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2015 - OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN Gale Associates, Inc. 163 Libbey Parkways | P.O. Box 890189 | Weymouth MA 02189-0004 P 781.335.6465 F 781.335.6467 www.gainc.com CITY OF SALEM OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN UPDATE 2015 – 2022 Kimberley Driscoll, Mayor Gale Associates, Inc. 163 Libbey Parkways | P.O. Box 890189 | Weymouth MA 02189-0004 P 781.335.6465 F 781.335.6467 www.gainc.com Acknowledgements The City of Salem would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their support and assistance during the preparation of this plan update. City of Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll Department of Planning and Community Development Director Lynn Goonin Duncan, AICP Senior Planner Tom Devine, AICP Recreation Department: Director of Park, Recreation and Community Services Karen Partanen (PRCS) Open Space and Recreation Working Group: Salem Little League Peter Porcello High School Track Coach (Boys & Girls) Richard Stafford High School Athletic Director Scott Connolly Salem Schools Facilities Director Paul L'Heureux Salem Lacrosse Artie Sullivan Mass in Motion Salem John Pelletier Salem DPS Director John Tomasz Assist. Director Salem PRCS Bill Wooley Salem Sound Coastwatch Barbara Warren Point Neighborhood Assoc. James Willis Conservation Commission Dan Ricciarelli Friends of Salem Woods Nancy Gilberg Parks and Recreation Commission Chris Burke Energy & Sustainability Manager & Jeff Elie Bicycle Advisory Committee Consultant Team Gale Associates (Current update): Director William Seymour, P.E. Project Manager Eric Q. Roise ASLA Project Engineer Tyson Catlett, E.I.T. Project Landscape Architect Tom Linden 2007 Consultant Team (VHB (Vanasse, Hangen, Bruslin): Project Manager Ralph Willmer, AICP Project Planner Mike Borsare Gale Associates, Inc. 163 Libbey Parkways | P.O. Box 890189 | Weymouth MA 02189-0004 P 781.335.6465 F 781.335.6467 www.gainc.com Section 1 – Plan Summary Section 2 – Introduction 2 A Statement of Purpose 2 B Planning Process and Public Participation Section 3 – Community Setting 3 A Regional Context 3 B History 3 C Population Characteristics 3 D Growth and Development Patterns Section 4 – Environmental Analysis 4 A Geology, Soils, and Topography 4 B Landscape Character 4 C Water Resources 4 D Vegetation 4 E Fisheries and Wildlife 4 F Scenic Resources and Unique Environments 4 G Environmental Challenges Section 5 – Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest Section 6 – Community Vision 6 A Description of Process 6 B Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals Section 7 – Analysis of Needs 7 A Summary of Resource Protection Needs 7 B Summary of Community’s Needs 7 C Additional Funding Opportunities 7 D Management Needs, Potential Change of Use Section 8 – Goals and Objectives Section 9 – Seven Year Action Plan Section 10 – Public Comments Section 11 – References & Links table of contents Gale Associates, Inc. 163 Libbey Parkways | P.O. Box 890189 | Weymouth MA 02189-0004 P 781.335.6465 F 781.335.6467 www.gainc.com A. ADA Access Self Evaluation appendices Gale Associates Section 1 Plan Summary Section 1 Plan Summary City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 1, Page 2 Salem Common Gale Associates Plan Update Summary This Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) update is a continuation of master planning reports and plans performed by the City in 1996 and 2007. This update consists of the text of the latest (2007) update by VHB (Vanasse, Hangen Brustlin, Inc.), the City’s in- house update of the Seven Year Action Plan and Land Inventory Matrix (2007-2014) with comprehensive updates by Gale Associates, Inc. added in 2015. This report represents a continuation of the planning and foresight of the community in planning for the current and future needs of its parks and open spaces, and reflects the community’s commitment to enhancing the City through a comprehensive, and diverse fabric of recreational opportunities for its citizens. The City of Salem is a highly developed and densely populated community with an interesting array of open spaces and parks remaining within its borders and limited direct access to open space resources in adjacent municipalities. The need to properly maintain, improve and upgrade park facilities, and preserve and protect existing open spaces is widely recognized and deeply felt by Salem residents. Changing demographics in Salem continue to alter the needs for and demands on limited public resources for outdoor recreation, physical fitness and sports, such as playing fields, playgrounds, and other active and passive recreational facilities. As noted in past reports, the City continues to face management, staffing and financial challenges to address the diverse needs for conservation land, parks, playgrounds and outdoor sports. The action plan associated with the previous master plan proved helpful in enhancing several key sites. Volunteer Friends groups have been formed to advocate and raise funds for specific parks, but despite those efforts, it is still recognized that more investment into City resources is needed. The Recreation Facilities Needs Assessment and Master Plan that is underway is a first step in prioritizing those needs for active recreation facilities. The Facilities Needs Assessment will provide detailed evaluations of each of the City’s schools and parks that will provide the City with an action plan to implement change at the parks. The Needs Section 1 Plan Summary City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 1, Page 3 Assessment will also compare current parks maintenance practices and budgets with what would typically be needed to provide maintenance at a sustainable level. The need for the City to develop a stronger open space management program, tree care maintenance and planting program that incorporate region wide solutions, where feasible, to meet the competing demands of many different constituencies continues to be a concern of the community. This document is Salem’s second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) update since 1996. The 2007 OSRP update was prepared by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) and the contents of that update set the foundation for this current update. The City’s 2007-2014 update of the Seven year Action Plan and Land Inventory are also incorporated and updated in this report. Although these updates are used as a template, this 2015 OSRP update has revised many of the 11 sections that comprise the OSRP. This 2015 OSRP update presents an updated inventory of Salem’s open spaces, documents open space and recreation needs, and establishes an ambitious program to expand and modernize its park and recreation system. Overall, this Plan reaffirms Salem’s desire to meet the following goals: 1. Maintain public spaces and recreational facilities 3. Develop and implement a capital improvement program 2. Protect open spaces 4. Improve public access and awareness Salem’s open space and park system is a precious and limited resource that has been difficult to acquire and historically difficult to maintain. It is recognized and documented that the community feels that this resource needs to be protected and preserved for all citizens. The intent of this Plan Update is to provide the City with goals, objectives and actions that will guide Salem’s open space and recreation philosophy, planning, improvement, maintenance, and management through 2022. Salem Common Gale Associates  Salem Common Gale Associates Introduction Section 2 Section 2 Introduction City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 2 page 2 Introduction 2 A Statement of Purpose Salem Common Internet In this Plan, “open space” was defined as “publicly or privately -owned parks, forests, trails, playgrounds, and fields of significant size owned and managed for recreation, agriculture, or conservation uses.” Additionally some special landscaped areas (e.g. near St. Mary’s on Hawthorn Blvd.) are included in this definition. This 2015 update of Salem’s 2007 and 1996 OSRP occurs in a time of recovering economic prosperity. The previous (2007) plan predated the 2008 downturn of the economy that affected all levels of private commerce as well as local and federal government budgets, and caused many capital projects to be delayed for a number of years. In 2010 the city updated the Action Plan as well as the Property Inventory Matrix sections of the report to 2014. Though progress has been made since the last report update, the City’s parks and open spaces continue to suffer from many of the same conditions noted in the 2007 and 1996 Open Space and Recreation Reports. This plan update will help City planners and decision makers in making key decisions about possible improvements as well as provide a background with which to revise city policy and practices regarding park maintenance and improvement. Change does not typically happen easily, this update is one of many, past and future, reports that will help guide the City in its decision making process regarding the betterment of City parks and open spaces. Salem’s first Open Space and Recreation Plan was originally prepared for the Conservation Commission in 1973 and focused especially on an environmental inventory. The Community Development Master Plan of 1979 included a detailed and extensive section on the environment (including recreation) and numerous recommendations. Many of the recommendations of these two previous plans have been carried out or are underway, including: Section 2 Introduction City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 2 page 3  The addition of land to the Forest River Conservation Area  The park and playground improvement program (Basketball & Tennis Courts)  The addition of Peabody Street Park & the South River Harborwalk  Remond Park (previously known as Causeway Park; construction to start in 2015)  Improvements to Mary Jane Lee Park  Improvements to Winter Island  The addition of community gardens  Adoption of the Community Preservation Act  and many other various park improvements. Some recommendations remain on the City’s agenda, awaiting the convergence of opportunity and funding. The 1996 Open Space and Recreation Plan was prepared to conform with the requirements set forth at that time by the Di vision of Conservation Services (DCS), which have since been updated. It was a detailed Plan that provided information on demographics, land use, environmental analysis, recreation and community needs, and a matrix of all open space and recreational facilities in the City. It included a five-year action plan. This Update uses the information from the 1996 Plan, the 2007 OSRP update and the 2007-2014 Action Plan and brings the previous plans into conformance with the current requirements for Open Space & Recreation Plan Updates. This 2015 Plan recommends specific actions and its flexibility accommodates a realistic and practical approach to preserving, enhancing, and expanding the City’s open space and recreational resources. Thus, the contents of this Plan include an updated and revised inventory of open space parcels, an open space and recreation strategy in the new seven-year action plan (2015 – 2022), an implementable program for administering and achieving the Plan’s goals and objectives, and a prioritization of those recommendations. The City of Salem has many valuable existing open space and recreation and natural resource areas spread throughout the community. Natural habitats, coastal areas and their contribution to biodiversity of plant life and wildlife, and numerous open spaces and recreational areas all characterize a unique setting for Salem. The purpose of this Open Space and Recreation Plan update, as well as past updates, is to:  Utilize the Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan from 2007 – 2012, as well as the master plan update of the Action Plan and Inventory Matrix 2007-2014 and update its information to create a document that outlines a seven-year plan of action with the City agencies and Salem’s community organizations for the protection, care taking, and enhancement of its park facilities and other open space,  Make the City eligible for Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) and Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grants (formerly Self Help and Urban Self Help funding) from the Commonwealth,  Increase awareness and educate residents who live in Salem and other nearby communities about the open space and recreation amenities and needs that exist, and  Formulate a stronger community base that will take charge of administering and implementing the Open Space and Recreation Plan and sustain a commitment to the protection and enhancement of the City’s open space and recreation resources. Section 2 Introduction City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 2 page 4 The Open Space and Recreation Plan is organized to provide an overall baseline of information regarding what physical resources exist in Salem regarding properties, facilities and infrastructure. The Plan also discusses the organizational structure of Salem (for maintenance, management, and overall decision-making related to open space and recreation) and serves as an informational resource that inventories and describes resources, opportunities and challenges. The intent of this update is that the City of Salem use this Open Space and Recreation Plan as a planning tool for the next seven years (2015 – 2022) that will guide improvements and capital planning for the parks, and give the City an updated set of goals and action items that can maintain, increase and adapt Salem’s open spaces and recreational resources to evolving community needs and utilization over time. 2 B Planning Process and Public Participation Eric Roise giving a presentation during the first Public Forum in February 2015 Gale Associate, Inc. (Gale), the consultant selected to prepare this update in conjunction with a Recreation Facilities Needs Assessment plan, worked with the Salem community through this planning process. Eric Roise, ASLA served as Project Manager for the OSRP Update. The process started in December 2014, and proceeded through the long winter of 2014 – 2015 into the spring of 2015. Meetings were held once or twice per month with the Working Group, which consisted of members representing: the City Council, Park and Recreation Commission, Conservation Commission, and others as listed in the acknowledgements of this report. The Working Group was organized by Tom Devine of the City’s Department of Planning and Community Development. Tom also met with the Point Vision & Action Plan steering committee on February, 19, 2015 to obtain input. Two other community input meetings were also held in February and March of 2015. In addition, comments from an on-line community wide survey (performed as part of the Recreation Needs Assessment) influenced the planning for the city parks. As part of Gale’s Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan (a document prepared Section 2 Introduction City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 2 page 5 separately from this Update), Gale visited key open space, playgrounds, fields and natural resource areas. These site evaluations played a large part in developing Gale’s understanding of the recreational scene in Salem. That understanding was also supplemented by meetings held with relevant City staff members and key stakeholders. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) categorizes Salem as an Environmental Justice Community (EJC). EOEEA defines EJ communities as those with low income, low English proficiency and a high foreign born and minority population. The Point Neighborhood adjacent to downtown Salem meets all these thresholds. The following enhanced outreach actions were taken to ensure that this OSRP update fully engages Salem’s Environmental Justice population in the planning process:  All meeting notices were posted in English and Spanish and in addition to the standard protocol of distributing city meeting notices, Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) staff canvassed The Point Neighborhood, delivering the notice to restaurants, stores and other local establishments.  The February 23, 2015 community meeting was held within The Point Neighborhood and hosted by The Point Neighborhood Association. The meeting was held in both English and Spanish.  The March 9, 2015 community meeting was held walking distance from The Point Neighborhood. A Spanish translator was present.  The online survey was posted in both English and Spanish. Paper copies were distributed to the North Shore Community Development Coalition (within The Point).  A member of The Point Neighborhood Association served on the OSRP Working Group.  DPCD staff presented at a meeting of the Point Vision & Action Plan Steering Committee to gather additional information regarding the neighborhood’s park, recreation and open space needs.  Relevant recommendations from The Point Vision & Action Plan are incorporated into this OSRP update. The two public forums were held to inform residents about the project and to develop goals and objectives regarding open space and recreation opportunities in Salem. In order to maximize attendance, the public forums were heavily promoted:  The meetings were advertised on the City’s homepage and online meeting calendar.  An “email blast” was sent to subscribers of the City’s News & Announcements emails.  All Neighborhood Associations were notified through the Neighborhood Advisory Improvement Council.  The City Council and members of City boards and Commission were invited to attend.  As noted above, DPCD staff canvassed The Point Neighborhood, hand delivering bilingual public notices to restaurants, stores, and other local establishments, and the North Shore Community Development Coalition posted the notices in their buildings in the neighborhood. The Open Space and Recreation Plan was reviewed by the Working Group members and their comments and direction have also guided the content and r ecommendations of this update.  Gale Associates Section 3 Community Setting Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 2 Community Setting 3 A Regional Context Salem, a city of 8.1 square miles in area, is located in Essex County, approximately 16 miles northeast of Boston. It is one of the oldest urban centers on the North Shore, a subregion of the greater Boston area, which stretches along the coast from the Mystic to the Merrimack Rivers. Salem is bordered on the north by the Danvers River, Beverly Harbor and the City of Beverly beyond. The eastern shore of Salem faces the Beverly and Salem Harbors and the Town of Marblehead. The southern land boundary of Salem abuts the towns of Marblehead and Swampscott and the City of Lynn. To the west is the City of Peabody. Salem is a member of the North Shore Task Force, one of eight subregions of the regional planning agency, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), collaborating with neighboring communities on open space activities and discussions of regional planning issues and opportunities. The Task Force consists of representatives from each of the 16 member cities and towns. Task Force meetings take place monthly. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) categorizes Salem as an Environmental Justice Community (EJC). EOEEA defines EJC communities as those communities with low income, low English proficiency and a high foreign born population. Compared to other urban communities in its region, Salem has exceptional open space resources, both in size and quality. The coastal lowlands between Boston and Beverly have been modified in many places to accommodate an almost unbroken expanse of urbanized environments. Salem is lucky to have one of the most significant natural open spaces along this densely occupied coast, formed by the open space combination of Thompson’s Meadow, the Forest River Conservation Area, Salem Woods and the coastline itself. