Roberts Field Improvement Committee March 27th Meeting. March 27, 2017

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1 Roberts Field Improvement Committee March 27th Meeting March 27, 2017

2 Meeting Agenda Public Input Approve Meeting Minutes from Site Walk and March 8th Meeting Committee Public Outreach Update Review Additional Stakeholder Survey Information Review Feature Selection Criteria and Feature Consideration List Review Park Feature List Brainstorm and discuss new Park features Pros and Cons and deliberate use and locations, and present design inspiration photos Discuss next steps with Howard Stein Hudson

3 Committee Public Outreach Update Feb 22, March 5, and March 8 Committee meetings have been posted at youtube.com, and shared on Facebook. CTM Newsbreak will feature the Committee Site Walk in the future. Meeting reminders and updates have been ed to the Committee s distribution list (44 subscribers) Join the distribution list at A letter inviting 19 direct Park abutters was mailed on March 14 th to attend and participate at a future scheduled Committee meeting. Included an update about included/excluded Master Plan features to date. A link to the website and invitation to join the Committee mailing list. An invitation to share the information with their friends and neighbors.

4 Additional Stakeholder Information PARC Grants: Evan Belansky Chelmsford Community Development Director The PARC is a state of Mass open space and recreation grant program. This is the same grant program in which the Town used to make upgrades at Varney Park in the amount of $496K of which the Town was responsible for 50% match and the State contributed the other 50%. The PARC is an annual grant program and I believe the grant round is in the spring time. The primarily focus of the PARC grant is to fund projects that are of a regional interest / significance. Varney was consistent with this as the park, playground and particularly with beachfront area are used by many beyond the adjacent neighborhood and Town. While the envisioned improvements to Roberts field may qualify for eligibility, based upon what I know to date, I do not believe a PARC grant proposal will be viewed favorably for the following reasons: 1. Existing park and envisioned improvements are not of regional significance. Please note as an editorial comment I am not certain that there is any interest / desire to have Roberts Field serve as a regional amenity. Furthermore, acceptance of PARC funds require that the park be open to all residents not just those of the Town. 2. Scope and scale of envisioned improvements appears to be on the smaller side..rather than transformative. 3. The town was just awarded a PARC grant 2-3 years ago the State likes to spread the grants geographically.

5 Additional Stakeholder Information Engine #3 is designed with drive through bays to accommodate apparatus access from the rear of the station. The rear apparatus bay doors must be clear of vehicles and obstructions to provide apparatus access. The play area proposed for the yellow area will work, as long as parking remains in the main parking lot, not behind the station. In the event of a Med Flight landing, Engine#3 will drive behind the station and position in the rear lot. This access needs to be maintained for our use, but I ll be happy to discuss your thoughts on limiting others. Concerns: underground utilities and Engine#3 generator, noise from hardtop playground use Chief Gary Ryan Chelmsford Fire Department

6 Additional Stakeholder Information Rosie s Store Sale Update Spoke with Laura Rapacioli of Laer Realty and offer has been received from owner of 8 convenience stores to purchase the property and to continue to use the location as a convenience store. A Purchase and Sale Agreement has been submitted, but not finalized yet. The new owners are planning to open the store in early April, and ready to go by summer. They are counting on sales from Park and athletic field use.

7 Additional Stakeholder Information The Chelmsford Agway offered to host an event to benefit the Roberts Field Improvement Committee. Committee members to attend? Materials needed?

8 Additional Stakeholder Information Garden Club Outreach s sent to, but no response yet Open Gate Garden Club Country Lane Garden Club Chelmsford Garden Club Golden Chain Garden Club

9 Additional Stakeholder Information Chelmsford LAX ( from Jim Dalton, Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse Board of Directors) On the parking issue: Many families drop off so I gave conservative estimates of "parking for the entire practice or game". Sunday games are sometime home and sometimes away - the schedule is not set yet - so I estimated. We have U9 kids use this field but we also switch in other ages as we need to, due to the field space problem in Chelmsford. We are squeezed out of/ or not allowed on some fields. This field (in the former soccer area) is very, very important to our kids and families. It also works so well with young kids and the sibs who also come with them to use the playground with the parents while lacrosse is going on. So, given that, in effect the parking totals could be higher and are only estimates. We also have counted on this field for kids from the neighborhood just coming down and practicing on off hour times - it is a resource to the kids of Chelmsford outside of these hours - we keep a commercial lacrosse rebounder there thru the year and plan to add another (we got permission thru AD, I believe). We also keep nets (both full size and in summer, small pvc "Chumash" nets there as well - we cable lock them to the old soccer frames. In summer, we have had as many as 100 kids do our summer chumash lax (fun small sided games and drills). Mostly, it is drop off for that, so not a big parking drain...many kids have ridden bikes in summer. I also know that the girls side of our program is interested in using this field as well - if we can use it more as lacrosse grows, we will want to do that, especially with our growing girls program.

