spicket river greenway design guidelines - Groundwork Lawrence

SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES Lawrence, Massachusetts Prepared for:

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs

In conjunction with:

Groundwork Lawrence Arlington Community Trabajando

June 30,2006

Copley Wolff Design Group Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street

•

Boston,

MA

June 30, 2006 Kwabena Kyei-Aboagye Executive Office of Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114 RE:

Spicket River Greenway Design Guidelines, ENV 06 POL 24 Urban Open Space Design

Dear Kwabena: Copley Wolff Design Group (CWDG) is pleased to present recommendations for design guidelines of the Spicket River Greenway in Lawrence, MA. This report represents a culmination of our efforts to understand the conditions along this diverse waterway, to reach out to the neighboring communities, and to develop a plan to guide the future improvements along the river. The Urban Open Space Study included a series of site walks and field visits to record the conditions along the banks of the Spicket. These visits allowed CWDG to come to a detailed understanding of the opportunities and constraints along the river’s edge. This understanding was supplemented by an earlier study of the Spicket River, which was utilized on CWDG’s design of Brook Street Park. This early study is included as an appendix to this report. This study also included a living and productive community outreach effort. A total of three (3) well-attended community meetings were held at the Arlington Elementary School where abutters, residents and other stakeholders offered their observations and input to the developing project. This input proved most valuable to the successful completion of this report. This community outreach effort was greatly assisted by both Lesly Melendez and Kate Gormly of Groundwork Lawrence and Ana Luna of Arlington Community Trabajando. Without their tireless efforts, the community presentations and collected feedback would not have been possible. It is also worth noting that during the course of this study, the New England region received rainfalls of historic proportions, which led to extensive flooding along the banks of the Spicket. The flood event caused extensive damage to the City of Lawrence and the Arlington neighborhood in particular. The Flood of 2006 illustrated the power of nature and the need to understand the Spicket River as a place to enjoy and also to respect. Sincerely,

David M. Walsh, AIA, ASLA Principal

Section 1 - GOALS 1.1 Study Goals Section 2 - INTRODUCTION 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

Site Context Abstract, Facts of the Spicket River Map of Existing Green Space in Lawrence Map of Flood Zones in Lawrence

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6

Malden Mills, Map & Site Photographs FEMA Site and Marion Avenue, Map & Site Photographs Hayden Schofield Playfield, Map & Site Photographs Immigrant Park and Erving Avenue, Map & Site Photographs Brook Street Park, Map & Site Photographs Lawrence General Hospital and Outfall to Merrimack River, Map & Site Photographs

Section 3 - EXISTING CONDITIONS

Section 4 - OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS 4.1 Educational Opportunities and Constraints 4.2 Recreational Opportunities and Constraints 4.3 Social Opportunities and Constraints 4.4 Environmental Opportunities and Constraints Section 5 - APPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Recommended Improvements 5.2 Hayden Schofield Playfield Improvements 5.3 River Recreation 5.4 Amphitheater 5.5 Interpretive Improvements 5.6 River Overlook 5.7 Retaining Wall Overlook/Lower Trail Combination 5.8 Seasonal Trails 5.9 Upper Trail Overlook and Connection Section 6 - SUMMARY

6.1 - 6.3 Project Summary

Section 7 - COST ESTIMATE

7.1 Cost Estimate

Section 8 - APPENDIX

A Spicket River Guidelines - Case Studies B Spicket River Guidelines - Corridor Sections C Spicket River Guidelines - Existing Conditions

SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY Lawrence, MA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA


GOALS


STUDY GOALS SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES 1.

Document existing conditions on the river and along both edges.

2.

Identify existing access points and river crossings.

3.

Catalog observable wildlife and habitats.

4.

Identify potential enhancement locations.

5.

Document instances and locations of dumping and hazardous conditions.

6.

Present to community and incorporate input.

7.

Develop guidelines for improvements to existing conditions.

