND E TL R BO Manchester Pond Reservoir CB !"d$ SRD GB I I SRA PHB GRA SRB SRD HWY ^z Ip GB TON NOR T HA RT NO GRC GRC GH OU ^z HWY ^s IBP SRE I GRB GB ^Ó SRD SRA GRB GRA GRC SRC SRB ¸ ] !"d$ SRC REHOBOTH PHB GRA SEEKONK 0.5 AND RH ODE ISL City of Attleboro Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 ZONING MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 3.4.1 INFRASTRUCTURE Attleboro is well served by a public transportation system that includes Interstate Route 95, Interstate Route 295, Route 1, and Route 1A, the state numbered highways Routes 123, 118, and 152, the MBTA’s Attleboro/Stoughton commuter rail line, and regional transportation provided by GATRA. In addition, there are approximately 250 miles of local public roadways that service the City. Nearly the entire City is served by the municipal water system. Drinking water is drawn from Orrs Pond Reservoir and is treated by the Russell F. Tennant Water Treatment Plant, which has a daily treatment capacity of up to 12 million gallons of water. The City also has an extensive municipal sewer system, which provides service to approximately two–thirds of the community. The system includes nearly 140 miles of sewer pipelines and a wastewater treatment plant that has a daily treatment capacity of up to 8.6 million gallons of wastewater. Historically, the development of the transportation network, and water and sewer infrastructure generally followed and concentrated in areas of the City that had been already developed without such services. In more recent years, the infrastructure system has been upgraded and expanded for public purposes to address health, safety and environmental considerations and for private purposes to accommodate new development. Improvements to the infrastructure systems, whether to address public or private considerations, have influenced the rate and pattern of growth. 3.4.2 LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS One technique to evaluate a community’s potential for future growth and development is the preparation of a build–out analysis. A build–out analysis involves the application of a community’s land use regulations to the available supply of vacant and underused land to determine how much development could occur — if nothing changes (i.e., zoning ordinance). The results of this analysis is a forecast of a community’s total growth capacity. The term “build–out” refers to the point in which all developable land in a community has been utilized. However, this point in time may never actually be realized, as land may not be “available” for development at any given time due to ownership, state and local land use laws, or economic factors. What build–out studies actually provide is an approximate measure of what could happen. These analyses are valuable for illustrating what a community could look like at a given point in the future under existing zoning and land use regulations. In February 2000, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs prepared a build–out analysis for the City of Attleboro that included several geographic information system (GIS) maps depicting existing land use, zoning, and development constraints and potential. The EOEA build–out project relied on the use of data collected from aerial photography, which depicts land coverage in the aggregate (i.e. without parcel–level land use information). EOEA’s analysis revealed that there were approximately 6,700 acres of developable land available at the time throughout the City. These lands were then evaluated using the development constraints of the various underlying zoning districts to obtain projections for future development. EOEA projections estimate that at build–out, Attleboro could expect 12,600 additional dwelling units and over 36,000 more people. These projections further translate to over 7,000 additional school children, 158 miles of new roadways, and an increase of water use (residential and industrial/commercial) of nearly 3,348,000 gallons per day. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 11 While the EOEA build–out analysis is a useful planning tool, several of the assumptions used in its development were not specific enough to accurately project a community’s actual growth potential. Therefore, in March 2000, the City commissioned the preparation of a land use growth management study that would result in a more realistic development forecast, explore ways to balance the community’s economic, natural resource, and fiscal needs, as well as to set the stage for the preparation of a new comprehensive plan. This study refined and expanded the build–out analysis conducted by EOEA, as it utilized parcel–level data from the City Assessor’s office. The results of this study are presented in a report entitled CITY OF ATTLEBORO LAND USE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STUDY, dated June 2000. According to the report, there were an estimated 140 acres of developable commercial and industrial land and an estimated 3,206 acres of developable residential land. This total estimate of 3,346 acres of developable land represented approximately one–half of the total developable land area estimate contained in EOEA’s build–out analysis. The report also estimated that Attleboro’s development potential would likely occur over the next 50 years and could include 3,965 additional residential dwelling units, 11,200 additional persons, and 2,760 additional school–age children. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 12 CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS 4.1 TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, AND SOILS As with the surrounding southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island region, Attleboro’s topography is predominantly influenced by glacial activity. Retreating glacial ice and melting water left behind distinct landscape features including glacial ridges, eskers, and outwash plains. These landforms create topography of relatively level terrain with gently rolling hills characteristic of the region. The majority of Attleboro’s landscape is relatively level with elevations between 100 and 140 feet above sea level. There are however three hills within the City with elevations greater than 200 feet. These include Oak Hill (266 feet); Walnut Grove Hill (253 feet); and Ides Hill (260 feet). Both Walnut Grove Hill and Ides Hill are formed of bedrock with a number of exposed ledge outcroppings and slopes greater than 15 percent. Oak Hill by contrast consists of unconsolidated material comprised of boulders, gravels, and sand. Attleboro’s lowlands are dominated by forested river basins with relatively level topography and vast areas of wetlands. The geology of Attleboro includes three types of primary bedrock formations: Rhode Island, Dighton, and Wamsutta. The Rhode Island formation is the most common and is comprised of a slightly metamorphosed conglomerate consisting of sandstone and shale. The Dighton formation is a slightly metamorphosed conglomerate of shale, mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone found primarily along the southern side of South Avenue between County Street and Interstate Route 95. The Wamsutta formation is largely found in locations along the City’s border with North Attleboro extending from the Highland Avenue area to North Main Street. The Wamsutta formation is considered unique to the area and is distinguished by its red colored shale and sandstone. In the Walnut Grove Hill area the formation includes volcanic agglomerates of balsitic and “red” felsite. Soil profiles in Attleboro range from poorly drained soils with high organic matter content located within the river valleys to more upland areas with well drained mineral soils consisting primarily of sands and gravels. The composition of soils in Attleboro was influenced predominantly by historic glacial activity. These soils are categorized as either glacial till or glacial outwash. Other soil types common to Attleboro have been influenced by wetlands and river systems and are high in organic matter. Below is a discussion of the soils in Attleboro associated with these three categories: • Glacial Till consists of unsorted, non–stratified glacial drift consisting of clays, silt, sand and boulders transported and deposited by glacial ice. Soils associated with glacial till include Paxton and Charlton soils found primarily on glacial ridges located in the areas of Highland Avenue, Walnut Grove Hill, Ides Hill, Locust Street, and Manchester Reservoir. Each of these areas are characterized by bedrock outcrops and may have slopes greater than 15%. Other soils associated with glacial till include Woodbridge, Ridgebury and Whitman. These soil types are located in varying degrees throughout the Attleboro area. Whitman soils, consisting of a loamy till material, is often used for agricultural purposes. Whitman soils are usually found in depressions and drainways with slopes of less than three percent. In Attleboro, these soils are found in the areas of Richardson Avenue, Read Street and lower County Street. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 13 N PbB Sb ReA PbB W WtB HsB MC MC CpC MD PcB Wh WtB PbB PbB MD Wh WsB HfB CpB Sb De W HfC Wh PcB WtB PcB HfD HfC PbB Wh MC HsC PbB Wa HfB De PcB MC MC HfA PcB ReA MC WnA PbB Pe HfA HfC UD Wh MC HfB Wc CpC CpC RHODEISLAND HfB CtC W Sb HfA CuC HfD CpB MC CtC RdA CuC CuC CuE CuC CtB StB CtB CuC CtC ReA W ReA WnA HfC MeA HfE HfB Sb StA HfB Wc MD UD MC PbB WnA UD MC WnB Sb Ur MC WnB W WnB Ur PcB PcB StB De WnB MC Ur UD Wc UD MD De HsB HsC Sb HfD HfB Sb HfC De W PcB Pg HfB HsB PbC PbB HsC MD HfC StB MeB W W Ur HfC Sb Pg MD HfD HfB De W MC StA HfA Sb MeA StB ReA CtB StA Sb UD WsB HsB MC WtB HsB June 2009 MD De WnB HfE Sb De HfC HfA Wc De MC Wc W HsB StB Sb HsB Pg StB De HfB Pg Sb StB MD HfB StB Wa HfC UD StB ReB Sb PcB Wc HsC W HfC MeB Pg MD Sb Sb HfB Wa MD HfB De MD Sb Wa HfB Sb HsB Pg W HfC StB HfC StB HfC Pg HfB MC HfC WtB HfB HfB HsC MC WtB Wh UD UD Wa Pg MD StB HfD HsB PbB WsB HfB De MC HsC PcB WtB Wc StB HsB HfB WsB HfB Wa MD HfB Sb De WnB REHOBOTH HfB MeA SEEKONK HfC 0.5 RHODEISLAND Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan HfC HsB MD MeB De MD Sb MD HfB Sb HfB Wa StB De Ur City of Attleboro W MD De Wc De HfB WsB Wa HfC MC HfC De Sb De W De Wh PcB StA UD CuC ReA Pg Wc MC De Pg Pg WnB ReB Ur MeB MeB Wh Sb Wa MC Wc HfC W MeC ReB WtB Sb W MC MD HsC WtB PcB HfE StA HsB StBSb Wh PbB UD HfB HfC UD Wh HfC Wh HfC HfE De MC WsB MeB Sb Sb PcB WtB Pg PbB HsB Wc Sb HfB HfC ReB WnB HsB HfC PcB HsB Wa HfB Wc HfC MCHfB MD WtB WsB Sb HfB HfC WnB ReA WsB MC Pg PcB W CpB HfB HfC HfC HfB HfD HfB UD HfB HsC Wh W Ur CuC Sb W Wc Sb UD MD WnB MC W Pg De De De HfB HfB WsB HfB Wh CsB Du W MC MeB PbB MC UD HfC HsB MeB W HfB Ur Pg HfB UD UD MC MD HfB Sb WnA WnB MC MC W HfB MC WtB HfC Wh Ur Pg Pg UD Sb W Pg MC W MC De WnB HfC Ur ReB Wc De HfB Ud-Ur De W W WnB WnB MC W De HfC StA Pg WtB MC Sb MC Pg HfB Ud-Ur Pg MC Wc PbB WnB WnA HfB PcB WsB HfC WnB UD WnB PbB Bd W HfC W StB Ur HfB De PaB Sb De Sb WnB MC PbB WSb Wh W UD WnA StB Wc Wh CsB W MD UD WsB MC UD Sb MC HfC Wc PbB WnB Sb UD W Pg ReA PcB WsB MC UD Sb PcB Wa Wh HfB PgW UD HfB HfB MD Ra HfC Sb PaB De Wa HfC W W W Ur Sb MC HfB HfC HfB Sb PbB HfC Sb HfC Wc Ur MCHfC StB PbC W PbB Pg WnB HfC HfB PcB Bd HfC MC CtC StB WnB W MC HfB Sb W HfB PbC Sb HfC HfC Ur HfB Sb W CtC CuC Pg PcC PcB UD W UD MD CuC MeB HfA MD W PbB Sb HfC CtC CuC HfB W CuC Ra WtB HfCUr W W W Pg HfB MD De CtC CuC PcC Wh De Wc Sb Ud-Ur CuE Pg Wa HfA CtB HfB ReA W UD Sb CtB W WsB Sb StA MeA MC PcB MC PbB StA SbMeA HfD HfB PbB ReB Ur HfB MD ReB Wh Ur W Ur MC W HfC Wa UD W Ur ReA Wh Wh UD Sb ReB PbB CuE W W UD W W Ur HfB HfC CuC CuE WsB W WsB ReB HfB HfA MC Pg Ur UD Sb StB Sb HsB Wc HfB HfC HfC Wa Wc Sb WsB ReA W MC MeB Sb PbB CtC HfB Sb Sb WnA UD Wh UD ReA UD MC WsB HfC UD MeA StA MD PbB UD Sb UD HsB ReA W HfB Wh PcB PbB PbB MC WsB MC WnB Sb Wh Sb UD ReB PcB HfA W HfB MC De Sb HfB ReB ReA HfB HfC Sb HfD HsC Wa PbB MC MD WtB PbB W W UD WtB PcB HfB HfA CtC ReA WnB HfB Sb CpB Wh CtB HfB HfD MC PcB WnA Wh Sb UD Pg Wh Wh CuE Sb De N NORTO CpC CuC WsB HfC W CuC CuE HfB De WsB WtB ReA Wa RdA W WrA PaB PbB HfB HfB HfA Wh OUGH PbC EBORCtC ATTL H T R NO CuC De De CpB Pg CtC HfC MC Sb Ud-Ur HfD UD HfA Wh CtC HfB HfC Ur Sb CuC CpB HfB Sb HfB HfB Pg Pg HfC Wc De Sb WtB HfC WnB De HfA MC PaB CpB ReA MC Sb De MC WtB ReA HfB PbB S WtB PcB HfB MC E PcB WtB Pg HfC Wh De Pg Sb IELD MANSF MC SOILS MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 Legend N W IELD NSF MA 3 Meter Contours Surfical Geology Sand and Gravel Till or Bedrock Floodplain Alluvium RHODE I SLAND S TON NOR RT NO E H UG RO BO E L TT HA 1 REHOBOTH SEEKONK 0.5 AND RHODE ISL City of Attleboro Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 SURFICIAL GEOLOGY MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 • Glacial Outwash Plains consist predominantly of sorted and stratified areas of gravel, sand and silt deposited by melt water which flowed from retreating glacial ice. Glacial outwash is commonly found in valleys on landforms known as outwash terraces, eskers, kame terraces, outwash fans, or deltas. Soils associated with glacier outwash are the most common types found in Attleboro. Hinkley and Windsor soils are examples of glacial outwash soils found throughout Attleboro. These soils are commonly utilized for sand and gravel mining operations such as those found along Read Street, lower County Street, Handy Street and Thurber Avenue. Other types of glacial outwash soils found in scattered locations throughout Attleboro are Deerfield and Wareham soils. • Organic and Hydric soils are soils that contain a high organic matter content comprised mainly of decomposing vegetative materials and are often saturated with water. These soils are poorly to very poorly drained, and are most often found within depressions and low areas. Medisaprist soils are the most common type of organic soils found in Attleboro. These soils are low–lying soils with organic material that range from 16 inches to more than 10 feet of thickness. The water table is commonly located near or at the ground surface for more than nine months of the year in these areas. Medisaprist soils are found along river basins and wetlands such as the Bungay River basin, the Seven Mile River basin, Chartley Brook, and the Locust Valley area. 4.2 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER While Attleboro is a central City and well known as a regional employment base, the City also contains a diverse array of open space including forested woodlands, river floodplains, ponds, agricultural fields, and a variety of natural landscapes (see Special Landscape Features Map). Two rivers, the Ten Mile River and Bungay River, meander their way through the City north of the urban core and converge in the downtown. These rivers are important natural and cultural resources that have contributed to the formation of the urban landscape in Attleboro. Historically, industrial development in Attleboro occurred primarily within textile and jewelry mills located along the Ten Mile River. Several dams and impoundments were constructed on the rivers to facilitate water–dependent industrial uses. Several of these dams remain today, creating impoundments such as Farmers Pond, Mechanics Pond, Dodgeville Pond, Hebronville Pond, and Blackinton Pond. Several distinct and culturally diverse villages, including Hebronville and Dodgeville, grew around individual mills and impoundments. While the banks of the Ten Mile River have been developed extensively, the majority of the Bungay River remains sheltered by extensive woodlands and floodplain. Though located within a significant population center, the Ten Mile and Bungay Rivers support vast areas of natural habitat and provide many recreational opportunities for area residents. Another urban center, known as South Attleboro, is located in the southwestern portion of the City. This area is generally located west of the Seven Mile River, primarily along the US Route 1 and 1A corridors and consists of a densely settled residential population with a mixture of commercial and industrial land uses. There are several natural landscape areas in South Attleboro including both natural and man–made ponds, forested wetlands, and river floodplains. Moving away from Attleboro’s urban center towards the eastern end of the City, the landscape takes on a suburban, even rural feel. This area extends towards Lindsey Street, Pike Avenue, Slater Street, and Oak Hill Avenue and contains large tracts of the City’s open space including agricultural fields, forests, and wetlands. Open fields and forests, once more abundant in these areas, are now being developed for residential uses. The CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 14 t Fo le yS t St Purchase St Torrey St Robbins St v Park A m St Atwood St Sturdy St Brook Morey St Av ard Ho w er St Park S t Tappan Av Ho pe S t St Be nef it S Wil lard St ng Ki t St tS ra s re Fo Co St RHODE I SLAND v e Pearl St idg br St Gardn Dunha A rry Pe m Ca t St E S ## # # ## # # ## %U27 ^s # # %U29 # # %U28 # # # # # # ## # REHOBOTH %U 38 SEEKONK 0.5 AND RHODE ISL Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan St !"d$ 37% U U St ¸ ] ^Ó # # t 1s # # 36 % St 22% U # # Emory %U26 %U30 33 %U %U35 lS Capron St St %U U%%U%U%U %U%U%U % U 1 %U %U %U U %U32 Holman W %U25 %U34 Maynard St Falmouth Rd %U 18 % %U20 %U19 Mil ^z ## 17 %U ^z d %U d 3r St 21 %U %U # Wall St ec p os r 5th P St t tS eld N # # U !"d$ ## 2n Dennis # St on rs fe f Je U% U%U%U%U% U%U%U% U% U%41 10 U%31 U% 8 9 3 5 42 6 1 7 k Rd St Fi # # 39 % Manchester Pond Reservoir St n rto Ho Av TON NOR RT NO e ov rd St Sanfo rban Gr anklin St St Dean St t iff Cl U% ll S ge St c St %U %U %U %U H UG RO BO E L TT HA Ha Mechani # # St rd Rive a yw Rd Peck St t Perrin St Foster St St es nk ck 40 11 in dg Rd rba Pe Charles St U%42U% Ho ve Leroy St St Ma St Berwick Ri kS t k S St Oa haw S rth te Sta v Wats 24 ce t nS Joh Oa Bicknell St ren Flo t th S abe Fr Ip June 2009 St Eliz # # ## %U ## %U15 ( i & % City of Attleboro r St No Milk Wate on A # %U23 U% U%1412 U%16U% 13 Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access Other Numbered Hwy Major Road - Collector Minor Street or Road, Ramp Rail Parks # Certified Vernal Pools Estimated and Priority Habitats of Rare Wildlife (NHESP) Blackinton Houses and Park Hebronville Mill Historic District %U State Register of Historic Sites An Legend Site Name First Jewelry Shop Site Bolkum's Tavern Site First Post Office Bates Opera House Bronson Museum Union hall 19th Century Training Field Old Kirk Yard First Church in East Parish Mass. Vol. Militia National Guard Attleboro Public Library Old Peck Family Yard Site of the Old Shuttle Stop Woodlawn Cemetery Bolkcom Burial Yard Old Peck House Capron Park Wisconsin Glacial Rock 1 Tingley Stone Mill Site Newell Cemetery Militia Training Field Barrows Tavern Site Toll House School House 17 Solomon Family Burial Yard Bishop Forge Follet Family Burial Yard Coombs Burial Yard Thayer Family Burial Yard Lasalette Seminary First School House in Attleboro Dodgeville Mill Village First Minister's House Dodge Island Cemetery Wisconsin Glacial Rock 2 Hillside Cemetery Hebron Mill Village Hebronville Methodist Church Capron House East Attleboro Academy Train Stations North and South B First Mayors House IELD NSF MA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 k St Historic Site SPECIAL LANDSCAPE FEATURES MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 vast expanses of wetlands located across Attleboro’s landscape are large contributors to the City’s natural open spaces. Several different types of wetlands add to the natural landscape character of the City. These wetlands include red maple swamps, which bring fall alive with bright colored leaves of red and orange, and marshes, which border rivers and streams and are home to waterfowl and other wildlife. 4.3 WATER RESOURCES Surface water is an integral part of Attleboro’s landscape due to its vast and varied resource types. The City’s water resources consist of approximately 0.8 square miles of surface water and 5.7 square miles of wetlands. In addition, there are approximately 39.8 linear miles of rivers and streams located within the City. The total area of surface water and wetlands represents nearly 4,000 acres, or 23± percent, of Attleboro’s land area (see Water Resources Map). Attleboro is located within portions of four separate state–designated major watersheds: the Ten Mile River watershed, Taunton River watershed, Blackstone River watershed, and Mount Hope / Narragansett Bay watershed. The vast majority of the City is located within the Ten Mile River watershed. The eastern approximate one–quarter of the City is located within the Taunton River watershed. The Blackstone River watershed extends into the extreme western portion of the City and the Mount Hope / Narragansett Bay watershed extends into two small portions of the City’s southern end. The following sections describe water resources in Attleboro identified by watershed location. 4.3.1 TEN MILE RIVER WATERSHED The Ten Mile River watershed is located within portions of eight southeastern Massachusetts communities and two eastern Rhode Island communities. The Ten Mile River watershed is the smallest of the 27 major watersheds in Massachusetts. The river originates from its headwaters in the Town of Plainville and flows southerly through the Town of North Attleborough, the City of Attleboro, and the Town of Seekonk before emptying into the Seekonk River located in the City of East Providence, Rhode Island. Of the approximate 14.5 river miles of the mainstem Ten Mile River, over eight miles are located within Attleboro’s boundaries. The Ten Mile River watershed comprises the majority of the land area within Attleboro and North Attleborough as well as the central portion of Plainville and the northern half of Seekonk. Smaller portions of the watershed also extend into the Towns of Rehoboth, Wrentham, Foxboro, and Mansfield. In Attleboro, the Bungay River and Seven Mile River are tributary to the Ten Mile River. The Ten Mile River flows southerly through the center of Attleboro. The waterway is channelized throughout much of the downtown and much of its floodplain has been altered by historical development. The river has also been impounded at four locations within the City to create waterbodies known as Farmers Pond, Mechanics Pond, Dodgeville Pond, and Hebronville Pond. Each of these impoundments was created to service mills located along the banks of the river. The majority of land uses adjacent to the Ten Mile River are urban: consisting of commercial, industrial, and residential development. There are, however, many undeveloped open spaces along the river corridor including forested wetland and recreational areas. The initial portion of the Ten Mile River, including Orr’s Pond is designated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Surface Water Quality Standards as a Class A waterway. Waters designated as Class A are intended to CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 15 Aquifers Legend N W ELD MANSFI High yield (300+GPM) Medium yield (100-300 GPM) 100 Year Floodplain Zone A Zone C Zone B Wetlands Pond Rivers & Streams Intermittent Stream E S N NORTO Manchester Pond Reservoir RHODEISLAND UGH BORO TTLE A H NORT REHOBOTH SEEKONK 0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles RHODEISLAND City of Attleboro Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 WATER RESOURCES MAP Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 serve as sources of public water supply. They are also intended to be excellent habitat for fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife, and for primary and secondary contact recreation. These waters are afforded additional protection as Outstanding Resource Waters under the Surface Water Quality Standards regulations. The DEP Surface Water Quality Standards designate the remaining length of the Ten Mile River as a Class B waterway. Waters designated as Class B are intended to be suitable as habitat for fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife, and for primary and secondary contact recreation. In addition, Class B waters should have consistently good aesthetic value and be suitable for irrigation and other agricultural uses as well as compatible industrial cooling and process uses. Thacher Brook (a.k.a. Speedway Brook) is a minor tributary of the Ten Mile River that flows through the eastern–central part of the City and meets the Ten Mile River at South Main Street and Riverside Avenue just south of the City’s downtown. Thacher Brook is joined by three unnamed streams that flow in a northwesterly direction from Briggs Corner and the Locust Valley/Oak Hill area. These streams are bordered by extensive red maple swamp forests and low to medium density residential development. Thacher Brook is designated by DEP Surface Water Quality Standards as a Class B waterway. Two other minor unnamed tributaries to the Ten Mile River are found along South Main Street and Thurber Avenue in the East Junction area of the City, and along County Street and Tiffany Street. These tributaries both flow through areas of residential and/or industrial development and are both bordered by forested red maple swamps along significant portions of their watercourse. 