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 3 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 4 Socioeconomic Context Salem’s residents tend to be less wealthy than residents in many of the surrounding communities, the county and the state. According to the US Census Bureau, 2010 census, nearly 16% of Salem’s total population has incomes below poverty (+6% since the 2000 census). The majority of those living below poverty are adults (under 64), and children. The 2010 US Census reports that the median household income (MHI) in Salem is $55,780 which is lower than Massachusetts average MHI of $66,866. The 2000 Census reported Salem had a MHI of $44,033 representing a positive increase over the decade. Of Salem’s neighboring communities only one (Lynn) has a lower MHI than Salem. The City of Lynn had an MHI of $44,849 in 2010. Salem’s other neighbors each had significantly higher MHIs: Marblehead - $98,399, Swampscott - $92,258, Danvers - $79,478, Beverly - $70,563, and Peabody - $64,351. The per capita income (PCI) in Salem is $31,385 which is lower than Massachusetts statewide average PCI of $35,763. Except for Lynn, all of Salem’s neighbors rank above it in PCI. Salem’s unemployment rate of 8.1% in 2010 is lower than the state average of 8.9%. Comparatively Salem’s rate is higher than all its neighboring communities, but Lynn which has an unemployment rate of 9.3%. Salem’s other neighbors’ unemployment rates are as follows: Beverly – 7.4%, Peabody – 7.9%, Danvers – 7.4%, Swampscott – 7.1%, and Marblehead – 5.9%. (See Table 3.1 Socioeconomic Context) In addition, the 2010 US Census reports that racial minorities compromise 18.5% of Salem’s total population. Hispanics are the largest minority group in Salem today, representing 15.6% of the City’s total population and 11.9% of its households. The Census also reports that 4.9% of the population is black, 2.6% of the population is Asian and 2.7% of the population is Asian/Pacific Islander. Of the total population in Salem, 14.6% are foreign-born. Table 3.1 Socioeconomic Context Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Town Median Household Income Unemployment Rate (March, 2010) Salem $55,780 8.1 Lynn $44,849 9.3 Beverly $70,563 7.4 Peabody $64,351 7.9 Danvers $79,478 7.4 Swampscott $92,258 7.1 Marblehead $98,399 5.9 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 5 3 B History Scene along the Salem Waterfront circa 1770-80 Internet Courtesy of Peabody Essex Museum Salem’s founding and subsequent history have been strongly marked by its location and environment. Its estuaries provided rich fishing grounds for the Native Americans who made their summer camps in the area. One of the first English settlements in North America, Salem was established in 1626 by a group of colonists from Cape Ann looking for a new site for a fishing station and trading post. Salem is probably most well known as being the site of the witchcraft trials in 1692 that were conducted after three women were accused of being witches. Salem Harbor National Park Service During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries Salem became a center of f ishing, shipbuilding, and trade with the West coast, West Indies, the Mediterranean, Russia and East Asia. By the late 1700’s, the port of Salem was receiving more overseas trade than any other New England port and was more well-known overseas than New York or Boston. Rich merchants built mansions in the Chestnut Street area and around the newly landscaped Common and manufacturers in Lowell and western Massachusetts depended on Salem craft to export manufactured goods overseas. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 6 Salem’s golden age of international trade was permanently disrupted by the War of 1812. Trade agreements as well as the shifting dynamic of international commerce shifted the focus of trade to New York and Boston and accelerated the decline of the Salem shipping industry. As the dawn of the clipper ship era started in the mid 1800’s, ships increased in size and Salem’s relatively shallow inner harbor was unable to accommodate deeper sailing craft. Salem residents then turned to industry, succeeding particularly i n shoe-making, leather-processing, and textile production. As the City grew in population, residential districts expanded. Immigrant workers lived in cramped tenements along the waterfront and in industrial districts, but in the second half of the nineteen th century more spacious residences extended up North Street in North Salem, along Lafayette Street towards South Salem, and along Bridge Street. Development in the Salem Highlands and the southern part of the city remained very limited. Juniper Point, the oldest residential section of Salem Neck, originated in 1870 with a subdivision of lots for summer cottages. After the Salem fire U.S. Library of Congress The Great Fire of 1914 destroyed a good part of the city, but also helped accelerate the development of today’s downtown through reconstruction. The fire started with a warehouse explosion in Blubber Hollow and raged until it reached the harbor, incinerating some four hundred businesses, including the Naumkeag Cotton Mill, and nearly three thousand homes. The mansion districts escaped destruction, but millworker housing in the Point and the Lafayette Street area up to Leach and Holly Streets were in ashes. The mills and their housing were quickly rebuilt but the formerly residential district of lower Lafayette Street took on a more commercial character with the construction of hotels, commercial blocks, and auto salesrooms. Salem’s population peaked in the 1930s when it was the business, legal, and retail center of Essex County. Since the decline of rail and the opening of Route 128 in the 1950s, Salem has remained one of several urban centers on the North Shore. The City is now known as a tourist destination, but still continues to support an industrial sector. In addition to Salem State University, founded in 1854, the City is home to the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 7 Salem Maritime National Historic Site Photo: Jim McAllister Friendship of Salem Internet Pedrick Store House: Construction Updates National Park Service In recent years the Park Service has constructed a new visitor center and made improvements to Derby Wharf and other sites. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, a 9.2 acre site, operated by the National Park Service, (NPS) is comprised of several buildings, including the original Custom House, as well as several wharves and homes. The NPS has restored the wharves and buildings. The tall ship “Friendship”, a full size replica of one of Salem’s historic trading ships, completed in the late 1990s, is berthed at Derby Wharf, the main wharf owned by the NPS. In the summer of 2007, the National Park Service embarked on an exciting new project to reassemble an eighteenth century warehouse on Derby Wharf. Pedrick Store House was constructed on Derby Wharf near the replica of Friendship between the summer of 2007 and the summer of 2010. The warehouse is a 2 ½ story building with an associated dock structure extending over the water. The building serves as a working rigging loft for the Friendship as well as provides meeting room space for NPS as an interpretive space for visitors. In 2002 the Peabody Essex Museum completed Armory Park on the former site of the Armory Head House. The park was dedicated to the veterans of Essex County who have served their country since the first voluntary militia formed in 1629. This site provides Salem with a contemporary interpretation of a traditional New England green. The park utilizes materials and flora indigenous to the area and provides a place for relaxation by residents and tourists alike. Together with the museum’s other project, the Garden Walkway, these two public spaces tie the museum’s facilities together as a whole to the waterfront of Salem. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 8 Early environmental, park and open space history In Salem’s early history, its coastal location and riverine environment were the keys to the City’s development. However, over the centuries the pressure of increased population and new industrial and transportation-related activities modified the coastline and the extent and configuration of the North and South Rivers. As the City became more densely -populated and industrial, residents created a strong park system. At the time of colonization, the South River formed a tidal basin and harbor at the present site of Riley Plaza. Over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the tidal basin and the downstream shores of the river were filled to provide land for warehouses, wharves, ra ilroad yards, and a train station until nothing remained of the original river except a short channelized stream which today emerges from a culvert under Lafayette Street near its intersection with Derby Street. The channel originates in the wetlands at Old Mill Pond. The last fill project on the river was completed in 1941. The North River is one of the oldest industrial rivers in North America and originally had a wide estuary stretching between present Mason and Federal Streets nearly to Pope Street. In dustrial pollution made the river so noxious during the nineteenth century that the City dredged and filled the river as part of a sewage system construction project. The North River still flows from its origin in Peabody into Salem, but it is now a narrow, channelized river until it emerges from under the Route 114/North Street overpass into downtown Salem. There remains one natural section along Harmony Grove Road. Salem citizens participated in the public parks movement which emerged as a reaction to intense industrialization in the nineteenth century. Salem Common was the City’s first urban park. The swampy pasture was drained and landscaped by public subscription and renamed Washington Square in 1802. Greenlawn Cemetery (municipal) was laid out in 1807 and Harmony Grove (private) in 1840. This time period also saw the beginnings of Salem as a summer tourist destination. Visitors to Salem were transported by the first rail line to the North Shore. Their end destinations included the Salem Willows Park and also the resort hotels on Salem’s islands. The public parks movement resulted in over 350 acres of public parks created in just a few decades: Salem Willows (1883), Liberty Hill Park (1883, now the Bates School), Ledge Hill/Mack Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 9 Forest River Park Gale Associates Park (1886), Highland Park (1906), Forest River Park (1907), and Gallows Hill Park (1912). Most of these lands were estates that had escaped subdivision and the City saw the value of preserving them for public use. The City obtained these lands in a variety of ways: the bequest of public spirited residents, purchase, and eminent domain. For example, Highland Park had been pasture land (Salem Great Pastures) since at least the mid-eighteenth century. The City purchased the land to build the high school, and the remaining land became Highland Park. In succeeding years the City continued to add to Salem’s park and playground network. Highlights include the opening of the municipal golf course in 1933 (a federal, depression era project) and the creation of five neighborhood parks and playgrounds in the 1940s (Pickman, McGlew, Splaine, Juniper Point, and McGrath). Kernwood Marina opened in 1961 and the special playground for handicapped children at the Willows also dates from the s ixties. Creation of new parks and playgrounds continued into the 1970s. In recent times this tradition has been carried on in Salem. The addition of Cabot Farm playground, Gonyea Park, Leslie’s Retreat and Peabody Street Park are examples of parks added during the last twenty years. 3 C Population Characteristics Salem’s population reached 36,000 by 1900 and has fluctuated relatively little since. According to the Salem City Census, the population peaked at over 43,000 in the 1930s. By the 1960s the population was approximately 40,000 and began to decline in the 1970s, early 1980s, and the early 1990s. In recent years however, the population has been on an upward swing. T he total Salem population at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census was 41,340, an increase of 927 people from 2000, approximately a 2.3 percent increase of the 2000 population. Current MAPC estimates project that by 2030 the total population of Salem will reach either 42,894 or 45,035 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 10 Figure 3.1 Population Change 1800 – 2030* *MAPC estimate Population distribution and density As one of the oldest urban centers in the nation, Salem is very densely populated in its historic core: the historic districts, downtown, and the Point. Bridge Street Neck, which has many two - to four-family buildings, is the next most densely populated area of the city. Where the housing stock is primarily single family or large two-family houses--North Salem, South Salem, and Witchcraft Heights--the population density is correspondingly lower. Finally, the southwestern and south central parts of the City, which contain extensive open spaces and areas unsuitable for development, have the lowest overall population densities in Salem. Sex and age composition The 2010 population had a small majority of females over males: 22,107 females to 19,233 males. The median age was 37.6, slightly older than the 2000 the median age of 36.4, indicating an aging population as the result of a continued loss of population in the under 18 age group . In 2010 the 18 and under age group was 18.5% of the population, and in 2000 was 20.1%. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the 65 and older cohort. In 2010 this group made up 14% of the population; in 2000 that number had increased slightly to 14.1%. In 2010 the 20-64 segment of the population made up 60.8% and in 2000 the percentage was 62.8%. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 11 Figure 3.2 Median Age 1980-2010* Source: U.S. Census Bureau Figure 3.3 Male vs. Female Population in 2010 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Race and ethnic composition The Salem population in 2010 was 81.5% white, 4.9% black, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% Native American, 3.4% percent from two of more races, and 7.1% from “Other” races. Within these numbers those possessing Hispanic or Latino heritage make up the largest, and fastest growing minority population, with 15.6% (up from 11.2% in 2000) of the total population. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 12 Figure 3.4 Race and Ethnic Composition of Salem in 2010 Source: U.S. Census Bureau Household composition In the 2010 Census Salem’s total number of occupied households was 17,842. The average household size was 2.22 people, which is lower than the state average of 2.48 people. 14.4% of family households are comprised of female householder with no husband present while 45.9% of the households were non-families. 35.3% of all Salem households were made up of a single person. Consequently, Salem’s recreational facilities must mutually serve single people, families with children, the elderly, and youth. Figure 3.5 Household Composition of Salem in 2010 Source: U.S. Census Bureau (# of households) Families Non- Families 8,194 9,648 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 13 Housing Much of the housing stock in Salem can be found in multi-family buildings, ranging from two- family homes to large apartment buildings. By a small majority, Salem's housing stock is largely renter-occupied. Of the city's total 18,363 occupied housing units, 9,727, or 53%, are renter - occupied. For a statewide comparison, in 2010 approximately 70.8% of the total housing units were owner occupied units and those available for rent stood at 29.2% (down from 38% in 2000). Income characteristics Salem remains a middle-income community. The median household income from the 2010 census data, in 2013 dollars, was $55,780 (up from $44,033 in 2000), moderately below the state median of $66,866. Based on the 2013 American Community Survey (ACS), over fifteen percent of the population in Salem had incomes below the poverty level ($23,550 for a family of four in 2013 as set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Figure 3.6 Median Household Income for Salem in 2013 Dollars Source: U.S. Census Bureau Environmental Justice Neighborhoods Environmental justice is based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution, and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful environment. However it is typical that low-income, minority and non-English speaking communities have been overlooked when considering environmental issues. These communities have been burdened with a disproportionate number of polluting industries that have polluted the ground, air and water. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 14 In Massachusetts Salem is one of only 20 cities that meet all four criteria for an Environmental Justice population:  Median and Household income that is at or below 65% of the statewide median income.  25% or more of the residents are minority.  25% or more of the residents are foreign born OR  25% or more of residents are lacking English language proficiency. The Point Neighborhood within Salem is identified as an Environmental Justice neighborhood. It is the densest neighborhood in the city of Salem, with approximately 33 people per acre living in a majority of the neighborhood (Census 2010). This is signifi cant when compared to the density of the City of Salem as a whole, which is 8 people per acre. The high density of the neighborhood means that the majority of parcels have little green space, open space is limited and consists of a mix of midsized and small pocket parks. The Point has a larger percentage of young people compared to the City of Salem – 32.4 percent of the population is aged 19 and under. The current population in the Point is 63 percent non - white, consisting of mostly Latino immigrants and second and older generations as well as newer arrivals from Haiti and African countries (Census 2010). The demographic makeup of the Point contrasts to that of the City as a whole, which is 75 percent white. A majority of the foreign born population of Salem also resides in the Point, consistent with its history as a settlement for new immigrants. A majority of Point residents emigrated from the Dominican Republic. Other immigrants came from countries in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Canada, and England. Approximately 35 percent of households in the Point do not speak English as a primary language; this contrasts to 26 percent of households who do not speak English as a primary language in the city of Salem as a whole (ACS estimates 2006-10). See next page, Map 8, showing Environmental Justice Populations within Salem . Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 15 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 16 Journey to work According to ACS, for the five-year average for transportation statistics in Salem (2008 – 2012), 76.5 percent of Salem residents drove to work alone. About 10.7 percent took public transportation, 0.7 percent rode a bicycle, 6.7 percent walked, 0.2 percent took a taxi, 1.2 percent used some other means of transportation, while 3.8 percent worked from home. The average travel time to work was 28.9 minutes. These data imply that the majority of employed Salem residents work outside the city. For those who work in Boston and other points south the MBTA commuter rail offers a viable alternative to the automobile. The trip into Boston takes about 40 minutes and a monthly pass runs $222. The MBTA’s recent construction of a new parking garage is now complete and has expanded parking capacity by over 350 additional spaces at Salem’s station, allowing more park and ride opportunities for train commuters. Figure 3.7 Mode of Transportation to Work (Salem Residents) Source: ACS (2008 – 2012) Major employers The largest employers in Salem include: North Shore Medical Center, Salem State University, Market Basket, and collectively, city, county, state, and federal governments. Figure 3.8 Top Employers in Salem Source: City of Salem Tourism As a major tourist center on the North Shore, Salem draws almost one million visitors every year and up to $100 million in tourism spending in town. Although they are essential to the City’s economy, their presence also contributes to residents’ perception of population density, especially downtown and in the historic districts during the summer and fall seasons. There are a number of reasons tourists choose Salem as a destination. When the fall season arrives, the big attraction is Haunted Happenings, a month long celebration of the Halloween season that is Salem’s biggest draw of the year. The fall ‘Haunted Happenings’ have been occurring for over 30 years and brings in tourists from around the country. Salem is also home to the Peabody Essex Museum, which is America’s oldest continually operating museum, as well (Other) Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 17 as the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. The Peabody Essex Museum’s collections include over 2.4 million works of art and culture. In addition to all these attractions there are also: the House of the Seven Gables, Salem Witch Museum, the First Church, Salem Common, the Witch House, and Pioneer Village. Implications of population composition and trends To meet the needs of its population, Salem must offer recreational amenities and open space resources for a complex urban population: single persons as well as famil ies, youth and the elderly, households with their own backyards and those which depend on public parks. Ward One, in particular, may need more neighborhood-based recreation and open space resources because it includes dense neighborhoods with the highest p roportion of children and low- income households and a large number of renters. The bottom line is that Salem’s open space and recreation resources must remain varied and flexible in their scope and implementation. The complexity of Salem’s urban population necessitates it. 3 D Growth and Development Patterns Patterns and Trends Salem conforms to the historic pattern of settlement on the North Shore: coastal lowlands and lowland valleys first, river basins second, and uplands last. After World War II, Salem’s population had already passed its peak and residential development pressures were not strong enough to overcome the high cost of development in the ledge - and marsh-filled southern part of the City. In the center-west part of the City, the Witchcraft Heights subdivision was built in the 1960s and in the southeast the Pickman Park subdivision appeared in the 1970s. When the first urban renewal plan began in the 1970s with the demolition of several historic buildings, citizen outcry redirected the process towards adaptive reuse and infill projects. The Essex Street pedestrian mall and the Pickering Wharf complex were products of the downtown revitalization movement of the 1970s. The regional real estate boom of the late 1970s and the 1980s fueled limi ted residential and commercial growth in Salem. The existing commercial development along Highland