8.

Secure support of City of Lawrence officials and EOEA.

9.

Develop estimate of probable construction costs.

10.

Deliver final report to EOEA.


1.1 GOALS



INTRODUCTION


SITE CONTEXT Lawrence, Massachusetts

Lawrence

Spicket River in Lawrence

Spicket River

Merrimack Riv


er

2.1 INTRODUCTION


ABSTRACTS, FACTS OF THE SPICKET RIVER

From its source at Big Island Pond in Derry, NH, through Methuen, MA, the Spicket River runs 2.5 miles through Lawrence, MA, before emptying into the Merrimack River. The Spicket has a total drainage area of 77.7 square miles and an average gradient of 2 feet per mile, making it a rather slow moving river susceptible to annual spring flooding. In the northern neighborhoods of Lawrence, the city with the highest population density in the state and the least amount of open space, the Spicket River is considered the “sole natural feature.” Over the past two centuries, industrialization has led to mill dams, channels and retaining walls to be built at several sites along the Spicket. These structures have reduced the width and area of the river’s natural flood plain. This reduction has resulted in more severe flooding in residential neighborhoods such as the Arlington neighborhood of Lawrence. While this flooding causes roads and houses to be threatened nearly every spring, the surrounding community remains unaware of the river running through their backyards during the rest of the year. For the most part, the Spicket is physically and visually inaccessible and has become a neighborhood dumping ground as a result. With the efforts of community groups and dedicated non-profits, we hope the creation of a riverfront greenway and park system will improve community awareness, accessibility, ecological recovery and recreational opportunities for the Spicket River.


2.2 INTRODUCTION


EXISTING GREEN SPACE IN LAWRENCE

Howard Playground

Hayden Schofield Playfield Immaculate Conception Cemetery

Brook Street Park

FEMA Site COVANTA SITE CURRENTLY BEING STUDIED

O’Neil Park Rowell Park

Putman Park North Common

St. Mary’s Cemetery

Bellvue Cemetery


2.3 INTRODUCTION


SPICKET FLOOD ZONE MAP BER

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2.4 INTRODUCTION


MERRIMACK RIVER




EXISTING CONDITIONS


MALDEN MILLS • The mill is the western beginning point of the river greenway in Lawrence. • The mill dam serves as a landmark and the dramatic waterfall as a focal point. Malden Mills Section

• Remnants of the old mill provide an opportunity to educate the public about the industrial history of Lawrence, which was integral to its founding and growth as a city. • The riverfront property east of Broadway is a vacant lot under private ownership and currently inaccessible. A possible easement could be acquired for the river greenway before development begins on the site.

malden mills dam

s p illway at m ald en m ills COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS


FEMA SITE AND MARION AVENUE • The FEMA owned site, adjacent to Central Catholic High School parking lot, is to be constructed into a park with play equipment, a picnic pavilion and river greenway along Marion Avenue.

FEMA Site Section

• The banks of the Spicket along the Lawrence Department of Public Works (DPW) site lack vegetation and are eroding. There is currently no river access at this site, but could be a potential location for a small pedestrian bridge to cross the river and continue the river greenway along Erving Avenue. • The northern river banks become higher and steeper than the southern bank along Marion Avenue, which is lower and highly susceptible to seasonal flooding. Hampshire Street is often blocked off during spring floods. • Short concrete retaining walls are in disrepair. There are muddy deposits along the bank and several buildings come up right to the river’s edge.

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• The most visually accessible locations are the river and the most sparsely vegetated areas, which have the least amount of collected refuse and illegal dumping.

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• A two foot high guardrail along Erving Avenue separates the street from the densely vegetated and very steep riverbank, contributing to extremely limited visual and physical access to the river.