4.3.1.1 BUNGAY RIVER SUB–WATERSHED The Bungay River sub–watershed encompasses that portion of the Ten Mile River watershed that directly contributes flow to the Bungay River. Although the watershed extends into small portions of Plainville, Foxboro, and Mansfield, the majority of the watershed is located within North Attleborough and Attleboro. The Bungay River headwaters are located in Mansfield where the river flows southerly into Greenwood Lake located in Mansfield and North Attleboro. From its Greenwood Lake outlet located at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s North Attleborough National Fish Hatchery, the river flows southerly for approximately one mile before reaching Attleboro. In Attleboro, the majority of the Bungay River’s three river miles are bordered by extensive wetlands and floodplain including a unique Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp community. The City of Attleboro has made great strides in recent years to protect the river and its bordering natural communities by acquiring real estate for permanent protection as open space in its natural state. The Bungay River Conservation Area currently consists of nearly 300 acres of protected City–owned conservation land within the river’s watershed. The lower reach of the Bungay River, between Bank Street and Water Street, flows through an urban area of the City located just north of downtown. The river is impounded just below North Main Street at the historic Blackinton Pond where the City maintains a small park known as Blackinton Park. The confluence of the Bungay River and the Ten Mile River is located at Water Street, just upstream of Mechanic’s Pond. The Bungay River is designated by DEP Surface Water Quality Standards as a Class B waterway. 4.3.1.2 SEVEN MILE RIVER SUB–WATERSHED The Seven Mile River sub–watershed encompasses that portion of the Ten Mile River watershed that directly contributes flow to the Seven Mile River. The Seven Mile River originates in North Attleborough at CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 16 the outlet of Hoppin Hill Reservoir and flows southerly for approximately two miles through areas of residential and commercial development located along the US Route 1 corridor to the Attleboro border. The Seven Mile River then flows through Luther Reservoir before entering Orrs Pond Reservoir, which serves as a surface water withdrawal point for the City’s public water supply. From the Attleboro / North Attleborough corporate line to Orrs Pond Reservoir, the river flows through an area of the City consisting of woodlands with steep rocky slopes interspersed with low–density residential development. The City’s Department of Water and Wastewater manages several hundred acres of land in this portion of the watershed for the purpose of protecting the City’s drinking water supply. The City maintains a pump station at Luther Reservoir that pumps water through a diversion pipeline to Manchester Pond Reservoir for the purpose of increasing drinking water supply reserves. Orrs Pond Reservoir also receives flow from a tributary of the Seven Mile River known as Fourmile Brook. The headwaters of Fourmile Brook are located at the outlet of Manchester Pond Reservoir. This stream flows for less than one mile through undeveloped woodlands and residential neighborhoods before reaching Orrs Pond Reservoir. Both the Fourmile Brook and the upper reach of the Seven Mile River are designated by DEP Surface Water Quality Standards as Class A waterways. Downstream of Orrs Pond, the Seven Mile River flows southwesterly parallel to Newport Avenue where it is bordered by a wide floodplain and wetlands. The river then flows southerly beneath Interstate 95 to its confluence with the Ten Mile River in the Town of Seekonk. Below Orrs Pond, the Seven Mile River’s watershed is highly urbanized and consists of densely developed residential and commercial land uses located along the US Route 1 and 1A corridors. The lower reach of the Seven Mile River is designated by DEP Surface Water Quality Standards as a Class B waterway. The river is joined in Attleboro by two tributary streams. One of these streams flows southerly from North Attleborough beneath Washington Street (US Route 1) where it is joined by another tributary to the west that flows through Lake Como. This stream, at times referred to as Tannery Brook, then flows beneath Newport Avenue before joining the Seven Mile River near Hill Roberts School. The second unnamed tributary stream originates in the Sweedens Swamp area west of Newport Avenue (US Route 1A). This stream flows easterly beneath Newport Avenue through forested wetlands and residential neighborhoods before meeting the Seven Mile River. 4.3.2 TAUNTON RIVER WATERSHED The Taunton River watershed is the second largest of the 27 major watersheds in Massachusetts encompassing approximately 562 square miles located within portions of 38 southeastern Massachusetts communities. Though no portion of the river is located within Attleboro, the Taunton River watershed extends into the easternmost portion of the City to a topographical watershed divide located nearly parallel with Lindsey and Park Streets. The majority of the Taunton River watershed within Attleboro is characterized by suburban land uses including undeveloped woodlands and low to medium density residential development. An exception to this is an area of industrial development located south of Pleasant Street. North of Pleasant Street, the watershed drains easterly towards the Wading River located in the Town of Norton. The remaining area, encompassing the majority of the Taunton River watershed in Attleboro south of Pleasant Street drains to the Chartley Brook. The Chartley Brook sub–watershed encompasses that portion of the Taunton River watershed that directly contributes flow to Chartley Brook. Chartley Brook originates in the Briggs Corner section of Attleboro and flows northerly beneath Wilmarth Street and Peckham Street into Chartley Pond. Chartley Pond is an impoundment of Chartley Brook and is located within both Attleboro and Norton. The portion of Chartley CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 17 Brook located in Attleboro is bordered by extensive floodplain and wetlands. To the south, along Pike Avenue and Wilmarth Street the adjacent wetlands are a mature red maple shrub swamp. An unnamed tributary of Chartley Brook flows into Chartley Pond north of Peckham Street. This stream, along with several small tributaries, originates south of Pleasant Street and flows southerly through commercial and industrial properties into an impoundment known as Coopers Pond. From Coopers Pond, the stream flows southeasterly through undeveloped woodlands and residential areas before joining Chartley Pond. Chartley Brook is designated by DEP Surface Water Quality Standards as a Class B waterway. Located in the extreme southeast corner of Attleboro is another wetland community known as Hemlock Swamp. This portion of the Taunton River watershed is located east of Slater Street at the City’s boundary with Norton and Rehoboth. The Hemlock Swamp is a vast wetland community characterized by dense stands of hemlock and spruce trees. This area drains to the northeast towards the Wading River. 4.3.3 BLACKSTONE RIVER WATERSHED The Blackstone River watershed encompasses a total drainage area of 640 square miles, with approximately 382 square miles located within portions of 29 Massachusetts communities. Though no portion of the river is actually located within Attleboro, the City’s southwestern most boundary is located on the river’s bank. Portions of the Blackstone River watershed extend into the western most end of the City to a topographical watershed divide located nearly parallel with Washington Street (US Route 1). The majority of the Blackstone River watershed within Attleboro is characterized by urban land uses including commercial and industrial properties as well as relatively high–density residential development. Significant water resources in the area include the Cranberry Pond network. This pond is divided into four distinct basins that are interconnected via culvert pipes located beneath roadways. These ponds receive water inflows from several small wetland areas as well as from roadway drainage. The pond network drains directly into the Blackstone River via man–made channels and pipelines. 4.3.4 MOUNT HOPE / NARRAGANSETT BAY WATERSHED The Mount Hope / Narragansett Bay watershed encompasses a total drainage area of 112 square miles, including all or portions of eight Massachusetts communities. Small portions of the Mount Hope / Narragansett Bay watershed extend into two areas at the southern most portion of the City near its boundary with Rehoboth. These locations include an area south of Oak Hill and the intersection of Locust Street and Oak Hill Avenue, which drains southerly to Bliss Brook and the Palmer River. The remaining location includes an area at the southern–most end of Smith Street west of Slater Street, which drains southerly towards the Palmer River. The majority of the Mount Hope / Narragansett Bay watershed within Attleboro is characterized by suburban land uses including undeveloped woodlands and low to medium density residential development. 4.3.5 FLOOD HAZARD AREAS The City of Attleboro has several areas with flood hazards. The City falls under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) program utilizes the FEMA FIRM mapping to identify flood hazard areas. The City currently utilizes the July 7, 2009 FEMA FIRM mapping for Bristol County to identify these flood hazard areas. Major flood zones are located along the Ten Mile River, Bungay CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 18 River and Seven Mile River. Additionally, flood zones are identified adjacent to numerous smaller streams and wetlands throughout the City. 4.3.6 WETLANDS The City of Attleboro contains numerous wetlands within its bounds. The two major wetland types that are common within the City are Forested wetland and Scrub-Shrub wetlands. Forested wetlands are characterized by saturated or inundated soils with trees as the dominant cover vegetation. The dominant tree species in most of Attleboro’s forested wetlands is the red maple. Other tree species can also be found in the canopy of these areas including swamp white oak, tupelo, yellow birch, white ash, green ash, and hemlock. These wetland areas typically support a diverse shrub layer including tree saplings or woody shrubs such as red maple, black alder, high–bush blueberry, sweet pepperbush, spicebush, arrow-wood, silky dogwood, winterberry, swamp azalea, green brier, and poison ivy. In addition to the tree and shrub layers, these forested wetlands often have an herb layer that includes skunk cabbage, cinnamon fern, sensitive fern, various club mosses, and sphagnum moss. Scrub-shrub wetlands are characterized by areas of open water typically surrounded with low hanging herbaceous and woody vegetation. Species common to the scrub-shrub wetlands in Attleboro are highbush-blueberry, buttonbush, coastal pepperbush, red maple, silky dogwood, arrow-wood, common reed, cattail, purple loosestrife and sphagnum moss. Both of these wetland types are common throughout the Commonwealth and provide important habitat, fishery, and flood zone protection. Additionally, the City of Attleboro has numerous Vernal Pools and Potential Vernal Pools that have been identified. Vernal pools provide an important breeding and feeding grounds for various amphibians such as the yellow-spotted salamander, wood frog and the spotted turtle. 4.3.7 AQUIFER RECHARGE AREAS The City of Attleboro currently utilized Manchester Reservoir as the main drinking water source for the City. The Bungay River watershed is considered a future drinking water supply source for the City. The City does not currently utilize drinking water wells to provide for drinking water. The City does contain a large, high-yield aquifer in the southwestern portion of the city, in the vicinity of Sweeden’s Swamp. Additionally, several medium-yield aquifers are located within the City, including adjacent to Manchester Reservoir and in Hemlock Swamp in southeastern Attleboro. (See Water Resources Map) 4.4 VEGETATION Attleboro’s vegetative community is typical to the inland southeastern Massachusetts area. In the City’s suburban areas, vegetation is dominated by forest communities interspersed with open fields and meadows. The predominant forest cover consists of northern hardwoods including upland oaks and red maple. Nearly all forested areas were cleared at some point in the past for farming or commercial purposes, thus eliminating virgin timber stands. In more urban areas of the City, vegetation includes ornamental trees and shrubs planted along roadways, and throughout parks and house lots. These plantings are valued for aesthetic and recreational purposes. They are also important for screening less desirable views, reducing noise, and abating pollution. The forested landscape in Attleboro is dominated by two distinct and diverse communities. Upland areas are dominated by mixed–oak forests while lower wetland areas are dominated by red maple swamps. A typical CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 19 upland oak forest consists of a mixture of oak species in the overstory, including black oak, white oak, scarlet oak, and red oak. Other tree species typically occur in lesser numbers mixed with the oaks, including hickory, pine, ash, beech, and maple. These forests typically support a shrub layer consisting of tree saplings or woody shrubs such as low–bush blueberry, huckleberry, witch–hazel, green briar, sassafras, and sheep laurel. Herbaceous plants in these forests typically include princess pine, teaberry, and various ferns. Forested wetlands are characterized by saturated or inundated soils with trees as the dominant cover vegetation. The dominant tree species in most of Attleboro’s forested wetlands is the red maple. Other tree species can also be found in the canopy of these areas including swamp white oak, tupelo, yellow birch, white ash, green ash, and hemlock. These wetland areas typically support a diverse shrub layer including tree saplings or woody shrubs such as red maple, black alder, high–bush blueberry, sweet pepperbush, spicebush, arrow-wood, silky dogwood, winterberry, swamp azalea, green brier, and poison ivy. In addition to the tree and shrub layers, these forested wetlands often have an herb layer that includes skunk cabbage, cinnamon fern, sensitive fern, various club mosses, and sphagnum moss. In addition to the above communities, Attleboro is also home to several unique vegetation communities. One of the most significant of these is located within a portion of the Bungay River floodplain north of Holden Street and west of Lindsey Street. This area is occupied by a Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, of which, according to information provided by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), there are only 20 remaining in the Commonwealth. This community consists of a land area measuring approximately 32.2 acres and is located almost entirely within City–owned land included within the Bungay River Conservation Area. This community is characterized by a dense, primarily evergreen, canopy mixed with red maples, a dense shrub layer, and an extensive herbaceous layer. According to the NHESP Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas, this area is considered a Priority Site for rare species and is mapped as an Exemplary Natural Community. Another significant vegetative community located within the City is the Rich Mesic Forest. This forest community is located southwest of Manchester Pond Reservoir and is dominated by sugar maple and basswood trees, which grow in exceptionally nutrition–rich soils. The moist soils readily decompose the fallen leaves and provide ideal growing conditions for early spring wildflowers, which must bloom before new leaf growth blocks out the sun. The area is characterized by a unique topography of bedrock ridges and outcroppings consisting of “red rocks” of the Wamsutta Formation. These ridges are separated by low areas consisting of rich soil and vegetation. This area of the City is also considered a Priority Site for rare species by NHESP and it is mapped as an Exemplary Natural Community. Of the remaining Rich Mesic Forests identified in Massachusetts, only a few are located in the eastern part of the state. Populations of two Massachusetts Threatened herbaceous plant species have been identified within the Rich Mesic Forest community in Attleboro. These plants include the largest population of Tiny–flowered Buttercup (Ranunculus micranthus) found in the state as well as a large population of Pale Green Orchis (Platanthera flava var. herbiola). Both of these plant species depend upon the unique geology and soil conditions of the Rich Mesic Forest. Another significant natural community is the Hemlock Swamp area, which extends into the southeastern corner of Attleboro. Hemlock Swamp is also located within portions of the Towns of Norton and Rehoboth and includes a vast wetland community characterized by dense stands of hemlock and spruce trees. The American Holly tree can also be found in great numbers in this area, which has been found to be its most inland and nearly its most northern occurrence in Massachusetts. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 20 Another significant natural community is a green ash/swamp white oak/red maple swamp complex identified within a portion of the Locust Valley area. This community was identified in a report titled A Preliminary Ecological Assessment of City of Attleboro Land in the Locust Valley prepared in January 2000. This wetland plant community was found to be significant, as it is not dominated by either red maple or eastern hemlock trees like most forested swamps in this area of southeastern Massachusetts. Instead, this diverse community is dominated by green ash trees with an abundance of swamp white oak trees interspersed. This area is important as it provides a diversity of plant communities and habitat types. While the majority of the community is located on private property, portions of this community extend into City–owned land. 4.5 FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE Attleboro is home to an abundant variety of resident, breeding, and/or migratory wildlife populations. The City’s forested upland and wetland areas support populations of a wide variety of wildlife common to eastern forests. In addition, the City’s vast acreage of surface water and wetlands accommodate aquatic species, as well as breeding and feeding sites for a variety of terrestrial wildlife species. In addition to more common wildlife species, several animal species listed on the Massachusetts List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species have been identified in Attleboro. These include one amphibian – the Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum); one reptile – the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina); and one invertebrate – the Purple Tiger Beetle (Cicindela purpurea); all of which are listed as Species of Special Concern. In an effort to protect the habitat of wetland–dependent wildlife species, the NHESP has designated five locations within Attleboro as Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife (see Special Landscape Features Map). The largest designated habitat is found in the northeastern portion of Attleboro, and is roughly bound by Robison Avenue to the South, Lindsey Street and a National Grid power line right of way to the west, and includes portions of Mansfield, North Attleboro and Norton. This area of Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife encompasses a total of over 200 acres in the City of Attleboro. Another of these designated habitats is found within the vast Locust Valley area of the City. Measuring several hundred acres in size, this habitat is found within the area roughly bounded by Maple Street, Locust Street, Park Street, Handy Street, and Oak Hill Avenue. Another of these designated areas is found to the south and west of Manchester Pond Reservoir and is roughly bounded by the reservoir, Rocklawn Avenue, and South Avenue. Two smaller designated areas can be found in the southwest corner of the City in the Sweedens Swamp area. The larger of these two areas is located within the area bounded roughly by Newport Avenue (US Rt. 1A), Colvin Street, Mendon Road, and Interstate 95. The smaller of these areas is located within the area bounded to the east by Washington Street (US Rt. 1) and to the north and west by Interstate 95. In addition to the areas designated by NHESP, several of the above Species of Special Concern have been observed in other locations throughout the City. In addition to designating four areas as Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife, NHESP has certified the presence of 38 vernal pools in Attleboro (see Special Landscape Features Map). Vernal pools are temporary seasonal bodies of water that provide critical habitat for many vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife species. While vernal pools typically fill with spring rains and snowmelt and dry out during the summer months, many vernal pools persist throughout the year. Vernal pools are a unique and increasingly vulnerable type of wetland that is utilized by many species of wildlife, some of which are entirely dependent on these pools for their survival. Several amphibian species have evolved strategies that rely on these temporary, fish free, wetlands for breeding. In addition, these habitats are also important resources for many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and other amphibians. In addition to the 38 vernal pools certified by NHESP, Attleboro is home to numerous CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 21 other vernal pools that have yet to be certified. Aerial photo surveys conducted by NHESP have identified 343 potential vernal pools within the City. NHESP has recently introduced a unique data layer that identified the BioMap Core Habitat areas within the State of Massachusetts. Core Habitat layer depicts the most viable habitat for rare species and natural communities in Massachusetts. The City of Attleboro has three Core Habitat areas identified within its limits. A very large habitat has been identified in the Locust Valley section of Attleboro. This habitat provides a valuable wildlife corridor as it connects rich upland forest communities, vernal pools and forested wetlands. This core habitat is unique in that it is in close proximity to the developed downtown of Attleboro and provides a unique opportunity for recreation and enjoyment of the City’s residents. Additionally, the rich Mesic Forsest in the Manchester Reservoir area and portions adjacent to the Bungay River have been identified as Core Habitat. These areas provide an important and unique wildlife corridor within the City. 4.6 SCENIC RESOURCES AND UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS Attleboro is home to a diverse collection of natural and cultural resources. These resources contribute to the community’s quality of life and provide a variety of habitat needs and recreational opportunities. Some of the more notable areas are described below. 4.6.1 ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS Several areas of the City are considered ecologically sensitive as they contain unique natural communities or diverse and/or threatened wildlife populations. These areas may be sensitive to changes in soil conditions, hydrology, and vegetation cover, and changes in these characteristics, may prevent the areas from supporting the diversity of plant and animal species that are unique to their location. Below are a list of areas considered ecologically sensitive and the type of ecological resources that may be found there: A. Manchester Pond Reservoir Area: The Manchester Pond Reservoir area contains watershed to Attleboro’s drinking water supply. The upper segment of the Seven Mile River flows through this area and is classified by DEP as an Outstanding Resource Water and Class A watercourse. The area also contains a Rich Mesic Forest community, which is considered by NHESP to be an Exemplary Natural Community. Portions of the area also contain a unique topography considered by NHESP to be rare across Massachusetts. This topography consists of bedrock ridges and outcroppings of “red rocks” of the Wamsutta Formation. Portions of the area are also mapped by NHESP as a Priority Site for rare wildlife species as it contains two Threatened plant species (Tiny–flowered Buttercup and Pale Green Orchis). Three vernal pools have been certified and approximately fifteen (15) potential vernal pools have been mapped in the area. B. Bungay River Basin: The Bungay River Basin consists of a broad riparian wetland that includes a Coastal Atlantic White Cedar Swamp community. This community is considered by NHESP to be an Exemplary Natural Community and a Priority Site for rare species. The basin is a former and potential future source of drinking water for the City. Six vernal pools have been certified and approximately twenty-three (23) potential vernal pools have been mapped in the area. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 22 C. Locust Valley and Oak Hill Area: The Locust Valley and Oak Hill area contains a relatively large tract of contiguous forest habitat including upland oak forest, red maple swamp, and a relatively unusual green ash/swamp white oak/red maple swamp complex. Twelve vernal pools have been certified and approximately twenty-five (25) potential vernal pools have been mapped in the area. The majority of this area has been mapped as a NHESP BioMap Core Habitat with portions of NHESP BioMap Supporting Natural Landscape. D. Chartley Brook and Chartley Pond Area: The Chartley Brook and Chartley Pond Area contains a broad forested riparian corridor consisting primarily of a red maple swamp community. Chartley Pond consists of a mix of open water and emergent marsh habitats. One vernal pool has been certified in this area and approximately twenty-five (25) potential vernal pools have been mapped in the area. This area is identified as a NHESP Living Waters Critical Supporting Watershed, portions are a NHESP Natural Community, NHESP Living Waters Core Habitat, and contains an Estimated Habitat of Rare Wildlife E. Hemlock Swamp: The Hemlock Swamp area consists of a vast wetland community dominated by dense stands of hemlock and spruce trees. This area also reportedly includes the most inland occurrence of the American Holly tree in Massachusetts. Two certified vernal pools and approximately 15 potential vernal pools have been mapped in the area. Portions of this swamp have been identified by NHESP as Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife, BioMap Supporting Natural Landscape and Living Waters Critical Supporting Watershed. F. Sweedens Swamp: Sweedens Swamp consists of a large red maple swamp complex interspersed with open marsh habitat. Several potential vernal pools have been mapped in the area. This area provides important natural habitat within an otherwise urban landscape. 4.6.2 SCENIC LANDSCAPES Attleboro contains a wide variety of scenic natural and cultural landscapes. These landscapes vary from agricultural fields and forests to ponds and swift flowing rivers in the City’s suburban areas to culturally significant parklands and other human–altered landscapes in the City’s urban centers. Attleboro has a rich agricultural history, and agricultural landscapes may still be observed from a variety of points in the City including Read Street, Lower County Street, and Oak Hill Avenue. Natural scenic landscapes abound throughout the community, and many of the best examples can be viewed in the area of Manchester Pond Reservoir, the Bungay River, Locust Street, Lindsey Street, and Smith Street. In addition, panoramic views of Attleboro and surrounding communities can be observed from atop Oak Hill and Ides Hill. A magnificent view of the Bungay River Basin can be found from City–owned conservation land located at the end of Hope Street Extension. The Ten Mile River imparts many natural scenic views. Some of the most notable views of the river can be observed from the Thacher Street bridge and Lamb Street bridge. Bridges at Holden Street, Bank Street, and North Main Street also provide interesting views of the Bungay River. Many scenic natural and cultural landscapes also proliferate within the City’s urban core, including Capron Park, Balfour Riverwalk Park, Blackinton Park Historic District, and Dodgeville Mill and Pond. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 23 4.6.3 HISTORICAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES There are several sites located throughout the City that represent the depth of use this area has supported both during pre– and post– colonial periods. These locations include scattered Native American archeological sites as well as historic 17th, 18th, and early 19th Century landscapes and structures such as cemeteries, parks, churches, schoolhouses, dwellings, and mill complexes. Prior to its settlement by Europeans in the 1600s, the Attleboro area had been used for hunting and fishing by Native American cultures due to the rich riverine environment and diversity of wildlife. In his book THE INDIAN HISTORY OF ATTLEBORO, Dr. Maurice Robbins discusses 37 sites of Native American artifacts listed by The Massachusetts Archeological Society. Artifacts found in these locations range from those associated with archaic groups who were nomadic tribes, to woodland groups who were more sedentary. The majority of these sites are located along the Seven Mile and Ten Mile River corridors. There are a number of Post–Colonial historic sites in Attleboro as well. The Massachusetts Historical Commission’s State Register of Historical Places recognizes 12 historically significant buildings and districts in Attleboro. A comprehensive listing of historically significant sites compiled by the Attleboro Historical Commission is included in TABLE 1 and is listed on the Special Landscape Features Map. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 24 TABLE 1 HISTORICAL SITES IN ATTLEBORO NAME LOCATION First Jewelry Shop Site South Main Street DESCRIPTION Site of the first jewelry shop in Attleboro ca. 1830. Bolkum’s Tavern Site South Main Street Site of former inn and meeting house. Organization site for the 'Washington Rifle Corps in 1815. First Post Office Emory Street Location of first post office in East Attleborough. Bates Opera House Park & North Main The original Bates Opera House built in 1866 Streets was demolished by fire. The last show was performed in 1952. Built in the early 1850's. Home of Murray Universalist Church in 1875 and St. John’s Church in 1883. Attleboro Main Branch constructed in 1916. Union Hall Railroad Avenue *Old Post Office Park Street Militia Training Field Behind Old Post Office Old Kirk Yard Burial Ground Bank Street National Guard Armory Pine Street Washington Rifle Corps and Attleboro Militia between 1815–1841. Located behind the 2nd Congregational Church on Park Street. The Reverend Peter Thacher is buried there. Massachusetts National Guard. Built 1910. Attleboro Public Library North Main Street Historical Exhibits. Built in 1907 Old Peck House Elizabeth Street One of the oldest houses in Attleboro (Ca 1723) Old Peck Family Yard Burial Ground North Main Street Burial ground of the Peck Family. Hezerkiah Peck buried in 1723. Blackinton houses and park. Site of Colonel Willard Blackinton's loom shuttle factory in 1827. Graves moved here from the Old Kirk Yard. *Blackinton Houses and Park Historic North Main Street District Woodlawn Cemetery North Main Street Bolkcom Burial Yard North Main Street Capron Park County Street Tingley Stone Mill Site West Street Newell Cemetery West Street Training Field Newport Ave. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS Moved to North Purchase Cemetery when Route 95 was constructed. Public park designed in 1901. From 1723 to the middle of 1800's the Tingley family of stone cutters conducted their business here. The Oldest burial ground in the City Est. in 1715. Training ground for Minute Men of 1775. · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 25 TABLE 1 (Cont.) HISTORICAL SITES IN ATTLEBORO NAME LOCATION DESCRIPTION Barrows Tavern Site Newport Ave. Tavern no longer at site. Once 3 buildings. Toll House Mendon Road Solomon Family Burial Yard Solomon Street Built in 1732. Mendon road was the first town road and only toll. Family of Dr. Solomon buried here. Bishop Forge Pike Avenue Follett Family Burial Yard Pike Avenue Guns manufactured here for use in the American Revolution and War of 1812 Members of early Follett family are buried here. Coombs Burial Yard Pike Avenue Single grave in burial yard. Thayer Family Burial Yard Wilmarth Street Members of Thayer family buried here. LaSalette Seminary Park Street First School House South Main Street Built in 1900, designed by Olsten Mayo Hagins. Burned and demolished in 2000. Moved to present location in 1824. *First Parsonage South Main Street First Ministers House South Main Street Dodgeville Mill Village South Main Street Dodge Island Cemetery South Main Sweet Hillside Cemetery South Main Street *Hebron Mill Village Knight Avenue Hebron Methodist Church South Main Street *Capron House North Avenue *East Attleboro Academy Sanford Street *Makepeace, D.E. Company Pine Street *Capt. Joel Robinson House Rocklawn Avenue CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS Built in 1822 as parsonage for the East Parish Church. Demolished Built in 1750 by Reverend Peter Thacher. Textile mill established in 1809 along Ten Mile River. Members of the Dodge Family are buried here on island in Dodgeville Pond. Burial ground of Capt. Joel Robinson and others who fought in the Revolution. Textile mill established in 1812 along Ten Mile River. Built in 1883, it is the oldest standing church in Attleboro. Ca 1740. First house in Attleboro placed on National Register. Owned by Caprons for over 200 years. Only remaining building from original village. Opened in 1842 as private academy for higher education Built in 1900 to house business started in 1885. Specialized in plating processing and fabricated precision metals. In 1930 was largest jewelry manufacturer of its type in the world. Built in 1790. Robinson was a farmer and housewright who fought in the Revolution. · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 26 TABLE 1 (Cont.) HISTORICAL SITES IN ATTLEBORO NAME LOCATION *Herbert Sadler House DESCRIPTION Built in 1906 by Herbert Sadler a jewelry manufacturer. Building has distinctive architecture with lots of stained glass and grand entrance hall. Built in 1908. Used as train station until 1970. Mill Street Rehabilitated into office building. Built in 1906. Still in use as train station. Made Mill Street of granite and brick with terra cota roof Built in 1907. Owned by Mayor Harold Sweet. North Main Street Colonial revival style. Present church built in 1904, the edifice known Park Street as the “White Church” was taken down in 1951. Exposed bedrock outcropping showing visible Thacher and South Main scouring from Wisconsin Glacier Ice 25,000 Streets years ago. Roy Avenue at Hill District schoolhouse built in 1846 and an Roberts Elementary example of a one-room schoolhouse. Restored and moved to present location in 1976. School Built in 1899. Attleboro Industrial Museum Union Street created in 1976 at this location. Early 1900’s park built to encourage people to Pak Hill Avenue ride the trolley. Building housed a casino that opened in 1902. Land given by Stephen Wilmarth to be used by Park Street the families of early settlers as “a burying place” Newport Avenue *Southbound Railroad Station *Northbound Railroad Station House of First Mayor First Church in East Parrish Wisconsin Glacial Rock #1 and #2 School House 17 Attleboro Refining Company Talalquega Park Briggsville Burial Ground * Site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 4.7 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Though the City of Attleboro is dedicated to the protection of natural resources, it is not without its environmental problems. Present and historic development patterns have impacted natural systems in a variety of ways. Historically, human growth and development in the City was concentrated in central villages. These villages were primarily located along river corridors, where the water was harnessed by mills for power. Outlying areas were historically utilized for agriculture and later for wood production. As the City has grown, its population has spread from the central villages and areas of commerce to locations that are more outlying. This growth and development pattern (which is discussed in more detail in Section 3.4) has had a variety of impacts on the natural systems of the community. • Rivers: The Ten Mile River, as well as several other rivers and streams in the City, have been impacted both from historic industrial usage as well as from present day land uses within their watersheds. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 27 Segments of the Ten Mile River and the Bungay River have been channelized and dams have been constructed at several locations along the Ten Mile River, Bungay River, and Seven Mile River. These dams concentrate river sediments, block fish migration, and may exacerbate flooding, while channelization results in the alteration of a river’s banks and nearby riparian habitat. • Roadway Runoff and Nonpoint Source Discharges: Stormwater drainage structures — both public and private — located throughout the City discharge untreated runoff directly into rivers, streams, and wetlands. These discharges are the primary source of pollution to waterways and contribute to an increase in nutrient and chemical contamination from surrounding land uses such as commercial and industrial facilities, automobiles, and winter roadway treatments. Increased sedimentation of waterways and waterbodies contribute to shallow water depths, algae blooms, emergent plant growth, and poor aesthetics. • Habitat Fragmentation and Loss: Development of traditional rural areas has resulted in a loss of forest and open field habitat. Increased fragmentation of these habitats may result in the creation of ecologically isolated “islands” that may not be capable of supporting a diversity of wildlife species. • Historic Industrial Development (Brownfields): Attleboro’s history as a center of industrial development has resulted in the presence of several properties, which at present may be abandoned or under utilized. A number of these properties may contain soil and/or groundwater contamination resulting from past commercial/industrial land uses. • Unlined Landfills: Inactive solid waste landfills in the City likely contribute to soil and groundwater contamination. At least three inactive landfills are located within the City — off Peckham Street, Holden Street, and Bishop Street. These landfills have been, or are currently undergoing, investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. • Invasive Species: The introduction of non–native plant and animal species — either deliberately or accidentally — is a region–wide problem. While some non–native species are relatively benign, others are considered invasive as they may out–compete native species and may overrun local habitats thus reducing biodiversity. Obvious examples of invasive plant species in Attleboro include populations of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), common reed (Phragmites australis), and glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) in wetland areas; and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), and common buckthorn in upland areas. Examples of non–native invasive animal species found in Attleboro include established populations of mute swans found on many of the City’s ponds, and several common fish species found in its waterways. • Human / Animal Encounters: Development into traditionally undeveloped landscapes has resulted in both the displacement of wildlife species and the increase in populations of species which more easily adapt to human activity. This combination can lead to several potential conflicts and health / safety CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 28 concerns for people, such as an increase in the number of roadway collisions and an increased exposure to diseases such as rabies or lyme disease each of which are common concerns in Attleboro. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 29 Legend N W IELD NSF MA Open Space Permanently Protected *Mass GIS 2009 Open Space * MassGIS 2009 Waterbodies River/Streams Rail Roadways Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access Other Numbered Hwy Major Road - Collector Minor Street or Road, Ramp ( %&i R HODE ISLAND S ^z TON NOR HA RT NO R BO LE TT E GH OU Manchester Pond !"d$ Ip ^z ^s ^Ó ¸ ] !"d$ RHODE ISL Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 SEEKONK 0.5 AND City of Attleboro REHOBOTH OPEN SPACE MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 CHAPTER 5: INVENTORY OF LANDS OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION INTEREST Open Space preservation is a necessity for the City of Attleboro as it provides recreational opportunities for residents, provides habitat for wildlife, provides drinking water protection, protects natural resources and for the overall wellbeing of the community. As such, it is important to assess and identify the existing open space properties within the City in order to further our goals of providing protection to existing open space, and to promote the acquisition of future open space parcels. This chapter presents an inventory of parcels — both publicly and privately owned — that are considered active recreation land, parkland, or open space in its natural state. Parcels identified as “open space in its natural state” include properties that are either undeveloped, or include significant area of undeveloped open land. Some of these parcels are considered “protected open space” while others have no formal legal protection. Land is considered “protected open space” if it is under the management of the City’s Conservation Commission, Department of Water and Wastewater, Recreation Department, Department of Parks and Forestry, or it is owned by a private non–profit entity whose goals include preservation of the land. Other private land may be considered “protected open space” if it has a deed restriction or other similar mechanism that perpetuates the preservation of the property (see definitions in Section 2.2). 5.1 CITY CONSERVATION LAND Property owned by the City and placed under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission is protected in perpetuity as “open space in its natural state”. The City acquires property, either by purchase/acquisition or by donation, for protection as conservation land if it is determined to possess ecologically significant characteristics and/or it is located within an area identified for protection in City planning documents such as, the Open Space and Recreation Plan, The Comprehensive Plan and The Capital Improvements Program. Property under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission currently totals approximately 730 acres and consists of areas ranging in size from approximately one acre to over 100 acres. The largest tracts of contiguous parcels are located in the Chartley Brook area east of Pike Avenue and in the Bungay River area east and north of Bank Street. While many of the individual parcels contain wetlands and are not easily accessible, there are several areas where public access is available and recreational opportunities are abundant. While this document was being prepared, the City of Attleboro was in the midst of acquiring a Conservation Restriction on approximately 110 acres of land adjacent to the Locust Valley Conservation Area with the financial assistance of a LAND grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services. This Conservation Restriction would be managed jointly by the Conservation Commission, Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Attleboro Land Trust for the preservation of its unique natural resources as well as for public recreation. TABLE 2 contains a summary of parcels currently under the management of the City’s Conservation Commission. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 30 TABLE 2 CITY-OWNED CONSERVATION COMMISSION PROPERTIES Location Thurber Avenue/ Owner Management Agency Current Use Condition Recreation Potential Grant Source Public Access Zoning Acreage Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-C 4 Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-B 6 Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-B 1 Con Com Con Com Open Space Pristine Canoe, Hiking DCS-Self-Help Off SR-D 270 Nichol Avenue South Main Street off Fuller Avenue Richardson Street at Dodgeville Pond Bungay River Area Holden Street Farmer’s Pond Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-B 11 Pitas Avenue Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited GR-A 23 Pike Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-D 12 Con Com Con Com Open Space Pristine Canoe None Off SR-D 291 Avenue /Preston Road Chartley Brook Area Peckham Street Lindsey St. Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-D 39 Hemlock Swamp Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited SR-D and E 62 Teaberry Lane Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited 3 Stimpson Road Con Com Con Com Open Space Good Limited None Limited 6.68 Total Acreage CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS 729.68 · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 31 5.2 CITY DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER LAND The City’s Department of Water and Wastewater currently manages approximately 1,147 acres of land and surface water impoundments within Attleboro’s corporate boundaries (see Drinking Water Supply Map). The Department of Water and Wastewater also owns and manages properties surrounding reservoirs and/or pumping facilities located in North Attleboro, Mansfield, and Foxboro. The majority of the department’s property is managed as open space in its natural state for the protection of the City’s drinking water supply. In Attleboro, the more significant properties managed by the Department of Water and Wastewater include Manchester Pond Reservoir, Luther Reservoir, and Orrs Pond Reservoir. The Manchester Pond Reservoir area, which includes the Manchester Pond Reservoir impoundment, a segment of the Fourmile Brook, and woodlands surrounding the waterbody is the largest contiguous area managed by the Department of Water and Wastewater. The Orrs Pond Reservoir area is the second largest area and includes the City’s Water Treatment Plant, the Orrs Pond impoundment, and surrounding woodlands. Attleboro’s third reservoir is Luther Reservoir — which is partially located within the Town of North Attleborough — is surrounded by approximately 116 acres of land managed by the Department of Water and Wastewater. Other land areas managed by the Department of Water and Wastewater include the Wastewater Treatment Facility property located off Pond Street, lands surrounding the Ides Hill and Oak Hill water storage tanks, and the former Bungay River well area located off Holden Street. It is the City’s policy that land managed by the Department of Water and Wastewater only be used for purposes that are compatible with water supply protection goals. Therefore, other than management activities, public usage and access is limited to walking, fishing, and other similar passive recreational activities. The City’s goal is to ensure that present and future residents have an adequate and safe supply of drinking water. Therefore, it is essential to manage properties adjacent to drinking water supply reservoirs in a manner which will safeguard the quality and quantity of drinking water. TABLE 3 contains a summary of properties currently under the management of the City’s Department of Water and Wastewater. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 33 DRINKING WATER SUPPY MAP City of Attleboro N W Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan E S June 2009 City of Attleboro Water Resource Protection District City of Attleboro Water Department Lands Wading River Sub-Watershed NS MA D FIEL Wading River Pumping Station at West Mansfield NO H ILL E UG INV ORO PLA TTLEB A RTH Bungay River Sub-Watershed IELD NSF MA Ten Mile River Watershed Seven Mile River Sub-Watershed Bungay River Water Resource Protection District Hoppin Hill Resevoir N RTO RHODE ISLAND !"d$ Manchester Pond Reservoir !"d$ Luther Resevoir Ip ^z NO R BO LE TT A H RT NO ( %&i GH OU Orr's Pond Water Resource Protection District ^z% Orr's Pond ^s Water Treatment Plant ^Ó ¸ ] REHOBO TH SEEKON K ND RHOD E ISLA 0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 TABLE 3 DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND WASTEWATER PROPERTIES APPROXIMATE ACREAGE PROPERTY LOCATION Luther Reservoir Area 57 Orrs Pond Reservoir Area 367 Manchester Pond Reservoir Area 483 Ides Hill Water Tanks Area 75 Oak Hill Water Tank Area 50 Holden Street Well Area 13 Pond Street Wastewater Treatment Plant Area 102 Total Acreage 1,147 5.3 CITY PARK AND RECREATION LAND The City maintains several parks and active recreation facilities (see Active Recreation Map) throughout the community. These properties are managed by either the City’s Recreation Department or Department of Parks and Forestry. Parks range in size from the one–half acre Angel Park with its grass recreation field and children’s playground to the 40–acre Capron Park, including beautifully landscaped lawns, historic monuments, woodlands, and zoo. The City’s newest park is the three–acre Balfour Riverwalk Park located in the heart of downtown along the banks of the Ten Mile River. The Balfour Riverwalk Park includes a verdant green, children’s playgrounds, walking paths, an ice rink, picnic areas, and a skate park. TABLE 4 contains a list of properties under the management of the Department of Parks and Forestry. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 34 Legend N Roadways Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access Other Numbered Hwy Major Road - Collector Minor Street or Road, Ramp Rail Active Recreation Sites Recreation Sites Name E S 6 17 ( i & % 7 Manchester Pond Reservoir RHODEISLAND H OUG EBOR ATTL H T NOR 4 !"d$ Ip 26 2 ^z !"d$ 5 1 9 16 10 32 ^s 13 23 20 ^Ó ¸ ] 28 33 24 29 11 3 19 30 12 31 34 8 ^z 21 N NORTO ANGEL PARK ATTLEBORO HIGH SCHOOL BALFOUR RIVERWALK BEAGLE CLUB BEARCROFT SWIM CLUB BISHOP FEEHAN HIGH SCHOOL BLACKINTON POND PARK BRENNAN MIDDLE SCHOOL BRIGGS PLAYGROUND CAPRON PARK COELHO MIDDLE SCHOOL COMO PICNIC AREA CONLEY PARK DODGEVILLE PLAYGROUND ELKS LODGE #1014 FINBERG FIELD HAYWOOD FIELD HEBRONVILLE PARK HIGHLAND COUNTRY CLUB HILL ROBERTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HORTON PLAYGROUND HYMAN FINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCUST VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB NICKERSON PLAYFIELD OAK HILL ATLANTIC GOLF CENTER PONCIN-HEWITT FIELD SOUTH ATTLEBORO PARK STONE LEA GOLF COURSE STUDLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEXAS INSTRUMENTS-COOPERS POND THACHER MIDDLE SCHOOL VETERANS MEMORIAL COMMON WILLETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELD MANSFI 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 W 15 14 25 22 REHOBOTH 27 18 SEEKONK 0.5 RHODEISLAND City of Attleboro Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 ACTIVE RECREATION MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 TABLE 4 MUNICIPAL PARKS PROPERTY NAME Angel Park Balfour Riverwalk Park LOCATION APPROXIMATE ACREAGE Park Street 0.5 Tot Lot Playground County Street 3.1 Two tot lot playgrounds, skating rink, FACILITIES skateboard park, sand volleyball court, 1/3 mile walking path, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, amphitheatre and reading area Blackinton Park Capron Park North Main Street 4.5 Fishing, walking path County Street 40 Capron Park Zoo, Sweet Memorial Forest, tot lot playground, softball field, open grassy fields, picnic area Veteran’s Memorial Common Pleasant Street Total Acreage 1.3 Walking paths, memorials 49.4 The City has placed an emphasis in recent years on the development of active recreation fields. These efforts have been successful through the construction of active recreation facilities at two new middle schools and the development of Poncin–Hewitt Fields located off Oak Hill Avenue. During the past ten years, the City has seen approximately a 20% increase in its active recreation land inventory. This increase includes the addition of three basketball courts, three full–size soccer fields, two softball fields, four little league baseball fields, a tot lot children’s playground, and a multi–purpose walking/jogging trail. TABLE 5 contains a list of properties under the management of the Recreation Department. TABLE 6 contains a list of recreational facilities at public school sites. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 35 TABLE 5 MUNICIPAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Owner Management Current Use Recreation Potential ACREAGE PROPERTY NAME Zoning Protection Status None Yes SR-D None None Yes SR-B None None Yes SR-D None None Yes SR-B None None Yes SR-D None LOCATION Briggs Parker Playground Street Como Public Access Grant Source May Street 1.3 City of Attleboro 8.4 Picnic Area City of Attleboro Recreation Zero Department bathhouse, playground, two basketball used courts, street hockey court recreation. Picnic area and lake access Currently Recreation entry swimming pool and Department Currently used for for recreation. Conley Newport Playground Avenue 0.9 City of Attleboro Recreation Playground, basketball court Currently Department used for recreation. Tilda A. Stone South Main 8.5 Street City of Attleboro Recreation Swimming pool and bathhouse, three Currently Department soccer fields, playground, basketball used court recreation. Recreation Four baseball fields, two basketball Currently Department courts, used Recreation for Area (a.k.a. Dodgeville Playground ) Finberg Park Street 14.6 Field City of Attleboro four playgrounds, tennis courts, exercise two area, for recreation. walking/jogging trail, picnic area CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 36 TABLE 5 Cont’d MUNICIPAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Owner Management Current Use Recreation Potential ACREAGE PROPERTY NAME Hayward Field Zoning Protection Status None Yes SR-B None None Yes SR-B None None Yes SR-D None None Yes SR-B None None Yes SR-B None None Yes SR-D None LOCATION North & Public Access Grant Source 13.8 Avenue City of Attleboro Recreation Two baseball fields, two football Currently Department fields, playground used Walsh for recreation. Field Spatcher Pool* North 5.3 Avenue State of MA Recreation Swimming pool Currently Department used for recreation. Horton Starkey Field Avenue 2.5 City of Attleboro Recreation Basketball court, playground, ball Currently Department field used for recreation. Nickerson Snell Street 4.6 Playground City of Attleboro Recreation Softball field, little league baseball Currently Department field, street hockey court, basketball used court, recreation. multi–function shelter, for skateboard park, playground Ousley Field South Main 3.7 Street City of Attleboro Recreation Softball field Department Currently used (a.k.a. for recreation. Hebronvill e Park) Poncin– Oak Hill Hewitt Avenue 28.6 Fields CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS City of Attleboro Recreation Department Two soccer fields, four little league baseball fields, tot lot, basketball court, walking/jogging path, concession stand · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN Currently used for recreation. PAGE 37 TABLE 5 Cont’d MUNICIPAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Owner Management Current Use Recreation Potential ACREAGE PROPERTY NAME Public Access Zoning None Yes SR-A None None Yes I None Grant Source Protection Status LOCATION South Gardner Attleboro Avenue 11.5 City of Recreation Softball field, three little league fields, Currently Department three basketball courts, football area, used Veterans’ four recreation. Memorial playground, swimming Park bathhouse, walking/jogging (a.k.a. Lees fishing pond Attleboro horseshoe courts, skatepark, pool for and trail, Pond) Attleboro 81 Pine Recreation Street 0.4 City Attleboro Center Total Acreage of Recreation Department Former National Guard Armory. Indoor recreational facilities include: an open gymnasium equipped for basketball, soccer, volleyball, a boxing ring, game room and computer lab Currently used for recreation. 104.1 * Note: The Spatcher Pool property is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and managed by the City of Attleboro. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 38 TABLE 6 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES PROPERTY NAME Attleboro High School LOCATION APPROXIMATE ACREAGE Rathburn 17.1 Willard Drive Brennan Middle School Rathburn 29.1 Willard Drive FACILITIES Varsity baseball field, varsity football field, field hockey field, practice football field, two varsity softball fields, eight tennis courts, outdoor basketball court, handball courts Baseball field, two soccer fields, basketball court, woodland trails Coelho Middle School Brown Street 16.6 Hill Roberts Elementary School Roy Avenue 7.5 Hyman Fine Elementary School Oak Hill 32 Baseball field, football field, three softball fields Three little league baseball fields, one baseball field, outdoor basketball court, playground Two little league fields, playground 1.3 Practice softball field, playground Avenue Studley Elementary School Rathbun Willard Drive Peter Thacher Elementary School James Street 2.4 Two little league fields Wamsutta Elementary School Locust Street 16.7 Riverbank 8.6 Two softball fields, outdoor basketball court Softball field, little league baseball field, soccer field, playground Willett Elementary School Road Total Acreage 131.1 While most City–owned park and recreation lands and facilities are afforded protection under Article 97 of the Articles of Amendment to the Constitution of Massachusetts, several of these parcels are also afforded additional protected through deed restrictions that the City consents to by accepting state or federal grant funds to assist with their acquisition and development. These restrictions require that the property remain open to the public for park and recreational uses in perpetuity. Examples of properties with this type of additional restriction include Lee’s Pond, Nickerson Field, the Balfour Riverwalk Park, and Poncin–Hewitt Fields. 5.4 PRIVATE RECREATION LAND In addition to the many public recreation facilities, there are also several private recreation facilities located in the City (see Active Recreation Map). These facilities include four golf courses, a private swim/tennis club, and several smaller recreation areas owned by private organizations. TABLE 7 contains a list of private recreational facilities located within Attleboro. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 39 TABLE 7 PRIVATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES PROPERTY NAME Atlantic Golf Center LOCATION APPROXIMATE ACREAGE Newport 40.7 Nine hole par 3 golf course, driving range Avenue FACILITIES Bearcroft Swim Club Pike Avenue 20 Four swimming pools, eight tennis courts Beagle Club Beagle Club 3.1 Soccer field Holcott Drive 46 Baseball field, football field, two softball fields, soccer field, practice football field, six tennis courts, outdoor track, South Main 14 Six horseshoe pits, picnic area 97 Nine hole golf course Road Bishop Feehan High School Elks Lodge Street Highland Country Club Mechanics Street Locust Valley Country Club Locust Street 135 Nine hole golf course Stone–E–Lea Golf Course County Street 143 Eighteen hole Golf Course Texas Instruments Forest Street 2 Total Acreage Softball field, walking/jogging trail 500.8 5.5 OTHER PROTECTED LAND Another category of land that falls under the definition of “protected open space” in its natural state is land that is privately owned and is protected by a deed restriction or other similar mechanism. Examples of deed restrictions include conservation easements or conservation restrictions. The City’s ZONING ORDINANCE includes land use provisions such as §17–10.6, Planned Unit Residential Developments and §17–10.5, Open Space Residential Developments that encourage developers to protect open space when developing land for residential use. These provisions allow reduced lot sizes and clustering, by special permit, in return for an open space “set–aside”. The open space requirements contained in these zoning provision requires that a minimum of twenty–five percent of the total land tract to be developed be set aside as open space either as a restriction, easement, or fee simple. There are presently six residential subdivisions that have been permitted as open space developments. These open space subdivisions are Oak Ride Phase II off of Cathedral Drive, Leawood Estates located off County Street, Bishop Farms off of Bishop Street, Woodstock Estates off of Woodstock Circle, Country Road Estates off of Oak Hill Avenue and Victoria Estates off of Read Street. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 40 Two private non–profit groups, the Attleboro Land Trust and the Massachusetts Audubon Society, also currently own properties within Attleboro that are protected as “open space in its natural state”. The Attleboro land trust currently owns nine properties totaling approximately 270 acres. The Massachusetts Audubon Society currently owns one property consisting of approximately 43 acres. TABLE 8 contains a summary of privately owned parcels currently protected as open space in its natural state. TABLE 8 PRIVATELY–OWNED OPEN SPACE PROPERTIES PROPERTY OWNER LOCATION Attleboro Land Trust APPROXIMATE ACREAGE Attleboro Land Trust Attleboro Land Trust Watson Avenue and Riverbank Road Hope Avenue Hope Avenue 48.5 2.4 Attleboro Land Trust Woodland Lane 20 Division Street Oak Hill Avenue Richardson Avenue Steere Street Steere Street 1417 Park Street 1056 Oak Hill Avenue County Street Bishop Street Slater Street @ Norton Line 14.9 2.8 48 52.3 77 42.5 3.54 Attleboro Land Trust Attleboro Land Trust Attleboro Land Trust Attleboro Land Trust Attleboro Land Trust Massachusetts Audubon Society Massachusetts Audubon Society Leawood Estates Subdivision Bishop Farms Subdivision Blottman Land Total Acreage 4 3.3 27.7 17 NAME Larson Woodland Anthony Lawrence Wildlife Preserve Parcel donated in honor of Peter Halko Phil and Ginny Leach Wildlife Sanctuary Uriah's Marsh Veno Overlook Nickerson Walking Woods Preserve Vaughan Memorial Forest Colman Reservation Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary Subdivision Dedicated Open Space Subdivision Dedicated Open Space Deed restriction by City for wildlife sanctuary 363.94 5.6 LARGE TRACTS OF UNPROTECTED OPEN SPACE Unprotected “large” tracts of land, by far, constitute the greatest acreage of “open space in its natural state” within the City. These parcels include both public and private properties in which most or all of the land is undeveloped. The amount of land in this category is also continuously changing as individual properties are developed, sold, or subdivided. For purposes of discussion, this group of property has been separated into three categories: (1) publicly owned land, (2) privately owned land, (3) and privately owned parcels that have been placed within a tax incentive program to encourage the preservation of open space. Publicly owned unprotected large parcels consist of property owned by the City of Attleboro that has not been placed under the stewardship of a particular City department or has not otherwise received protection as CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 41 open space by deed restriction or regulation. An inventory of these properties identified over 30 parcels of land totaling nearly 300 acres. These parcels measure in size from at least one acre to over 115 acres. This list includes two parcels located in the Locust Valley area that total nearly 150 acres. TABLE 9 contains a summary of large unprotected, City–owned vacant parcels. TABLE 9 LARGE TRACTS OF UNPROTECTED CITY–OWNED PROPERTIES PROPERTY LOCATION APPROXIMATE ACREAGE Brown Street 3.7 Nichol Avenue 8.8 Thacher Street 4.5 South Main Street at Dodgeville Pond 1.2 Snell Street 11 Roy Avenue 2.5 Roy Avenue 11.7 Steere Street 7 Camp Street 5 Wilmarth Street 4.4 Oak Hill Avenue 7 Autumn Lane / Chartley Brook Lane / Eisenhower Street 7.5 Locust Valley 147 Doral Avenue 1.5 East of Lindsey Street at Mansfield Line 1.3 Park Street 2.3 Hillside Avenue and Eddy Street 5.2 Pike Avenue/Broadway Street 4 Pike Avenue 21.5 Peckham Street 20.3 Total Acreage 277.4 Privately owned unprotected large vacant parcels consist of undeveloped land owned by private individuals or organizations and are not protected as open space by deed restriction or otherwise. These lands collectively account for the largest amount of open space in the City. An inventory of these properties revealed nearly 100 parcels of land measuring in size from four acres to over 200 acres and totaling nearly 3,000 acres. Several privately owned tracts of open space (both land in its natural state and land utilized for active recreation) are currently enrolled in tax incentive programs under Chapters 61, 61A, or 61B of the Massachusetts General Laws. The Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B programs are intended to encourage property CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 42 owners to manage their land for forestry, agriculture, and open space or recreational use, respectively, by providing reductions in local real estate taxes. Should a property owner decide to remove land that has been designated under Chapter 61, 61A or 61B or to sell the land for development, the City has a 120-day right–of– first–refusal to purchase the property. City Assessor’s records indicate that approximately 78 acres of undeveloped woodlands are enrolled in the Chapter 61 program, approximately 301 acres of farmlands are enrolled in the Chapter 61A program, and approximately 406 acres of land are enrolled in the Chapter 61B program. TABLE 10 contains a summary of private lands enrolled in the Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B programs. TABLE 10 PRIVATE CHAPTER 61, 61A, 61B TAX DEFERRAL PROPERTIES DEFERRAL PROGRAM PROPERTY LOCATION APPROXIMATE ACREAGE Ch 61 Forestry Land Pitas Avenue 40 Ch 61 Forestry Land Off Wilson Street 9 Ch 61 Forestry Land Wilson Street 1 Ch 61 Forestry Land Costello Avenue 5 Ch 61 Forestry Land Pitas Avenue 1 Ch 61 Forestry Land Bishop Street 3 Ch 61 Forestry Land Bishop Street 19 Ch61A Agricultural Land Smith Street 81 Ch61A Agricultural Land Read Street 37 Ch61A Agricultural Land Wilmarth Street 15 Ch61A Agricultural Land Read Street 37 Ch61A Agricultural Land Read Street 29 Ch61A Agricultural Land Woodstock Road 9 Ch61A Agricultural Land Lindsey Street 74 1 Mechanic Street 118 2 Ch61B Recreation Land County Street 143 Ch61B Recreation Land Oak Hill Avenue 9 Locust Street 136 Ch61B Recreation Land 3 Ch61B Recreation Land Total Acreage 766 1 Highland Country Club, also listed in Table 7. Stone–E–Lea Golf Course, also listed in Table 7. 3 Locust Valley Country Club, also listed in Table 7. 2 CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 43 C HAPTER 6 COMMUNITY GOALS The community goals developed by the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee were formulated from analyses conducted by the committee, the public forum, past Open Space and Recreation Plans and extensive debate at Committee meetings. The following goals are broad in scope and are meant to address, in general terms, the open space and recreation needs in the City. More specific goals and objectives are detailed in Chapter 8. Goal: Recreational facilities and programs in the City of Attleboro should be diverse, properly maintained, and available to all residents. Goal: Open space in its natural state within the City of Attleboro should be acquired, preserved, and managed for the protection of natural resources while providing appropriate public access for recreation. Goal: Natural landscapes identified as ecologically sensitive or historically unique within the City of Attleboro should be protected as open space and used to promote environmental awareness and the protection of cultural and historical resources. Goal: An emphasis should be placed on the creation and promotion of a system of publicly accessible greenways, paths, and trails within the City of Attleboro to provide linkages between open space areas located both within the City and in neighboring communities. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 44 CHAPTER 7: ANALYSIS OF NEEDS This chapter identifies needs in the areas of natural resource protection, active and passive recreation, access for the general and disabled public, and cultural / historical resource protection. The following section presents the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee’s findings relative to needs for resource protection and management of recreational areas and facilities. These needs were identified through public input, the public forum, Open Space Committee meetings and review of Massachusetts Outdoors!, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). 7.1 SUMMARY OF RESOURCE PROTECTION NEEDS The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee focused its efforts on identifying the needs of the City of Attleboro relative to the preservation and protection of open space in its natural state. Based upon the inventories and environmental analysis presented in Chapter 4, the committee believes that the ecologically sensitive areas described in Section 4.6.1 should receive the highest priority for protection. These areas include the Manchester Pond Reservoir area, the Bungay River Basin, the Locust Valley and Oak Hill area, the Chartley Brook and Pond area; the Hemlock Swamp area; and Sweden’s Swamp. Additionally, the regional needs assessment compiled by the Department of Conservation Services in 2006 was utilized to identify regional needs to ensure that the Open Space and Recreation Plan addresses these regional needs. 7.2 SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY’S NEEDS 7.2.1 Needs Identified from Public Forum On June 21, 2008, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee hosted a public forum at the Wamsutta Middle School, during which committee members and support staff presented sections of the plan and discussed their activities and findings to date. The following is a summary of the needs identified at the public forum. • • • • • 7.2.2 Understand and educate the public on the potential benefits and costs of implementing the Community Preservation Act. Evaluate appropriate recreational usage for City-owned land surrounding drinking water supply reservoirs. Promote the existing Open Space within the City of Attleboro Develop an easily accessible trail system within the City of Attleboro Expand the use of bicycle lanes within the City of Attleboro Needs Identified by the Open Space and Recreation Committee The Open Space and Recreation Committee held 12 public meetings at the Park and Forestry Offices in Capron Park, during which committee members discussed and reviewed the 2002 Open Space and Recreation plan and discussed new needs that have been identified within the City. Additionally, the Open Space and Recreation Committee reviewed Massachusetts Outdoors!, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and identified regional needs that coincided with the local needs that were identified. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 45 The following is a summary of the needs identified through these meetings and discussions: Recreation Needs • • • • • • • • Establishment of funding to properly maintain and operate City pools Maintenance of City Park and Recreation facilities Creation of public restrooms at Capron Park, outside of the Capron Park Zoo Creation of bicycle paths within the City, both “on-road” bike routes and “off-road” bicycle paths Expansion of the adult recreation leagues Creation of exercise stations at City fields at Poncin-Hewitt, South Attleboro Veterans Memorial and Finberg Field recreation areas. Locust valley bike trail Increased access to facilities for the elderly and disabled. Open Space Needs • • • • 7.3 Procurement of open space in its natural state Identify and classify priority lands to protect within the City Bridge existing publicly owned and privately owned parcels through acquisition Develop priority list of lands to acquire MANAGEMENT NEEDS The following management needs were identified by the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee for natural areas as well as recreational properties and facilities. 7.3.1 Active Recreation Areas The Committee found that though most of the facilities were in good condition, many upgrades appear to be necessary to address health, safety, and accessibility concerns. Specific needs identified are outlined below. 7.3.1.1 Aquatic facilities: Seven years ago, in June 2001, the City commissioned a consultant to conduct a survey and evaluation of each of the three City-owned public pools and bathhouses. The survey found that all three facilities needed substantial rehabilitation to comply with state health codes, building codes and handicap accessibility laws. Since that time the Briggs Pool, bathhouse & filter room have been replaced leaving upgrades needed for the Tilda B. Stone Pool (Dodgeville) and Liddell Pool (Lee’s Pond). Conditions at these pools have worsened over the past seven years. The Open Space & Recreation Committee recommends the demolition and replacement of both pools, bathhouses and filter rooms. In addition, the committee affirms the 2001 survey, which found that the neighborhood population is outgrowing the usefulness of the Tilda B. Stone pool. This pool facility needs to be expanded to meet the growing demands of its neighborhood. It is recommended by the Committee that the architectural drawings used for the Briggs Pool be used for these reconstructions. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 46 7.3.1.2 Fields, Courts and Fencing: It was identified that many of the recently completed school expansion and renovation projects have also included upgrades to their active recreation facilities. As a result, school athletic fields and fencing were found to be in good to excellent condition. However, other City-owned recreation fields that are not included in the public school system were found to need renovations. In addition, several fields are in need of irrigation systems; and in other instances, fields require upgrades to existing irrigation systems. The following needs were identified as the most pressing relative to City recreation fields and courts: • • • • • Renovation of the recreation fields at Horton Field, Tilda B. Stone Recreation Area (a.k.a. Dodgeville Playground), Willett School, portions of Finberg Field, and S.A. Veterans’ Recreation Area. Repairs to the drainage system at the two main soccer fields and the baseball field at the High School. Replacement of the bleachers at the High School football field. Expansion of the irrigation system at Hayward Field, Lee’s Pond Recreation Area, and the Attleboro High School. Installation of an irrigation system at Finberg Field, Willett School, Nickerson Field, and Hyman Fine School. It was discussed that most bituminous surface courts (i.e. tennis, basketball, street hockey and skateboard) need to be repaired or completely reconstructed. Large cracks are prevalent at all courts except the AHS courts, which were redone since the last Open Space & Recreation plan. Courts located at Finberg Field, S.A. Veterans’ and Nickerson Playground were found to be in need of replacement. If replacement is not feasible then cracks in the bituminous surfaces should be repaired. All bituminous surface courts need a protective sealant, as they were not painted or otherwise seal-coated. The Committee is very pleased with the completion of fence replacement at many of the City’s recreation areas as suggested in the 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan. Unsafe, rusting backstops at many of the baseball and softball fields need to be replaced. The replacement of recreation field fencing is most needed at Hyman Fine School and Fran Driscoll Field at Nickerson Park. Additionally perimeter-fencing replacement is required at Briggs Playground and S.A. Veteran’s Memorial (Lee’s Pond). Vinyl coated fencing should begin to replace existing uncoated fencing to improve safety and to lower future maintenance needs. 