The Swellesley Report

More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Wellesley holds public meeting on possible Morses Pond area changes

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Weston & Sampson, an engineering and environmental services firm, led a Morses Pond (MOPO) public engagement and listening session about their first ideas for an $80k feasibility and design study of the beach area and bathhouse. Weston & Sampson was hired last year by the Wellesley Recreation Department, and the study is partly funded by Community Preservation funds. The MOPO area stretches about five acres and is owned by the town.

Wellesley Morses Pond
MOPO beach and playground structure.

Additional to-be-announced community meetings will be scheduled, and the goal is for the feasibility study to be completed by late fall.

During a power-point presentation, Weston & Sampson representatives listed project priorities. (You can see the presentation here.) Topping the list:

  • Improve the bathhouse, staff areas, storage
  • Improve exterior site and landscape elements
  • Enhance water-based play experience and accessibility
  • Facilitate walking/hiking and related passive recreational use
  • Enhance natural resources and habitat
  • Expand user amenities and revenue generation opportunities

The group says they are looking at the entire site from an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) perspective. That statement was met with general approval from the crowd of about 40 Morses Pond abutters, moms of small kids, and general pond users and lovers.

One big idea: to tear down the old bath house and change its location. “There are opportunities here to think about where the bath house is located. Should it be moved or should the face of it be changed in some way?” a Weston & Sampson rep said.

Morses Pond bath house. Photo credit: Weston & Sampson.

Whether a new bath house is built or the current bath house undergoes renovations, the idea is for the structure to be a zero energy building. Such buildings combine energy efficiency and renewable energy generation to consume only as much energy as can be produced onsite through renewable resources over a specified time period.

Interestingly, during recent site visits, the consultant reps found that MOPO lifeguards and office staff don’t like that when they are in the bath house office area, they are completely cut off from what’s going on at the beach. They say the more staff eyes on the area where all the action is happening, the better. Lifeguards are right on the beach during their shifts, of course. But I’ve seen how, for example, before the beach opens up they tend to congregate on the side of the bath house that faces the beach.

Wellesley Rec Deputy Director Brandon Fitts said the current sight lines of the bathhouse reflect that the beach used to be where the boating area now is situated.

One resident said, “I just don’t want to see it get fancy. I like its simplicity. I would hate to see the beach get built up. I don’t think we need a pizza oven.” The pizza oven reference was in response to ideas about how food might be handled at the pond.

Another resident agreed saying, “I’d like to not have a Taj Mahal of a bath house.”

Judy, a 44-year Wellesley resident said, “I really like the idea of moving the bath house and opening up the view.”

DPW Water & Sewer Superintendent Bill Shaughnessy pointed out that the utilities in general aren’t too good in the area, and that the sewage station is old. He also noted that the area is in a water supply protection district, a fact that will have to inform all decisions made.

Slides of the mish-mash of signage were shown with the suggestion that all the information could be presented in a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing way.

Suggestions for the walking paths in the area were to use landscape design elements to reduce erosion and and stormwater runoff; remove invasive plant species; increase biodiversity; and improve the overall aesthetics. One idea: tear down the fence around the Ice House Pond, remove the invasive species that have gained a foothold there, and add a boardwalk around the pond, with viewing platforms.

There was also talk of possibly removing the locked gate on Turner Road, and of making the area a four-season recreation spot officially. Currently the gate is locked during the off-season. Those who want to use the MOPO area at other times of the year park on Turner Road and make the long walk down to the pond and its trails.

Emily, a one-year resident of Wellesley, said that she didn’t even know about Morses Pond until her family moved into town, and now she and her young children use it all the time. She cited important “choke points” for her — car logistics and the bath house, which she said was “kind of not family-friendly. The doors don’t lock. We have child escape attempts.”

MOPO beach fees generated $159K in revenue last year, and the area has attracted between 18,000 to 28,000 visitors per year in recent years.