Avenue and Loring Avenue expanded, attracting shoppers who formerly patronized downtown stores. New infill condominium developments and condominium conversions of existing buildings proliferated in the already built-up parts of the City. In addition, new residential complexes in South Salem were built off Highland Avenue and Loring Avenue. Infill development has continued in recent years as Salem has seen the influx of many new residents from Boston seeking affordable housing and a lower cost of living. These residents tend to be younger, want more value for their dollar, and are willing to commute to Boston via car, train, bus, or ferry. As stated earlier, MAPC predicts the population of Salem will grow at least 12 percent above its 1990 level by the year 2030. If such growth is realized, it is likely that not all new residents will Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 18 Salem’s Bike Trial Internet be content living in a downtown loft or renovated condominium. Salem will hav e to provide adequate housing choices. The challenge will be to balance the need for housing with the need to preserve open space. One way to do this is through redevelopment of brownfields and other underutilized, vacant sites rather than building in ‘green fields’. According to MassGIS, between 1985 and 1999 Salem saw an increase in multi-family residential acres (68%), high density residential areas (.5%), medium density residential acres (13%), and commercial acres ( 7%). Forested acreage (already limited) decreased 13 percent, and wetland acreage stayed the same. Since 1999 no updates to land use data have been produced for the City of Salem. Figure 3.9 Land Use Change 1985 v. 1999 (latest data available) Source: MassGIS Transportation The major regional highways, I-95 and Route 128, are both within 4.5 miles of the city limits. The arterial roads serving Salem are state Routes 1A, 107, and 114, and the Boston Street entrance corridor from Peabody which links with Route 128. Public transit is provided by MBTA buses and commuter rail service to Boston and other North Shore communities, and the Salem Ferry that runs seasonally to downtown Boston. Salem also has a bike trail which connects it to Marblehead. The first phase of the trail was completed in 2002 with funding provided by MassHighway’s Enhancement funding program. The current trail begins at Lafayette Street and runs northwest terminating at Canal Street , and is slated to be extended to downtown. Approximately 3,000 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 19 Salem’s Bike Trial Salem Bicycling Advisory Committee feet of the current trail is within Salem and is paved with bituminous concrete. In June of 2006 Salem established the Bike Path Advisory Committee to help in expanding the bike path throughout the City and connect it to surrounding communities. Salem’s neighbor, Peabody is currently completing a continuous rail trail stretching from Peabody to Georgetown. Salem’s rail trail access would be significantly enhanced by connection to the proposed Peabody terminus. See next page for the Salem Bike Routes Map (May 2012 by Salem GIS and Fay, Spofford & Thorndik e) Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 20 Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 21 Water supply Salem’s primary water supply system has three reservoirs (Wenham Lake, Longham Reservoir and Putnamville Reservoir About half of the water is pumped from the Ipswich River in Topsfield via a canal, and stored in Putnamville Reservoir and/or Wenham Lake. Pumping from the river may occur from December 1 – May 31st; the rest of the water comes from the Miles River sub - basin, where Longham Reservoir and Wenham Lake are located. Water supplies for Salem and Beverly are administered by the Salem-Beverly Water Supply Board. The total current authorized withdrawal is 11.31 million gallons a day (MGD); Salem uses about 5.7 MGD and Beverly uses about 3.8 – 4 MGD on average. The average per capita daily water use by Salem residents is approximately 138 gallons per day. Sewer service Almost all residences and businesses in Salem are served by the municipal sewer system. The Salem sewer system is tied into a regional treatment plant operated by the South Essex Sewerage District (SESD) serving Salem and surrounding communities. All combined sewer outflows have been removed and all city sewage runs through the treatment plant. There are only a handful of remaining septic systems in the city. Proposed developments Salem is in the midst of a large investment by private industry and public regional improvements that have the potential to change character of Salem’s downtown and waterfront. Rich in history and building stock, Salem is attracting a lot of interest among devel opers and businesses. The City has successfully attracted major retailers, such as Walmart, Home Depot, Staples, and Petsmart. Office parks along Swampscott Road house Salem Glass, Thermal Circuits, United States Biological, and Jacqueline's Cookies. In addition, Shetland Park, a business park adjacent to downtown, is home to more than 70 businesses. The following projects are just a sampling of the major developments going on in Salem. Peabody Essex Museum’s Expansion Project – The Peabody Essex Museum is planning a 40,000 gross square feet expansion. It will include three floors of state -of-the-art galleries, a secondary entrance to the museum and a full basement for mechanical and electrical equipment. Salem Port Expansion Project –The first two phases of the Blaney Street Salem Port Expansion Project were completed in 2006 and 2014. The new seasonal ferry service started in 2006, linking commuters to downtown Boston with a 1 hour ferry ride. The third phase now under construction includes expansion of the public wharf, a new segment of harborwalk, public parking, and a new public marina for commercial fishing vessels. In addition, the City has upgraded the marine terminal on the adjacent Footprint Power property to accommodate medium sized cruise ships. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 22 Salem Harbor Station Improvements – Footprint Energy is constructing a state-of the-art 630 megawatt gas-fired power plant on a portion of the site where the previous coal plant had been located for over 50 years. The project includes expanded public waterfront access and the remaining two-thirds of the 63 acre waterfront property will be available for future redevelopment. Construction is underway. MBTA Garage - Substantially complete, the new MBTA garage opened October 2014. The $37 million MBTA commuter rail station and parking in in 2014 and provides an enhanced station and approximately 700 parking spaces for commuters, residents, and visitors, an enclosed waiting area, and improved pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Remond Park (previously known as Causeway Park) – This Massachusetts Department of Transportation project on the north end of the City is for the construction of a park at the remaining stub of the former Beverly-Salem Bridge. Work includes the construction of a public park consisting of a pedestrian fishing area, benches, trash receptacles, parking, landscaping and lighting. Mass DOT began construction in summer 2015. Community Development Salem, like many other communities, has seen its share of new development projects, many of which are infill or redevelopment projects. Being a densely built-out city, most of the projects do not directly impact open space resources, but many projects are located near parks. Some development sites require remediation prior to new construction and therefore may play a beneficial role in the over all health of the urban fabric. Open Space Mary Jane Lee Park: The City recently constructed a new splash pad at Mary Jane Lee Park in the Point neighborhood with the support of an EOEEA Our Common Backyards grant. The City has been awarded PARC grant funding to renovate the remaining areas of the park, including a new rubber play surface, upgraded fencing, additional trees, conversion of an area of asphalt to grass as well as upgrades to the basketball court, a kiddie trike track and a shade pavilion. Mary Jane Lee Park Gale Associates Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 23 Riverwalk at North River Canal Corridor developments: The first of several mixed – use developments has recently been completed (44 apartments at 28 Goodhue St). Chapter 91 requires that each of these developments include a multi-use path along the North River Canal. Bike Path & Facilities - The city received over $200,000 through Mass Highway’s Enhancement funding program for the first phase of the city’s bike path, which was completed in 2002. In June 2006, the City of Salem established the Salem Bicycling Advisory Committee to assist in expanding the bike path throughout the City and connecting it to our surrounding communities. One of the committee’s first actions was to commission a Bicycle Circulation Master Planni ng Study, which was completed in January 2010. Recommendations from this Master Plan have been implemented including improved signage showing bicycle routes throughout the City and adding bicycle lanes and arrows to high traffic corridors, including Lafay ette St. and Bridge St. (1A). The Committee also advocates for bike safety, alternative transportation, and bicycling as a whole. In the planned Bike Circulation Master Plan update slated for 2016, the goal is to expand bicycling in the City to include protected bike lanes, cycle tracks and more on-street bike lanes, which will help to increase connectivity to other communities and serve as a viable method of transportation for Salem’s residents, visitors, and people working in the City. The goal is to create preliminary designs to implement these cycle tracks and protected bike lanes that can be incorporated in future roadway projects and development plans. The Canal Street off-road path extension will further expand the bike path that ends on Canal Street at Gardner Mattress and run adjacent to the MBTA commuter rail tracks and Canal St reet the length of Canal Street north to Downtown Salem where Canal and Washington Streets meet. This one-mile stretch will provide a safe and quick option for Salem State students, residents, and visitors to travel from Salem State to Downtown Salem and vice versa. This extension has been engineered as part of the Canal Street Roadway reconstruction project and the city is seeking to secure funding in order to construct it in the near future. Additionally, the City provides a free bike rental service called Salem Spins that offers Salem’s residents and visitors free access to bicycles. Currently there are bicycles available at the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem Wharf, and Salem State’s Central Campus. Bertram Field: - The multipurpose athletic field and running track were reconstructed in 2014 - 2015. Improvements included expansion of the undersized running track to regulation size and the installation of a new synthetic turf surface that will allow a greater intensity of use and gives more sports programs the ability to ‘play under the lights’. South River Harborwalk & Peabody Street Park: – Peabody Street Park project along with the South River Harborwalk was completed in 2010 and is now a successful park and an integral part of the Salem park system. The new Harborwalk provides an important pedestrian link between the Point neighborhood and Derby Street. The City financed the construction through a mix of available state grants. Peabody Street Park Gale Associates Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 24 Winter Island Park Gale Associates Congress/Peabody/Ward Street Intersection - The EPA awarded the City $200,000 to clean up the site at 61 Ward Street. The City provided a 20% match, or $40,000. Improvements included safer vehicular circulation, enhanced pedestrian access, including new ADA compliant crosswalks and sidewalks, new lighting, new seating, drainage upgrades, etc. A pocket park was created as a result of the project. The project was completed in October 2009. Furlong Park – Furlong Park was renovated in 2010. Restoration included a new ball field, canoe/kayak ramp, a new playground, restored basketball and tennis courts, interpretive signage and restoration of the eroded shoreline. Splaine Park – The City completed the renovation of Splaine Park in 2014 using a mix of local money and grant funds. Improvements include a new Little League field with irrigation, updated play equipment and surfacing, new lighting, and community garden plots constructed by volunteers. Waterfront Planning and Development Salem Harbor Plan Update - The City’s 5 year Municipal Harbor Plan, created in 2000, was updated in 2008 as required by guidelines provided by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA). The 2008 Update was in compliance with the municipal harbor planning regulations at 301 CMR 23.00 , and was steered by a 15 member Committee (Salem Harbor Plan Implementation Committee (HPIC). Long term goals of the Harbor Plan parallel the Open Space and Recreation Plan with regards to waterfront access and events programing that celebrate Salem’s maritime heritage. The Community Benefits Agreement with FootPrint Power includes $75,000 to amend the Harbor Plan to address the surplus land resulting from the redevelopment of the power plant site. There will be opportunity to provide for additional public access along the harbor Winter Island Master Plan – In 2011 the Cecil Group completed a Master Plan and for Winter Island that proposed a comprehensive redevelopment and improvement of the property, as well as improvements to the existing buildings. Since the last report the boat access and programming at the park, as well the existing play equipment have been improved and updated. The City is beginning the restoration of Fort Pickering utilizing funding from the Salem Community Preservation Committee. The City also received a MHC grant to conduct a laser topographic survey in the fall. Construction of a multi- use perimeter trail is being funded with a PARC grant and will get underway in the fall of 2015. The associated buildings remain a target for improvement. Salem Port Expansion– As mentioned previously this ongoing $12M to $15M project calls includes new public waterfront facilities for the Salem Ferry, cruise ships, commercial fishing vessels, and pedestrian amenities. Salem Harbor Maintenance Dredge Project – As Part of the Salem Port Expansion, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completed the maintenance dredging of the 32 foot Federal Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 25 Salem Willows Park Gale Associates Main Ship Channel, the 10 foot South River Entrance and the 8 foot Derby Wharf Channel and Anchorage Basin in January 2007. Because of contamination of the inner south river sediments, permitting for dredging for the South River Basin and South River approach channel is still on- going. Dredging of these areas will allow transient boaters into the downtown waterfront, and will help revitalize the waterfront. Salem Willows Seawall – In 2008 the Salem Willows seawall project was completed. This project repaired a crumbling 75 year old seawall that protects the edge of the existing park from the sea. Kernwood Marina at McCabe Park – In 2008 The City completed renovations to the marina facilities at McCable Park. The work was completed with a $350,000 earmark in the state budget. Long-Term Development Patterns Salem’s long-term development is regulated through the City’s zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations by the Planning Board and the Board of Appeals in conformance with the 1996 Master Plan. The zoning districts include the following: residential conservation (RC), residential one family (R1), residential two family (R2), residential multi-family (R3), business neighborhood (B1), business highway (B2), wholesale and automotive (B4), central development (B5), industrial (I), business park development (BPD), North River Canal Corridor – neighborhood mixed use district (NRCC), an entrance corridor overlay, and a conservation overlay district. (See Map 1: Zoning). The City zoning map has not changed significantly since 2006. Site plan review by the Planning Board is required for all nonresidential projects ove r 10,000 square feet and all residential projects over 5 units. According to the build -out prepared in 2000 by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs , which is based upon current zoning, there is a potential for 1,004 new residential lots and up to 1,205 new dwelling units. Additionally, it is conceivable that over 4 million square feet of new commercial/industrial space could also be developed. However, there may be a number of local (zoning or environmental constraints) and economic factors that were not addressed in the EOEA analysis that would temper those numbers. In addition, development in areas protected by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act or Salem’s Wetlands Protection and Conservation Ordinance are reviewed by the Salem Conservation Commission and projects in the downtown Urban Renewal Area must be approved by the Salem Redevelopment Authority. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 26 Zoning Map City of Salem Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 27 Table 3.2 EOEEA Build-Out Analysis Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs With demand for new housing corollary to the projected increase in Salem’s population, the City’s Master Plan remains the leading land use polic y statement. Written in 1996, the Master Plan has been supplemented by a number of neighborhood plans done since then that also speak to land use. (Refer to Salem Department of Planning and Community Development web page) The Master Plan encourages infill construction of single-family homes, adaptive reuse of existing structures, and cluster development. Likewise, City policy emphasizes retail development in existing downtown or corridor sites, and industrial development in the Swampscott Road industrial park or existing industrial sites. Salem’s development goals include the need to preserve and upgrade the existing housing stock, encourage and enhance economic development opportunities (particularly in the downtown area), and redevelopment of brownfield sites. These are typical of older, small scale cities with an industrial past. The City seeks to balance needed economic development with the preservation and enhancement of neighborhood quality of life. Salem has a wide variety of open space and recreational opportunities available throughout the City, although gr eater awareness of them is one focus of this planning effort. Improvement and creation of neighborhood parks is another key point in enhancing quality of life for Salem residents. Value should be placed on possible and current open space and recreation resources. Implications for Community Setting Salem’s densely-populated Ward One continues to include the neighborhood with the highest proportion of children and low-income households, as well as large numbers of renters . , Based on population, this area lacks sufficient neighborhood-based recreation and open space facilities. This is contrary to the southern part of Salem where the City’s less concentrated population pattern has permitted substantial open space readily available to all residents. This plan will propose additional facilities in those areas that are lacking sufficient recreational facilities and open space to better meet existing needs. Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 28 Building constraints on remaining open land in Salem are severe given the combination of environmental conditions and large areas of protected land. Future residential development in Salem appears likely to focus on adaptive reuse of existing buildings and infill development in previously industrial or blighted areas . Commercial or industrial development will be directed to existing commercial corridors, underused industrial sites, or designated industrial parks. Recent developments along the Salem waterfront, the economic climate of relatively lower housing costs in the city, proposed residential infill projects replacing existing blighted and industrial properties, desirable waterfront access and increased accessibility to Boston via rail and ferry all work together to create the potential to greatly transform the make-up and dynamic of the City of Salem in the next seven years. Preparing for this transformation by providing open space planning and increasing access to the City’s parks and open spaces will further increase this appeal and the City’s ability to transition and reach its goals for open space improvements throughout the City. Regional Park, Recreation, and Open Space Considerations Salem’s parks and open spaces serve not only the city’s residents, but the many visitors that are drawn to the city by its culture, history, major institutions, and the quality of the parks themselves. Because of their scenic beauty and unique amenities, Salem Willows and Winter Island in particular attract many visitors from outside the city. In fact, because Winter Island accommodates overnight tent campers and recreational vehicles, the park is a destination for visitors from outside Massachusetts. Downtown parks, such as Salem Section 03 – Community Setting City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 3 Page 29 Common and Lappin Park, are highly used by out -of-town visitors, especially during the peak October tourist season. Some open spaces within Salem of special significance are owned and operated by non - city entities. These include the National Park Service’s Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Essex National Heritage Commission’s Bakers Island Light Station. In some cases, Salem’s park and recreation interests extend beyond its borders and require coordination with neighboring municipalities. Salem’s expanding on - and off- street bicycle facilities connect at municipal boundaries with what is becoming an integrated regional bicycle transportation network. Through an intermunicipal agreement, the Lead Mills Conservation Area at the Salem -Marblehead line is managed jointly by both communities. And because Salem and Peabody have common interests in the redevelopment of their shared, formerly industrial North River Canal Corridor, they have coordinated closely through an MAPC-administered EPA Assessment Grant to assess environmental contaminants at many underutilized sites within the corridor and to develop a vision for a multiuse riverwalk.  