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Palmer Cove Rennovation FAQ 01012018 KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL MAYOR TOM DANIEL, AICP DIRECTOR CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 98 WASHINGTON STREET, 2ND FLOOR ♦ SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 978-619-5685 Palmer Cove Park Renovation FAQ How was the decision made to move the high school field from Palmer Cove Park? The City hired Crowley Cottrell to conduct an analysis of whether the high school size baseball field should remain at the park or should be relocated to another site within the City. This analysis incorporated an inventory and assessment of the baseball fields at Palmer Cove Park, Gallows Hill Park, Mack Park, and Salem High School. Crowley Cottrell created a matrix using this information and information gathered during the community outreach process. The matrix and (which can be accessed here) was presented to a group of stakeholders intimately involved with baseball in the City. During this process, it was determined that Gallows Hill Park is the most appropriate place for the City’s high school size baseball field. If the high school field will no longer be located at Palmer Cove, where will Salem High and Salem Academy play their games? The City plans to expand the baseball field at Gallows Hill Park to high school size. In July, the City submitted an application for a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant to the state Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs for funding to renovate Gallows Hill Park. Grant awards will be announced this winter. If awarded the grant, the final design of the baseball field and other park upgrades will take place in Spring 2019 and construction will be completed by June 2020. Why is the City renovating Palmer Cove Park? The 2015 Open Space Master Plan highlighted Palmer Cove for an upgrade. The Plan recommended upgrading accessibility, adding walking paths including loop and li nkages that provide waterfront views, creating passive recreation areas, relocating or renovation the baseball field, and consideration of adding a playscape area. The Salem Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan 2013 also recommended investment in the neighborhood parks, including the revitalization of Palmer Cove Park. Who is the design team for the project? The City hired Crowley Cottrell and North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC) to provide design and consulting services for the Palmer Cove Park renovation. Crowley Cottrell has previously work on several park renovations throughout the City including Lafayette Park, Mary Jane Lee Park, and Splaine Memorial Park. NSCDC has a long history in the City and has had tremendous success in delivering transformative development projects in the neighborhood. They also worked with Crowley Cottrell on several park projects in Salem including the Ward Street Pocket Park and the Dow Street Courtyard. -2- What is the process for selecting the design? This project has and will continue to incorporate an extensive community outreach process. NSCDC and Crowley Cottrell developed a questionnaire which was administered by NSCDC staff in person and was also available online. Over 450 people responded to the survey. NSCDC also conducted focus groups with neighborhood organizations that utilize Palmer Cove Park and canvassed the neighborhoods within a 5- minute walking distance from the park. The results from this outreach as well as the results from an Open House and a working group meeting were used to develop three conceptual design options, which were presented at a public meeting in July. The design team is currently synthesizing the additional feedback received at the second public meeting to prepare a final design concept(s), which will be presented to the working group in mid-August and further refined for another public meeting to be held late August or early September. What are the primary design goals based on the feedback received during the outreach process? • Strengthen successful existing programs • Provide improved waterfront connection • Add opportunities for passive recreation • Plan for resiliency to climate change What are the next steps in the project? The next public meeting to discuss the renovation of the park will be held late August or early September. Look for an announcement on the City website and calendar for the exact date and time closer to the date. At this meeting, the design team will present a final design concept(s). This plan will be developed to a level that will identify the key components, annotate the materials and equipment, and provide a level of detail for accurate pricing. Using this final concept plan and cost estimate, the City will apply for grant funding to make the park become a reality. Where can I view the materials presented to date? Presentations and conceptual plans can be viewed on the City’s website under the “Studies and Reports” tab, which can be accessed here. Who can I contact to provide feedback or for more information? Please contact Ashley Green with the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development at (978) 619-5685 or agreen@salem.com.