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FEMA SITE

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYFIELD • Hayden Field, a community park with ball fields and swings, is only a few feet in elevation above the Spicket’s average high water level resulting in seasonal flooding. • There is an existing path along the Spicket River at Hayden Field, providing community access to the river; however, this path is under water during floods. Hayden Schofield Section

• The Lawrence Street bridge features community artwork tiles. The river greenway could provide opportunities to display more of the work of local school children and artisans. • The Lawrence Street bridge provides an easily accessible and scenic river overlook. • A dirt pedestrian path lined with an eight foot high chain-link fence runs along the southern bank of the river on Marion Avenue. Many drivers and pedestrians are unaware of the river’s presence due to the thick layer of vegetation separating one from the river. This fence lined path along the river’s bank is reminiscent of an abandoned lot or retention basin and has become a popular area for illegal dumping over the past years.


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IMMIGRANT PARK • The Immigrant Place Park, located on the south bank, features benches, specimen trees and a lawn that gradually slopes towards the river. • There is a narrow path that runs parallel to the river that could potentially connect with the river greenway. The path may not be accessible during flooding periods due to its low elevation. Immigrant Park Section

• There is a clearing of vegetation at a low lying point along the path close to the river bank that could serve as a river access point for viewing, boating and fishing. • The present design of the park makes it an undesirable and underutilized space; however, with modest design improvements, it could potentially host river greenway events and various recreational activities. • Along the northern bank and Erving Avenue, there is extensive invasive plant growth, a six foot fence and a dirt path along the shoulder of the road, which prohibit views to the river. • The bridge at Lawrence Street offers scenic views of the river and could become a fishing spot.


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BROOK STREET PARK • Brook Street Park construction was completed in June 2006. • A river access point behind the playground and basketball court have potential to become a canoe and kayak landing as well as a fishing site. Brook Street Park Section

• Brook Street Park is not prone to flooding because it is located on high ground with a newly rebuilt retaining wall that separates the park from the river’s edge. • Recreational features of the park include a patio, picnics areas, a shade pavilion, a fountain and play fields. The park will also feature a series of paths designed to connect to the future river greenway. • At this site, the river curves southward creating a bend that becomes a collection site for garbage and large debris. • There are small rapids in the river at the southern end of park.


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LAWRENCE GENERAL HOSPITAL AND OUTFALL AT MERRIMACK RIVER • This area is the end of the Spicket River, where it confluences with the Merrimack River, and is currently inaccessible. This area could be a fascinating endpoint to the river greenway with potential river and watershed geology educational opportunities.

Lawrence General Hospital and Outfall at Merrimack River

• There is a dirt path from General Street to a small wooden walkway over a dam where the canal meets the Spicket, creating a dramatic overlook. A path to this walkway could be incorporated into the river greenway. • The wooden walkway over the dam features a plaque showing the record high water mark. • There is a small park off of Allen Street that has a field, benches and handball courts. There is high fencing and thick vegetation which obscure views to the river. • There are steep grade changes between the land around Lawrence General Hospital and Lawrence Family Health Center’s parking lot and the river, which features high retaining walls. A lower pathway at river level could offer seasonal access. • The health centers’ parking lots allow pavement runoff to flow directly into the river; this causes contamination of not only the Spicket, but the Merrimack River as well.


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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS


EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES • The river greenway and trail could be adjacent to several schools to provide an “outdoor classroom,” allowing students to learn about the natural systems of the river and become leaders in community environmental education. • A system of bilingual signs could be placed along the river greenway informing users about the river: its watershed, geology, history, plants and animal inhabitants. • Develop a series of community events and school programs that celebrate the natural systems of the Spicket River. • Some paths and resting spots along the river greenway could be located in areas that are only accessible when the river is low and inaccessible when the river is high, providing education and awareness of the Spicket’s seasonal flooding patterns. • Promoting ecological awareness and education about the river can foster stewardship in the community, ending years of neglect, illegal dumping and polluting.