Winter Island Park Gale Associates Section 4 Environmental Analysis Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 2 Environmental Analysis 4 A Geology, Soils, and Topography Bedrock Geology Salem is located within the eastern margin of the deeply eroded northern Appalachians. The bedrock of Salem is almost exclusively igneous, formed from multiple episodes of rifting and intrusion occurring over 420 million years ago during the assembly of the supercontinent Pangea. Anyone caring to look at the rocks exposed in any of Salem’s parks and islands will see a complex of black dioritic and gabbroic intrusions associated with lighter intrusions of syenite and granite. This belt of igneous rock cuts northeast across the composite Avalon Terrane, a microcontinent that collided and welded to North America during the formation of the Northern Appalachians. The collision of Avalon is responsible for the strongly metamorphosed rocks that look like swirling marble ice cream, seen west and north of Route 128. Geologists hypothesize that while the microcontinent was attaching to North America it experienced an extended period of intercratonic rifting and intrusion. The igneous rocks of Salem lie within the exposed core of this ancient volcanic rift zone. Because Salem’s rocks are located east of the Appalachian collision front they experienced little metamorphism. However, the rocks are extensively fractured as a result of stresses induced since their formation. There is no local geologic record detailing the events occurring between the time the igneous bedrock was emplaced and the latest episode of glaciation. What is clear however is the during the Mesozoic Era Pangea rifted apart forming the present Atlantic seaboard, and thousands of feet of rock and sediment were eroded, reducing the landscape close to its current level. The preglacial landscape was probably not much different in elevation than it is now, but was covered by a mantle of deeply weathered bedrock (saprolite) blanketed by coastal plain sediments. Forest River Estuary Internet Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 3 Forest River Estuary Internet Glacial Geology Glaciation further shaped the landscape through erosion and deposition. Although the marine record shows no less than 13 glaciations during the Pleistocene Period, there is only evidence for two advances into eastern Massachusetts. These glaciers removed all coastal plain sediments and saprolitic cover existing at the time. Rock surfaces were plucked and polished and valleys were excavated along trends weakened by ancient jointing and faulting. Glacial features, such as roche moutonnees and striated pavements, are well preserved on Ledge Hill, Gallows Hill, the ledges by Upton School, Forest River Park, the Willows, Winter Island, and on numerous ledges in and around Highland Avenue. When the last ice sheet retreated 12,000 years ago it left in its wake scattered deposits of mixed clay, sand, gravel, and boulders (glacial till), glacial fluvial sand and gravel, and glacial marine deposits of sand and clay. Sandy glacial fluvial sediments were deposited beneath Salem State College. Most cemeteries in Salem are located on well-drained and easily excavated glacial-fluvial sediments. For a brief time during deglaciation, sea level transgressed inland and deposited marine clay and sand. These deposits can be found at elevations as high as 30 feet above current sea level, and underlie most of downtown Salem, and the lower South, North and Danvers river valleys. Glacially streamlined hills of drift (drumlins) are absent in Salem, although common in the Boston Basin and areas northwest of Salem in Danvers, Beverly and Middleton. Instead, the highlands in Salem are underlain by shallow fractured bedrock. Water flows through fracture systems and bedrock valleys into the Forest River estuary and various wetlands surrounding the highlands. Professor Lindley Hanson Ph.D., Department of Geological Sciences, Salem State University contributed information for this section. Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 4 Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 5 Soils Soils in Salem are rocky and shallow and have been modified for urban development in many places. Natural coastal areas consist of sandy beaches, rock‑bound outcroppings, and tidal marshes, while the harbor and the South and North River basins have been modified by fill. Lowland areas are typically peat and muck or meadow, and bedrock outcroppings (ledge) are interspersed at high elevations. Hinckley gravelly sandy loam deposits are found in pockets on outwash plains. Coarse fragments are found in the upper soil layers. Sand and gravel lies below the second layer. Gloucester soils developed from glacial tills are found on gently sloping areas to steep uplands. Stone fragments make up to 35-37 percent of the soil volume. Other soils include Orono silt loam, Merrimac fine sandy loam, and Essex fine sandy loam, stoney phase. (See Map 2: Soils and Surficial Geology) Topography Salem is situated in the New England Seaboard Lowlands and shares common natural features with its neighboring towns and cities: coastal lowlands of varying width, irregular rocky or marshy coastlines, diverse stream and river basins, and scattered small hills and upland areas. Most elevations are well below 400 feet, and the average elevation is below 100 feet. Land surfaces generally slope from the interior to the coast. The two major drainages are the North River, which drains into Beverly Harbor, and the Forest River, which drains into Salem Harbor. The highlands and uplands of Salem consist of several steep hills with 100-200 foot elevations located in southwest Salem. These steep slopes historically presented the most enduring constraints on urban development, and the area has been undeveloped until recently. The topography of Salem is the product of deep erosion and glacial scouring of brittly deformed igneous rock. The valleys and harbors have distinct linear trends that are both structurally and glacially controlled. Danvers River is parallel to a common northwest-southeast joint trend excavated by southeasterly flowing glacial ice. Another southwest-northeast structural trend controls the orientation of Salem Harbor, Beverly Harbor, Collins Cove and the North River estuary. The natural drainage pattern in Salem is best described as a deranged rectangular pattern that reflect fracture patterns in exhumed igneous rock, glacial scouring, and local infilling by glacial fluvial and marine sediments. In summary, over 400 million years of geologic history are evidenced in Salem’s landscape. 4 B Landscape Character Salem’s landscape today is typical of older Eastern Massachusetts communities containing mixed vintages of distinctive cultural landscapes with intermingled natural landscapes that are significantly shaped by the surrounding urbanized residential and industrial areas. The Salem city boundary stretches out approximately seven miles into the Salem Sound and contains approximately 10 square miles of aquatic environment in both Salem Harbor and Salem Sound. Salem Sound itself measures approximately 14 square miles at an average depth of 30 feet. Within Salem’s oceanic environment are more than a dozen small islands and a federal Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 6 deep water channel. Noteworthy islands in the Salem Sound include the Misery Islands, a pair of islands off the coast of the City of Beverly, MA. Great Misery Island features several miles of trails that provide access to beaches, fields, overlooks, and ruins. The many islands are accessible by boat and provide natural open space for hiking and exploration. Salem has 11.2 miles of coastal frontage and has three tidal rivers — the North River, Forest River, and the South River — that flow into Salem Harbor. Much of the natural coastline and inland water bodies have been filled to accommodate centuries of development, and very few of the original plant and animal communities have been left untouched by the same forces. However, within its small area, Salem retains a variety of natural landscapes: wetlands, rivers and streams, ponds, tidal flats, coves and harbors, rocky shores, upland ledges, and scrub forest. Salem’s Juniper Cove Internet There are several significant expanses of relatively natural wetland and wooded upland in Salem. The Forest River Conservation Area contains 126 acres of wetlands, dense forests, an estuary, and tidal coves, which perform an essential ecological role for fisheries and wildlife, and provide a sense of natural open space close to the densely-built city center. Wooded swamps extend along the tributaries of the Forest River, the edge of Strongwater Brook west of Highland Avenue, and the border of Thompson’s Meadow, a large wet meadow (owned by the Town of Marblehead) adjacent to the Conservation Area and Highland Park. Natural areas of thick, woody vegetation are rare in Salem, both because of development pressures over the centuries and because the shallow or nonexistent soils of much of the Salem Highlands will not support woody plants of significant size or density. Remaining areas of this type that contribute to the variety of Salem’s landscape include: Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 7  The slope facing Spring Pond,  The area west of Strongwater Brook,  The hill directly between the Forest River salt marshes and Thompson’s Meadow,  Areas in Highland Park and between Highland Park and Thompson’s Meadow, and  Areas south of Swampscott Road surrounding the Prophet Elias Monastery near the Salem-Swampscott line. Development of 162 acres west of Strongwater Brook for housing began in 2006, stalled with the 2008 economic downturn and is continuing now. This development will affect the surrounding wooded areas. However, approximately 93 acres of the site will be permanently protected open space with a connecting trail network. Part of the area near the Prophet Elias Monastery (off of Clark Street) is owned by Lynn Sand and Stone (Aggregate Industries) which operates a large quarry in this area. Due to Salem’s variable natural landscape and its long history, the City has developed unique cultural landscapes. The sites associated with Salem’s colonial and federal history are the most well-known, though residents also value the pockets of Victorian residences in South and North Salem and emblematic sites such as the Salem Willows. Less often acknowledged as distinctive are the landscapes of Salem’s industrial and immigrant history: Blubber Hollow, the area around the Russian Orthodox Church, and the mills and worker housing in the Point. These also contribute to the experience of Salem’s historic landscape. As a result of Salem’s historic importance as a shipping port, much of the City’s private urban development (both residential and industrial) has occurred along its 11.22 miles of coastal frontage. The private ownership of the waterfront has limited open space development options along the shore, (especially in downtown) but may present future opportunities for the City to take advantage of as land may become available. Although roughly half of Salem’s coastal frontage is publicly owned, access is not always easy because many coastal areas, such as harbor islands, are remote and difficult to access. The main streets are inland from the water, and much of the downtown shoreline has traditionally been occupied by private residential or industrial development, offering at best only a few glimpses of the sea. The FootPrint Power plant (a.k.a. Salem Harbor Station, formerly Dominion Energy), the South Essex Sewer District sewage plant, and Shetland Office Park interrupt many views of Salem Harbor. The National Grid gas tank in Collins Cove and the private junkyard on the North River have a similar effect on the visual character of these shorelines. There are, however, some points of public access to the water, especially outside of downtown:  Access to Salem Harbor - Forest River Park, Palmer Cove, Derby Wharf, Winter Island.  Access to Beverly Harbor/Collins Cove - Salem Willows, Collins Cove Park and Walkway, McCabe Park/Kernwood Marina.  Access to the North River - Furlong Park (with a kayak launch) and Leslie’s Retreat Park.  Peabody Park and the New Harborwalk, completed in 2010. Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 8 In addition, Great Misery and Little Misery Islands, owned by the Trustees of Reservations, offer harbor views, meadows, specimen trees, stands of pines, and ruins of a turn‑of‑the‑century casino hotel to those with access to private boats or the summer weekend excursion boat that leaves from Beverly. Recently Essex National Heritage Area purchased the USCG light station on the north side of Bakers Island. This 11 acre site will have limited, managed, public access. 4 C Water Resources Surface water In addition to the saltwater expanses of Salem Harbor and Beverly Harbor, major water bodies in the City include the Forest River, the Danvers River, the North River, the South River Canal, Strongwater Brook, Spring Pond, and the Gravel Pit Pond. Mill Pond and Rosie’s Pond are slowly being threatened by encroaching invasive plants . There are also small ponds at Peter’s Point and the Kernwood Country Club. Watersheds Salem is part of the North Coastal Watershed, which extends from southern New Hampshire to Revere and contains a 168 square mile drainage area. Within the North Coastal Watershed, Salem, along with Beverly, Danvers, Manchester, Marblehead, and Peabody, lie within the Salem Sound subwatershed. Salem’s three rivers — the North, South, and Forest Rivers — define the City’s subbasins. . Flood hazard areas & Climate Change The boundaries of the one hundred year floodplain are shown on Map 4: Floodplain Map. Floodplain and shoreline areas in Salem are necessary to conservation because of their role in flood control. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) significantly redefined flood boundaries in Salem in 2014. Beyond the floodplains, wetland and stream areas are periodically flooded. Many areas affected by seasonal flooding (such as the North River) have characteristics of both freshwater wetlands and tidal flats. The City completed a climate change vulnerability assessment in December 2014. Risks to the City are largely related to predicted sea level rise, and are closely associated with existing Flood Hazard Areas as mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Risks include vulnerability to the city due to wave action and storm damage as existing coastal embankments become less effective due to rising sea levels. Wetlands There are approximately 171 acres of inland wetlands (i.e. freshwater marshes and swampland) in Salem. Freshwater marshes in Salem include Spring Pond (owned by the City of Peabody), Thompson’s Meadow (a marsh in Highland Park), a marsh on Strongwater Broo k, and marshes along the Forest River and South River. Fresh water marshes provide habitat for birds and marsh Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 9 animals, replenish groundwater, and store surface runoff, slowing the progress of flood waters. Water Resources and wetlands mapping is shown on Map 3 of this report. Wooded swamplands in Salem are located along Forest River tributaries, north and south of Swampscott Road, along Strongwater Brook tributaries west of Highland Avenue, and opposite Thompson’s Meadow east of the railroad tracks. There are several certified vernal pools in the city, all of which are on the southern end of town, around Spring Pond and in the area of the Forest River. Wooded swamps recharge groundwater areas by absorbing water during spring rain periods and gradually releasing it during summer months. Moreover, because of their water holding abilities, swamps are also excellent flood control areas. There are approximately 37 acres of salt water marshes in Salem, including the Forest River estuary and small areas surrounding Peter’s Point in the Danvers River. Salt marshes are highly productive ecosystems which form the basis of the food chain and protect marine life during spawning and growth periods. For example, rainbow smelt have returned to spawning in the North River every spring. Salt marshes also protect inland areas from ocean storm damage. Because of their flushing abilities, salt marshes also clean inland waters. Aquifer recharge areas Groundwater recharge takes place in the Forest River estuary and other wetlands. The high percentage of impermeable surfaces in Salem, both natural and man-made, results in a high rate of precipitation runoff. Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 10 Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 11 Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 12 4 D Vegetation Forest land Wooded vegetation found today in Salem is “secondary growth” and includes oak, birch, hickory, and white pine in the forest areas. Because thickly‑wooded uplands, which serve as habitat for both birds and mammals, are rare, Salem’s Salem Woods located within Highland Park is critical habitat. Wetland vegetation In freshwater marshes, the predominant vegetation is narrow‑leaf cattail and phragmites, an invasive reed. Invasive exotic species such as purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed are also evident. Wooded swamps typically contain trees and shrubs such as alder, willow, dogwood, and red maple. Vegetation typical of the salt marshes includes saltwater cord grass, high water cord grass, spike grass, and sea lavender. Rare plant species The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, an agency of the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement, has listed six rare plant species as historically documented in Salem. The last documented observation of any of these species was in 1888, but habitat for them continues to exist, and individuals may still be extant. (See Table 4-1) Public shade trees and urban forestry Salem has a legacy of quality urban forestry. Of particular note are the grand oaks and maples throughout Salem Common, the majestic elm canopy over Lafayette Street, and the willows that give Salem Willows Park its name. Salem’s public cemeteries house a diverse catalog of shade trees, particularly Greenlawn Cemetery, as it was originally planted as an arboretum. Though not City-owned, the Peabody Essex Museum’s downtown public spaces are home to a number of distinctive Gingko trees, adding natural diversity to Salem’s urban forestry. For the past several years, Salem has been designated by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for its dedication to urban forestry. The City retains a certified arborist on staff to oversee its tree programs and has an ordinance requiring a public hearing prior to the removal of a public shade tree. The City maintains a tree planting program to plant new trees and replace those lost. Multiple neighborhood associations monitor and inventory the condition of trees in their neighborhoods. Volunteers have initiated the Liberty Elm project to raise elm trees resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. Combined, these efforts help combat tree disease, storm damage, and improper maintenance, the primary threats to Salem’s urban forestry. Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 13 4 E Fisheries and Wildlife The combination of aquatic, wetland, upland environments, and their edges give Salem an unusually wide variety of habitats for such an urbanized place. Salem’s parks, “urban wilds,” and suburban residential areas support a fairly diverse number of species. Inventory Salem’s coastal, inland, and riverine habitats are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including both year-round and migratory mammals, birds, and fisheries. Mammals frequently observed within Salem’s woodlands include White Tailed Deer, Eastern Chipmunk, Eastern Cottontail, Muskrat, Striped Skunk, Coyote, and Red Fox. In recent years, the wild turkey population has expanded and become visible throughout the City. During the summer, many migratory bird species can be spotted within Salem’s salt marshes, including Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret. The Mute Swan, Canada Goose, and Mallard Duck regularly populate Salem’s inland waterways. Salem’s offshore islands attract an even higher diversity and number of birds, including nesting terns on Tinkers Island and flocking European Starlings on Bakers Island. Other commonly observed species include sparrows (multiple species), Northern Cardinal, Oriole, Mourning Dove, various gulls and nesting Osprey. A wide array of amphibians are drawn to Salem’s wet areas, including Spotted Salamander, toads (Eastern American and Fowler’s) and frogs (Bullfrog, Green, Mink, Wood, Northern Leopard, Pickerel), turtles (Common Snapping, Spotted, Wood, Eastern Box, Painted, and Common Musk), and Common Garter Snake. Marine species common to this area of Salem Sound include American Lobster, Mackerel, and Striped Bass. Winter Flounder spawn in Salem Harbor, and a resurgence of smelt has been cataloged in the North River’s tidal areas. Though closed for harvesting, Salem Harbor’s shellfish beds contain Quahog, Blue Mussel, Bay Scallop, European Oyster, and Soft-Shelled Clam. In addition to the wildlife inhabiting natural areas, many versatile species live in the City’s dense, urban neighborhoods, including raccoon, Gray Squirrel, and Rock Dove (pigeon). Wildlife Corridors Wildlife corridors connect two or more wildlife habitat areas, allowing the movement of wildlife. In the densely populated coastal region of the lower North Shore, wildlife may be forced to use train tracks, rail trails, bike paths, or power lines as corridors as well as streams, rivers, undeveloped wetlands and riparian buffers. Thompson’s Meadow, a Natural Heritage Program Biomap Core Habitat, is surrounded by the Biomap Supporting Natural Landscape of Salem Woods (Highland Park). When combined, these two open spaces in the center of Salem cover over 166 acres of wetland and upland vegetation. Thompson’s Meadow is the headwaters of the Forest River, an important estuarine river that Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 14 flows easterly to Salem Harbor. The Forest River Conservation Area forms a wildlife corridor from Thompson’s Meadow and Salem Woods to the ocean. The commuter rail runs north - south intersecting Thompson’s Meadow and the Forest River Conservation Area. Wildlife following the rail line could possibly travel north to the North River or south to the Rumney Marsh/Pines River estuary. Across the North River, wildlife habitat exists in North Salem in the two cemeteries, a large country club, and other privately owned open space. On a larger regional scale, there still exists the possibility of wildlife corridors from Thompson’s Meadow and Salem Woods to natural areas west and southwest of Salem. Thompson’s Meadow is fed by streams and wetlands to the southwest (between Swampscott Road and Highland Ave). This area is currently undeveloped. Across Highland Ave is Camp Lion of Lynn, 68-acres of open space owned by the Campfire Girls. This open space borders Peabody’s Spring Pond water protection area. To the southwest is the 2,200-acre Lynn Woods Reservation. The North River extends from east to west and links Salem to Peabody. The environment of this tidal river changes from being very wide near the Beverly/Salem Bridge to historically filled channelized sections, and finally closer to the Peabody line, the river exists with naturally vegetated embankments. The North River’s tidal nature provides habitats for a diversity of marine, brackish and fresh water plants and animals. The North River is used by anadromous fishes including American eel and rainbow smelt. The smelt travel upstream in the spring to lay their eggs where the River becomes fresh at the Salem/Peabody line. Rare animal species The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, an agency of the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement, has listed nine rare animal species as historically documented in Salem. Only four species (birds) on this list have been observed in the past 25 years. The most recent documented observation of any of the other listed animals dates from 1858. However, as in the case of listed plants, the habitat for these species remains, and undocumented individuals may exist. (See Table 4-1: Rare and Endangered Species in Salem (2015) for more detailed information.) Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 15 Table 4-1 - Rare and Endangered Species in Salem MESA (Massachusetts Endangered Species Act) and Federal Status for Salem E = Endangered T = Threatened SC =Special Concern Most Recent Observation This table represents the most recent observation of that species in a town. However, because they are rare, many MESA-listed species are difficult to detect even when they are present. Natural Heritage does not have the resources to be able to conduct methodical species surveys in each town on a regular basis. Therefore, the fact that the ‘Most Recent Observation’ recorded for a species may be several years old should not be interpreted as meaning that the species no longer occurs in a town. However, Natural Heritage regards records older than twenty-five years historic. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/species-information-and- conservation/town-species-viewer.html Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 16 4 F Scenic Resources and Unique Environments Scenic landscapes Salem has a number of scenic natural and historic landscapes which are themselves attractive and/or provide scenic views. These include but are not limited to:  Salem Willows Park and Camp Naumkeag  Derby Wharf Salem Maritime National Historic Site  Winter Island  Salem Common  Forest River Park  Ledge Hill (Mack) Park  The Salem Woods located within Highland Park  Gallows Hill Park  the Forest River Conservation Area  The Misery Islands Reservation. Among the benefits are water views of the harbor and islands, as well as access to the water via the public dock. (See Map 5: Scenic Resources and Unique Environments) Major characteristics, unusual geologic features, and any other resources for potential protection and exploration Many of the most important unique natural and cultural environments in Salem are already preserved. Waterfront access and associated amenities is a priority of the City government. To that end, the City has proposed updating the Salem Harbor Master Plan (2015). Permanent conservation protection for the Salem Woods located in Highland Park is needed, and some informal discussions have occurred with regard to exploring means of preserving the entire Forest River corridor or estuary and river valley between the Salem Woods and Forest River Park. Recent acquisition of the Chadwick Lead Mills property with Marblehead added to the protected land in this corridor. Cultural, archeological and historic areas Even though the fire of 1914 destroyed many historic Salem structures, Salem has a long and important history; precolonial, colonial and modern and has maintained a tradition of historic preservation. Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 17 Prehistoric significance of Salem’s park lands Although the City of Salem did not acquire many of its public park lands until the 19th or 20th centuries, due to the antiquity of Salem, and the earlier Naumkeag settlement which existed here, many of the city’s park properties are historically significant. For example:  Forest River Park and adjacent territories in South Salem are known to have been seasonally occupied by Native Americans between about 2,000BC and 1615AD.  Winter Island was a significant Native American settlement and trade site, as well as Colonial fishing site.  The Salem Willows was used as a place for Native American stone tool manufacture and camping.  The Salem Woods possesses an important Native American history.  Many of the high lands and hills in Salem, such as the original Castle Hill (since reduced in height) were evidently used as places for Native American military observation, signaling and fortification before the arrival of the English in the 1620s. View of Cat Cove Internet The early establishment of the Peabody Museum and Essex Institute (now the Peabody-Essex Museum) testifies to Salem residents’ concern for their cultural heritage. Founded in 1799, it is the oldest continually operating museum in the country and is still one of the main tourist destinations in Salem. The Salem Maritime National Historic Site was the first urban historic site designated by Congress for preservation and administration by the National Park Service. Historic Salem, Inc. is also among the oldest of community preservation advocacy groups in the nation. Salem 1630: Pioneer Village at Forest River Park is the oldest living history museum in the United States. Although the continuing maintenance of historic properties requires substantial attention and resources, both private owners and public institutions focus considerable efforts in this direction. Salem’s historic resources include:  Fine examples of over ten historic styles of American architecture, ranging from mid-17th century through early 20th century; Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 18  Arguably the finest collection of Federal Style and Federal Period architecture in the United States  One of the best collections of Samuel McIntire designed building in the United States (McIntire Historic District Walking Trail).  Some of the earliest established and best preserved urban parks in the nation;  One of the few remaining colonial period wharves in the country;  Many seventeenth and early eighteenth century structures from the Puritan and early maritime periods;  Four local historic districts (Derby Street, Lafayette Street, McIntire, and Washington Square)encompassing approximately 550 17th‑, 18 th ‑, and early 19th‑century structures;  A large early cotton textile factory, immigrant settlement houses and neighborhoods, and leather industry archeological resources;  Historic sites associated with the late 17 th‑century witchcraft trials.  Prehistoric Native American archaeological resources dating back approximately 4,000 years, ranging from the Late Archaic through Early, Middle, and Late Woodland Periods to Contact Period. As of 2015, Salem has 30 National Register Individual Properties and 14 National Register Historic Districts. The Point Neighborhood historic district, the North Street Fire station and the Joseph Fenno House have all been added to the list since the last update. The National Park Service continues to manage and improve facilities at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, which includes a replica tall ship moored at Derby Wharf. The archeological survey of Salem prepared for the City in 1988 lists preservation priority areas for prehistoric sites and historic sites based on previous archeological findings and historic documentation.3 3John Goff, Salem Preservation Inc. contributed to the information in this section. Areas of critical environmental concern There are no State-listed areas of Critical Environmental Concern located within Salem. (See Map 5: Scenic Resources and Unique Environments.) Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 19 Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 20 4 G Environmental Challenges Hazardous waste sites Salem has no current Federal Superfund sites. Most are relatively minor oil releases that have been or will be soon cleaned up. However, several other sites listed as reportable releases by DEP are currently being addressed but may require more DEP scrutiny. In 2009, the City completed the clean-up project at 61 Ward Street, turning the site into an improved intersection with a pocket park attached. In May 2014, the City of Salem and the City of Peabody were awarded $950,000 in brownfield clean-up funds. This was the largest award for any of the Massachusetts communities, which received $4.85M in total. Any development in Salem, especially development on filled land, needs to consider the possibility of contaminated soil prior to starting construction. The landfill and burning of industrial waste was once an acceptable method of disposal, and industrial waste and ash was a common fill material. The locations where it was dumped were not recorded. Furlong, McGrath, Witchcraft, Splaine, Gonyea and Furlong parks and Bertram Field have all had issues with contaminated soils that delayed or halted proposed construction. Contamination can vary but the most common in the city seems to be heavy metals contamination (lead, cadmium and arsenic being the most cited contaminants) associated with coal ash and urban fill. With the former industrial nature of the city in mind, there is the potential for many unknown areas of contaminated fill throughout the city. These materials when left in place are not necessarily hazardous, but the excavation or exposure of contaminated fill must be managed carefully. Landfills No landfills currently operate in Salem. The last landfill was closed approximately 50 years ago and was located at the present site of the Bentley School. The Salem Transfer station property includes a former landfill and the Salem State University Central campus also contains a former landfill that is capped by athletic field. Solid waste is collected weekly at curbside by Waste Management Inc. The Transfer Station is owned by the City and managed by Northside Carting Inc. The City is currently evaluating options for the future of the site. Salem also operates a successful curbside recycling program and has begun a pilot curbside compost program. Erosion Natural erosion occurs along the Danvers River from Cabot Farm northward, in the northwestern section of Collins Cove, and the east side of Winter Island. There are many examples of seawall erosion on public and privately owned land. Removal of natural vegetation along the banks of the North River, parts of Memorial Drive, and the areas near March Street and the Salem-Beverly Bridge makes these areas vulnerable to erosion. Chronic flooding Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 21 According to the City Engineer, there is periodic flooding at the following locations:  Canal Street  Brook Street  Areas along the North River near Leslie’s Retreat Park, Furlong Park  Parts of Jefferson Avenue near Rosie’s Pond. As part of its drainage and road improvement plans, the City will be addressing these flooding problems. In order to gain additional knowledge on flooding in Salem the City is working with a consultant to identify flooding concerns and potential solutions. Design and permitting is proceeding for flood mitigation projects at Rosie’s Pond and the southern portions of Canal Street. Sedimentation Sediment is carried into Salem’s rivers and harbor by stormwater drains and runoff. This sedimentation only exacerbates the already shallow depths of the un-dredged portions of these bodies of water. Invasive Species Invasive species are a persistent problem and challenge in Salem as is the case throughout the Commonwealth. Japanese knotweed and phragmites are just two examples of invasives that are prevalent in Salem, especially around Winter Island. Additionally, the City has worked to remove phragmites from the Forest River. Invasive species eradication programs are ongoing throughout City owned land. Development impact Because of the paucity of easily developable land in Salem, the City is not under significant development pressure. However, the new development that does take place is carefully monitored by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission to avoid environmental damage. For example, approval of proposed drainage systems routinely requires gas and oil separators in catch basins which must be cleaned out regularly. Many wetlands along Highland Avenue have been lost to development or have been filled, and the water quality of the lowlands and coastal plains is still unsatisfactory, threatening recreation land in these areas. Efforts are being made to maintain existing open spaces and improve access to them. Ground and surface water pollution: point and non-point Water pollution in Salem includes historic pollution from industrial uses which can affect water if sediments are disturbed, boat waste, and stormwater runoff. All shellfish beds (836 acres) have been closed for harvesting in Salem since the 1960s. The state goals for water quality in Salem Harbor, the North River, and the Forest River are to make those water bodies fishable and swimmable. A 1995 report by the Massachusetts Bays Program indicated that none of these Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 22 bodies were swimmable, but quality has improved significantly since then due to the combined efforts of the local communities. The quality of water at Salem beaches is closely tied to rain events, with the worst water quality and beach closings occurring immediately after storms. The South Essex Sewerage District (SESD) was recognized in 2006 by EPA for an “Operations and Maintenance Wastewater Excellence Award.” The rehabilitation, repair, and replacement of the City’s water, sewer, and drainage systems has eliminated combined sewer outflows and cross - connections and has greatly improved water quality, pressure, and flow, although extreme flood conditions can cause occasional problems. Both stationary and mobile boat waste pump-out stations have been established to ameliorate pollution from boats. Non‑point pollution from stormwater runoff remains the most significant source of pollution to Salem waters. Salem Sound Coastwatch started a Clean Beaches and Streams program that identifies contaminated discharges near swimming areas and works with the City on measures to improve water quality. An annual Salem Harbor Swim began in the summer of 2006 as a benefit event for Salem Sound Coastwatch, this serves as a community gesture towards the improved water quality in Salem Harbor and the desirability of further improvements. Environmental equity The City of Salem is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to quality parks, open spaces, and recreational programming regardless of race, income, or language. Several recent park improvement projects have been within Environmental Justice areas, including upgrades to Bertram Field, installation of a new splash pad at Mary Jane Lee Park, and the construction of a new waterfront park at 15 Peabody Street. Thanks to these targeted investments, residents within Salem’s Environmental Justice areas have access to park facilities within walking distance from their homes, schools, and workplaces that are as good or better than those elsewhere in the City. Salem is proactive in its efforts to engage the City’s Environmental Justice population in park and recreation initiatives that impact them. Public engagement for plans such as this Open Space & Recreation Plan and the Point Vision & Action Plan (including its Environment, Open Space, and Recreation component) include promotion of public forums within the Environmental Justice Neighborhood. In both cases, one or more meetings were held in both English and Spanish within The Point Neighborhood itself, to encourage involvement of residents of the City’s lowest income and highest minority neighborhood. The City must continue to proactively engage residents of all demographics to enhance environmental equity through the City by maintaining and improving an equitable distribution of parks, open spaces, and recreational programming. Furthermore, the City must consider ways to address a lack of open space in any Environmental Justice area, such as the Boston Street Corridor and the area east of Highland Avenue. Section 4 – Environmental Analysis City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 4 Page 23 Implications for open space and recreation Much of the remaining undeveloped land in Salem is marked by the presence of ledge (bedrock at or near the surface), steep slopes, or wetlands. Water quality is improving as a result of programs to control flooding, improve sanitation and mitigate point source pollution. Salem’s cultural landscapes receive significant protection (as do many of the City’s natural landscapes) in particular the City’s last remaining natural estuary, the Forest River. Preservation, if not restoration, of other wetlands is essential and more visual and physical access to the water is needed (as noted in the Section 9 Action Plan). The rarest natural landscape resources in the City that need preservation are wooded upland areas, such as those surrounding Thompson’s Meadow, Salem Woods, Forest River, and Fort Lee. Due to the former industrial nature of the city, any development in Salem, especially development on filled land, needs to consider the possibility of contaminated soil prior to starting construction. Proceeding with development without proper soil testing and remediation could result in lengthy delays and unanticipated costs for remediating contaminated soils.  Gale Associates Section 5 Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest Section 5 Inventory of Lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 Page 2 Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest This section details information about open space and recreational lands in the City of Salem. This information is gathered from previous Open Space Master plans and is supplemented by new information for this Update. The inventory is inclusive of land that is owned by the National Parks Service, the City of Salem (including schools), land under private ownership, and land owned or managed by organizations such as the YMCA or the Trustees of Reservations. The entire inventory is categorized by ownership. Determinations of each site’s condition, recreational potential, and public access were made based on observation by City staff and members of the Open Space and Recreation Committee. Preservation of open space is important to the residents of Salem, the region, and the Commonwealth from several different perspectives. In addition to the typical open space and recreation facilities, Salem possesses a certain amount of value in its historic and cultural resources. The National Park Service owns and manages some of these features. Additional land is owned and protected by abutting communities including the Town of Marblehead and the City of Peabody. Much of the land listed in this inventory provides extensive passive and active recreational opportunities. The City has numerous park facilities, although short- and long-term maintenance is a significant issue. There are a number of existing open space, natural resource, and trail networks among the preserved parcels and with careful planning and additional acquisition, these networks can be further enhanced. The City will continue its efforts to determine where conservation restrictions may be appropriate to further protect valued open spaces. The Open Space Matrix column headings are defined below.  