10 Additional Stakeholder Information Organization Name: Merrimack Valley Cricket Club Mailing Address: 311 Littleton Rd, Unit 1, Chelmsford, MA Contact: Kumar Putravu Phone: Please describe how your organization uses or would use Roberts Field, including the number of your current enrollment participants using the park, if the field is a planned primary or overflow use, the estimated number of parking spaces needed, the seasonality of use, the frequency, days and times of use during your season, and the sizes and areas of Roberts Field that your organization requires. MVCC has been a key player in Mass State Cricket League (MSCL) since We are the first club north of Boston to promote cricket with in USA. Our club currently has 40 registered players. All the players are divided into 2 separate teams that participate in MSCL. Close to 35 40% of the players in the club lives in Chelmsford, MA. Given an opportunity, we would be using Chelmsford / Roberts s field as our primary field. We would need the ground for: Cricket Season: Usually the cricket season starts from Middle of April till End of September, every year. Ground Need: We would need the ground for the following reasons For Practice: 2-3 days during any weekday start from 5:00 to 8:00. During Practice, We expect to have around 20 players on the field and hence we would need 20 parking spots. All players belong to Merrimack Valley Cricket Club For Game Days: Saturday and Sunday starting from 11:00 Am to 6:30 for actual games. We will be playing against and as a home team will be hosting other MA, RI and CT state teams. During games, we expect to have around players at any given time. Even though most of the player car pool on game days, we expect a minimum of parking spots to be occupied on any given Schedule: An official game schedule will be released by state league during middle of April every year

11 Merrimack Valley Cricket Club continued Ground Use: Roberts s field and Chelmsford will be used as a primary ground and home ground for Merrimack Valley cricket Club. Ground Size: The average ground dimensions are yards in diameter. We would require putting in a Pitch in size of feet in length and 3 4 ft in width at Maximum. The Pitch will be levelled with ground and will not prevent the ground use for other sports. Please describe any improvements or maintenance that your organization has done or plans to do at Roberts Field. Ground Size: Maintenance: The average ground dimensions are yards in diameter. We would require putting in a Pitch in size of feet in length and 3 4 ft in width at Maximum. The Pitch will be levelled with ground and will not prevent the ground use for other sports. We would require a Shed or some form storage space to save all our handy equipment like markers, sweepers etc. Flood lights would really bring in lot more crowd and opens up the options to bring in night cricket to promote the culture and game. We would need the grass to be cut every week. Something that dries out fast when rains in would be beneficial. Is your organization willing to commit financially or otherwise to improve and maintain Roberts Field? If so, please describe. We can contribute towards building the pitch. Based on our experience, it would cost around 15-20K. Alternatively, Our organization would be interested to pay a nominal monthly fee towards renting or maintenance of the field. In return, we request the town and corresponding officials to commit to giving priority in scheduling and allow Merrimack Valley Cricket Club to play on the field every year. It is also our expectation and sincere request that MVCC be the single point of contact to town / scheduling committee for all cricket related matters w.r.to requests that may flow in from other cricket teams to play on the ground. Our interest is to protect the pitch and investment from unnecessary abuse and avoid scheduling conflicts and other logistical challenges. We can extend our help and screen the teams that may reach out for the ground. Do you have any other comments, suggestions or concerns? We need to avoid use of Metallic cleats on the pitch to protect the integrity of the pitch. Cricket can bring in and promote a cultural change into the society. Lot of families find cricket to be a entertainment and social outlet to meet new people and friends. We are truly excited to be part of the Chelmsford town and bring in cricket into the town.

12 Merrimack Valley Cricket Club continued Total ground size is Yards The rectangular are is called pitch (26 ft X 4Ft). We usually use a green Astro turf on the Pitch to blend into the grass.