7.3.1.3 Playground Structures The Committee found that playground equipment was the most widely used amenity at recreation facilities. In recent years, the City has replaced and installed new playground equipment at several of its parks and recreation areas. However, there is a need to continue to replace playground equipment, as structures are aging and due to changes in state and federal safety regulations. Several existing playground structures are constructed of wood and are now considered outdated in the recreation industry. Other playground structures were surrounded by wood timbers and/or contained a loose sand base surface making them difficult to access for people with disabilities. The Committee found that the playground equipment at Horton Field, Lee’s Pond Recreation Area, Capron Park, Hill Roberts School, Hyman Fine School, Studley School, and Willet School are most in need of replacement. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 47 7.3.1.4 Signage and Access There is a need to improve signage and accessibility at recreation facilities located throughout the City. Improvements are needed at several recreation facilities to allow for enhanced access from parking areas or entrances for those with disabilities. General pathways through several recreation properties consist of surfaces that are steep or uneven and may be difficult to use for those with disabilities. Appropriate and uniform signage at recreation facilities would also serve to improve safety and access. At a minimum, signage should be utilized to inform residents of the rules that pertain to each individual facility and indicate appropriate safety procedures. 7.3.1.5 Zoo and Parks The following needs were identified at Capron Park and Blackinton Park. The grounds of Capron Park need additional maintenance and refurbishment. The park’s central lawn area would benefit from the installation of an irrigation system. The primary fountain near County Street needs to be refurbished while other fountains within the park are aging and require restoration. The need to repair or replace fencing around the park was also identified. The former polar bear exhibit at Capron Park Zoo needs rehabilitation so that it can be reused for exhibits. Blackinton Park was found to need restoration. The park’s grounds have been severely damaged by waterfowl, especially geese, which have removed much of the grass lawn and exacerbated erosion of the pond’s banks. In addition, the pond’s concrete dam and stone masonry retaining walls are in disrepair and need restoration or replacement. 7.3.2 Access Paths and Trails After careful review of the needs, goals, and action plan included within the City’s 2002 Open Space and Recreation Plan, an review of the 2001 public opinion survey results, and a survey of recreation areas within the City, the Committee identified needs for improving access to the City’s recreation facilities. The Committee also attempted to identify the City’s needs relative to trails or other appropriate connections between recreation areas, public and private conservation areas, and other appropriate natural open spaces, and scenic or culturally significant locations. 7.3.2.1 Walking/Hiking Paths and Trails The Committee identified an overwhelming need to create new and/or expand existing trails and walking paths in the City. The Committee recognized the popularity of short loop paths, such as the one at Finberg Field, and identified a need for more of these types of paths. We identified loop trail development opportunities at several locations, both public and private, including Capron Park/Sweet Forest, Willett School Field, Larson Woodlands, Locust Valley, Attleboro Industrial Park, and Ides Hill. A need was also identified to create linkagetrails to connect loop trails and existing recreation areas. The committee identified opportunities to develop connector trails using existing sidewalks, cross country sewer and utility easements, or existing “informal” trails which could be developed further for public use. An example would be a connector trail from Finberg Field along Maple Street to Thacher Brook where an existing sewer pipeline easement could provide access to the many “informal” trails within Locust Valley. The Committee has also recognized the work that has been performed on expanding the paths within the downtown, in particular the work that the City, with the aid of the Friends of Attleboro Interested in Revitalization (FAIR), has completed along the Ten Mile River. The National Park Service has recognized a portion of CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 48 this trail as a “National Trail”. The Committee recognizes that this trail network should be expanded. 7.3.2.2 Bicycle Paths The Committee identified a need to create bicycle paths or paved, multi-use, trails. Local routes of interest, utilizing proper signage on existing roadways, linked to limited off-road trails appear to be achievable and should be investigated. The Committee also identified the many cross-country gas, sewer, and electric easements in the City as potential off-road trail routes. These trails could provide connections to local trails in neighboring communities. 7.3.2.3 Boat Landings The Committee identified a need to provide additional access to ponds and rivers. The City has installed a popular public canoe launch facility and parking area at the Bungay River off Holden Street. Similar facilities at Dodgeville and Hebronville Ponds on the Ten Mile River and at Cranberry Pond in South Attleboro should be investigated. This type of facility should accommodate canoes and kayaks, as well as smaller motorized boats where appropriate. Additionally, efforts should be made to educate the public about the locations of access points to ponds and rivers throughout the City. 7.3.2.4 General Public Neighborhood Access to Open Space There is a general need to maintain traditional access routes to existing open spaces and waterbodies. An extensive network of informal trails throughout the City was identified. These trails provide access to both publicly and privately owned open space and provide the public with numerous recreational opportunities. The City should actively encourage developers to provide or maintain access to areas that have traditionally been accessible to the public. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 49 CHAPTER 8: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES This chapter includes goals and objectives developed by the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee to address those needs identified in Chapter 7. 8.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 8.1.1 PLANNING Goal: City government should play an active and ongoing role in implementing the goals and objectives of the OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN. Objectives: a. The Mayor shall directly appoint a permanent Open Space Advisory Committee comprised of diverse citizens to advise the Mayor on matters of public policy related to open space protection, including but not limited to the following: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. x. b. Promote implementation of the Five Year Action Plan; Review tax title land and foreclosure properties for possible acquisition and protection; Encourage usage of the open space zoning provisions; Coordinate public and private land protection efforts; Promote the awareness and creation of trail linkages and greenways Designate a watershed constable team and recreational hikers/monitors team; Monitor the status of properties under Chapters 61, 61A, and 61B which may be offered to the City; Work with the owners of large parcels of private open space to encourage the placement of additional acres within the Chapter 61, 61A, and 61B programs; Review proposed conservation restrictions which require City approval; and Propose amendments to the zoning ordinance for the purpose of protecting open space. All departments in City government should work within their capacities to increase open space protection within the areas identified as ecologically sensitive in Section 4.6.1. 8.1.2 LAND ACQUISITION Goal: The City should take the initiative to acquire appropriate land to meet present and future needs for public parks, recreational development, and open space in its natural state. Objectives: a. An ordinance should be adopted to require a public hearing when a parcel of land becomes available to the City for purchase under Chapters 61, 61A, or 61B. b. The Conservation Commission should review the list of unprotected City–owned parcels outlined in TABLE 9 and assess their value for conservation purposes. Parcels that are determined to have value for conservation purposes should be transferred to the Conservation Commission for stewardship. c. The Assessor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office should adopt policies and procedures to review tax title land for possible protection as open space prior to offering them for sale at auction. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 50 d. Where appropriate, the City of Attleboro should encourage private developers to donate land for use as public open space. 8.1.3 POLICIES TO LIMIT LOSS OF OPEN SPACE Goal: The City should adopt growth management policies to monitor and limit the continuing loss of open space due to development. Objectives: a. Growth management policies should apply to all development projects to ensure that these projects meet the current and future open space and recreational needs of the citizens of Attleboro. b. The City should adopt a goal to protect one acre of open space for each acre of undeveloped land that is developed, whether by the public or private sector. A strategy should be developed to achieve this goal by formulating a partnership between the City, the development community, and private land conservation organizations. Ordinances should be modified in such a manner that they help achieve this objective. 8.1.4 PROTECTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND HABITAT Goal: The City should take steps to protect endangered species, to prevent harm to areas of environmental significance, and to preserve natural areas that contribute to clean air and clean water. Objectives: a. The City of Attleboro should focus its land acquisition and protection efforts on those areas of the City identified as ecologically sensitive or containing endangered species habitat. Specifically, these efforts should be concentrated on the following areas: i. Manchester Pond Reservoir Area: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on property with value for watershed protection and natural resource diversity. ii. Bungay River Basin: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on the expansion of the Bungay River Conservation Area with the goal of creating a contiguous tract of publicly owned land along the river’s corridor. iii. LaSalette Shrine: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on the preservation of a contiguous large tract of open space and the protection of the diverse natural resources found in this area. iv. Locust Valley and Oak Hill Area: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on the preservation of a contiguous large tract of open space and the protection of the diverse natural resources found in this area. Chartley Brook and Pond Area: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on properties that are v. contiguous to existing City conservation lands and/or provide protection of the area’s diverse natural resources and watershed protection values. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 51 vi. Hemlock Swamp Area: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on the properties that are contiguous to existing City conservation lands and/or provide protection of the area’s diverse natural resources. vii. Sweedens Swamp Area: Acquisition and protection efforts should focus on protection of the area’s diverse natural resources. b. The City should develop uniform signage to identify all publicly owned conservation lands. 8.2 ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES 8.2.1 ADDRESS SAFETY AND ACCESS ISSUES Goal: The City should address safety issues and improve access for those with disabilities where necessary at all of its recreational facilities. Objectives: a. Safety regulations are constantly changing for playgrounds and it is recommended that a professionally trained playground safety inspector evaluate all existing playground structures throughout the City. b. Upgrade existing City pools and bathhouses to meet requirements of the Board of Health and the Americans with Disabilities Act. c. Improve access to recreation facilities and equipment for those with disabilities by: i. Considering access for the disabled when replacing outdated or inaccessible equipment. ii. Improving handicap access from parking facilities and entrances. iii. Re–surfacing or grading paths where needed. d. Resurface tennis and basketball courts where needed. e. Upgrade playgrounds at: i. Nickerson Playground ii. Horton Field f. Expand parking facilities at Tilda B. Stone Memorial Fields. g. Improve markings for crosswalks at recreational areas. 8.2.2 UPGRADE AND MAINTAIN EXISTING PARK & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Goal: The City should take steps to ensure that its investment in parks and recreational facilities is protected with adequate maintenance resources. Objectives: a. Provide the necessary personnel, tools, and equipment to properly maintain facilities. b. Improve, expand and install irrigation where necessary at all playing fields. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 52 c. Fund and implement an annual field maintenance plan that includes sod, seeding, fertilizing, aerating and liming as required. d. Replace three infields at Poncin-Hewitt. e. Improve drainage system between the softball field and tennis courts at the Tilda B. Stone (Dodgeville) Recreation Area. f. Continue the program to replace fencing at park and recreation facilities, as needed. g. Evaluate landscaping and restoration needs at Capron Park. h. Continue restoration and repairs to the grounds of Blackinton Park. 8.2.3 EXPAND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Goal: The City should continue its policy of upgrading and expanding recreational facilities to meet the needs of its citizens. The City should encourage the development of private facilities, where appropriate. Objectives: a. Replace the aquatic facilities at Tilda B. Stone Recreation Area and at the S. A. Veteran’s Memorial Playground. b. Develop outdoor ice skating facilities at various locations around Attleboro and South Attleboro and/ or allow ice skating on certain ponds. c. Explore the development of a recreation facility in the Lindsey Street / Richardson Avenue area. d. Expand existing parking lot at Tilda A. Stone Recreation Area. e. Explore the expansion of Hayward Field. This should include the construction of an indoor complex from which a summer program and after school programs can be run. This would be the City’s first and only full-scale recreation facility to include: gymnasium, outdoor swimming, playground, basketball, baseball, soccer, recreation room, study area and computer lab. f. Encourage the dedication of land within new residential subdivisions for use as neighborhood park areas. g. Explore the development of additional “small neighborhood parks” in areas of the City where existing facilities are lacking or in areas that are not accessible to public transportation. h. The Assessor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office should adopt policies and procedures to review tax title land for possible recreation use prior to the City offering them for sale at auction. i. Enhance the walking/jogging paths at SA Memorial Playground, Finberg Field and Poncin-Hewitt Fields with fitness stations. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 53 8.3 PASSIVE RECREATION / TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES 8.3.1 GREENWAYS Goal: The City should preserve existing off–road trails and develop new off–road trails throughout the City for non–motorized recreational use. The City should regulate the use of motorized off-road vehicles. Objectives: a. The Open Space Advisory Committee shall plan, advise, and help implement a trail system for jogging, walking and biking throughout the City. b. The Open Space Advisory Committee shall work with adjoining communities to explore the potential for linking trails. c. The Open Space Advisory Committee shall be provided with assistance from appropriate City departments, as well from the local regional planning agency (SRPEDD) to ensure that their planning efforts comply with local and regional planning efforts. 8.3.2 RECREATIONAL TRAILS Goal: The City should encourage the creation, maintenance, and expansion of recreational trails on all appropriate City–owned properties. Objectives: a. The City should explore use of existing City–owned land around reservoirs provided adequate safeguards are put in place to protect the drinking water supply. b. The City should explore the expanded use of existing and planned sewer line easements for public recreation including walking and bicycle trails. c. City subdivision regulations and infrastructure plans (roadways, sewers, etc.) should include provisions for access to existing trails and recreational open space areas. d. Future industrial parks should have recreational provisions available to both the workers and City residents. e. The City should work with the local regional planning agency (SRPEDD) to identify potential locations of local bicycle/multi–use trails that may connect to other existing or planned trails in the region. f. Develop signage to identify existing trail areas and access points. g. Develop a brochure to identify existing access and trails for City–owned open space and recreational areas. h. Explore the development of a paved bike trail and unpaved walking/jogging path around the perimeter of the City-owned Locust Valley area. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 54 8.3.3 RIVER CORRIDORS Goal: River corridors should receive special attention as ideal locations for trails and other passive recreational activities. Objectives: a. Continue the development of the Balfour Riverwalk Park along additional “urban” portions of the Ten Mile River. b. Evaluate the feasibility of developing new and/or expanding existing trails along the Bungay river corridor. 8.3.4 TRANSPORTATION CORRIDORS Goal: Transportation planning policy should promote bicycle lanes and sidewalks, which will connect residential areas with open space, recreation areas, downtown, industrial parks, and urban transportation stations. Objective: City land use and development policies should encourage the development of greenways, which meet the needs of both (1) recreational walkers, runners, roller–bladers, non–motorized bicycle riders and nature enthusiasts; and (2) commuters traveling by bicycle or on foot between their home, public transportation, and business centers. 8.4 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION Goal: The City should encourage and promote the preservation of its rich and diverse heritage of historic, cultural, and scenic resources and landscapes. Objectives: a. Explore amending City ordinances to encourage the preservation of historic areas including: (1) the creation of local historic districts at Dodgeville, Hebronville, Blackinton Park, and Capron Park, (2) the adoption of a demolition delay ordinance for historic structures, and (3) the adoption of a “scenic roadways” ordinance. b. Encourage the preservation and maintenance/upkeep of historic burial grounds through grants and related state and federal historic programs. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 55 CHAPTER 9: SEVEN–YEAR ACTION PLAN 9.1 YEAR 1 ACTION ITEMS 9.1.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 1. The Municipal Council should prescribe by ordinance, and the Mayor should appoint, a permanent Open Space Advisory Committee to advise the Mayor on matters of public policy related to open space protection and to promote the use of open space and passive recreational facilities in the City. 2. The Conservation Commission should review the list of unprotected City–owned parcels outlined in TABLE 9 and assess their value for conservation purposes. The Conservation Commission should request that the Municipal Council transfer to their stewardship those parcels that are determined to have value for conservation purposes. 3. Working in conjunction with the Planning Department, Recreation Department, and Conservation Commission, the Assessor’s Office and Treasurer’s Office should develop written policies and procedures to research tax title land for possible acquisition by the City for open space protection or recreational use prior to offering them for sale at auction. 4. The City should adopt policies that would protect open space as part of any future development projects. Such policies should include increased use of cluster zoning and other regulations that would preserve open space. 5. The Department of Planning and Development shall continue Cranberry Pond restoration efforts. The project entails the implementation of the second phase of the Cranberry Pond network plan. This phase will include the preparation of a pond management plan to evaluate surrounding land uses and identify sources of and remedies for water pollution and nuisance aquatic vegetation. Issues associated with the ponds include poor water quality, the presence of nuisance aquatic vegetation, poor aesthetics during summer months, and the decline of recreational opportunities. The study will evaluate the pond system and recommend strategies and management options to improve and then maintain the overall quality of this water body. 6. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land that is developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 9.1.2 ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES 1. The City should hire a professional playground safety inspector to evaluate all existing City–owned playground structures every five years. 2. The City should examine and update all municipal playgrounds to ensure that all apparatus meets all applicable safety codes, for example the proper type and amount of “fall protection” at each facility. 3. The Capron Park Zoo walkway should be repaved, to address the following deficiencies: (a) paving the maintenance area between the maintenance shed and the Animal Treatment Facility (ATF), and (b) (re)paving the walkways in the Zoo. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 56 Roadways Legend N 34 MANCHESTER POND RESERVOIR AREA 17 ( i & % H OUG EBOR ATTL H T R NO 7 Manchester Pond Reservoir 34 !"d$ 3 CHARTLEY BROOK WATERSHED 9 10 16 24 ^z Ip 2 ^z 21 N NORTO 16 17 18 20 21 22 24 27 28 ATTLEBORO HIGH SCHOOL BALFOUR RIVERWALK BLACKINTON POND PARK BRIGGS PLAYGROUND CAPRON PARK TILDA B. STONE RECREATION AREA DODGEVILLE PLAYGROUND FINBERG FIELD HAYWARD FIELD HEBRONVILLE PARK HILL ROBERTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HORTON PLAYGROUND HYMAN FINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NICKERSON PLAYFIELD PONCIN-HEWITT FIELDS SOUTH ATTLEBORO VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK WILLETT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL E S BUNGAY RIVER BASIN RHODEISLAND 2 3 7 9 10 14 W IELD MANSF Limited Access Highway Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access Other Numbered Hwy Major Road - Collector Minor Street or Road, Ramp Rail Passive Recreation/Open Space Preservation Action Items Active Recreation Site/ Action Items ^s HEMLOCK SWAMP 20 SWEEDEN'S SWAMP AREA ^Ó ¸ ] 28 !"d$ 22 14 REHOBOTH 27 18 SEEKONK LOCUST VALLEY/ OAK HILL AREA 0.5 RHODEISLAND City of Attleboro Department of Planning & Development Open Space and Recreation Plan June 2009 ACTION PLAN MAP 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles Maps produced by SRPEDD are for the sole purpose of aiding regional planning decisions and are not warranted for any other use. This map is not intended for engineering, legal or survey purposes. Produced by: SRPEDD GIS Regional Service Center Data Source: MassGIS; the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information Massachusetts Highway Department 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 4. The Recreation Department should replace the fire escape and exterior stairwell at the Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center. 