Map/Lot - Identifies the map and lot numbers on the City assessor’s maps.  Name/Location - Names the open space site and its street address.  Zoning - Identifies the zoning district in which the parcel is located.  Acres - Gives the site’s acreage or an approximation in cases of the non-park and playground parcels. One acre is 43,560 square feet or 1/640 of a square mile.  Ownership - Indicates the owner of the property and the agency or department responsible for managing and maintaining the parcel.  Management - Agency or entity charged with managing the site.  Use - Details the main uses for the site.  Condition - Identifies the site condition (excellent, good, fair or poor).  Recreation Potential - For land not used for recreational purposes, potential for recreational activities is identified or constraints are listed. Conservation land is generally deemed to have limited recreation potential except for passive recreation such as hiking and walking. Traffic islands, medians, cemeteries and other similar lands are presumed to have no recreational potential.  Public Access - Indicates if the public can access the site on a good, fair, or poor rating scale.  Grant or Funding Source - Where applicable, identifies the source of funding for that particular parcel, which could be from a public grant, private donation, City-owned land, deed restriction, etc. Section 5 Inventory of Lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 Page 3  Degree of Protection - Indicates if the site, either by virtue of its zoning or by the fact that it has received state or federal funding, is protected from sale and building development (see below). Note that the information contained in the inventory is based on Assessor’s data updated through fiscal year 2007, As well as updates from available information to 2015. Refer to the following Land Inventory Matrix as well as Map 6 Open Space Inventory. Types of Open Space and Recreation Land Protection Determining where the open space and recreation land is located in Salem is the beginning stage of fully understanding what resources the City has. Once they have all been identified, it is important to ensure their protection and maintenance in the future so as to help guarantee that many more generations or residents can enjoy them. For reference, according to the Division of Conservation Services, land within a community is protected in perpetuity if it is owned by the local Conservation Commission, a state conservation agency, a nonprofit land trust or if the City received state or federal monies for the improvement or purchase of the land. Private property can also be permanently protected if there is a deed restriction, if the land is listed as having an Agricultural Preservation Restriction or if the Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) has placed a restriction on the property for wetland conservation. Typically, land owned by other agencies like the Park and Recreation Commission and the local school system may not be presumed to be permanently protected. Listed below are details about different types of protection that either are or could be available to open space and recreation land in Salem.  Land & Water Conservation Fund Protection / PARC and LAND programs – With the receipt of grant funding, Salem playgrounds and other parcels are afforded protection as parklands, essentially in perpetuity. Note that for these properties, the protection of Article 97(below) would apply as well and if federal Land and Water Conservation Fund money has been obtained, P.L. 88-578 applies (The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act).  Article 97 Protection - Article 97 of the Articles of Amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution protects lands acquired for natural resources purposes, meaning “conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air, and other natural resources”. Before conservation or recreation properties can be sold, transferred, or converted to a different use, this amendment requires action by the Conservation Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, a 2/3 vote of the City Council as well as a roll-call 2/3 vote of the State House of Representatives and Senate.  Protection through Ownership (“Fee”) - In some cases in Salem, the open space in question has been acquired in its entirety (“in fee”) by a public or private conservation interest or a State or Federal agency (such as the National Park Service). In many cases, such ownership will trigger other forms of protection, such as Article 97. If the owner is a nonprofit organization (such as the Trustees of Reservations), the land could in theory Section 5 Inventory of Lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 Page 4 be sold and/or developed, but doing so could contradict the group’s conservation purpose.  Protection through Conservation Restrictions, Easements, or other Deed Instruments – Due to the high costs of acquiring land, it has become increasingly popular to acquire conservation restrictions limiting future development. Similarly, access easements can provide permanent public access to a property. In certain situations, deed restrictions or easements may be granted by a private party as part of a development approval process. As with any matters involving real property, care must be taken in the drafting of the restrictions to ensure the rights and interests of all parties are represented and clearly documented. Conservation Restrictions must be approved by the municipality and the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services.  Chapter 61 - This program, through tax incentives, can help protect forest, agricultural and recreation land in Massachusetts through encouraged preservation. Landowners who wish to ensure the long-term protection of such land may be offered tax benefits as an incentive to manage the land for those purposes. Should the owner wish to end the agreement, the municipality has the authority to recover tax benefits given and has first right of refusal on the purchase of the land if it is to be sold for non-Chapter 61 purposes.  Chapter 91 Tidelands – (Planning Board – New developments) Land that falls under the jurisdiction of Chapter 91 (Commonwealth tidelands) must include provisions for public use and access. This is an important element for the Footprint Energy Project and was instrumental in the completion of the south portions of the Harborwalk. Chapter 91 has potential for adding passive recreational and open space areas along the waterfront whenever waterfront property is proposed to be developed.  Section 5 Inventory of Lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 Page 5 Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 1 Land Inventory Matrix – Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION PUBLIC LANDS Parks and Playgrounds 25 659 Broad Street Park/ Broad St. R2 0.5 Salem City of (School Dept.) Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG none 23 51 Castle Hill Playground/14 Story RC 3.8 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 36 473 Collins Cove Playground/ 31 Collins St. RC 4.2 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 35 79 Common/Washingt on Square RC 10.05 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation/historic good Built out good Article 97 36 181 Curtis Park/19 March St. R2 0.62 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG,UPARR Article 97 9 257 Dibiase Park/46-48 Dell St. R1 0.47 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation fair Built out fair Article 97 35 209 East India Sq./158 Essex St. B5 0.2 Salem Redev. Authority Cemetery/Shade Tree Fountain and benches fair Built out good none 33 743 Forest River Park/38 Clifton Ave. RC 29 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG, LWCF Article 97 27 471 Furlong Park/20 Franklin St. RC 5.5 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation poor Built out good CDBG Article 97 15 366 Gallows Hill Park/53 Hanson St. RC 21.83 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 36 6 Gonyea Park/41 Northey Street R2 .14 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good none 25 594 High St. Park,/2 High St. Court RC 0.51 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 23 1 Highland Park,/75 Willson St. RC 270.63 Salem City Of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good Article 97 44 73 Juniper Park/28 Beach Ave. R1 0.50 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation excellent Built out good CDBG Article 97 28 18 Kernwood Marina & McCabe Park R1 4.30 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out Good/seasonal access to marina CDBG,LWCF Article 97 34 303 Lafayette Park/124 Lafayette St. RC 0.50 Salem City of Department of Public Works recreation poor Built out good CDBG Article 97 35 5 Lappin Park/112 Washington St. B5 0.11 Salem Redev. Authority Parks & Recreation downtown park good Built out good CDAG none 34 212 Mary Jane Lee Park (Prince St. Playground)/41 R3 0.73 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 2 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION Palmer St. 16 333 Mack Park/29-37 Grove St. RC 25.80 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation fair Built out good CDBG Article 97 17 276 McGlew Park/North St. R2 2.40 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 9 38 McGrath Park/46 Marlborough Rd. RC 22.30 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 15 329 Mansell Park/50 Proctor St. RC 1.50 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 41 248 Memorial Park (Irzyk) /17 Fort Ave. RC 7.40 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG none 34 455 Palmer Cove/30 Leavitt St. RC 7.20 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out Good/access to public ramp limited CDBG Article 97 27 54 Patten Park/41 Buffum Street R2 0.08 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG none 31 286 Pickrnan Park/20 Lincoln Rd. RC 3.01 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CDBG Article 97 25 50 Splaine Park/23 May St. (rear) RC 1.85 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good UPARR Article 97 41 1 Swiniuch Park/128 Derby St. B1 0.03 Salem City of Department of Public Works urban park good Built out good … none 45,42 1,89: 20 Willows Park/200 Fort Ave1 RC 24.62 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation poor Built out good CDBG,UPARR Article 97 43 1 Winter Island/50 Winter Island Rd. R1 27.10 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation good Built out good CZM,USH Article 97 10 217 Lower Witchcraft/ Frederick St. Upper Witchcraft RC RC 15.00 Salem City of School Committee Parks & Recreation Recreation Recreation Good Good Built out Good Good CDBG CDBG None None 42 1 Collins Cove/50 Webb St. (rear) RC 18.20 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation fair Built out good … 36 472 Collins Cove/96 Webb St. R2 2.10 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation/bike path fair Built out good CDBG none 36 474 Collins Cove/2 Collins St. RC 12.30 Salem City of Parks & Recreation recreation fair Built out good none 42 20 Fort Lee/100 Memorial Drive RC 16.03 Salem City of Parks & Recreation passive recreation poor Built out fair Listed on national register of historic places 15 317 33 Proctor St (abuts Mansell Pk) R3 0.44 Salem City of Parks & Recreation fair Built out good none 24 217 0 Powder House Lane (rear) R1 1.5 Salem City of Schools Athletic Field Excellent Built out good PARC Article 97 24 219 1 Powder House Lane R1 5.5 Salem City of Schools Athletic Field Excellent Built out good PARC Article 97 Total Park & 547.95 Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 3 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION Recreation Land Conservation Lands 31 326 0 Pierce Road (rear) RC 5.50 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 31 333 17 Riverbank Road R1 1.15 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 31 235 465 Lafayette Street RC 0.07 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 31 236 467 Lafayette Street RC 0.11 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 31 335 478 Lafayette Street RC 0.13 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic fair State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 22 178 0 Pickman Road R1 28.30 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 22 179 0 Pickman Road R1 2.97 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 11 57 Intervale Road R1 0.14 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation poor hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 19 63 Intervale Road R1 0.20 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation fair hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 40 46 Intervale Road R1 0.96 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 65 43 Intervale Road R1 0.17 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 67 39 Intervale Road R1 0.18 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 83 44 Intervale Road R1 3.00 Conservation Comm. Forest R, Cons. Area conservation fair hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 84 42 Intervale Road R1 3.80 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 85 40 Intervale Road R1 1.20 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 86 36 Intervale Road 38 R1 3.00 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 87 34 Riverview St. R1 1.10 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic fair State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 88 32 Riverview St. R1 1.00 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic fair State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 89 30 Riverview St. R1 0.71 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 90 24 Riverview St. 28 R1 0.79 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 91 20 Riverview St. R1 0.22 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons, Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 92 18 Riverview St. R1 0.12 Conservation Forest R. Cons. conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help perpetuity Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 4 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION Comm. Area Funding 21 93 16 Riverview St. R1 0.12 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 95 11 Riverview St. R1 0.63 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 97 17 Riverview St. R1 0.81 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 102 19 Riverview St. R1 0.36 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 103 27 Oakview Ave. R1 0.22 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation fair hiking, scenic fair State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 111 23 Riverview St. R1 0.14 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation fair hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 238 0 Cedarcrest Ave. (rear) R1 34.33 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 239 0 Cedarcrest Ave. RR RC 2.05 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic fair State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 21 240 30 Riverview St. (rear) R1 1.29 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 71 9 Riverview Street R1 0.40 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation Fair/ potential encroachmen t hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 72 14 Riverview Street R1 0.50 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 73 12 Riverview Street R1 0.25 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 74 10 Riverview Street R1 0.08 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic fair State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 75 8 Riverview Street R1 0.09 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 76 4 Riverview Street R1 0.20 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 78 14 Riverview Street (rear) R1 0.50 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 79 12 Riverview Street (rear) R1 0.50 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 80 10 Riverview Street (rear) R1 0.04 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 81 8 Riverview Street (rear)0 R1 0.02 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic poor State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 30 82 402 Loring Avenue RC 0.70 Conservation Comm. Forest R. Cons. Area conservation good hiking, scenic good State Self-Help Funding perpetuity 13 8 43 First Street RC 7.80 Conservation Comm. Conservation Comm. conservation good hiking, scenic fair perpetuity 13 10 0 First Street RC 2.34 Conservation Comm. Conservation Comm. conservation good limited poor perpetuity 8 102 320 Highland Ave B2 2.60 Conservation Conservation conservation good wetland/buffer poor perpetuity Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 5 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION Comm. Comm. zone 6 11 0 Clark Ave R1 13.4 Conservation Comm. Conservation Comm. conservation good trail connections poor perpetuity 24 224 90 Willson Street R1 0.90 Salem Land Cons. Trust Conservation Comm. conservation good limited good perpetuity 23 236 0 Parallel St. (rear) RC 3.65 Conservation Comm. Conservation Comm. conservation fair limited poor perpetuity 31 237 485 Lafayette Street R1 1.39 Salem, City of Parks and Recreation Open space/passive recreation Good Scenic, buffer Open PARC Article 97 Total Conservation Land 130.13 Open Parcels 42 3 17-23 Szetela Lane RC 8.50 Salem City of coast and mud flats none 41 236 3 Fort Avenue R2 044 Salem City of none 41 243 14 Szetela Lane R2 0.64 Salem City of none 41 258 4 Fort Avenue R2 0.86 Salem City of none 36 6 41 Northey Street R2 0.14 Salem City of neighborhood park none 36 495 39 Northey St. (rear) R2 0.33 Salem City of neighborhood park none 34 435 15 Peabody Street R3 0.37 Salem City of Parks & Recreation Neighborhood park good PARC, EPA, Brownfields Article 97 34 449 Palmer Flats/78 Leavitt St. (rear) RC 4.60 Salem City of coast and mud flats none 15 66 37 Hanson St. R1 0.14 Salem City of Parks & Recreation (Gallows Hill Playground) good none 15 91 5 Bemis St. R1 0.08 Salem City of Part of Gallows Hill Playground none 15 144 7 Bemis St. R1 0.08 Salem City of Part of Gallows Hill Playground none 15 150 11 Bemis St. RC 1.54 Salem City of Steep hill between Mansell & Gallows Hill Playground none via playground none 15 153 9 Bemis St. R1 0.09 Salem City of Parks & Recreation (Gallows Hill Playground) none 14 30 11 Dell St. R1 3.70 Salem City of 14 31 23 Dell Street 35 R1 1.30 Salem City of 14 35 22 Dell Street 24 R1 0.44 Salem City of Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 6 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION 14 54 16 Dell Street 18 R1 0.35 Salem City of 14 144 6 Dell Street 10 R1 0.46 Salem City of 14 203 115 Highland Ave. R1 2.12 Salem City of School Department 2 1 1 Wyman SI. R1 0.18 Salem City of wooded, steep, underbrush very limited street 2 26 16 Wyman SI. R1 0.28 Salem City of wooded, gentle slopes residential best undev. street 2 28 12 Wyman SI. R1 0.28 Salem City of wooded, gentle slopes residential best undev. street 2 37 10 Wyman Drive R1 0.41 Salem City of rough, scrubby very limited street limited - wetland 8 8 0 Ravenna Ave. (rear) R1 4.00 Salem City of Mostly wetland surrounded by steep/moderate slopes nature views from adj. lot very limited 46 92 Bakers Island Lot RI 0.15 Salem City of very limited 46 128 Winnegan Ave., Bakers Island RC 0.10 Salem City of very limited 46 94 Bakers Island Lot R1 0.20 Salem City of very limited 46 14 Winnegan Ave., Bakers Island R1 0.20 Salem City of very limited 3 3 460 Highland Avenue B2 4.05 Salem City of 3 75 411-415 Highland Avenue R1 0.66 Salem City of 3 80 9 Clark Street R1 0.11 Salem City of 6 18 0 Robinson Road I 0.60 Salem City of triangular parcel N of Lynn S & S7 limited - wetland 7 1 46 Clark Street R1 0.78 Salem City of wetlands in back 9 130 18A Sable Road R1 0.12 Salem City of 9 259 38-42 Dell Street R1 0.8 Salem City of near Dibiase Park limited - wetland 10 160 1 A Hilton Street R1 0.30 Salem City of pond/abuts school limited - wetland 10 161 2A Hilton Street R1 0.25 Salem City of pond/abuts school limited - wetland 11 5 0 Loring Avenue (rear) R1 38.00 Salem City of east of RR; wetland limited - wetland 14 7 23 Mooney Road R1 0.55 Salem City of abutting wetlands in back limited - wetland 14 107 112 Highland Avenue rear R1 0.45 Salem City of 14 121 24-36 Almeda Street R1 4.00 Salem City of includes wetlands limited - wetland 14 203 115 Highland Ave R1 2.12 Salem City of wetlands wetland 15 431 41 Almeda Street R1 0.20 Salem City of across from G. Hill none 15 432 43 Almeda Street R1 1.35 Salem City of across from G. Hill none 16 126 7 Irving Street R1 0.18 Salem City of 16 278 10 Phillips Street R1 0.14 Salem City of Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 7 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION 16 336 43 Grove Street R1 0.08 Salem City of 21 123 471 Loring Avenue R1 0.01 Salem City of narrow sliver at Loring & ChandIer 23 138 293A Jefferson Avenue B1 0.04 Salem City of by bridge over RR 23 143 17 Parallel Street B1 0.16 Salem City of wetlands/Rosie's Pond limited - wetland 24 81 200 Jefferson Avenue Rear RC/R3 .83 Salem City of Wetlands/flood control limited - wetland 24 150 13 Lawrence SI. rear R2 0.46 Salem City of wetlands/abuts RR limited - wetland 0 Brooks Street R2 0.30 Salem City of Flood control easement (Ch. 121A) Ilimited - fiood control 24 218 0 Jefferson Avenue rear R1 2.00 Salem City of abuts Bertram Field 24 219 Brooks Street R2 .46 Salem City of Includes stream and wetlands Limited flood control and wetlands 26 30 64 Flint Street BP 0.04 Salem City of part of Linear Park 26 37 330 Bridge Street I 0.10 Salem City of part of new boulv. Row 26 38 318 Bridge Street BP 0.19 Salem City of same 26 408 252 Bridge Street B5 0.83 Salem City of nr train station 26 435 8 Sewall Street B5 0.84 Salem City of parking 26 439 21 Lynde Street B5 0.09 Salem City of parking 26 455 283-287 Essex Street B5 0.34 Salem City of parking 26 470 309 Essex Street R2 0.04 Salem City of corner Summer 26 506 66 Federal Street B5 0.39 Salem City of by cloverleaf & Bap. Church 26 639 148 Federal Street R2 0.25 Salem City of sliver by Flint & St. James 33 530 54 Lafayette Place R2 0.45 Salem City of across from Pioneer 33 753 80 Salem Street R1 0.27 Salem City of across from Pioneer 34 84 3 Cedar Street Court R2 0.10 Salem City of possible totlot? 