13 Athletic Field Use Survey Athletic Organization: Baseball Athletic Organization: Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse Athletic Organization: Merrimack Valley Cricket Club (MVCC) JAN Time # Players # Cars Weekday Use Weekend Use Weekday Use Weekend Use Weekday Use Weekend Use Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun FEB Time # Players # Cars DEC NOV OCT SEP AUG JUL JUN MAY APR MAR Time 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm League games played time vary # Players # Cars :30-7:30 5:30-7:30 5:30-7:30 5:30-7:30 5:30-7:30 9:00 AM - 7:00 9:00 AM - 7:00 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm League games 11:00 Am - 6:30 11:00 Am - 6:30 Time # Players # Cars :00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 9:00 AM - 7:00 9:00 AM - 7:00 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm league games Time # Players # Cars :00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 9:00 AM - 7:00 9:00 AM - 7:00 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm 5:30-8:30pm league games Time # Players # Cars :00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 5pm - 8pm 5pm -8pm 5pm -8pm Time # Players # Cars Time 5pm -8pm 5pm -8pm 5pm -8pm # Players # Cars :00-8:00 10:00 AM - 2:00 Time # Players # Cars :00-8:00 10:00 AM - 2:00 Time # Players # Cars Time # Players # Cars Time # Players # Cars 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 5:00 pm - Sunset 11:00AM - 6:30 11:00AM - 6:30 11:00AM - 6:30 11:00AM - 6:30 10:00AM - 6:00 11:00AM - 6:30 11:00AM - 6:30 11:00AM - 6:30 11:00AM - 6:30 10:00AM - 6:30

14 Review Feature Selection Criteria and Feature Consideration List

15 Where possible, select Park Features that: Maintain neighborhood family-friendly park theme Accommodate a variety of Community groups and Park users Have cost effective and low long-term maintenance needs Maintain Park s open space Mitigate impact to abutters Employ multi-use facilities and features Use ADA compliant features Utilize wildlife-friendly, native, non-invasive plantings Properly protect inventoried trees during Park improvements (see guidelines) Create athletic facilities designed for younger players Incorporate existing features where possible (bricks, playground entry, etc) Work within a phased plan with potential for long shelf life Minimize duplicative recreational features with other Chelmsford features Maximize safety and security of Park and Park features Maximize traffic safety of parking lot and Park roads

16 Inventoried Tree Protection Guidelines Protect the inventoried trees Critical Root Zone (area around the tree trunk that extends outward from the trunk with a diameter of 12 times the diameter of the tree trunk). The tree trunk is measured at a point 4 ½ feet above ground level. Construction Standards A protective 8 foot high chain link fence will be installed before any construction work begins. The fence is to remain in place in good condition and not be removed, even temporarily, until after all construction work is completed and equipment removed from the work site. The fence is to be located completely surrounding the outer margin of the Critical Root Zone. Nothing is to be stored, even temporarily, inside the Root Zone including surplus soil, supplies, equipment, machinery, tools, vehicles, or anything else that could potentially harm the tree. There will be no fires to be allowed within 100 feet of the Protection Zone. When there is to be a grade change adjacent to the Critical Root Zone, a trench, located 1 foot outside the protective fence, will be dug by hand to a depth of 24 inches. The exposed root ends are to be cleanly cut on the side toward the tree with sharp pruning tools. Do not make slanting cuts. The roots are not to be chopped, crushed, ripped, or torn. The roots are not to be allowed to dry out. Cover with moist soil as soon as they are properly cut. If necessary for safety reasons, dead branches over 3 inches in diameter should be removed from the tree before work commences by properly trained and qualified tree workers. Trees are not to be topped or to have the canopy thinned or reduced. The tree should NOT be fertilized before or during construction but one year or more later if necessary by soil & tissue test. Underground utilities such as water or electrical lines or irrigation pipes are not to be installed by trenching through the Critical Root Zone. If necessary, by boring at a depth of 35 inches or greater under the tree from one side or the other.

17 Review Park Feature List

18 Park Master Plan Feature List Included Park Features Larger age appropriate playground Security lighting and cameras Irrigation system Picnic pavilion Protected natural areas Interpretative nature trails Park gardens Walking track Two baseball fields Lacrosse field Bandstand with lights and power Stakeholder storage sheds Maximum parking within existing lot footprint Excluded Park Features Tennis court Bocce ball court Beach volleyball court Pony sized baseball field Sports field house Water splash pad Needing More Committee Discussion Cricket Field, Snack shack, basketball court, bathroom type, wi-fi, car charging station, disc golf stations, better ice skating facilities, horseshoes, shade for playground, handicap playground features, playground footprint, DPW garage reuse

