open space recreation plan

Transcription

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
JULY 2009
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF
ROBERT MANGIARATTI
CHAIRMAN
LYNN MENDES
MARY POIRIER
JOHN MARTH
HEATHER VAILLANT
RICK CONTI
SUPPORT STAFF
AURELIO ALMEIDA
PARKS AND FORESTRY SUPERINTENDENT
GARY G. AYRASSIAN
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
DENNIS WALSH
RECREATION DIRECTOR
LEE FULLER
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER
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
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3
5
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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
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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
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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
· 2009 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN
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§5.4
§5.5
§5.6
Private Recreation Land………………………………………………………………….………. page
Other Protected Land……………………………………………...……………………………… page
Large Tracts of Unprotected Open Space…………………...…………………………………….page
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CHAPTER 6.0: COMMUNITY GOALS
Community Goals…………………………….……..…….………………………………...………………. page
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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
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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
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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
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§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
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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
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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
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
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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.
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.
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:
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♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
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.
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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:
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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.
♦
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♦
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.
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
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.
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
PAGE 7
Legend
LOCUS
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Multi-lane Hwy, Not Limited Access
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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.
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)
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
janet.curtis@state.ma.us
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.
PAGE 10
Legend
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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.
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.
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.
PAGE 13
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SOILS MAP
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Legend
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Surfical Geology
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June 2009
SURFICIAL GEOLOGY MAP
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•
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
PAGE 14
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Attleboro Public Library
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Lasalette Seminary
First School House in Attleboro
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First Minister's House
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Hillside Cemetery
Hebron Mill Village
Hebronville Methodist Church
Capron House
East Attleboro Academy
Train Stations North and South B
First Mayors House
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FEATURES MAP
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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
PAGE 15
Aquifers
Legend
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High yield (300+GPM)
Medium yield (100-300 GPM)
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Pond
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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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PAGE 25
TABLE 1 (Cont.)
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
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.
PAGE 26
TABLE 1 (Cont.)
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.
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
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.
PAGE 29
Legend
N
W
IELD
NSF
MA
Open Space
Permanently Protected
*Mass GIS 2009
Open Space
* MassGIS 2009
Waterbodies
River/Streams
Rail
Roadways
Other Numbered Hwy
(
%&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
June 2009
SEEKONK
0.5
AND
City of Attleboro
REHOBOTH
OPEN SPACE MAP
0
0.5
1
1.5
2 Miles
Produced by:
SRPEDD
Data Source:
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.
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
729.68
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.
PAGE 33
DRINKING WATER SUPPY MAP
City of Attleboro
N
W
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
Produced by:
SRPEDD
Data Source:
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.
PAGE 34
Legend
N
Roadways
Other Numbered Hwy
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
June 2009
ACTIVE RECREATION MAP
0
0.5
1
1.5
2 Miles
Produced by:
SRPEDD
Data Source:
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.
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
PAGE 36
TABLE 5 Cont’d
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
Recreation
Department
Two soccer fields, four little league
baseball fields, tot lot, basketball
court, walking/jogging path,
concession stand
Currently
used
for
recreation.
PAGE 37
TABLE 5 Cont’d
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.
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.
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.
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
Watson Avenue
and Riverbank
Road
Hope Avenue
Hope Avenue
48.5
2.4
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
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
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
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
Read Street
37
Wilmarth Street
15
Read Street
37
Read Street
29
Woodstock Road
9
Lindsey Street
74
1
Mechanic Street
118
2
Ch61B Recreation Land
County Street
143
Oak Hill Avenue
9
Locust Street
136
3
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PAGE 56
Roadways
Legend
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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
Other Numbered Hwy
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
June 2009
ACTION PLAN MAP
0
0.5
1
1.5
2 Miles
Produced by:
SRPEDD
Data Source:
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.
PAGE 57
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.
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.
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.
2010 include:
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
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.
1.
The Conservation Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee should develop and publish a
brochure to identify public conservation lands.
2.
efforts should focus on increasing the acreage of contiguous conservation land within the Bungay River
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
9.4.1
Open Space Preservation and Protection
1.
area.
2.
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.
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.
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.
1.
area.
2.
1.
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
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.
1.
area.
2.
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.
1.
area.
PAGE 63
3.
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.
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
N/A - OSAC
City/ State Grant
Conservation Commission
X
N/A - Staff
X
X
X
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
PAGE 65
TABLE 11 cont’d
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
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/State/Federal Grant
X
City
X
PAGE 66
TABLE 11 cont’d
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
X
City
benches
throughout the City
Begin backboard and rim replacement project at Fredric
M. Bartek Recreation Center
X
Funding Source
X
Expansion
and
X
YEAR
7
Begin Hayward Field Parking Lot Renovation and
bleachers
X
YEAR
6
X
Renovation
spectator
X
YEAR
5
Begin Tilda B. Stone Playground Parking Lot
new
X
YEAR
4
X
Begin Blackinton Pond Park, Phase 2, Construction
Purchase
YEAR
3
X
City/Stage Grant
X
City
X
City
City
X
City
X
PAGE 67
TABLE 11 cont’d
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
X
X
X
X
City
X
City
X
City
X
/Community Center at Hayward Field
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
OSAC, Conservation
Commission, Water
Department
X
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
YEAR
4
YEAR
5
YEAR
6
OSAC, Conservation
Commission, Sewer
Department
X
City, Conservation
Commission
OSAC, Conservation
Commission
OSAC, Conservation
Commission, City
City
X
X
X
X
X
X
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
PAGE 77
APPENDIX A
Letters of Review
Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District
◄ 88 Broadway▼Phone (508)824-1367▼FAX (508)823-1803▼ssmith@srpedd.org▼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
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Re:
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
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Re:
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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).
PAGE 9

open space recreation plan

Transcription

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