34 420 3 Front Street B5 0.23 Salem Redev. Auth. parking 34 444 315 Derby Street B5 0.30 Salem City of end of S. River; entrance to future Harborwalk Easement and agreement with Bank 35 196 15 Federal Street B5 1.29 Salem Redev. Auth. parking none 35 211 19 Church Street B5 0.01 Salem Redev. Auth. sliver 35 216 21 Church Street B5 0.26 Salem Redev. Auth. parking none 35 219 24-38 Charter St B5 1.00 Salem City of parking none Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 8 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION 35 409 29 Federal Street B5 0.24 Salem Redev. Auth. parking none 36 2 11 Woodbury Court rear R2 0.02 Salem City of triangular parcel 36 186 20 March Street R2 0.24 Salem City of Adjacent to Bridge Street bypass 36 305 19 Barton Street R2 0.19 Salem City of Open Space across from Collins Cove Park 37 80 1 Bridge Street a.k.a. Redmond a.k.a. causeway 82 0.07 Salem City of MassDOT to develop parcel into a linear park Construction Pending by Mass DOT Yes Waterfront Mass DOT 38 1 Jeggle Island RC 0.33 Salem City of Passive recreation 38 2 Island SW of Jeggle Island RC 0.01 Salem City of 41 235 11 Fort Avenue R2 0.20 Salem City of Land under agreement to be developed 41 241 15 Fort Avenue R2 0.03 Salem City of Open Space/lawn 41 244 1 Fort Avenue rear R2 0.25 Salem City of Land under agreement to be developed 41 321 12 Block House Square I 0.09 Salem City of Open space adjacent to Dominion 42 2 40 Webb Street rear RC 0.71 Salem City of Passive recreation; Coll. Cove, tidal flats limited - wetland 42 43 56 Memorial Drive R1 4.7 Salem City of Passive recreation fair fair/seasonal … none 42 65 67 Memorial Drive rear/Camp Naumkeg R1 2.50 Salem City of Parks & Recreation Open space limited - wetland 42 67 23 Victory Road R1 0.35 Salem City of Open space abuts SESD buffer zone land 42 68 22 Victory Road R1 0.16 Salem City of Open space abuts SESD buffer zone land 42 102 85 Memorial Drive/Camp Naumkeag R1 2.2 Salem City of Parks & Recreation passive recreation fair 44 71 31 Juniper Avenue rear R1 0.01 Salem City of Open space abuts playground 44 109 30 Beach Avenue R1 0.17 Salem City of Parking lot 44 113 125 Bayview Avenue R1 0.12 Salem City of Landscaped open space 52 1 Ram Island RC 2.00 Salem City of Total Open lands 156.15 Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 9 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION Monuments, Medians, & Traffic Islands 25 163 431 Essex St. RC 0.04 Salem City of traffic triangle 25 176 427 Essex St. RC 0.09 Salem City of traffic triangle 25 658 0 Dalton Parkway RC 0.27 Salem City of Monument/ median Article 97 35 178 37 Washington Sq. North RC 0.09 Salem City of Island/triangle 35 273 28 Hawthorne Blvd. B5 0.10 Salern City of Island/triangle 35 278 20 Hawthorne Blvd. R2 0.33 Salem City of monument/ median Article 97 36 316 0 East Collins St. R2 0.18 Salem City of traffic island 44 38 0 Columbus Sq. RC 0.16 Salem City of traffic island Witch Memorial 0.33 Article 97 Total Traffic Island Land 1.59 Other Public 35 25 242 Bridge Street I 36.50 MBTA 30 77 408 Loring Avenue R1 2.3 Marblehead Town of RR ROW 31 233 463 Lafayette St. RC .4 Marblehead Town of RR ROW 31 234 467 Lafayette St. rear R1 0.34 Marblehead Town of RR ROW 30 50:2 01-2 445 Loring Ave.(Gravel Pit Pond) R1 26.90 Marblehead Town of 11 3:20 1- 202 161 Swampscott Road RC 79.00 Marblehead Town of 11 6 0 Swampscott Road B2 1.80 Swampscott Town of 4 1 Marlborough Rd. (Peabody Res.) RC 43.60 Peabody City of none 1 1 Highland Ave. rear (Spring Pond) RC 102.62 Peabody City of watershed 46 124 Bakers Island Light Station 8.80 Essex Nat’l Heritage Area Scenic, Historic fair Controlled 35 408 National Historic Site/163-173 Derby Street R2 6.75 United States of America National Park Service Historic Site; passive recreation 35 342 National Historic Site/164-178 Derby R2 1.26 United States of America National Park Service Historic Site; passive recreation Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 10 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION Street 35 362 National Historic Site/71 Essex Street R2 0.19 United States of America National Park Service Pedestrian access/View corridor 21 94 20 Riverview St (rear) R1 .57 Massachusetts Salem State Total Other Public lands 311.03 Non -Profit 3 1 488 Highland Ave. BP 68.35 Camp Lion of Lynn, MA Camp Fire Girls youth recreation participants None-developable 3 136 490 Highland Ave rear BPD .06 Camp Lion of Lynn, MA recreation None-developable 3 139 488 Highland Ave. rear BPD .07 Camp Lion of Lynn, MA recreation None-developable 48 7 Great Misery Island 75.00 Trustees of Reservations cons/recreation perpetuity 49 1 Little Misery Island 5.78 Trustees of Reservations cons/recreation perpetuity 44 36 37 Winter Island Road R1 23.60 Trustees of Plummer Farm School 50 1 Children's Island 5.00 Marblehead/Swamp scott YMCA YMCA recreation participants 51 1 Coney Island 2.00 Salem YMCA none Total Non-Profit 179.86 Cemeteries 35 188 Howard Street R3 2.50 Salem City of Cemetery/Shade Tree cemetery Built out yes 27 571 Greenlawn R1 55.80 Salem City of Cemetery/Shade Tree cemetery good Built out 25 546 Broad Street R2 2.69 Salem City of Cemetery/Shade Tree cemetery Built out 35 264 Charter Street B5 1.47 Salem City of Cemetery/Shade Tree cemetery good Built out 25 97 Essex Street R2 0.25 Salem City of Cemetery/Shade Tree cemetery no entry Built out 16 242 Harmony Grove R1 76.00 private cemetery adequate Built out yes 17 178 St. Mary's Cemetery R1 86.27 private cemetery adequate Built out yes Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 11 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION 35 181 St. Peter’s Church R3 0.50 private cemetery good Built out Total Cemetery Land 225.48 PRIVATE LANDS 24 211 B & M Railroad ROW 23.50 Guilford Transportation private railroad track pedestrian/bike trail none; city purchase underway 31 196 IB & M Railroad ROW 1.40 Guilford Transportation private railroad track pedestrian/ bike trail none; city purchase underway 31 323 B & M Railroad ROW 0.19 Guilford Transportation private railroad track pedestrian/ bike trail none; city purchase underway 6 12 0 Robinson Road I 29.11 Lynn Sand & Stone (Aggregate Industries) private recreation conservation restriction 6 5 4 Wyman Place R1/1 1.96 Connick, James wetlands limited - wetland 6 16 140 Swampscott Road I 51.88 Lynn Sand & Stone (Aggregate Industries) private mining recreation none 8 29:2 01- 202 296 Highland Ave RC 12.04 Amenta Messina Deschamp private old farm, road/paths, dumping nature value w/ lots 8, 102, 69 none; potentially developable 8 68 .27 Marlborough Rd. R1 0.31 New England Power Co. private ridge and wetland buffer; conservation street Undevelopable 8 69 3 Michael Rd. R1 5.70 New England Power Co. private very steep & wetland buffer; conservation limited none; potentially developable 13 5 199 Highland Ave RC 34.50 New England Power Co. private conservation electricity ROW 42 25 70 Memorial Drive R1 5.20 New England Power Co. private conservation electricity ROW 42 87 41 Fort Ave R1 .16 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 88 43 Fort Ave R1 .16 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 89 45 Fort Ave R1 .16 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 90 47 Fort Ave R1 .18 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 91 49 Fort Ave R1 .18 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 92 51 Fort Ave R1 .19 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 93 53 Fort Ave R1 .25 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none 42 95 59 Fort Ave R1 .23 South Essex Sewerage District private Open space buffer to SESD Conservation none Section 5 Inventory of lands City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 5 - Inventory Matrix Page 12 MAP LOT NAME/LOCATION ZONING ACRES OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT USE CONDITION RECREATION POTENTIAL PUBLIC ACCESS FUNDS USED DEGREE OF PROTECTION 23 2 0 Story Street RC 5.80 Leo Higgins private wooded hillside conservation limited Undevelopable 23 131 3 Parallel Street RC 0.05 Amy Workman private mainly wetland conservation value none limited - wetland 23 144 282 Canal Street RC 9.77 Esther Realty Trust private mainly aquatic conservation value road; path Limited - wetland 28 16:3 01-3 Ome Street R1 27.74 Cabot Farm Trust private none scenic/ recreation none none; potentially developable 41 259 SHARE Park/16 Derby Street R2 0.37 Morrisey Brooke D. et. Alii private, Friends group Open space/passive recreation recreation none; developable 14 33 67 R Village Street R1 4.36 Bartlett & Steadman Dev. Corp. Private homeowners association Open space/passive recreation Recreation Open Conservation restriction Total Private Land 215.39 Chapter 61 Land 28 19 Kernwood Golf Course/1-9 Kernwood Street R1 136.80 Kernwood Country Club private recreation good golf n'hood sledding/skiing Ch. 61 B 28 2 Kernwood Country Club/2 Kernwood Street R1 24.00 Kernwood Country Club private and Parks & Recreation recreation good .51 ac. is Cabot Farm Playground Good/fair Ch. 61 B Total Chapter 61 Land 160.80 Salem Internet Community Vision Section 6 Community Goals City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 6 Page 2 6 A Description of Process Participants in the second public forum and launch of the community survey The goals and objectives for this 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update were derived from a series of meetings and opportunities for public input. The basis for this effort was the previous 2007 OSRP goals and objectives. During the drafting of this plan, a variety of methods, as described in Section 2: Introduction Planning Process and Public Participation, were undertaken to gather information about the City’s open space and recreation areas and goals the community has for maintaining and improving these resources. Two public forums were held, one in February 2015 and the second in March 2015, to gather input from the community. The meetings were held at the Point Neighborhood Association meeting and the City Hall Annex, respectively. In attendance were various parties including members of the Open Space and Recreation Working Group, members of the Salem City Council, key City officials and staff, representatives of Gale, and interested citizens. Participants at the forum provided their suggestions on various goals and objectives for City parks, open spaces, and recreation programs. In addition to this, an abbreviated Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) exercise was conducted with the Working Group as an update to the previous master planning process. The purpose of a SWOT exercise is not to dictate what the community sees as important in the planning process, but rather to hear them out and work from their opinions. For the SWOT exercise, most items remained from the previous master plan analysis. However the Working Group added some new items based on community comments both from meetings and from the on-line survey. Items in italics represent items added for this plan Update.  Strengths – o Salem has a vast and varied stock of open space and recreation resources, o Public interest in what happens with parks resources o An extensive waterfront Section 6 Community Goals City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 6 Page 3  Weaknesses – o The park system does not present opportunities for all age groups, o Maintenance of current facilities is lacking, o Playing fields are overused, o Boating access to the water is limited o Lacking tree and landscape maintenance o Access to waterfront is limited o Access to parks (parking and pedestrian) needs improvement.  Opportunities – o Creation of organized winter activities, o Nature education programming (waterfront and open space) o Consistent parks maintenance and management o Waterfront development - private, public & Chapter 91 provisions.  Threats – o Fees as a barrier for users o Imbalance in park usage o Invasive flora and fauna o Vandalism o Drug use in parks Camp Naumkeag Gale Associates The second public forum was held in March 2015. The crowd at the first meeting was mostly comprised of citizens from the Point Neighborhood; the audience at the second meeting (at the City Hall Annex) were from throughout the city and had representatives from concerned groups in attendance. Both meeting forums were informal and comments were prompted from attendees through a number of questions regarding park conditions and user needs. In addition Gale Associates performed an online survey using Survey Monkey in order to gauge community priorities. The survey was posted in both Spanish and English; the city received 436 English and one Spanish response. The survey was advertised at the community meetings, on the City and School Department websites, posted at City offices, and sent to subscribers to YMCA and Boys & Girls Club email lists. The survey remained posted for roughly four weeks. Through this process of community input, some previous key issues were confirmed, and some new actions brought out (new items to this update in Italics): Section 6 Community Goals City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 6 Page 4  Lack of park maintenance remains a big concern  Preserving and increasing the street tree canopy in Salem should be a goal  Security & Drug use at parks is a problem  Parking at Fort Lee/Salem Willows Park needs to be revisited  Make sure the 2015 OSRP is coordinated with the 2008 Salem Harbor Plan  Creation of a 501(c)(3) to generate funding for parks and open space, mirroring the Friends of Boston Parks model  Expand Walking and Biking linkages throughout the City  Expand inventory of Multipurpose Athletic Fields  Provide consistent maintenance and management of park spaces.  Pervious pavement and other sustainable technologies should be the norm when it comes to upgrades and future parks and recreation projects Coordination with other planning reports Many different planning reports were considered in the formation of this report, including, most importantly, (but not limited to):  Salem Harbor Plan 2008  Salem Bicycle Circulation Master Planning Study 2010  MAPC North Shore Regional Strategic Planning Project 2011  Salem Public Art Master Plan 2013  Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan 2013  Salem Community Preservation Plan 2014  Salem Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment & Action Plan 2014 Many of the recommendations or actions listed in these reports are also actions of the Open Space and Recreation Plan, though the wording may be different. The following are excerpts from the Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan that provide an example of how plan objectives can be common between reports. From the Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan: “Objective: To make improvements that enhance the quality of public spaces, parks, and playgrounds in the Point – enhancing the resources that already exist so people who live and play in the Point can fully enjoy these resources, and supporting the creation of more opportunities for people of all ages to engage in athletic, educational, and creative activities in the neighborhood.” In the action plan included with Section 9, this objective is addressed through a number of different action items, especially those that “improve maintenance”, “Improve security”, “improve access” and “provide amenities for all age groups” Also From the Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan: Section 6 Community Goals City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 6 Page 5 Actions: 1. Improve parks, open spaces, natural resources by making small and large improvements like planting trees, fixing benches, and installing lights. 2. Organize more activities in parks and open spaces to expand knowledge of and access to natural resources in the Point. 3. Create a resource center/community center. In the action plan in Section 9, these actions are noted as objectives under their respective ‘Goals’, though worded differently. 6 B Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals Based on discussion and community input, the Working Group weighed in on which open space and recreation goals they felt were feasible and of high priority resulting in the following final set of goals listed below. These goals include those from the previous 2007 – 2014 Open Space and Recreation Plan Update, with some minor changes in wording (shown in bold). More details on the specific objectives under each goal can be found in Section 8. 1. Maintain & improve existing public spaces and recreational facilities 2. Develop and implement a capital improvement program 3. Protect open spaces, and acquire more open space when possible 4. Improve public access, security and awareness  Salem Maritime Historic Site Gale Associates Section 7 Analysis of Needs Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 2 7A Summary of Resource Protection Needs As described in previous sections, Salem is essentially a built-out community with little additional, undeveloped, open land available to add to its inventory of protected land. However, as the Industrial base of the city may be receding, opportunities for acquiring key parcels and converting them to open space may present themselves. Currently, there are about 1,955 acres of publically and privately controlled park, school and open land in a city that totals approximately 5,184 acres in total land area. Many of these open space holdings are small, or have environmental constraints (e.g., wetlands, beaches, flood zones) that give them little potential for any open space or recreational use that requires public access. Salem Willows Gale Associates There are 376 acres of land held by private parties and Chapter 61B, 161 acres of which are owned by the Kernwood Country Club as a golf course. The three parcels that comprise Kernwood are the only lands held under Chapter 61 B in Salem and there are no other Chapter 61 holdings in the city. Another 72 acres of the 376 are held by utility and railroad interests, and have limited use for open space or recreational purposes. An additional 81 acres is owned by Lynn Sand and Stone (now Aggregate Industries), on the south end of the city, and is deemed as potentially developable land that may also have some recreational potential. However, that land is currently being mined for sand and gravel, and will likely require substantial restoration before any other use can be contemplated on the site. The remaining 62 acres of privately owned land in the city have some potential for recreation or could be developable, although the smaller parcels are predominantly wet or restricted by regulated areas. The Band Stand in Salem Willows Gale Associates Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 3 What is not listed in the open space inventory, and may provide the City of Salem with the greatest potential for improvements, are the former industrial or mill properties in Salem, almost all of which are currently privately owned. Some of these properties occupy key waterfront or gateway sites in the city (e.g., the former Salem Harbor Power Station). Many have become blighted, are contaminated, or are currently proposed to be converted to residential or new commercial uses. These properties have a great potential to open up the city’s waterfront, or create greenspace corridors within the most populated parts of the city, and should not be discounted as potential open space. In addition, the City of Salem may want to focus its attention on the larger privately held parcels in the city, such as Lynn Sand and Stone (Aggregate Industries), private owners or real estate trusts, for potential larger additions to the open space inventory and parks in the city. Salem Open Land Summary Table (From Section 5 Land Inventory Matrix) Parcels Ownership Total Area (Acres) Parks and Playgrounds 40 City of Salem 547.95 Conservation Lands 50 Salem Conservation Comm. 130.13 Open City Parcels 97 Salem City and Salem Redevelopment Authority 156.15 Monuments, Medians & Traffic Islands 8 City of Salem 1.59 Other Public 14 Marblehead, Swampscott, Peabody, Nat. Park Service, State of MA 311.03 Non Profit 8 Camp Lion, Trustees, YMCA, Essex Heritage 179.86 Cemeteries 8 City of Salem & Private 225.48 Private Open Land 26 Sewer district, New England Power, B & M Railroad, Lynn Sand and Gravel, various Trusts 215.39 Chapter 61 Land 2 Kernwood Country Club & course 160.80 TOTAL 253 1,928.38 Salem’s primary water source is Wenham Lake, which is recharged by the Putnamville Reservoir, the Ipswich River and Longham Reservoir. These all lie outside the city’s border. It also is served by public sewer. Thus, open space and recreational planning in Salem has little direct impact on the city’s water supply. One of the most important water resources within the North Shore region is the Ipswich River, which, in part, provides some of the city’s drinking water and defines the North Shore region’s coastal resources. 