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Vol. 4, No. 5
Friday, May 17, 2002
Contents | Wellington News | Home
Contents | Wellington News | Home
Wellington Park News is an email publication of Citizens for Wellington Park. You may have noticed that this email did not come from our traditional email address (wellingtonpark@aol.com) but instead from a different address (dolanpond@aol.com). What's up with that you ask? It turns out that your editor (Ted Kuklinski) also puts out an email newsletter for Friends of Dolan Pond (see story on Dolan Pond later in this newsletter) using the dolanpond@aol.com address. Basically, my AOL account has a number of screen names that are used for different purposes and organizations.
The last emailing of the Wellington News was detected by AOL's ever vigilant Spam Hammer as a mass mailing over the acceptable limit for quantity and a violation of it's Terms of Service. Since AOL has papered the world with diskettes and CD's, many email spammers use AOL accounts to set up temporary accounts and send out mass emailings. AOL watches for these high volume mailings and shuts down the account. Until now, our quantity has not been high enough to trigger their watchful eye. A little known fact of AOL is that you can specify one (and one only) of your screen names as a "bulk mail" account which lets it send out email to a larger list of recipients. The DolanPond account is my designated "bulk mail" account. Thus, in the future, you will probably receive mail from DolanPond even though it's really from Wellington Park to get around this annoying feature of AOL. You can still email back to wellingtonpark@aol.com.
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The Wellington Park path project is moving forward. On Wednesday (5/15) at the Park, we had a meeting with Lowell Haynes, the Accessibility planner for Newton, and with Mike Trotta of the Public Works Department. Attending for Citizens for Wellington Park were Ted Kuklinski, Jane and Don Quinn, and Len Saunders.
At last month's meeting of the Mayor's Committee on Disabilities, our request for funding was approved for up to $17,000 for a path from the Kilburn gate around the play area, connecting to the basketball court, and continuing around to the water fountain. This funding comes from CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) program for accessibility improvements in the City of Newton. CDBG monies are granted on a five year cycle and funds are moved around from the larger pool for individual projects.
One of the reasons for the meeting was to discuss whether we really needed an additional entrance to the play area. Originally, we had planned to put in a ramp close to the Kilburn Road fence. We looked at the current north entrance to the play area. Lowell indicated that he thought that we would be able to have a legally accessible entrance at the existing gate with proper planning. If so, we would not need to add an additional gate to the play area and would eliminate the ramp near the fence.
In order to do this, we need to move the path a little further away from the existing north double playarea gate. This is a fairly minor change to the existing plan. This would allow enough distance to gradually heighten the path by several inches as it gets close to the gate. The chips would be filled higher in the play area to meet the height of the path coming in. Lowell felt that this would meet the requirements. The slightly raised path might be bermed a little along the sides.
Lowell had invited Mike Trotta to the meeting since, rather than putting the job out the bid, Public Works had done some other paths in the city. One nearby path is the one at Albemarle Field. Having Public Works perform the job would be less expensive and could result in the job being done much faster. Mr. Trotta estimated that our path project could probably be completed in about 4 days elapsed time. He inquired as to a window of time in which we would like the job performed. He basically could do the job anytime after we provide a modified drawing and give the go ahead. We indicated that we would like the job completed by September. If done by the time of our annual Parkfest, we could have an official path opening ceremony at the Parkfest.
We had some further discussion on material. There had been one email suggestion that we do a stone dust path instead. The city does not have stone dust on hand but could obtain it. There was some concern that, with wind, the dust could blow into kid's eyes. The city has asphalt on hand and they say that this material is the easiest to maintain. The point was brought up that in winter, due to the dark color, ice would melt faster on the path leading to a walkable surface a little faster. Jane Quinn wanted to know the feasibility of perhaps making the asphalt path look a little more classy. Her suggestion was perhaps to put a flush brick border on the path edge. The bricks would be on edge. Mike Trotta suggested taking a look at a path in the rear of the Jackson Homestead that might have brick edging. The material cost for bricks might not be too prohibitive (several hundred dollars) but Mike Trotta raised the point that it would be a bit more labor intensive to put in the bricks and might be less feasible for Public Works. Do any of our folks out there have experience or knowledge on the feasibility of putting in brick edging and any possible issues. Could we do it ourselves afterward? Will they pop out? Do we need to use mortar to hold them in place? Any comments would be welcome.
As a side note, some improvements are planned at the nearby River Street Playground as well with West Newton CDBG funds. $11,000 were recently allocated by the West Newton CDBG Advisory Committee to be used there. Much of it will be used for safety surfacing. A small accessible walkway is planned there as well. Dee Spiro is the city planner responsible for this aspect of CDBG.