5. The Recreation Department should reconstruct the Finberg Field Tennis Court Surface. 6. The Recreation Department should develop a Master Plan for South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground. (Phase 1). The preparations of architectural plans and building specifications for the new Liddell Memorial pool, bathhouse and filter room should also be undertaken. (Phase 1A) 7. The Recreation Department should design the new Pool, Bathhouse and Filter Room at Twin Village Pool. (Phase 1) 8. The Recreation Department should refinish the gymnasium floor at the Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center. 9. The Recreation Department should reconstruct the infields at Poncin–Hewitt Recreational Complex. 10. The Park and Forestry Department shall install a splash pad at the Capron Park Zoo. The splash pad project entails the construction of a splash pad, in an area dedicated exclusively for children. The splash pad would spray water in different movements such as flowing, misting, sprinkling, and jetting. 11. The Recreation Department should begin its Recreation Fields Reconstruction Program. Projects for FY 2009 include: Finberg Complex (#3): the improvements include rebuilding the entire playing area and surrounding ground surface (adding 4'' of pervious sand and 4'' of loam), rebuilding the infield, re–seeding the outfield, installing an irrigation system, and installing a drainage system; Tilda B. Stone (Upper Field): the improvement involves expanding the irrigation system to cover the entire field. South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground: the improvement involves replacing the concrete retaining wall. 9.1.3 PASSIVE RECREATION / TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES 1. The Open Space Advisory Committee should plan and implement trail systems for jogging, walking and biking throughout the City. 9.1.4 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION 1. The City should explore the creation of local historic districts at Dodgeville Mill Village, Hebronville Mill Village, Blackinton Park, and Capron Park. 2. The Historical Commission should recommend to the Municipal Council a renewed effort towards the adoption of a “scenic roadways” ordinance. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 57 9.2 YEAR 2 ACTION ITEMS 9.2.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 1. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should develop and install uniform signage to identify all public conservation areas. 2. The Municipal Council should adopt an ordinance requiring a public hearing when a parcel of land becomes available to the City for purchase under Chapters 61, 61A, or 61B. 3. The Conservation Commission should work with appropriate state agencies and private organizations to properly identify and document natural resources in the Hemlock Swamp area. Hemlock Swamp is located in the southeastern portion of the City, off of Slater Street. 4. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should identify and target appropriate parcels for protection within those areas identified as ecologically sensitive. Acquisition efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land with the Bungay River Basin, Chartley Brook watershed, Hemlock Swamp, Locust Valley, and the Manchester Pond Reservoir area. 5. The Department of Planning and Development shall begin Dodgeville Pond Restoration work. This project entails the implementation of the second phase of the Dodgeville Pond plan. Phase 1, the preparation of a baseline biological survey of the pond, has been completed. This phase will include the preparation of a pond management plan to evaluate surrounding land uses and identify sources of and remedies for water pollution and nuisance aquatic vegetation. 6. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land that is developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 7. The Open Space Advisory Committee should make a recommendation to the Municipal Council of an ordinance to regulate and restrict the use of motorized off-road vehicles. 9.2.2 ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES 1. The Department of Planning and Development shall begin the Blackinton Pond Park update, Phase 1, Design. The focus of this project is to design a park area in the general vicinity of Blackinton Park and the North Main bridge over the Bungay River. The park could serve as a gateway to the downtown from the City’s northern approach. Conceptually, the park would include Blackinton Park, approximately five (5) acres of City–owned land which abut the Bungay River and Blackinton Pond, the Blackinton Inn, Knobby Crafters, the Peck Cemetery, the Daughters of the American Revolution house, a portion of the former “Gee Whiz” rail line, and the World War I Memorial Bridge on North Main Street which spans the Bungay River. 2. The Recreation Department should begin its Recreation Fields Reconstruction Program. Projects for FY 2010 include: CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 58 Tilda B. Stone (Upper Field): the improvements include leveling the playing surface (excavation, leveling and re–seeding), and installing an irrigation system to cover the entire field; Willet Field: the improvement involves installing an irrigation system. 3. The Recreation Department shall begin the Twin Village Pool, Bathhouse and Filter Room: Phase 2, Construction. 4. The Recreation Department shall begin Phase 1B of the South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground: Pool and Bathhouse upgrade. Phase 1B entails constructing the new Liddell Memorial pool and bathhouse. 5. The Recreation Department shall construct the Poncin–Hewitt Irrigation Well. connecting test–well #3 to the irrigation system at the Poncin–Hewitt complex. This project entails 9.2.3 PASSIVE RECREATION / TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES 1. Working in consultation with the Water Department, the Open Space Advisory Committee should explore the use of land around the Manchester Reservoir for more accessible recreational trails. 2. The Open Space Advisory Committee should explore the formal use of City sewer line easements for recreation trails. 3. The Open Space Advisory Committee should develop and install uniform signage to identify existing trail areas and access points. 4. The Planning Department and Department of Parks and Forestry should explore the expansion of the Balfour Riverwalk Park up-river along the Ten Mile River corridor. 5. The Open Space Advisory Committee should plan and implement trail systems for jogging, walking and biking throughout the City. 9.2.4 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION 1. The City should begin to develop a maintenance and management plan for the preservation of all historic burial grounds. 9.3 YEAR 3 ACTION ITEMS 9.3.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 1. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should develop and publish a brochure to identify public conservation lands. 2. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should identify and target appropriate parcels for protection within those areas identified as ecologically sensitive. Acquisition efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land within the Bungay River Basin, Chartley Brook watershed, Hemlock Swamp, Locust Valley, and the Manchester Pond Reservoir area. 3. The Department of Planning and Development should begin Phase 1, Master Plan Design of the Downtown Civic Walking Trail project. The overall goal of the project entails the development of a civic CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 59 trail in the downtown that would extend from Mechanics Pond to the Attleboro Museum. The trail, and connecting sites, would include: (a) the urban trail adjacent to the Ten Mile River, (b) the Balfour Riverwalk, (c) cross County Street just north of the bridge, (d) cross the Ten Mile River (by bridge), (e) the Christopher House, (f) travel beneath the Mill Street arch, (g) Industrial Museum, (h) Government Center, (i) Attleboro Museum, (j) Second Congregational Church, (k) Kirk Cemetery, and (l) Blackinton Pond area. Phase 1 of this project entails planning and designing the civic trail. 4. The Department of Planning and Development should begin the restoration efforts at Lake Como. The project entails the implementation of the recommendations entailed in the report titled Lake Como Restoration Study that was published by the Army Corps of Engineers in July 2002. The primary recommendation of the Lake Como Restoration Study report is to repair the lake’s outlet control structure located adjacent to Washington Street, as it is in disrepair and does not function to control water levels in the lake. Without a properly functioning control structure, water continues to discharge from the lake and during summer months it has been observed to dry almost completely and revert back to a narrow stream channel. The restoration goals include improvement of water quality, enabling of passive uses of the pond for non-motorized boating, improvement of visual aesthetics, with reduced odor and unsightly growth, and restoration of the pond habitat to support fish and wildlife populations. 5. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 9.3.2 ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES 1. The Department of Planning and Development shall begin Blackinton Pond Park: Phase 2, Construction. The focus of this project is to design a park area in the general vicinity of Blackinton Park and the North Main bridge over the Bungay River. The park could serve as a gateway to the downtown from the City’s northern approach. Conceptually, the park would include Blackinton Park, approximately five (5) acres of City–owned land which abut the Bungay River and Blackinton Pond, the Blackinton Inn, Knobby Crafters, the Peck Cemetery, the Daughters of the American Revolution house, a portion of the former “Gee Whiz” rail line, and the World War I Memorial Bridge on North Main Street which spans the Bungay River. 2. The Recreation Department should begin its Recreation Fields Reconstruction Program. Projects for FY 2011 include: Finberg Complex (#1): the improvements include drainage improvements, rebuilding the infields, and installing an irrigation system; Finberg Complex (#2): the improvements include rebuilding the infields and installing an irrigation system; 3. The Recreation Department should begin the Tilda B. Stone Playground Parking Lot Renovation and Expansion project. This project entails: (a) replacing the existing tennis court parking surface with stone dust or asphalt, (b) replacing the fencing around the parking lot, and (c) connect the upper and lower parking lots to add additional off–street parking stalls. 4. The Recreation Department shall begin the Hayward Field: Parking Lot Renovation and Expansion project. This project entails: (a) repaving the entry ways, (b) repaving the parking lots, and (c) expanding the upper parking lot (near Spatcher Pool). CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 60 5. The Recreation Department should begin the backboard and rim replacement project at the Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center. This project entails replacing the six (6) backboards and rims at Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center. 6. The Recreation Department should purchase new spectator bleachers and team benches for recreational facilities throughout the City. 9.3.3 PASSIVE RECREATION / TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES 1. The Open Space Advisory Committee should develop and publish a brochure identifying existing access and trails for City–owned open space and recreation areas. 2. The Open Space Advisory Committee should explore the development, improvement, and/or expansion of trails within the Bungay River Conservation Area. 3. The Open Space Advisory Committee should work with SRPEDD and other adjoining communities to identify potential locations of existing and planned trails that could be linked with existing or planned trails in Attleboro. 9.4 YEAR 4 ACTION ITEMS 9.4.1 Open Space Preservation and Protection 1. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should identify and target appropriate parcels for protection within those areas identified as ecologically sensitive. Acquisition efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land with the Bungay River Basin, Chartley Brook watershed, Hemlock Swamp, Locust Valley, and the Manchester Pond Reservoir area. 2. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land that is developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 3. The Department of Planning and Development should pursue land acquisition within the Bungay River Conservation Area. This would entail the implementation of the next phase of land acquisition within the Bungay River basin in Attleboro, which encompasses the river’s floodplain. “Acquisition” would not only include purchase–acquisition but also conservation easements and restrictions as well as land–donations. The subject area is bounded roughly by Bank Street and Holden Street to its south, Lindsey Street to its east, and North Main Street to its west. The land will be used in conjunction with the public access trail system proposed for the Bungay River Conservation Area. The City currently owns approximately 282 acres in this area. 9.4.2 Active Recreational Facilities and Services 1. The Department of Planning and Development should pursue the Downtown Civic Walking Trail: Phase 2 (Construction). The overall goal of this project entails the development of a civic trail in downtown that would extend from Mechanics Pond to the Attleboro Museum. The trail, and connecting sites, would include: (a) the urban trail adjacent to the Ten Mile River, (b) the Balfour Riverwalk, (c) cross County Street just north of the bridge, (d) cross the Ten Mile River (by bridge), (e) the Christopher House, (f) travel beneath the Mill Street arch, (g) Industrial Museum, (h) Government Center, (i) Attleboro Museum, (j) Second Congregational Church, (k) Kirk Cemetery, and (l) Blackinton Pond area. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 61 2. The Department of Planning and Development should begin development of a City–Wide Multi–Use Recreational Trail Network. Phase 1 of this project would consist of the Design Phase. Sometimes referred to as “linear parks”, the overall goal of this project entails developing a generally off–road network of cross–country, multi–purpose trails that would accommodate cycling, jogging, hiking and walking. In the short–term, a primary loop–trail, a portion of which will be include the old “Gee Whiz” trolley line, is planned to be located to the north of the downtown and fed by a series of tributary trails. In the longer–term, the network is planned to transverse throughout the City and hopefully connect to a regional trail — including perhaps North Attleborough, Seekonk, Pawtucket and Cumberland. Phase 1 of this project entails hiring a landscape architectural consultant to work with the Planning Department, Recreation Commission and the Conservation Commission to prepare a “master trails plan”, drawings and design specifications as well as a phased implementation schedule. 3. The Recreation Department should begin Phase 2 of the Master Plan for South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground. Phase 2 consists of the Preparation of Architectural and Construction Plans. The project entails hiring a consultant to prepare the architectural and construction plans for the 11 acre site (working off the master plan) that would include renovation/construction of baseball, football, and softball fields, recreation center, skateboard area, walking paths, irrigation, drainage, fencing, parking areas, lighting, handicap accessibility, as well as environmental clean–up Lee’s Pond. 4. The Recreation Department should begin its Recreation Fields Reconstruction Program. Projects for FY 2012 include: Tilda B. Stone (Lower Field): the improvements include leveling the playing surface (excavation, leveling and re–seeding), and installing an irrigation system to cover the entire field. 9.5 YEAR 5 ACTION ITEMS 9.5.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 1. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should identify and target appropriate parcels for protection within those areas identified as ecologically sensitive. Acquisition efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land with the Bungay River Basin, Chartley Brook watershed, Hemlock Swamp, Locust Valley, and the Manchester Pond Reservoir area. 2. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land that is developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 9.5.2 ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES 1. The Recreation Department should begin its Recreation Fields Reconstruction Program. Projects for FY 2012 include: 2. Hayward Field: the improvements include replacing electrical wiring, ballasts, and lighting as required; additional lighting directed at the baseball diamond are also necessary; South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground: the improvement involves replacing electrical wiring, ballasts, and lighting as required; The Recreation Department should proceed with the Master Plan for South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground: Phase 3, Construction. This project entails renovation/construction of baseball, football, and CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 62 softball fields, recreation center, skateboard area, walking paths, irrigation, drainage, fencing, parking areas, lighting, handicap accessibility, as well as environmental clean–up Lee’s Pond. 3. The Recreation Department should install skateboard ramps and replace associated equipment at Nickerson Playground. 4. The Recreation Department should begin Phase 1, Design, of the Recreation/Community Center at Hayward Field. This project entails hiring a consultant to prepare architectural and construction plans for a recreation facility at Hayward Field. The proposed Center would be used in conjunction with existing ballfields, basketball court, playground and Spatcher swimming pool to provide the City with it’s first full scale Recreation/Community Center. 5. The Recreation Department should replace the gymnasium floor at the Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center. 9.6 YEAR 6 ACTION ITEMS 9.6.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 1. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should identify and target appropriate parcels for protection within those areas identified as ecologically sensitive. Acquisition efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land with the Bungay River Basin, Chartley Brook watershed, Hemlock Swamp, Locust Valley, and the Manchester Pond Reservoir area. 2. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land that is developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 9.6.2 ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES 1. This capital project entails constructing a recreation Community Center at the Hayward Field and Walsh Field Complex. This capital project is proposed in order to establish the City’s first full–service recreational facility. The proposed recreation Community Center would be used in conjunction with the fields and courts at the complex and thereby provide the Recreation Department with “home” for a full– fledged after–school summer youth program. With the anticipated construction of a state–of–the–art swimming pool at the complex, the proposed recreation Community Center would be an ideal element to the overall recreational facility. 2. This capital project entails rebuilding the music shell at Capron Park for concerts. The base of the old music shell is still in good condition. 9.7 YEAR 7 ACTION ITEMS 9.7.1 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION 1. The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should identify and target appropriate parcels for protection within those areas identified as ecologically sensitive. Acquisition efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land with the Bungay River Basin, Chartley Brook watershed, Hemlock Swamp, Locust Valley, and the Manchester Pond Reservoir area. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 63 3. The Open Space Advisory Committee should report to the Mayor on the amount of land that is developed and protected during the previous year and make recommendations, as necessary. 9.8 ONGOING 1. The Open Space Advisory Committee should evaluate the City’s progress regarding the implementation of this plan on an annual basis and report its findings to the Mayor. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 64 TABLE 11 SEVEN–YEAR ACTION PLAN Funding Source YEAR 1 ACTION ITEM YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 Open Space Preservation and Protection Appoint Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) Evaluate unprotected City–owned parcels N/A - Staff X for conservation N/A - OSAC X Develop tax title land review policies X N/A - OSAC Adopt open space protection goal X N/A - OSAC Report the amount of land developed and protected in previous year Continue Cranberry Pond restoration efforts Develop and install uniform signage for conservation lands Adopt Ordinance for public hearing prior to sale of Chapter 61 lands Assess natural resources of Hemlock Swamp area Identify parcels within ecologically sensitive areas for protection Begin Dodgeville Pond restoration work X X X X X X X CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS N/A - OSAC City/ State Grant Conservation Commission X N/A - Staff X X X Conservation Commission X X X X X X OSAC, Conservation Commission City/ State Grant Recommend ordinance to regulate and restrict off-road vehicles X N/A – OSAC X · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 65 TABLE 11 cont’d SEVEN–YEAR ACTION PLAN Funding Source ACTION ITEM YEAR 1 YEAR 2 Develop and publish guide to public conservation lands YEAR 3 YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 YEAR 7 N/A – OSAC, Conservation Commission X City/State Grants Begin Phase 1, Master Plan Design of the Downtown X Civic Walking Trail Project Begin restoration efforts at Lake Como City/ State/Federal Grant X City/ State/Federal Grant Pursue land acquisition adjacent to the Bungay River X Conservation Area X Active Recreation Facilities and Services Hire professional playground safety inspector Examine and update municipal playgrounds to meet safety codes Repave the Capron Park Zoo walkway Replace fire escape and stairwell at Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center City X City X City X City X Reconstruct the Finberg Field Tennis Court Surface X City Replace playground equipment at Nickerson Field X City Develop a Master Plan for South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground Design new pool, bathhouse and filter room at Twin Village Pool CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS City/State/Federal Grant X City X · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 66 TABLE 11 cont’d SEVEN–YEAR ACTION PLAN ACTION ITEM YEAR 1 Refinish gymnasium floor at Bartek Recreation Center X City X City X City Reconstruct infields at Poncin-Hewitt Recreational Complex Install Splash Pad at Capron Park Zoo Recreation Fields Reconstruction Program X Begin Blackinton Pond Park update, Phase 1 Begin Twin Village Pool, Bathhouse and Filter Room: Phase II Begin phase 1B of the S. Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground Pool and Bathhouse upgrade Construct Poncin-Hewitt Irrigation Well YEAR 2 X City City/ State/Federal Grant X City benches throughout the City Begin backboard and rim replacement project at Fredric M. Bartek Recreation Center CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS X Funding Source X Expansion and X YEAR 7 City/ State/Federal Grant Begin Hayward Field Parking Lot Renovation and bleachers X YEAR 6 X Renovation spectator X YEAR 5 City/ State/Federal Grant Begin Tilda B. Stone Playground Parking Lot new X YEAR 4 X Begin Blackinton Pond Park, Phase 2, Construction Purchase YEAR 3 · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN X City/Stage Grant X City X City City X City X PAGE 67 TABLE 11 cont’d SEVEN–YEAR ACTION PLAN YEAR 1 ACTION ITEM YEAR 2 Begin Downtown Civic Walking Trail : Phase 2, Construction Begin development of a City-Wide Multi-Use Recreational Trail Network Begin Phase 2 of the Master Plan for South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Playground Proceed with Phase 3, Construction, of the Master Plan Replace the gymnasium floor at the Frederick M. Bartek Recreation Center Install skateboard ramps at Nickerson Playground Begin Phase 1, Design of the Recreation/Community Center at Hayward Field Begin Phase 2, Construction of the Recreation YEAR 5 X X YEAR 6 YEAR 7 Funding Source City/State/Federal Grant X City/State/Federal Grant X City/State/Federal Grant X City/State/Federal Grant X City X City X City X /Community Center at Hayward Field CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS YEAR 4 X for South Attleboro Veterans Memorial Music Shell Improvements – Capron Park Passive Recreation / Trail Opportunities Plan and implement trail system for City Explore expanded use of Water Department lands for recreation YEAR 3 X X X City City/State/Federal Grant OSAC, Conservation Commission, Water Department X · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN X PAGE 68 TABLE 11 cont’d FIVE–YEAR ACTION PLAN Funding Source ACTION ITEM YEAR 1 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 X X Explore formal use of sewer line easements for recreation Install uniform signage at existing trails and access points Explore the expansion of the Balfour Riverwalk Park Develop and publish a guide to existing trails and access points Expand trails within the Bungay River Conservation Area Explore connection of trails with neighboring communities Historical and Cultural Resource Protection Explore creation of local historic districts Recommend adoption of “scenic roadways” ordinance Develop maintenance and management plan for historic burial grounds CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS YEAR 4 YEAR 5 YEAR 6 OSAC, Conservation Commission, Sewer Department Conservation Commission X City, Conservation Commission OSAC, Conservation Commission OSAC, Conservation Commission, City City X X X X X X · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN YEAR 7 City City City X PAGE 69 CHAPTER 10: COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT 10.1 FACTS & BACKGROUND Throughout Massachusetts, communities are struggling with the issue of balancing beneficial economic and residential growth with the preservation of their unique character. Open space is being lost to development, historic buildings are deteriorating, and housing prices are escalating beyond the reach of many citizens. Despite the need and want to preserve these vital aspects of our communities, local funds are often not available or are insufficient, and competition for limited state and federal grant programs is high. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is a legislative tool that can help address open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing issues. 1. Between 1950 and 1990 the population of Massachusetts grew 28% and the amount of developed land increased 188%. On average 44 acres are lost every day to development, which in many cases costs a municipality more in services than the tax revenue it produces. 2. These numbers are surely higher now since 1990 the state of Massachusetts has seen a tremendous surge in population and development trends driven by a decade long real estate boom. 3. The cumulative impact of this development strains municipal budgets as well as contributes to increased natural resource pollution. Additionally, this diminishes the opportunities for towns to acquire lands that preserve natural and historic heritage. These areas, it could be argued, provide a better “quality of life” for residents in a given community. 10.2 WHAT IS THE CPA? The Community Preservation Act is a state law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44B) that became effective on December 13, 2000. This law allows communities to create a Community Preservation Fund by ballot referendum to help address open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing needs. The Community Preservation Fund is supported financially through a surcharge of up to three percent of the local real estate tax levy on real property. A State matching fund has been established which has historically matched 100% of monies raised by municipalities that have adopted the CPA. These matching funds come from surcharges on fees charged for recording documents at the Registry of Deeds or Land Court. As time progresses the amount of state match will fluctuate based on several factors including volume of real estate transactions and number of communities adopting the Act. At this time the state estimates a 75% match for the coming fiscal year and is working to generate additional monies to keep match fund levels as high as possible. 10.3 ADOPTING & IMPLEMENTING THE CPA Once the public has been educated about the pros and cons of the CPA, a vote is necessary. There are two ways in which CPA adoption can be placed on a ballot. The first is by a simple majority vote of the municipal legislative body (in Attleboro’s case the City Council). Secondly, if the legislative body fails to consider or pass the vote to have the CPA on the ballot, a citizen petition can be signed which must be comprised of 5% of the registered voter base in the community. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 70 A City or Town Clerk must then place the question on the ballot in the next regularly scheduled municipal election if that election is held at least 35 days after the signatures have been certified or the next state election if the next regularly scheduled state election is held at least 60 days after signatures have been certified. The CPA remains in effect for a minimum of five years upon acceptance by a municipality. Revocation may only occur by majority vote of the legislative body and by referendum. The level of the surcharge and the optional exemptions can be changed at any time after the surcharge is imposed through a majority vote of the legislative body followed by voter approval. Once the CPA has been adopted and during each fiscal year, at least 10 percent of the funds from the newly established Community Preservation Fund must be spent in each of the three following categories: open space, historic preservation and affordable housing for a total of 30%. The remaining 70 percent of funds can be spent in any of the three categories in accordance with a community’s particular priorities. Property interests acquired through the Community Preservation Fund must be owned by the City. Property may be managed by the City or delegated to the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Park Commission, or the Housing Authority. Property management may also be delegated to a non–profit organization. The CPA funds may not be used as part of a municipality’s annual operating budget, capital budgeting purposes, or other municipal expenditures. These funds cannot be used to offset monies being used for existing community preservation efforts. In addition, funds generated by the surcharge are not subject to levy limitations of Proposition 2½. A community may provide any of the following exemptions to the surcharge: 10.4 SURCHARGE OPTIONS Table 12 Surcharge Options for the CPA No Exemptions First $100,000 Low/mod income First $100,000 & low/mod Commercial/Industrial (does not include $100K and low/mod) 1.5% Surcharge $568,378. $340,665. $545,607. 2% Surcharge $757,838. $454,219. $727,476. 2.5% Surcharge $947,297. $567,774. $909,345. 3% Surcharge $1,136,757. $681,329. $1,091,214. $329,279. $439,038. $548,798. $658,558. $440,055. $586,740. $733,426. $880,111. These estimates are based on DOR data for Fiscal Year 2004. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 71 At the current residential tax rate of 13.34 per $1000 of value in Attleboro, the following tables illustrate the CPA tax that would be paid by a typical homeowner given a range of property values, surcharge rates, and exemptions: (1) Typical CPA Tax with no exemptions: No Exemptions Surcharge 1% 2% 3% CPA Tax for Residential Property Valued At: $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $13.34 $26.68 $40.02 $26.68 $53.36 $80.04 $40.02 $80.04 $120.06 $500,000 $66.70 $133.40 $200.10 $750,000 $100.05 $200.10 $300.15 $500,000 $53.36 $106.72 $160.08 $750,000 $86.71 $173.42 $260.13 (2) Typical CPA Tax with first $100,000 exempt: $100,000 Exempt Surcharge 1% 2% 3% CPA Tax for Residential Property Valued At: $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $0.00 $13.34 $26.68 $0.00 $26.68 $53.36 $0.00 $40.02 $80.04 Based upon spreadsheet model from MA Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. 10.5 EXEMPTION ALTERNATIVES “No Exemption” Option: If Attleboro created a Community Preservation Fund at the maximum three percent surcharge with no exemptions, the fund would have collected $939,583 in fiscal year 2001. At two percent, the fund would have generated $626,389. At one percent the fund would have generated $313,194. Each one– quarter percent increment equals $78,298. These numbers would change from year to year depending on the tax rate and property valuations. “Class 3 and Class 4 Property Exemption” Option: If Class 3 and Class 4 properties were exempt, and the surcharge on residential property was the maximum three percent, the fund would have collected $696,451 in FY 2001. Each one–quarter percent increment would equal an additional $58,036. “First $100,000 of Assessed Residential Value Exemption” Option: If the first $100,000 of the assessed valuation of each residential parcel were exempted, $1,085,817,744 of the total fiscal year 2001 assessed valuation of $1,469,306,825 would be exempt. The surcharge base of $383,489,081 would have generated $181,773 at the maximum three percent rate. Each one–quarter percent increment would equal an additional $15,148. An additional $243,132 could have been generated from Class 3 and Class 4 properties if they were not exempted and the surcharge was the maximum three percent rate. The $181,773 generated in the above example from residential properties combined with the $243,132 from Class 3 and Class 4 businesses would have totaled $424,905. Each one–quarter percent increment would have equaled an additional $35,409. “Low– and Moderate–Income Households and Senior Housing Exemption” Option: Taxpayers currently exempt under Chapter 59 of Massachusetts General Laws (exemptions for disabilities, etc.) are automatically exempted from the CPA surcharge. Others who may be eligible could apply with the City for the exemption. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 72 10.6 BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY The CPA provides greater fiscal flexibility for towns in procuring other funding sources. The CPA funds can be used as municipal matching funds when looking to acquire state or federal grant monies such as: Massachusetts Housing Partnerships' Soft Second Program, state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Self-Help program, Massachusetts Preservation Program Fund (MPPF), and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) Massachusetts Forest Legacy program, Self-Help and Urban Self-Help programs. Applications for Self-Help and Urban Self-Help matching funds through EOEA receive significantly higher weight if the applying community has already adopted the CPA. Many grant programs require communities to provide between five percent and 50 percent matching funds, which at times hinders cities and towns from participating in state and federal grant rounds. With an available source of funding, not subject to municipal constraints, CPA funds offer a readily available source of funds. In addition, a community may issue bonds in anticipation of CPA revenue. This ability, too, provides flexibility in local decision–making, involving the purchase of open space and other activities. Finally, CPA funds are not subject to the levy limits under Proposition 2½. This would free communities from the need for a Proposition 2½ override or a debt exclusion vote for purposes of preserving open space, creating affordable housing, or acquiring historic properties. 10.6.1 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION CPA funds may be used to purchase land, easements or restrictions to protect “open space in its natural state”. Many of the cities and towns in the Commonwealth use the majority of CPA funds for this aspect of the Act. In addition to the purchase of open space parcels, the fund can also be used for improvements to existing open space assets. This would include things such as trail creation, community gardens, etc. Additionally CPA money can be used to augment already existing municipal funds such as a Conservation Fund. Additionally, a portion CPA money can be used for the restoration or improvement of recreation assets. An example of such improvements could include bringing a facility into ADA compliance. Funds cannot be used for land used for horse or dog racing or for a stadium, gymnasium or similar structure. Further, routine maintenance of recreation areas is not covered by CPA funds. 10.6.2 HISTORIC PRESERVATION CPA funds may be used to purchase, restore and rehabilitate historic structures and landscapes that have been determined by the community to be significant in the history, archeology, architecture or culture of the City, or structures that are listed or eligible for listing on the state register of historic places. This may also include code compliance and ADA compliance issues. 10.6.3 AFFORDABLE HOUSING CPA funds may be used to create and preserve affordable housing for low and moderate–income households and senior housing. The Act requires the community to identify, wherever possible, the adaptive reuse of existing buildings or construction of new buildings on previously developed sites. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 73 10.7 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE If the CPA is adopted, a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) must be established by ordinance. The CPC would be authorized to make annual recommendations to the Municipal Council on how the money should be spent. The CPC can consist of five to nine members, and must include one representative from the Conservation Commission, Park Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, and Housing Authority. 10.8 NON–GENERAL FUND ALLOCATION OF MONIES 10.8.1 REVENUES The Community Preservation Fund is a special revenue fund and is credited with the following types of receipts: all monies collected from the surcharge; all proceeds from borrowings made under the community preservation program; all funds received from the Commonwealth or any other public or private source for community preservation purposes; proceeds from the sale of real property acquired with community preservation funds; and damages and penalties from persons who knowingly damage properties acquired by cities and towns using community preservation funds. 10.8.2 EXPENDITURES The Community Preservation Fund is subject to appropriation. A recommendation by the CPC and an appropriation by a Municipal Council are both required in order to spend CPA funds. Allowable expenditures, in addition to those discussed above, include a variety of related purposes such as: annual administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation Fund; annual appropriations for these expenses may not exceed five percent of the year’s estimated annual revenues; annual principal and interest payments on bonds and notes issued to pay for allowable community preservation purposes; damages payable to property owners for real estate interests taken by a community by eminent domain for community preservation purposes; matching funds for state and federal grants; and property acquisition related expenses such as appraisal costs, title examinations, and closing fees. 10.8.3 ANNUAL COMMITMENT OF CURRENT YEAR REVENUES A community may appropriate from the estimated annual revenues of the Community Preservation Fund to finance specific community preservation acquisitions and initiatives. It may also reserve those revenues for future appropriation. Appropriations or reservations for future appropriation may be made from estimated annual fund revenues until the tax rate is set for the fiscal year. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 74 10.9 CONCLUSION The Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee believes that the Community Preservation Act will help provide new dedicated revenue to accomplish many of the goals and objectives detailed in this OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN. It is the hope of this committee that along with the establishment of a standing Open Space Committee that will further the cause of the CPA, that the Mayor and Municipal Council will seriously weigh the prospect of adopting this Act. While current fiscal constraints may make the short-term prospect of its adoption seem unlikely, we urge a long-term view in its consideration. The CPA can offer a revenue stream that not only benefits Open Space management and procurement, but several other interests within the City of Attleboro. For this reason as well as the others demonstrated above, this committee endorses the adoption of the CPA. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 75 CHAPTER: 11 REFERENCES The following sources were used by the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee in the preparation of City of Attleboro 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan. OPEN SPACE 1994. AND RECREATION PLAN; by City of Attleboro, Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee; OPEN SPACE 2002. AND RECREATION PLAN; by City of Attleboro, Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee; CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM FISCAL YEARS 2009–2013, City of Attleboro Massachusetts; by the City of Attleboro, Department of Planning and Land Use; March 2009. CITY OF ATTLEBORO LAND USE GROWTH MANAGEMENT STUDY; by Community Opportunities Group, Inc and Connery Associates; June 2000. A REGIONAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 2001–2005 for the Municipalities of the Ten Mile River and Narragansett/Mt. Hope Bay watersheds; prepared by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District. OPEN SPACE PLANNERS WORKBOOK, companion to the Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements; revised 2001; by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, City of Attleboro, Massachusetts, November 1990. RECREATION, PARK AND OPEN SPACE STANDARDS Association; 3rd printing; 1987. MASSACHUSETTS NATURAL HERITAGE ATLAS 2008 GIS EDITION; by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. SOIL SURVEY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, NORTHERN PART; by United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service; November 1978. STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES 2001; by Massachusetts Historical Commission; January 2002. THE INDIAN HISTORY September 1969. HISTORICAL SITES GUIDE OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS; by The Attleboro Historical Commission; June 2003. BUILD–OUT ANALYSIS MAPS AND DATA TABLES; by Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs; Winter 2000. OF AND GUIDELINES; by National Recreation and Park ATTLEBORO; by Dr. Maurice Robbins and the Attleboro Historical Commission; CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 76 A PRELIMINARY ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF CITY OF ATTLEBORO LAND IN THE LOCUST VALLEY; by Scott Jackson, University of Massachusetts, Department of Natural Resources Conservation, Amherst, Massachusetts; January 2000. TEN MILE RIVER BASIN 1997 WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT REPORT; by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Watershed Management; March 2000. MASSACHUSETTS WATERSHED INITIATIVE ANNUAL REPORT; by Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs; July 2000. WATER AND RELATED LAND RESOURCES OF THE COASTAL REGION MASSACHUSETTS; by U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission; 1978. Massachusetts Outdoors!, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Massachusetts Department of Conservation Services; 2006. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS · 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN PAGE 77 APPENDIX A Letters of Review Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District ◄ 88 Broadway▼Phone (508)824-1367▼FAX (508)823-1803▼[email protected]▼Taunton, MA 02780► July 24, 2009 Melissa Cryan Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Division of Conservation Services 100 Cambridge Street Boston, MA 02114 RE: City of Attleboro, Open Space and Recreation Plan Dear Ms. Cryan: Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District’s (SRPEDD) planning staff has recently completed a review of the City of Attleboro’s update of their Open Space and Recreation Plan. The plan is consistent with SRPEDD's regional goals and objectives and in general compliance with DCS's Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements. The plan also reflects the time, effort and research put into it by the City's officials, volunteers, and planning staff. The Five Year Action Plan accurately presents community needs and issues of concern discussed at public visioning sessions. The City’s planning and conservation staff continue to work diligently with partners such as local watershed and trails advocates, as well as the economic development interests to promote: long-range planning for growth and conservation; responsible conservation and land use planning, including forestry management, water resource protection, particularly near surface water supply areas, and; protection of the City’s cultural and historical resources so important to the city, the region, and the Commonwealth as a whole. SRPEDD recommends and supports the certification of the Attleboro Open Space and Recreation Plan, as revised. If you have any questions regarding our comments, please do not hesitate to contact Bill Napolitano, our Environmental Program Director. Respectfully, Stephen C. Smith Executive Director July 16, 2009 Melissa Cryan, Grants Manager Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Re: Open Space and Recreation Plan Dear Mrs. Cryan, I forward with my support the City’s 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan and trust that it will meet with your approval. The plan includes a concise inventory of Attleboro’s open space resources and recreational facilities as well as a detailed analysis of the public’s needs in these areas. This plan reflects a great deal of effort and dedication on the part of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee members as well as support staff from the City’s Department of Planning and Development. As we continue to demonstrate, the City of Attleboro is committed to protecting its diverse natural resources and providing the public with adequate recreational opportunities. This document will guide ht City in these efforts in the years to come. I look forward to the continued support of the Division of Conservation Services. Respectfully, Kevin J. Dumas Mayor July 20, 2009 Melissa Cryan, Grants Manager Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Re: Open Space and Recreation Plan Dear Mrs. Cryan, I am writing to advise you that the Attleboro Planning Board has read the City’s new Open Space and Recreation Plan and endorses, without reservation, this most important document. Further, as you may be aware, one member of the Planning Board participated in the Open Space and Recreation Plan Steering Committee; and therefore the Planning Board feels that it was a direct participant and contributor to the preparation of this plan and to the planning process. Our input is well reflected in this plan. Thank you for all of the assistance that you have given to the Planning Department and for the support EOEEA-DCS has always given to the City of Attleboro. Respectfully, MELINDA KWART Planning Board Chairwoman APPENDIX B ADA Access Self – Evaluation ADA ACCESS SELF-EVALUATION PART I: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS The City of Attleboro is committed to providing access to its facilities and programs to all citizens. In an effort to ensure that access is provided to those citizens with disabilities, the City has designated the Inspector of Buildings as its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator (see following letter from Mayor). This individual is responsible for ensuring that City programs and facilities are compliant with ADA requirements. In addition to the ADA Coordinator, the City has an active Council on Disabilities. The council was created by ordinance (Chapter 2-15 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Attleboro), and reports directly to the Mayor (see following Ordinance). The duties of the Council on Disabilities are to “identify the needs of the city’s handicapped population, educate the community regarding these needs, and promote and support programs and services designed to meet these needs”. The public may direct complaints relative to ADA accessibility at City properties or facilities to the Inspector of Buildings who will investigate the complaint and make any necessary recommendations to the Mayor and/or other appropriate City department to address the condition. The City also maintains an active Council on Human Rights, which was created by ordinance (Chapter 2-16 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Attleboro), and reports directly to the Mayor (see following Ordinance). The duties of the Council on Human Rights are to “work to promote mutual respect and understanding among the individuals and groups in the city by improving the quality of public discourse and eliminating unlawful discrimination”. One of the Council’s specific charges is to “Investigate reports of unlawful discrimination or harassment which may deny or tend to deny equal access to or opportunities in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, services and facilities to any person or group, and provide information with respect to the agencies of the City or to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination as appropriate”. The public may direct complaints relative to discrimination — including denial of access to the disabled — at public or private facilities or organizations directly to the Mayor’s office who will request that the Council on Human Rights investigate the complaint. The City of Attleboro does not discriminate on the basis of disability, and public notice of this policy is included in appropriate City publications. For example, recruitment materials include a nondiscrimination policy statement (see following examples of employment notices, publications, and contractor bid documents). In addition, all public meetings are held in handicap accessible buildings and many are conducted in locations equipped with devices to assist the hearing impaired. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 1 PART II: PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY Throughout the process of preparing the 2009 Open Space and Recreation Plan, members of the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee as well as support staff have inspected and inventoried Cityowned recreation and conservation properties. In addition to conducting an inventory of facilities and equipment at these properties, committee members and support staff identified concerns relative to accessibility to these facilities for those with disabilities. The City’s Environmental Planner and Recreation Director, conducted inspections of each property under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission and Recreation Department. Separate inventory forms were completed for each facility and include information relative to equipment (playground equipment, athletic fields and courts, swimming pools, etc.) and site access (parking, pathways, curbing, etc.). A summary of findings relative to access for the disabled to recreation and conservation properties is provided in the sections that follow. Individual inventory forms for each facility may be viewed at the Department of Planning and Development office located at City Hall. A. Conservation Commission Properties Though the City currently owns approximately 723 acres of land under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission, only the Bungay River Conservation Area is serviced by a maintained parking area entrance. Other conservation properties are located throughout the city, and have no formal access points, though several may be accessed by informal footpaths and on-street parking. 1. Bungay River Conservation Area: Facility Inventory: The Bungay River Conservation Area, located off Holden Street, includes a six space parking area and canoe launch that was constructed in summer 2001 by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Public Access Board. The parking area includes a surface of hard packed gravel and stone dust. A pathway also containing a hard packed gravel and stone dust surface extends from the parking area approximately 50 feet to a canoe launch located on the bank of the Bungay River. The parking area does not include any spaces specifically designated and marked for handicap access. However, there is ample room to accommodate a van or other handicapped vehicle and the lot is seldom at capacity. The path from the parking area to the canoe launch is at lease four feet wide and contains a hard packed gravel and stone dust surface. However, the path is sloped towards the river, and several ruts were observed in the path that may make access difficult for the disabled. Other paths within the conservation property consist of informal footpaths that are not currently maintained. Transition Plan: The parking area and canoe access path should be inspected regularly by the City and any ruts or other obstructions to access should be repaired. Any future plans to improve walking paths on the property should include provisions for access to the property for the disabled. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 2 B. Recreation Department Properties The City currently owns 12 properties — covering nearly 100 acres of land — with facilities that are under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Department. In addition, the City maintains and operates the Spatcher Pool property, which is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Environmental Management. 1. Briggs Playground: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Parker Street contains active recreation facilities including a swimming pool and bathhouse, playground equipment, two basketball courts, and a street hockey court. The pool and bathhouse were closed in 2002 due to health and safety concerns. The City is currently pursuing funds to reconstruct these facilities. Briggs Playground has no formal on-site parking area. However, nearby roads offer on-street parking adjacent to the property. The primary entrance to the site is located at Parker Street and consists of a hard packed gravel path that extends into the site from the street. A curb cut consisting of gently sloping concrete is provided at the entrance. The pathway extends on a level surface to all facilities, and the recreation courts are accessible from the sidewalk. Accessibility concerns include picnic tables and benches that do not accommodate the disabled. In addition, playground structures do not provide easy access for the disabled, as the ground surface consists of several inches of loose sand enclosed by wood timbers. Transition Plan: The City anticipates that the pool and bathhouse will be demolished in the coming year and that these facilities will be reconstructed to meet present day health, safety, and accessibility requirements. Playground equipment is dated and is not easily accessible to those with disabilities. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by removing the timber enclosure and replacing the sand base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Finally, several picnic tables and benches that are accessible to those with disabilities should be installed at the site. 2. Como Picnic Area: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off May Street at Lake Como contains passive recreation facilities including a landscaped lawn, picnic tables, benches, and lakeshore access. The site is accessed by a circular driveway entrance with compact gravel surface. No formal parking areas are provided and vehicles routinely park along the side of the driveway. There are no other formal paths or facilities on the property. An unimproved pathway leads to the lakeshore and provides access for fishing and/or canoeing. Picnic tables and benches do not easily accommodate the disabled. Transition Plan: This property could be made more accessible by installing benches and tables that are designed to accommodate the disabled. In addition, a level, maintained driveway and pathways with firm surfaces could be designed to provide access to the lakeshore and picnic areas. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 3 3. Conley Playground: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Newport Avenue at Cumberland Avenue contains active recreation facilities including playground equipment and one basketball court. Conley Playground has no formal on-site parking area and there are no buildings or shelters on the property. On-street parking is available adjacent to the property at Cumberland Avenue. A chain-link fence surrounds the entire playground with pedestrian entrances provided at Newport Avenue and Cumberland Avenue. A gated service entrance is also provided at Cumberland Avenue. There is no formal pathway within the site and the ground surface consists of turf or hard packed gravel. Accessibility concerns include site entrances, which consist of openings in the fence enclosure with a second length of fencing located approximately three feet beyond. This configuration does not allow for easy access for the disabled and would not accommodate a wheelchair. Additionally, the picnic table and benches located at the property do not accommodate the disabled. Playground equipment is dated and does not provide easy access for the disabled. The ground surface beneath and around playground equipment consists of several inches of loose sand or wood chips. Transition Plan: At least one entrance to the property should be made accessible to those with disabilities by widening the fence opening and relocating the additional length of fencing. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by replacing the sand and wood chip base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Finally, at least one picnic table and bench accessible to those with disabilities should be installed. 4. Tilda A. Stone Recreation Area (a.k.a. Dodgeville Playground): Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off South Main Street contains active recreation facilities including a swimming pool and bathhouse, playground equipment, one basketball court, tennis courts, three soccer fields, and a softball field. An asphalt-paved parking lot and access driveways provides parking for approximately 30 vehicles. Additional informal parking is provided along the perimeter of the paved parking lot as well as in two unimproved gravel surface areas. Two assigned handicapped parking spaces are provided adjacent to the pool and bathhouse. One of these spaces is marked for van access. A curb cut is provided from the parking lot to the pool and bathhouse entrance. Accessibility concerns include playground structures that do not provide easy access for the disabled as the ground surface consists of several inches of loose sand enclosed by wood timbers. In addition, tennis and basketball courts are not easily accessible to the disabled as there are no formal paths leading to these areas and their entrances are not easily accessible. Finally, the bathhouse structure is not easily accessible and the shower and restroom facilities do not provide access for the disabled. Transition Plan: Several pieces of playground equipment at this facility have been replaced in recent years and may be accessible to the disabled. However, other equipment is dated and is not easily accessible to those with disabilities. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by removing the timber enclosure and replacing the sand base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 4 provide suitable access for the disabled. Basketball and tennis courts do not provide easy access for the disabled and should be renovated or replaced with facilities that are accessible by a maintained pathway and include level entrances. Finally, the pool bathhouse is in need of renovations and should provide access and facilities (including doorways, showers, sinks, toilets, etc.) that accommodate those with disabilities. 5. Finberg Field: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Park Street at Bishop Street contains active and passive recreation facilities including four baseball fields, two basketball courts, four tennis courts, two separate playground areas, walking trails and a picnic area. Two asphalt-paved parking lots provide access to the site from Bishop Street and could accommodate approximately 60 to 80 vehicles. Pathways extending from each parking area meander through the property and provide access to recreational facilities. The pathways contain a surface of compact gravel and stone dust. One of the playground areas was replaced in recent years and it is designed to be accessible to the disabled. However, the second playground area is dated and contains equipment that is not easily accessible and a ground surface that consists of several inches of loose sand enclosed by wood timbers. Picnic tables, grills, and benches are also dated and are not designed to accommodate the disabled. In addition, tennis and basketball courts are not easily accessible to the disabled as there are no maintained pathways leading to these areas and their entrances are not easily accessible. Transition Plan: The pathways within the property should be maintained regularly to ensure a solid level ground surface that is accommodating to those with disabilities. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by removing timber enclosures and replacing the sand base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Basketball and tennis courts do not provide easy access for the disabled and should be renovated or replaced with facilities that are accessible by a maintained pathway and include level entrances. Finally, the picnic area should include several tables and benches that are accessible to those with disabilities. 6. Hayward & Walsh Fields and Spatcher Pool: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off North Avenue contains active recreation facilities including a swimming pool and bathhouse, playground equipment, two baseball fields, and two football fields. Two asphalt-paved parking lots provide parking for approximately 60 vehicles. Two assigned handicapped parking spaces are provided adjacent to the pool and bathhouse. A curb cut is provided from the parking lot to the pool and bathhouse entrance. Accessibility concerns include playground structures that do not provide easy access for the disabled, as they are not located nearby a formal pathway. In addition, ground surfaces beneath and around the playground structures consist of loose sand and wood chips. Also, picnic tables and benches do not accommodate the disabled. The Spatcher Pool and bathhouse facility is owned by the state Department of Environmental Management and is managed by the City. While this facility appears to provide access and CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 5 accommodations for the disabled, shower and restroom facilities are not completely accessible. Transition Plan: Additional handicapped parking spaces are necessary at this facility. Also, a maintained pathway is needed to provide access to each of the recreation areas. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by replacing the existing ground cover with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Finally, the pool bathhouse is in need of renovations to provide greater accommodations for those with disabilities. 7. Horton Field: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Starkey Avenue and Kendall Avenue contains active recreation facilities including one softball field, one basketball court, a playground area, and one picnic table. A gravel surface parking area provides access to the site from Kendall Street and could accommodate approximately 8 to 10 vehicles. In addition, the property can be accessed by a stairway leading down a steep slope from Starkey Avenue. There are no formal pathways providing access to the site. Accessibility concerns include the lack of a stable surface pathway to access the playground, ball field, and basketball court, and a picnic table that does not accommodate the disabled. In addition, playground structures do not provide easy access for the disabled, as the ground surface consists of several inches of loose sand enclosed by wood timbers. Also, the parking area appears to be undersized for this facility and there are no designated spaces for the disabled. Transition Plan: An improved parking area and pathways should be installed to provide access to the property for those with disabilities. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by removing the timber enclosure and replacing the sand base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Picnic tables and benches should include those that provide access to the disabled. 8. Nickerson Park: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Snell Street contains active and passive recreation facilities including a softball field, baseball field, basketball court, street hockey court, skatepark, playground, and horseshoe pits. Other features at this facility include a multi-function picnic shelter and asphalt-paved walking paths. Parking is provided along Snell Street, where designated parking spaces could accommodate approximately 40 vehicles. An asphalt-paved sidewalk extends to paved pathways that provide access to recreational facilities from the parking area. While the surface of these pathways is firm and could readily accommodate those with disabilities, the topography of the site is such that steep slopes are encountered from the Snell Street parking area to interior portions of the property and access to each recreation field and/or court may be difficult. In addition, though there are two designated handicap parking spaces on Snell Street, there are no curb cuts to allow easy access to the sidewalk and pathways. The playground area is dated and contains equipment that is not easily accessible and a ground surface that consists of several inches of CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 6 loose sand enclosed by wood timbers. Picnic tables located in and around the picnic shelter are also dated and are not designed to accommodate the disabled. Transition Plan: At least one sloped curb cut should be installed within the Snell Street parking area to provide access to the sidewalk and pathways. In addition, an alternative route(s) should be sought to provide a level ground surface for interior pathways. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by removing the timber enclosure and replacing the sand base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Finally, the picnic area should include several tables and benches that are accessible to those with disabilities. 9. Ousley Field (a.k.a. Hebronville Park): Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off South Main Street contains active recreation facilities consisting of one baseball field. A gravel surface parking lot and access driveway provides parking for approximately 30 vehicles. The driveway and parking area are in poor condition with many ruts making access for the disabled difficult. In addition, a spectator viewing area — consisting of wooden benches installed in the side slope of a steep hill — is located adjacent to South Main Street. Access to this viewing area could also be difficult for those with disabilities due to the slope and lack of an improved pathway. Transition Plan: At least a portion of the access driveway and parking area should be graded level and covered with a compact material to create a firm level surface. In addition, at least two parking spaces should be reserved for those with disabilities. An additional spectator viewing area should be created along the perimeter of the access drive and parking area to provide benches and/or tables to accommodate the disabled. 10. Poncin-Hewitt Fields: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Oak Hill Avenue is Attleboro’s newest recreation facility and includes two soccer fields, four baseball fields, a basketball court, playground area, walking trails, and many picnic tables and benches. An asphaltpaved parking lot provide access to the site from Oak Hill Avenue and could accommodate approximately 130 vehicles. Pathways extending from the parking area meander through the property and provide access to recreational facilities. The property appears to provide proper access for the disabled to all facilities. There are five designated handicapped parking spaces in the parking area and sloped curb cuts provide access to the paved walking paths. Several picnic tables and benches are accessible to the disabled and are located on paved surfaces that are connected to the walking paths. In addition, playground equipment is accessible and is surrounded by a firm level surface of compacted wood chips. Transition Plan: It does not appear that any improvements to allow for enhanced access for the disabled are necessary at this facility. 11. Lee’s Pond Recreation Area (a.k.a. South Attleboro Park): Facility Inventory: This recreation property located off Gardner Avenue and Pine Road contains active and passive recreation facilities including a swimming pool and bathhouse, playground equipment, a softball field, three baseball fields, a football field, three basketball CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 7 courts, a skatepark, horseshoe pits, walking trails, and a fishing pond. Two asphalt-paved parking lots provide parking for approximately 50 vehicles. Asphalt-paved pathways extend from the parking areas and meander through the property to provide access to recreational facilities. There are no parking spaces designated for the disabled. Accessibility concerns include playground structures that are dated and do not provide easy access for the disabled as the ground surface consists of several inches of loose sand enclosed by wood timbers. In addition, skatepark and basketball courts are not easily accessible to the disabled as there are no formal paths leading to these areas and their entrances are not easily accessible. Also, portions of the paved walking pathways contain rather steep slopes, which may be difficult to access for the disabled. Finally, the pool bathhouse structure is not easily accessible and the shower and restroom facilities do not provide access for the disabled. Access to the pool area from Pine Road is via a stairway that extends down a steep slope. There are no provisions for access to the pool area for those with disabilities from Pine Road. As such, the disabled must access the pool area from the parking lots located at the far end of the property. Transition Plan: At least two spaces at each parking area should be designated for those with disabilities. Curb cuts should be installed within the parking area to provide access to the pathways. In addition, an alternative route(s) should be sought to provide a level ground surface for interior pathways to access all recreational areas of the property. Basketball and skatepark courts do not provide easy access for the disabled and should be renovated or replaced with facilities that are accessible by a formal maintained pathway and include level entrances that are accessible to those with disabilities. The ground surface beneath and surrounding playground equipment should be made accessible by removing the timber enclosure and replacing the sand base with a suitable material to provide a firm and level ground surface. In addition, when playground equipment is upgraded or replaced, it should provide suitable access for the disabled. Finally, the pool bathhouse is in need of renovations and should provide access and facilities (including doorways, showers, sinks, toilets, etc.) that accommodate those with disabilities. Efforts should be made to provide the disabled with access to the pool area from Pine Road. In addition, it may be prudent to investigate the potential for providing parking spaces for the disabled nearby the pool area on Pine Road. 12. Attleboro Recreation Center: Facility Inventory: This recreation property located on Pine Street contains indoor active recreation facilities including a gymnasium that is utilized for basketball, soccer and volleyball, a nautilus exercise room, a boxing center with rink, and a game room. This facility is housed within a historic former National Guard armory with a large stairway front entrance. Access for the disabled is provided by two ramps that service the first floor and basement levels. There is no access for the disabled to the second floor level. Access ramps are constructed of wood and have handrails, but they are steeper than would be ideal for disabled access due to site constraints. The majority of interior features such as doors, fixtures, locker rooms, showers, drinking fountains, and restroom facilities do not provide access for the disabled. One restroom on the building’s first floor does provide access for the disabled. However, the hallway door leading to this restroom is narrow and may not provide proper access for a wheelchair. CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 8 Transition Plan: The building should be inspected by a licensed building contractor who would evaluate accessibility issues and recommend actions to improve facilities for the disabled. Access for the disabled should be included in any upgrades or renovations planned for this facility. PART III: EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES The City of Attleboro provides equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, age, country of natural origin, or physical handicap in compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunities Act of 1972. The Mayor has appointed the Personnel Director to assume overall responsibility for the implementation and dissemination of the City’s Affirmative Action Program (see following signed statement from the City’s Personnel Director attesting that the City’s employment practices comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act). The City has adopted affirmative action and sexual harassment policies and procedures to promote its position on equal opportunity (see following copy of the City’s Statement of Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity). CITY OF ATTLEBORO, MASSACHUSETTS • 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ADA ACCESS SELF EVALUATION PAGE 9