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Update: Wellesley vernal pool boardwalk to become accessible soon

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The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission (NRC) vernal pool boardwalk and viewing platforms project is about 90% finished, the stone dust path laid, the major construction of the boardwalk itself built and ready to receive visitors. Still to go: final grading of the start and end points of the 500-foot project to ensure accessibility for users of all abilities including those with limited mobility, young children, and users with strollers. The DPW is expected to return to finish up the final grading of the stone path where it meets the boardwalk in the next couple of weeks. Once that’s done, all comers will be able to enjoy enhanced access to the vernal pool and experience wildlife viewing at the pool and the adjacent wetlands.

You can pay a visit to frogs, salamanders and more at the vernal pool by accessing the boardwalk from the north corner of the Weston Road Community Garden next to 148 Weston Rd. across from Howe St. or from Turner Rd., which is located off Weston Rd.

Natural Resources Commission Director Brandon Schmitt says, “Final stages of the project will involve planting of some additional native species (we already successfully transplanted some hay scented ferns from the middle school to make room for pollinator plants there), and invasive species removal will be an ongoing challenge.  Volunteers for the invasive species removal are much appreciated.” Drop an email to Schmitt at [email protected] to volunteer.

The project was funded via Community Preservation Act (CPA) monies. The CPA is funded through a local option surcharge on property tax bills and a state match on those surcharges. The Wellesley Community Preservation Committee (CPC) made the recommendation to Town Meeting to utilize CPC funds for the boardwalk, and the project as a whole was overseen by the NRC. The boardwalk was built by twenty volunteers who worked 563 hours. Wellesley Conservation Council members were among the workers. The Wetlands Protection Committee and the Design Review Board approved the project ahead of its mid-December 2018 start date.

The stone dust path sections were installed by the DPW in Fall 2018. From there, the project was a volunteer-led effort.

Construction was halted in the spring so as not to affect the reptilian and amphibian residents of the pond, and then picked up again after the peepers stopped peeping.

Wellesley boardwalk
Wellesley Ecocampers make use of the vernal pool overlook. Photo credit: Brandon Schmitt.

The total cost of the project was budgeted at  $65,000, and is expected to come in under that amount.

The funding was completed in two stages. The CPC funded an initial $15,000 for design in FY18 and another $50,000 for construction this fiscal year. The design phase was completed free of charge by Wellesley resident Bill Giezentanner. Since Giezentanner did that work pro bono, the initial 15k CPC design appropriation was then applied to construction. Remaining funds from the $65k originally budgeted funds will be returned to the CPC. Schmitt estimates the returned funds will be in the neighborhood of $15 – $25k once expenses for the DPW work, signage, and additional native plantings are figured into the total figures.

Wellesley vernal pool boardwalk
Suzy Jordan from the DPW waters the new hay scented ferns. Credit: Brandon Schmitt.

Schmitt says, “The volunteers who completed this project should be incredibly proud. Through their sweat, sore muscles and often a little blood, they have created a truly special place.  The boardwalk offers a place for reverie and education, and highlights the importance of this resource and the other vernal pools in Town. The project also demonstrates what is possible when a few dedicated individuals are willing to brave the elements, have fun, and create a great asset for the community. I think it really just emphasizes Wellesley’s greatest assets — its open spaces and people. Watch for the ribbon cutting and grand opening this fall. In the meantime, plan your visit to the boardwalk soon.”

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Digging into Dana Hall’s big construction project

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On May 29, Dana Hall School in Wellesley held a ceremony outside, facing Grove Street, and announced the Turf Field Project. The ceremony was conducted to show the importance of the project to the school and to thank  donors who made it possible. The Turf Field Project is outlined in the Vision 2025 strategic plan, which set many goals for improvement at the girls’ 5th-12th-grade school between the years 2018 and 2025. 

Turf Field Construction (7/30/19)

 

Head of School Katherine Bradley stated during the ceremony that the Turf Field Project “will benefit all students, not just the ones who wear the cleats and mouth guards”. She’s confident that the field will only help the unification of the Dana Hall community, as “sports are community builders.”

To honor the outgoing Director of Athletics, Health, and Wellness John Suby, the turf field’s spectator sideline will be named Suby Sideline. Bradley has called Suby, who retired this year, a “tireless cheerleader” for Dana Hall.