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We also looked at possible locations for a handicapped parking space and curb cut. The curb cut cannot be too close to the storm drain that is outside the current pedestrian gate. An approximate location was marked off. A van was parked at the approximate location for a handicapped space. During the period of the meeting, several large vehicles went down Kilburn Road and there seemed to be plenty of clearance with a car parked in the proposed location.
The proposed handicapped parking spot was outlined in blue chalk later in the day. The curb cut was also indicated. You are invited to take a look at the proposed locations. We will need to go before the Traffic Commission to petition them for the space and curb cut. This will require signatures from at least half the owners or tenants on the affected street (Kilburn Road). In the near future, a petition form will be brought around for gathering the required signatures.
The curb cut and space would be done as part of regular city curb cut upgrades. In addition, it was mentioned that the corner of Kilburn Road, Henshaw Place, and Henshaw Streets would have additional curb cuts installed. Currently only the corner closest to the park (by the McCarthy's) has a curb cut. By law, if one corner has a cut, then the other corners need them also.
The handicapped space leads to the question of general parking on the section of Kilburn Road near the park. Currently the park side of the street is designated "No Parking This Side". However, as a practical matter, it almost seems to be the logical side on which to park. When a group gathers there (e.g. soccer, baseball practice), it seems that a lot of cars do park on the park side. A few people invariably see the sign and park on the house side. This leads to a very narrow roadway. While asking residents about the HP space, it would be practical to take a poll about possibly changing the side of street for legal parking in the park area of Kilburn Road. The big question is whether this would inconvenience the residents of Kilburn Road. Does anyone know the history of the parking regulations on Kilburn Road?
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We have been researching manufacturers of outdoor accessible fountains. Catalogs from some of these manufacturers are on their way to us. It may be possible to find a retrofit for our existing bubbler that could provide two different levels of bubbler (the lower one being wheelchair (and more kid) accessible.
One thing noticed in this research is that there are some models with a spigot at the bottom (like you might see at a campground for filling water jugs). Our garden committee had requested that we look into a hose connection. An actual hose connection is more complicated it turns out because we would need what is called a backflow preventer (an expensive proposition) to prevent hose water from mixing with drinking water. A simple spigot (not a hose connection) might eliminate the need for this and could provide water to a watering can for maintaining the garden and our trees. One could possible get one without a fixed handle to prevent casual unauthorized use. It bears looking into.
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You may recall that recently we took a poll of park users and those on this email list as to whether or not to have a gate installed at the Princess Road entrance. Voting could be done by email response, by mail, or by index card ballot at the park. Thanks to the many people who responded and who voted. The results are as follows. While not quite the turnout for the recent override petition, we received a total of 18 Yes votes (9 cards, 9 emails) and a total of 6 No votes (1 card, 4 emails, 1 note). Based on this response, we will shortly request the Parks Department to reinstall the test gate that they had fabricated earlier. The gate will be consistent in height with the existing opening and is painted black just as the rest of the Princess Road entrance fence. The latch will be the same as the other gates at the park. By the way, park users are in general requested to keep the gates of the park and the play area in the closed position. This is mainly for young children's safety.
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Some time ago, Linda Angelucci of Kilburn Road, in response to our request for an official Wellington Park logo, had contacted a designer friend of hers. We recently heard from Linda that a design may be forthcoming within the next month. Well put it out for review when it becomes available. It would be nice to have an official Wellington Park design that we could use on our website, on our newsletter, and especially on a sign for the park. Despite the numerous signs relating to dog walking, ball playing, etc., we have no sign which designates the name of the park, named after Charles Wellington of Somerville, MA, who donated the land for the park in the early 1930's. Any sign requests or proposals would most likely have to go before the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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It's spring and this is the time of the year when birds are migrating through the Boston area on their way north. Watch for warblers especially in your trees (easiest to see in Oaks which are don't yet have the full leaf growth of the maples). It was surprising to see 3 Mallards fly over Wellington Park the other day during our path meeting. Yesterday, a pair of Red-tailed hawks were cruising over the neighborhood noticed by their screaming call overhead. If you hear a lot of crows, it's often because they are harassing a hawk. Occasionally, the persistent loud call of the Carolina Wren is heard in our neighborhood as well.