19 Appendix: Park Feature Discussion Notes Feature Included in Master Plan? Reasons (summarized) Tennis Courts No Duplicative (exists elsewhere in Chelmsford); removes green space Bocce Ball Court No Duplicative (on plan for Varney); requires maintenance Beach Volleyball Court No Not multi-use; removes green space. Pony Size Baseball Field No League not looking for this; not needed. More Parking (qualified) Yes Maximize parking in existing footprint; intent is not to increase paved areas but to restripe and ensure adequate ADA parking. Sports Field House No Removes green space; no interest from athletic groups. Snack Shack Keep open for discussion Could be a useful amenity before/after games and concerts, though people worry this could harm business at the adjacent little store, and food trucks would be allowed. Would need to determine location, possibly in conjunction with bathrooms. Security Cameras Yes Will need to determine placement and a server that the feed can go to (CPD and DPW servers are at max capacity already) Lighting Yes Yes for security; No for nighttime use of park. Security lighting as necessary to cover open areas (not wooded trails), ensuring minimized impact to wildlife. Agreed that nighttime use of the park is not needed and therefore lights not needed. Bandstand/performance platform Yes Strong community desire for this and multi-use capability. Fits master plan objectives. Protected area for wildlife Yes Already in plans Basketball court Keep open for discussion Somewhat duplicative; loss of open space; potential for impact on neighbors; not multi-use. But if half-court hoop was combined with 4-Square, hopscotch, might be great for older kids. More open space Yes Does not mean trees will come down; interpretation is that the park field area is to be kept as open as possible. Interpretative Nature Trails Yes Will determine how this is done. Eagle Scout project planned for Spring 2017 to add 15 birdhouses and 3 informational trail signs. Picnic pavilion Yes Multi-use; strong community support; need for shade. More discussion needed on where this would be sited and whether this would supplant DPW garage. Walking Track Yes Strong community support; retains open space Water Splash Pad No Duplicative (planned for Varney, other nearby municipalities have them); water only available near DPW garage so could not be near playground; would require infrastructure, maintenance and possibly staffing; only useful ~2-3 months. New, larger playground Yes Strong community support; primary objective of the master plan. Bathroom Facilities Keep open for discussion Would have to be sited by DPW building for water/sewer. Mr. Askenburg showed pictures of portable lavatory enclosures. Composting toilet units also an option. Committee agree to review potential costs and staged plans. Mr. Crafts will cost out permanent options; Ms Stavis will cost out composting toilets.

20 Brainstorm and discuss new Park features Pros and Cons and deliberate use and locations, and present design inspiration photos

21 Portable Lavatory Enclosures A B C

22 Shade Structures/Picnic Pavillions A B C D E

23 Bandstand/Picnic Pavillion A B

24 Nature themed playground structures/areas A B C D E F G H I

25 Nature themed playground structures/areas A B

26 Multi-use tarmac playground

27 Ecotarium in Worcester Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit - Connecting Children with Nature: Our expansive outdoor exhibit features several play areas, each with its own theme. Each area offers unique and innovative outdoor experiences designed to engage children and their families through activities such as building, digging, nature art, climbing, music and movement. Our Nature Explore Outdoor Exhibit draws on field-tested, research-based principles to create effective spaces that support children s interactions with the natural world. Entering Nature Explore, children and families will find the following play areas: Gathering Area: This flexible space with wooden benches offers a welcoming space for orientation, hands-on science programs, or even story time for our younger visitors. Sand Digging Area: Bring your young builders and diggers here to create while you enjoy the natural log seating, or help make sand masterpieces! Building Area: Using natural, child-sized building materials such as wooden blocks, mini-bricks, and tree blocks, children can build the house, castle, or city of their imagination. Nature Art Area: Set on a deck under trees, this area inspires close observation and creativity with natural art materials on specially-designed nature art tables. Make your own pieces of art, create a sculpture, paint, or build a fairy house! Messy Materials Area: In this large space, children can use a wide variety of natural materials (logs, twigs, tree cookies, and fabric) to build over-sized collaborative projects such as forts or shelters. Dirt Digging Area: This area encourages children to use tools as well as their imagination. From a mud kitchen to engineering projects, the sky s the limit. Climbing and Crawling Area: Anchored by existing play structures from our Freedman Playground, this area is all about physical motor play. Visit old favorites such as the climbing net and climbing structures, or try the new crooked natural log balance beam. Fox Den Area: In a simple den, children can pretend to be a fox, a fairy, or an explorer camping in the wilderness. Eagle Nest Area: We've kept this favorite play structure for kids to role-play while sitting on one of the big eagle eggs. Music and Movement Area: In this area, a stage has been constructed to host guest performers and a wide range of programs by EcoTarium staff. We also welcome impromptu performances by our visitors! Open Area: This is the space for large-motor activities such as running, jumping, dancing, or playing active games. In winter, it becomes the perfect spot for building snow people or snow forts. Water Play Area: Children are invited to experiment, investigate, and observe the properties of water in a safe, open-ended environment. Hone math and science skills when measuring with watering cans or studying cause and effect scenarios when using the hand pump (seasonal). Or, just splash!

28 Ecotarium in Worcester

29 Ecotarium in Worcester

30 Ecotarium in Worcester

31 Castle in the Trees in Littleton A B

32 Simonds Park in Burlington

33 Howard Stein Hudson (HSH) Next Steps Plan Design Update trail, tree, property marker GPS information Committee Materials to be provided to HSH Timing of HSH Plan update and presentation at Committee meeting Presentation at Public Input Session