Along with the field, the project includes a new stone wall entrance-way to the school. “Middle Road”, as Director of Communications Liza Cohen tells me Dana Hall-ers call the road leading into the campus from Grove Street, is being moved 80 feet to the left. This addition to the project is possible because of funds raised by parents of the class of 2019. 

The overall $1.8M project is expected to be finished for the start of the 2019-20 school year. Check out the school’s website for updates and live coverage of the construction. 

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Wellesley Around Town round-up — private fireworks; road work; parking fees update; be a social media volunteer

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Here’s a round-up of a few things happening around Wellesley:

Close your eyes, these fireworks aren’t for you

A fireworks display will take place this Saturday, July 27 over Lake Waban in Wellesley. The activity is part of a private celebration and has been permitted by the Wellesley Fire Department. The Fire Department is sharing this message in advance to help make residents in the area aware of this event and to prevent concerned calls to Fire dispatch.

fireworks

Wellesley gets props from Natick Fire Department

Wellesley Fire Department
Lt Jim Claflin coming off the Tower, Lt Dana Gerrans and Firefighter Alex DeLorie climbing up the Tower. Photo credit: Wellesley Fire Department

The Wellesley Fire Department is receiving grateful thanks from the Town of Natick. See the story, and pics from Wellesley’s own Fire Chief Rick DeLorie. It was quite a scene at the 8-alarm fire that leveled a block of eight businesses in downtown Natick earlier this week.

Things will be a little bumpy on Wellesley roads

Due to maintenance work, on Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25 there will be no parking from 7pm until 6am on those days on the following roadways: Abbott Street, Church Street, Waban Street, and Weston Road.

Also on Thursday, July 25, 7am – 5pm there will be no parking on the following roads due to paving: Calvin Road, Donizetti Street, Hickory Road, Larch Road.

You can get full information about Wellesley roads projects on the Town website.

Any questions concerning the work should be directed to the Department of Public Works Highway Division at 781‐235‐7600 x3325.

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Wellesley parking lots will no longer card you

The Town of Wellesley is phasing out stored value parking cards.

Due to system changes, funds can no longer be added to these cards. Customers who currently use these cards to park in all-day parking lots (commuter and non-commuter) in Wellesley should use up any funds remaining on these cards, or request a refund for the remaining balance.

To receive a refund, please bring cards to the Treasurer’s Office, 2nd floor of Wellesley Town Hall and include your contact information. A refund check will be mailed to you.

Other all-day parking options are still available:

Customers may purchase annual parking permits from the Town, or may download the Passport Parking application which allows you to pay for parking on a smart phone.

For all-day parking, vehicles registered in Wellesley receive a discounted resident parking rate. Customers who work in Wellesley should provide a license plate number to the Treasurer’s Office to receive the resident rate.

For on-street (metered) parking, customers may use both coins and the Passport Parking application.

Questions? Please contact the Wellesley Parking Clerk.

Tailby parking lot wellesley
Tailby parking lot

Make history as a volunteer

The Wellesley Historical Society is looking for a volunteer to assist with their social media. The volunteer would work with staff to research the collection for topics to post on Facebook and Instagram. We would ask for a weekly or bi-weekly commitment during business hours. Email [email protected]wellesleyhistoricalsociety.org if interested.

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Upcoming sidewalk construction work in Wellesley, summer 2019

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The Department of Public Works (DPW) summer construction schedule is ramping up. Here’s what you need to know before you get in your car and put the rubber to the road:

Sidewalk Construction and Ramp Repairs 

Beginning on July 11 and continuing through August 2, the DPW will be replacing sections of sidewalk and sidewalk ramps on Linden Street (from Hill Top Road to Everett Street) and on Weston Road (from Linden Street to Garrison Road).

Please use caution while proceeding around these work sites. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Questions or comments? Please email the DPW Highway Division or call 781-235-7600 ext. 3325.

MORE:

Wellesley DPW to fix that weird Benvenue/Brook Street intersection

Washington Street reconstruction, summer 2018

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