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f you really want to see birds not too far away, avail yourself of the nearest city conservation area at Dolan Pond. Despite its nearness (a 5 minute walk), many residents have never been there. This small 8 acre site contains a wide diversity of wildlife and plants. It is especially a good spot to see migrating birds with its varied habitat, including four small ponds (considered to be vernal pools). Recently, there was a hatching of Wood Ducks there (mother and 12 ducklings). For those who don't know, the Wood Duck is one of the prettiest North American birds and nests in trees (or duck houses mounted on trees). There are lots of rabbits, frogs, tadpoles, and turtles to be seen as well. The most visible entrance is on Auburndale Avenue a little way down from River Street. A better access for parking is on the street called Webster Park off Webster Street, just a block past the Webster Common ballfield on Webster Street toward Auburndale. Dolan Pond is scheduled for a major CDBG funded facelift this summer with new paths, a boardwalk, nature overlooks, and signage.
You editor will be leading a short birdwalk there on Sunday morning, May 19, 2002 from 8-9 am. Sunday is supposed to be sunny. We will meet at the Webster Park entrance to the area (at the end of the Webster Park loop). Much of the birding will be by ear. Bring binoculars if you have them but they won't be totally necessary. For info on this walk or the walks below, contact Ted Kuklinski (617-969-6222, dolanpond@aol.com)
Another not too far away walk will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2002, 8:30 am at the Flowed Meadow conservation area in Auburndale Park. In celebration of the life of West Newton naturalist Charles Maynard, we will take a walk through the Flowed Meadow Conservation Area which connects a large area of open space that runs along the Charles River from Commonwealth Ave. to Newton's recently capped landfill. It offers wetlands, uplands, small kettles and grassy edge habitats that are attractive to warblers, thrushes and other spring migrants. Meet at the far end of the Auburndale Park ("the Cove") parking lot on West Pine Street (off Freeman, off Lexington Ave.) Visit the the Jackson Homestead's current exhibit on naturalist Charles Maynard at 527 Washington Street, 617-552-7238. And finally on the following Sunday, June 2, 2002, join the Newton Conservators for the third annual Newton Biodiversity Day. The focus this year will be at Cold Spring Park with a bird walk (8 am), bug sifting (10 am), vernal pool and tree/plant walks in the afternoon. Watch the Tab for details.
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What is there to do on a Saturday night that's not too far away? The Newton Community Service Center is having a silent auction night ("Hands Across the Community - A night of Fun") in their auditorium on this Saturday evening, May 18, 2002, from 7 to 10 pm. There will be lots of goodies to munch on while you peruse the many fine auction offerings. NCSC is at 492 Waltham Street (it's an easy walk from our neighborhood). The $15 admission and your bids help to support the many fine programs for all ages that NCSC provides (www.ncscinc.com). By the way, NCSC is the official non profit sponsor of Citizens for Wellington Park (and the holder of donations to the Wellington Park Fund). There will be hearty hors d'oevres, desserts, beverages, raffles, and cash bar. There are several hundred items available up for bidding, ranging from gift certificates to many local stores, dinner at local restaurants (e.g. dinner for 2 at Lumiere's, or how about an outdoor courtyard dinner for 20 at Yerardi's Restaurant - offered by Henshaw Street resident and NCSC family day care provider, Claire Yerardi), sailboat and canoe rides, a Woodland Golf outing for 3 with caddie and lunch, yoga sessions, a weekend in the Berkshires, a Patriots commemorative football, clothing by Betsy Johnson, lawn fertilization, gift baskets, portrait sittings, and much, much more. If you are really curious, just stop in at the NCSC (a more complete list is posted just inside the door closest to CVS). You can reserve your tickets by calling 617-969-5906, x119 or just come on Saturday night. Help this organization that does so much for our community!
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Park users are requested to help provide bags at the park entrances for dog waste and trash pickup purposes. It's a good use for those newspaper, supermarket, and convenience store small plastic bags. Just stuff them in one of the larger bags you may see around the park. Use of them really contributes heavily to the cleanliness at the park. Please don't litter at the park! Every litter bit hurts. Litter begets more litter. We are going to look into getting some covers for our park trash barrels. Thanks!
Special thanks to some of our early morning dog walkers who have often taken it upon themselves to clean up the beer bottles and trash sometimes left in the back areas from teen drinkers. With the warm weather, it would be appreciated if you would call the police if you witness any after hours drinking parties. The most likely spot has been behind the tennis courts.
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The Wellington Park News email edition is the fastest and easiest way for to keep in touch with you. Others may be reading it on the park entrance clipboards. If you wish to subscribe, just send an email to info@wellingtonpark.org or call (617) 969-6222 and leave a message. Or if you wish to be removed from the list, let us know the same way. Email addresses change often, so, if you used to get this newsletter and now don't (since you may be reading it on a clipboard), send us your new email address. And of course, check out our web site www.wellingtonpark.org. Back issues of Wellington News are available online. Hope to see you at the park soon!
Contents | Wellington News | Home
Contents | Wellington News | Home