Coes Zone
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The Worcester Parks and Recreation Commission has approved the plans for a Multigenerational Park and Universally Accessible Playground at the intersection of Coes Street and Mill Street in Worcester. The plans will be submitted now to the state, which is providing some of the funds for the Multigenerational Park and Universally Accessible Playground
Report of the COES ZONE Multigenerational Park and Universally Accessible Playground Working Group
This Coes Zone working group had a lively and productive meeting and attached is the product of our efforts. This document is a summary of our discussion regarding what should be considered and included in the park and playground. We consider this a project that will occur as a series of phases, to be implemented over time by priority as fiscal resources are available with the intention of securing grant funding subsidized by public and private partnerships. We consider the submission of this grant as “Phase 1”.
General comments and considerations:
1. While we acknowledge that public forums were held back in 2005 we believe it will be important to conduct enhanced outreach to those with disabilities as well as the elderly to ensure that their interests are represented in the proposed multigenerational, universally accessible park and playground project. Ideally this would have been done well before the grant deadline. Now that it is upon us the next best thing is to solicit the feedback sooner than later—regardless of whether or not the grant is awarded. Scheduling these enhanced outreach public meetings while the weather is still mild is recommended.(UPDATE: A meeting was held in the Coes Zone on November 9.)
2. We suggest that the proposed multigenerational park and playground not be limited but be expanded to other areas around Coes Pond such as some of the nearby walking trails. Clearly the surfaces of the walking paths would need to be improved but until an engineering study is completed it is not clear how much “useable acreage” will be available for this project—particularly if it is limited to the Coes Knife Parcel. The more land mass options available, the better. To this end, we propose relocating and expanding the parking lot to include many more spaces including additional handicapped parking.
3. If the parking lot is relocated, it is suggested that the current lot be covered and repurposed for park and playground functions.
4. There are going to be challenges with the 30 foot elevation change from the highest point at the top of the dam adjacent to the pond to the lowest points located to the east near the much smaller, Lower Coes Pond. When considering those with mobility challenges it will be important to make sure that the slopes are (at the minimum) ADA compliant.
4. The proposal must include a security and maintenance plan. “Security” referring to the use of earth-friendly lighting to ensure a well-lit and safe park as well as the use of “live-feed” 24-7 security cameras. “Maintenance” referring to (for example) trash recepticals, regular garbage pick up, clean bathrooms, graffiti removal, vandal repair, mowing, trail /playground repairs and goose deterrent strategies.
5. We are assuming that the engineering firm will be Weston and Sampson and heartily endorse this choice given their previous work on the site. Just as importantly, they were the firm that designed the Menino Universal Park and Playground in Charlestown. Their experience will be a tremendous asset to the project.
6. We look forward to creating partnerships with private and public entities that will support the implementation of this project. One promising opportunity includes collaboration with the Worcester State Occupational Therapy Department. Worcester State had reached out to us in 2014 to explore the possibility of their OT program using the playground as a training site. They had indicated that they would be willing to contribute financially. We look forward to following up on this possible funding source.
Questions/comments related to the PARC Project RATING SYSTEM:
I. Demographics: No questions
II. Community Profile Score:
Pediatric Obesity- do you secure these statistics from the city’s DPH department?
We suggest walking paths with wellness stations appropriate for different age groups.
III. Project Quality:
A. Green Infrastructure: Acquisition, development, or renovation project that protects or enhances water-based recreation.
As recommended in the 2005 Master Plan for Public Open Space Properties Surrounding Coes Pond, we propose boardwalk overlooks with seating for fishing and wildlife observation. “Public viewing” binoculars could be available at some of these boardwalk overlooks.
B. Public Meeting: Municipality has conducted a public meeting on project with demonstrated enhanced outreach in Environmental Justice neighborhoods.
See initial comments.
C. Cooperative Project: Joint cooperative project between applicant and other municipality or non-profit organization involving funding and/or commitment for future park maintenance.
While the COES ZONE and Columbus Park Neighborhood Association are active and committed partners and stewards of the public open space properties surrounding Coes Pond, no funding or commitment for future park maintenance has been determined.
D. Outdoor Classroom: Site offers interpretive services and/or environmental education.
Coes Pond has a rich history of serving as a “natural classroom” for public schools and institutions of higher learning for decades including University Park Campus School, Clark University and WPI. (There are likely others such as Columbus Park School). Deb Cary of the Mass Audubon expressed an interest in their collaboration on this project.
E. Consistency with plans:
1. Points awarded based on how many goals, objectives, or action plan items from community’s Open Space and Recreation Plan are advanced.
We defer to you on this.
2. Points awarded based on how many action items from the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan are advanced.
We defer to you on this.
Specific Recommendations:
1. Availability of open space with view of water for low impact exercise such as yoga and Tai Chi. Additional open space to be available for horse shoes, Bocce, etc.
2. Low impact equipment exercise equipment for adults
3. Wheelchair accessible playground equipment for both adults and children
4. “Smart playground equipment”
5. Outdoor Classroom
6. Fishing and scenic overlooks (as described in the 2005 Coes Pond Open Spaces Master plan (PDF))
7. “Wellness Stations”/Circuit Training
8. Sensory trails comprising smooth, level surfaces, and interpretive signage.
9. Benches, tables for chess, picnic tables, scenic binoculars overlooking water
10. Bathrooms
11. Raised gardens;
12. Access to wetlands (Deb Cary’s suggestion)
13. Outdoor musical instruments. See Website
Thank you City of Worcester for your efforts on the 2016 PARC grant application.
We want to keep the momentum going by beginning to discuss public/private partnerships and enhanced outreach efforts.
Resources suggested by Elder Affairs
Dementia-Friendly Community toolkit (PDF) from Wisconsin.
Mary Mac Mission (in MA) has private gardens for the therapeutic benefit of more people in their community. They were inspired to take action after a devastating dementia-care journey and the loss of Mary’s mom, Margaret (in 2008) showed that more accessible garden experiences are needed for people living with long-term illness and their caregivers.
http://rest-stop-ranch.com/memory-cafe/
http://rest-stop-ranch.com/gardens/our-community/