EDUCATIONAL CONSTRAINTS • Existing conditions limit physical accessibility of the river. • The visual accessibility of the river is limited due to overgrown vegetative materials, which significantly reduces the river’s presence. • Because many people are unaware of the river’s proximity to local schools, it has been disregarded as an educational asset.


4.1 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS


RECREATION RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES • A river greenway could provide a variety of active recreation opportunities for the residents of North Lawrence such as biking, running, walking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. • These active recreational activities could improve the health and quality of life for the community, helping to combat problems of obesity, diabetes and asthma. • Benches, parks and pavilions provide opportunities for passive recreation such as picnics, lunch breaks and observing nature. • Organized recreational events such as walkathons, bike races, fund raisers, boat outings, etc., could promote use of the river and foster a greater sense of community with residents. • The river greenway could connect the various parks adjacent to the river, providing a variety of sport and play activities. • Green corridors connecting other parks in Lawrence could create further recreational opportunities.

RECREATIONAL CONSTRAINTS • There is limited physical and visual access to the river. • The river has become a popular place for dumping which may affect users’ interest in actively using the river. • There is a limited amount of locations for users to passively enjoy the river. • The river lacks a connected pedestrian path, which may deter users from enjoying a local natural asset.


4. 2 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS


SOCIAL SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES • Creating a recognizable logo and signage system for the river greenway would give the river more of a presence and identity within the neighborhood. • Informative signage would enhance the community’s understanding and stewardship of the Spicket River. • Designing connections to other parks and cultural centers in Lawrence will create a safer environment for children and pedestrians, and it will facilitate larger events and festivals. • A series of cultural events and performances at the parks along the river would create a greater sense of neighborhood involvement and community pride. • Creating a place that more people would utilize will result in more “eyes on the neighborhood,” which will decrease crime.

SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS • There may be a fear of crime in the neighborhoods adjacent to the river due to underutilization of the existing open space. • The existing condition of the river’s banks is overgrown and may contribute to negative perceptions of care in the community.




ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES • Creating better physical access to the river would better facilitate the existing annual river cleanup events, such that they could be more efficient and occur more often. • More extensive and frequent trash cleanups would reduce the fill in the flood way, therefore reducing seasonal flood levels and improve habitat and water quality. • Reducing contaminants and pollutants in the Spicket River would be a positive step toward improving the overall drinking water quality for cities such as Lawrence, whose source is the Merrimack River, which the Spicket empties into. • A healthier ecological habitat would provide refuge for many endangered and threatened species such as the blue heron, Atlantic salmon and sturgeon. • Acquiring easements along the river and purchasing properties through eminent domain would reduce the devastating effect of flooding on residents and land owners. • With improved river access, another community program could be established to remove exotic/invasive growth, such as oriental bittersweet, which would improve the natural habitat and encourage the growth of native plants and animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS • The river has become a popular place for dumping which will take great effort to make improvements. • There are a limited amount of locations for users to physically access the water.







APPLICATIONS


RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS T.

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IMMIGRANT PARK TO HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYFIELD

The Spicket River presents many opportunities for improvements along the stretch from Immigrant Park to Hayden Schofield Playfield. The proposed trail would continue along both banks of the Spicket between the Jackson Street bridge and the Lawrence Street bridge. Immigrant Park, which is located along the south bank, will benefit from improved access to the river, allowing users to connect with the water. Along the Spicket’s south bank, between these two bridges, there is open space adjacent to residential units that would be an ideal opportunity for a park. The Lawrence Street bridge will provide a connection to the north bank, where the trail, lined with a chain link fence, would connect to Hayden Schofield Playfield. The playfield itself is prone to seasonal flooding and because existing drainage system does not function properly, recreational use is limited. It is suggested that an under drainage system be implemented in order to increase use and community value of the playfields. COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

5.1 APPLICATIONS


HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYFIELD IMPROVEMENTS

Existing Playfield: Poor drainage after flood event

Playfield Potential - Application of under drainage system resulting in better drained soil and sod


5.2 APPLICATIONS


RIVER RECREATION

ex is i stt in i n g c ondi on d itt iion on

Strengthen pedestrian access along the banks of the river and encourage recreational uses. COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

5.3 APPLICATIONS


AMPHITHEATER

ex is i stt iinn g c on di d ittiion on

Enhance river access and connections at existing public open spaces.


5.4 APPLICATIONS


INTERPRETIVE IMPROVEMENTS

e x i sstt i n g condi c o n d itio t i onn

Introduce signage and interpretive stations to tell the story of the Spicket River’s history and natural environment. COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

5.5 APPLICATIONS


RIVER OVERLOOK

e x i st i n g c ondi o n d i ti on on

Encourage use and safety of roadways as places to fish, relax and observe the river below.


5.6 APPLICATIONS


RETAINING WALL OVERLOOK/ LOWER TRAIL COMBINATION

low maintenance slope planting

riverwalk with low wood rail fencing

river recreation

elevated river walk & river overlook with 42” safety fencing improved sidewalk with street tree

vehicular road

Typical river edge conditions should include protective safety fencing at elevated grade changes and low wood rail fencing at sections of gentle edge transition. COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

5.7 APPLICATIONS


SEASONAL TRAILS

river recreation

riverwalk with low wood rail fencing

low maintenance sloped planting

elevated trail and plaza with 42” safety fencing

Typical river edge conditions should include protective low wood rail fencing at sections of gentle edge transition. Trail options would allow users to actively use portions of the trail depending on river level and seasonal flooding.


5.8 APPLICATIONS


UPPER TRAIL OVERLOOK AND CONNECTION

vehicular sidewalk sloped planting riverwalk with low wood road rail fencing

river access and recreation

sloped planting

elevated river walk with 42” safety fencing

pedestrian bridge provide river overlook opportunities and a connection to opposite bank COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

5.9 APPLICATIONS



SUMMARY


SUMMARY SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 1.

In order to heighten community awareness of the Spicket River, continue annual river cleanup events. The annual cleanup of the Spicket River, typically undertaken in the fall, is a wonderful activity that removes trash and debris from the river and contributes to direct community interaction with the natural systems along the Spicket. This activity should be heavily promoted and advertised to ensure its continued success. An anticipated bonus of the cleanup will be, hopefully, to discourage illegal dumping at various point along the river.

2.

Initiate a program to cut down and clean out dead trees and limbs along the length of the river. Groundwork Lawrence removed dead trees and limbs from the river stretch along Marion Street in 2005. This activity should be continued for the entire length of the Spicket River, phased as budgets allow. In light of the damage from the Flood of 2006, this activity should have a high priority.

3.

Encourage the City to enter into negotiations to receive ownership or easements to certain parcels. There are a number of parcels along both banks of the Spicket River that either are subject to seasonal flooding or have access opportunities to the river that should be pursued. In some cases, these parcels could be purchased; in other cases, easements to extend the riverwalk through the property would accommodate the public good.

4.

Commit to drainage and surface improvements to the Hayden Schofield playfield. The Hayden Schofield playfield is a major recreational asset to the Lawrence community. It is used actively for ball play and has a small area of play equipment. The field also presents the Spicket River with a significant storage area in flood events. Herein lies the dilemma. The field helps reduce flood hazard to surrounding areas but remains wet and unusable until well after the flood waters have receded. COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architects & Planners 160 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

6.1 SUMMARY


SUMMARY The field would greatly benefit from the installation of well drained sub-base with an underdrains system. This would allow the field to continue to act as an area of flood storage while more quickly return to an active playfield once the flood waters have diminished. As part of the process, the field should be sodded and maintained with a seasonal irrigation system. 5.

Establish enforcement programs at locations of dumping and hazardous conditions. One of the continuing problems facing the Spicket River today is the continued dumping of construction debris, household trash and various other deposits at point along the river. Much of this activity happens at point where streets dead end or abut the river or at crossovers at bridge locations. A hotline program should be established to encourage residential abutters to report dumping activities and fines for those caught should be increased to discourage illegal activity. In addition “No Dump” signage should be increased and the public made aware of appropriate location for trash pick up.

6.

Heighten police patrol presence along Spicket River corridor. A more visible police presence along the river would help residents feel safe and secure and would encourage recreational uses.

7.

Assist City of Lawrence in study to relocate Department of Public Works from site abutting Spicket River. The Lawrence Department of Public Works maintenance facility is located at No. 1 Auburn Street abutting the south bank of the Spicket River. This central location allows the DPW to service all parts of the City of Lawrence. Used as the storage and service yard for DPW vehicles, the facility is also the drop-off location for motor oil, batteries and other environmentally hazardous materials. Considering the environmental sensitivity of the Spicket River, these industrial and hazardous activities are not compatible.



SUMMARY A first step in addressing this concern would be a general recognition of the present conflict. This could be followed by a feasibility study to find an appropriate site for the DPW facility. This would be followed, hopefully, by the actual relocation after which the site could be developed for a more appropriate use. 8.

Identify and pursue sources of funding for Spicket River improvements. Many sources of funding have been identified by the City of Lawrence and Groundwork Lawrence on improvements to Brook Street Park, FEMA Site Park and other projects in Lawrence. This experience and expertise should be pursued as the plan for improvements proceed.

9.

Approve project schedule and phasing. Once embraced by the City of Lawrence as a valuable and worthwhile community asset, the planning for improvements to the Spicket River should begin. Given the associated costs and the likelihood that the improvements will likely stretch over a number of years, the project should be broken out in phases to ensure that issues of pubic safety and environmental concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

10.

Secure approval to proceed. The Lawrence Conservation Commission has been an informal participant in the public participation portion of this report. Subsequent improvements to the Spicket River should be presented to and formally approved by the body.


6.3 SUMMARY



COST ESTIMATE


COST ESTIMATE SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY DESIGN GUIDELINES

June 30, 2006

Estimate of Construction Costs A.

Assumptions

1. The Spicket River measures approximately 2.5 miles from Steven’s Pond to the outfall at the Merrimack River. A rough calculation of linear improvements on both banks of the river suggests that a total of twenty-six thousand (26,000) linear feet of river greenway would be required. 2.

Railings and fencing would be approximately divided evenly between low wood rail fencing and 42” high chain link fence.

3.

Approximately 312,000 square feet of bituminous concrete pavement would be required to pave the full length of the river greenway.

4.

Benches, interpretive displays and signage would be located at strategic locations along the length of the project.

5.

Site lighting would be limited to roadway intersections.

B.

Cost Estimate

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Wood Rail Fence Chain Link Fence Bituminous Concrete Pavement Site Furniture Site Lighting Subtotal 15% Project Contingency Project Total


13,000 13,000 312,000 Lump Sum Lump Sum

LF LF SF

@ $50 @ $75 @ $6

7.1 COST ESTIMATE

= = =

$ 650,000 $ 975,000 $1,872,000 $ 100,000 $ 200,000 $3,797,000 $ 569,550 $4,366,550



APPENDIX


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APPENDIX A


SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY GUIDELINES - CORRIDOR SECTIONS RIVERWALK PROPOSALS GREATER INTERFACE AND ACCESS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD AND RIVER - WAYFINDING SIGNAGE LOCATED THROUGHOUT LAWRENCE - GATEWAYS AND ACCESS POINTS - CONNECTIONS TO LOCAL PARKS AND CULTURAL CENTERS CONTINUOUS TRAIL SYSTEM ALONG RIVER RECREATIONAL AMENITY, I.E. JOGGING, BIKING ETC.IS NOT POSSIBLE PEDESTRIAN OVERPASSES WHEN TRAIL ACCESS IS NOT POSSIBLE ONE-SIDED WHEN CORRIDOR WIDTH OR SLOPE IS INADEQUATE

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND STEWARDSHIP - CULTURAL EVENTS AT RIVER OR ADJACENT PARKS AND PLAZAS, I.E. FESTIVALS, PERFORMANCES - LOCAL SCHOOLS USE RIVER AS AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM NATURALLY CLEANSE RUN-OFF BEFORE RUNNING INTO RIVER TO PROTECT HABITAT AND QUALITY OF WATER

BROOK STREET PARK PROSAL

CANOPY LEVEL VEGETATION AND LOW GROUNDCOVER ONLY FOR SAFETY PURPOSES

ACTIVE RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES, I.E. BASKETBALL, SOCCER, ETC. BOAT LAUNCH

SECTION D: SEASONAL TRAILS

CONNECTION TO RIVERWALK

MALDEN MILLS

E

HISTORICAL/INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK

D C C

A

FOCAL AND DESTINATION POINT OF RIVERWALK

D

C

A

C

SECTION E: RETAINING WALL OVERLOOK B

SECTION A: RETAINING WALL OVERLOOK/ LOWER TRAIL COMBINATION

B

SECTION REFERENCE POTENTIAL PARKS AND OPEN SPACES ALONG CORRIDOR RIVERWALK SIGNIFICANT RIVERWALK CONNECTIONS/WAYFINDING LANDMARK/FOCAL POINTS

SECTION B: OVERFLOW/ RIVER PLAZA TIERS

SECTION C: UPPER TRAIL

SPICKET RIVERWALK GUIDELINES Lawrence, Massachusetts RIVERWALK PROPOSALS COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS


APPENDIX B


SPICKET RIVER GREENWAY GUIDELINES - EXISTING CONDITIONS

HAYDEN SCHOFIELD PLAYSTEAD LEAHY SCHOOL

OUR HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTER

FLEET BANK VACANT LOT CONTAMINATED FROM PAST INDUSTRIAL USE LOCAL CHILDREN USE AS PLAY AREA

SPICKET RIVER LEONARD SCHOOL PLAY FIELD LAWRENCE GENERAL HOSPITAL PARKING LOT CUTS OFF ACCESS AND VIEWS TO RIVER BUILDING ORIENTED AWAY FROM RIVER SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN GRADE BETWEEN HOSPITAL AND RIVER

MALDEN MILLS

KEY INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS IMPORTANT CULTURAL AND SOCIAL LINKS

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

APPENDIX B

LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FIELD

PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE/ PRIMARY BUSINESS DISTRICT

TOWN COMMON NORTH CANAL NEGATIVE FACTORS:

MERRIMACK RIVER

NON-ACCESSIBLE UNDERUTILIZED POTENTIAL AS A VISUAL, RECREATIONAL AND NATURAL AMENITY USED FOR UNDESIRABLE ACTIVITIES (DRINKING, GARBAGE DUMPING, ETC.) COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LOTS HAVE TURNED THEIR BACK TO THE RIVER POLLUTED RUN-OFF AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE CONTAMINATE RIVER SECURITY ISSUES ERODED BANKS, NO EDGES

LAWRENCE COMMUNITY CENTER

POSITIVE FACTORS: CAN PROVIDE FOR MULTI-USE ACTIVITIES NATURAL CORRIDER, WITH LUSH VEGETATION

MERRIMACK RIVER CONNECTION

DUCK BRIDGE CONNECTION FOR SOUTH LAWRENCE

ADJACENT TO MANY EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CENTERS VISUALLY APPEALING` SURROUNDING BUSINESSES AND RESIDENCES OFFERS A HIGH USAGE POTENTIAL HISTORIC USES

SPICKET RIVERWALK GUIDELINES Lawrence, Massachusetts EXISTING CONDITIONS COPLEY WOLFF DESIGN GROUP - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS


APPENDIX C