7B Summary of Community’s Needs The City of Salem is in a unique situation with regards to its location and amenities. The community is located in close vicinity to the City of Boston and almost all of its developable land has been used. However, there is a wide array of recreational opportunities in the city. Much of this is due to the historic nature of Salem, and there are numerous outlets to learn about Salem’s history and the impact it has had on the region. Salem’s historic qualities give the city Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 4 name recognition throughout the world and capitalizing on that recognition will benefit the city further. The quality of parks and open space, as well as improved waterfront access (both by land and by sea), will help to further establish Salem as a tourist destination. City leaders need to understand this relationship when considering resources for parks maintenance and improvements. Much of Salem’s history has been defined by the witchcraft trials of the early 1600s, but the city has equally as rich a maritime and architectural heritage that can be capitalized upon to greater effect. This was recognized by the National Park Service when it established the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. Forest River Park, Winter Island Park and Salem Willows Park stand out as breathtaking natural resources and good examples of the City’s shoreline resources. However, other parks, including Mack Park, Salem Common and Salem Woods, hold an equal amount of affection with local residents. The city has a wide diversity of park and recreational opportunities and facilities, but the underlying concern voiced by residents has been the need to ensure better maintenance to these facilities and to provide enhancements at a number of them. One of the city’s shoreline resources, Forest River Park Gale Associates Enhancing, maintaining and preserving the recreation amenities in Salem continues to be a major concern of citizens and a goal of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. The community is fortunate to have a number of playgrounds and parks, as well as passive recreation areas. However, as in most communities, there are needs that are not being met. Extending and adding walking and bicycle trails, playgrounds for young children, seating/social areas for adults, playing fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football, increased security, local neighborhood parks, more conservation areas, family picnic areas and access to drinking water at park and field facilities all continue to be desired by residents of the community. Salem has many resources, including an extensive coastline that stretches 11.2 miles and over 40 parks open to the public. However, access to the waterfront and open space are often difficult to find, are out of the way and are underutilized. There is a need to provide way-finding signs to identify the routes to these locations in an effort to promote access to open space, the waterfront and further encourage use of all of the parks located throughout Salem. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 5 Another need that exists in Salem involves the elderly and disabled population of the community. Census data continues to show that Salem’s population is aging, and this trend is anticipated to continue for at least the next 10 years. Not all of the community’s available recreation amenities are accessible, nor are they geared toward older or less agile residents who require access to amenities such as water, shade and seating. As residents continue to age, more attention needs to be given to adult recreational needs (middle aged and elderly). The City of Salem should determine how to incorporate these needs into its planning for parks and recreational activities, and whether the City has the capacity to broaden its scope and expand recreational opportunities for older residents. As part of the 2007 OSRP update and planning process, the city undertook an extensive survey to determine compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with respect to accessibility to open spaces and recreational facilities in Salem. Except for the newest parks and playgrounds, the city generally was not in compliance with these requirements. An updated 2015 ADA Self-Evaluation can be found in Appendix A of this plan, along with the city’s current accessibility (ADA) policies. In 2015, as part of this Open Space and Recreation Plan Update, the city performed a detailed ADA assessment. In addition, the City is concurrently undertaking a Recreational Facility Needs Assessment in 2015 that is looking specifically at active recreational demands, needs and access. Implementing this plan update and the associated Recreational Facility Needs Assessment and Master Plan will help to ensure that future generations of residents living in Salem will be able to enjoy the open space and recreational facilities scattered throughout the community, as well as increase the image of Salem as a recreation destination for people from outside the city. State and Regional Open Space and Recreation Efforts Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: In 2012, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts updated its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP is a document that also looks at open space and recreation, but from a regional perspective. The SCORP relies heavily on the municipal OSRP updates, and names them as a crucial resource for gauging open space planning trends and for obtaining public input. The purpose of the plan is to help direct the best investment of funds and effort toward protecting and enhancing recreation resources. Salem is located in the Northeastern Region of the SCORP, which is generally considered to be urban and suburban in make-up. The 2012 Statewide Plan includes the following four goals and objectives: 1. Increase the availability of all types of trails for recreation use. 2. Increase the availability of water-based recreation. 3. Invest in recreation and conservation areas that are close to home for short visits. 4. Invest in racially, economically and age diverse neighborhoods, given their projected increase in participation in outdoor recreation. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 6 The Northeastern Region of the SCORP continues to rank fifth out of seven across the state, in terms of open space acreage and the percentage of regional land area in open space, while ranking second in population. On a regional basis, most of these open space resources serve conservation purposes rather than recreation. Per previous SCORP planning, activities that are the most popular on the state level of these open space areas include swimming, walking, sightseeing and tours, hiking and fishing. Salem is fortunate, in that it can provide most of those opportunities. This is particularly true of the sightseeing and tours, given the historic resources for which the city has become well-known. Regionally, on the North Shore, high levels of activity are reported for baseball, sunbathing, horseback riding, off-road vehicle driving, snowmobiling, motorized boating and surfing. After water-based activities, passive recreation was a significant activity in the region. Due to Salem’s substantial coastal beaches and shorelines, it is not surprising that water-based recreation is a popular choice. Again, Salem affords these types of opportunities with its large percentage of publicly accessible shoreline. In the region, the highest level of dissatisfaction fell in the bikeway category. However, Salem has made establishing more bikeways a high priority and is making progress in that regard. Metropolitan Area Planning Council Salem is part of the North Shore Task Force region of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), which promotes smart growth and regional collaboration in the general Boston Metropolitan Area. MAPC is a regional planning agency that provides planning and technical assistance for land use and transportation planning, housing energy, economic development and natural resource protection, with the intent of promoting heathy communities and an informed public. The main planning guide for MAPC is their five year strategic plan. Their plan has a number of strategic priorities, the first of which is directly related to the purpose of this report, “Encourage development and preservation consistent with smart growth principals.” As part of MAPC land use efforts, they have completed a number of recent studies for the City of Salem. In 2013, they collaborated with the City on the Salem Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan (2013 – 2020). The North Shore Regional Planning Project identified Priority Development Areas (PDA’s), Priority Preservation Areas (PPA’s) and Regional Significant Transportation Investments (RSTI’s). That project helped to inform this Open Space and Recreation Plan Update. MAPC mapping indicates the following priority development areas: A. Highland Avenue Business Corridor B. Swampscott Road Business industrial Park C. Canal Street Corridor D. Downtown E. North River Canal Neighborhood Master Plan Implementation F. Bridge Street Corridor ‘Neck’ Revitalization Plan G. Salem Harbor Power Station Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 7 MAPC mapping also indicates the following open space/preservation areas: A. Kernwood Golf Course B. Bridge street Causeway (MA DOT) C. Planters Street D. Fort Avenue E. Plummer School F. Smith Pool G. Smith Street H. South River Harborwalk I. Mill Pond J. Horton Street K. Power line ROW (west of Highland Ave.) L. Cleveland Street M. Canal Street N. Monroe Road O. Spring Road P. The Quarry (Aggregate Industries) This Open Space & Recreation Plan update includes many goals, objectives, and actions that further the goals of MetroFuture, the Boston area’s 30-year plan. This table highlights the consistency between the two plans by listing specific elements of the OSRP’s 7-Year Action Plan (right column) that support MetroFuture goals (left column). METROFUTURE GOAL SALEM OSRP ACTION PLAN 11: The region will be prepared for and resilient to natural disasters and climate change Objective: Consider Climate Change when planning for parks and open space improvement and acquisition. Action: Salem Climate Change Vulnerability & Assessment Plan should be consulted when considering development in low lying or flood prone areas. Action: Consider projected future expansion of flood areas wh en locating parks, recreation areas and open space. 23: All neighborhoods will have access to safe and well-maintained parks, community gardens, and appropriate play spaces for children and youth Objective: Identify needs for different types of recreation facilities. Action: Complete on-going surveys and discussions with residents and field users to determine the need for new or improved services. Objective: Increase security at Salem Parks. Action: Work with Police to encourage foot patrols and presence in troubled parks. Action: Trim trees and shrubs in parks increase visibility and security. Action: Install lighting in parks to increase night visibility. Objective: Improve access to Parks. Action: Update parks to be accessible to all age groups and abilities. Action: Identify Parks where additional parking is needed & feasible. Action: Explore feasibility of drinking water access at parks. Action: Maintain & upgrade walks, linkages and amenities for accessibility. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 8 METROFUTURE GOAL SALEM OSRP ACTION PLAN Objective: Establish stewardship programs to encourage community engagement and participation in park and open space improvements and maintenance activities. Action: Work with Salem community gardens to site gardens within walking distance of each neighborhood. Objective: Expand Recreational facilities and programming at existing sites and identify new opportunities. Action: Look for opportunities for new park/playground in West Salem. 25: Most residents will build regular physical activity into their daily lives Objective: Expand recreational facilities and programming at existing sites and identify new opportunities. Action: Improve & maintain hiking trails in Forest River conservation area and Highland Park/Salem Woods. Action: Continue to expand programming for water related activities such as swimming, water safety, sailing, kayaking, and environmental awareness. Action: Identify opportunities for creating open space and playground facilities in dense neighborhoods that lack such opportunities. 47: The average person will drive fewer miles every day Objective: Create more walking / biking /running trails and linkages throughout city. Action: Update bicycling master plan to analyze city streetcapes and park linkages to identify the best linkages and locations. Objective: Acquire key parcels and sites for multi-purpose trails, scenic views, and visual access to the water. Action: Acquire old railroad rights of way for multi-purpose trails. Objective: Expand bike paths and designated routes to connect to downtown and surrounding communities. Action: Update Salem Bicycle Master Plan. Action: Research and pursue future transportation enhancement funding from federal sources such as ISTEA and state sources Mass Highway, MBTA, or MAPC. Action: Create interconnecting trail system linking schools and parks on roadways and by off road routes (bike paths). Action: Create interconnecting trail system linking schools and parks on roadways and by off road routes (bike paths). Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 9 METROFUTURE GOAL SALEM OSRP ACTION PLAN 50: People will disabilities will find it easier to get around Objective: Identify capital needs at each recreational facility. Action: Identify measures needed to meet the ADA requirements for each facility. Objective: Improve access to Parks. Action: Maintain & upgrade walks, linkages and amenities for accessibility. Objective: Update equipment and park surfaces/ access to comply with current safety and ADA standards. Action: Implement and update improvements identified in the ADA self- assessment as park improvements are undertaken, and provide accessible playground facilities. 62: The region’s rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds will have sufficient clean water to support healthy populations of native fish and other species, as well as recreational uses Objective: Establish stewardship programs to encourage community engagement and participation in park and open space improvements and maintenance activities. Action: Establish a program for enhancing protection of land owned by the Conservation Commission, such as the Forest River trail. 63: The ecological condition of wetlands will improve, and fewer wetlands will be lost to development Objective: Maintain expertise of Conservation Commission membership. Action: Encourage Commissioners and agent to attend workshops and pursue certificates such as Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners. 64: The region will retain its biodiversity, and will have healthy populations of native plants and animals, and fewer invasive species Objective: Use local planning regulations to address open space preservation and protection. Action: Work with City Boards and Commissions to encourage applicants and developers to provide conservation restrictions on parcels adjacent to recreation and/or resource areas or for unique properties. Action: Encourage Developers to use the cluster Development provisions of the Salem zoning ordinance to increase the percentage of usable open space. Action: Publish and distribute to the public a pamphlet on resident actions to reduce nonpoint source pollution and continue to educate residents on importance of reducing nonpoint source pollution. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 10 METROFUTURE GOAL SALEM OSRP ACTION PLAN 65: A robust network of protected open spaces, farms, parks, and greenways will provide wildlife habitat, ecological benefits, recreational opportunities, and scenic beauty. Objective: Identify and plan for acquisition of key properties for parks and open space. Action: Identify desirable parcels not owned by the City that are located in key locations and identify the current owner. If purchase and sale is not possible speak to the current owner about developing a conservation restriction on the property. Action: Identify desirable parcels for acquisition that would improve existing park usage or access. Objective: Identify ways to restore filled wetlands and provide natural floodplain protection. Action: Id entify filled wetlands and flood zones. Action: Work with landowners to restore filled wetlands. Action: Work with property owners to implement low impact development techniques and increase flood storage. Privately Held Open Space Communication amongst the various departments, boards and commissions in the City of Salem is imperative to the success of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. The City Council, Conservation Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Park and Recreation Department, as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission, all need to coordinate regarding the implementation of this plan. There are identified needs for additional park maintenance and a consistent level of maintenance, as well as parks scheduling/programming. The City of Salem has already been successful establishing partnerships with non-profits and supporting the creation of “Friends of” groups, and should continue these efforts. . This will help leverage additional maintenance and increase funding. Additionally, non-profit organizations are often the only groups eligible for certain types of funding sources or grants. Encouraging the creation of “Friends of” groups allows for the provision of some property management functions, further assisting the City of Salem to meet the demand for services. At this time, given the open space parcels that are held privately, there is little potential for change of use in the near future that may result in new open space acquisitions. Private properties in the City present some of the only opportunities to link open spaces, provide green corridors and enable access to the waterfront. Even though these private parcels are not immediately available, the City should identify if any parcels could be considered priority acquisitions and take the steps necessary to be able to acquire key parcels or react quickly should they become available. The only land held under the Chapter 61 program is the Kernwood Country Club and, as it is the only private golf course in Salem, there is no current concern that it may change its use as a golf course. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 11 Parks and Open Space Needs Park Maintenance One of the most commonly voiced concerns brought up repeatedly in previous reports, current community meetings and surveys is that maintenance of Salem’s parks is lacking. Some parks are not reaching their potential usage due to a lack of maintenance. Vandalism that is not repaired in a timely fashion is known to promote additional vandalism, resulting in a snowball effect of deterioration at some facilities. Lack of maintenance is also frequently a safety issue, especially with regards to play equipment, play surfacing, athletic facilities and walkways, or a security issue involving poor sight lines, inoperable lighting or damaged fencing. Maintenance staff needs to be properly resourced with expertise, equipment and materials to be effective. Based upon information provided by the Recreation Director and the Parks and Recreation Commission in the drafting of this plan, the following items are high priorities for the City of Salem (in no particular order): 1. A consistent system to evaluate and document park maintenance & scheduling . 2. Complete renovations to Mary Jane Lee Park. 3. Maintain foot trails and footbridges in open spaces (e.g., Salem Woods). 4. Provide automatic irrigation at athletic fields when renovated. 5. Repair the Forest River Park Pool mechanical equipment. 6. Renovate the bathrooms at the Willows, Mack Park and Forest River Park. 7. Regularly repair and upgrade playground equipment and surfacing throughout the city. 8. Repair/replace seawalls at Collins Cove and Forest River. 9. Continue tennis and basketball court repairs throughout the city. 10. Upgrade the picnic areas at McCabe Park. 11. Improve street tree and park landscape maintenance and replacements. 12. Remove invasive plant species in parks (e.g., knotweed, phragmites, oriental bittersweet). 13. Maintenance of existing water fountains, including winterization and investigation of additional public drinking water facilities. Broken equipment at McGlew Park Internet Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 12 Walking Running and Bicycling Linkages Salem’s Bike-friendly Boulevard Internet Portions of the Salem Bike Path have been constructed at the south end of the City, with linkages to Marblehead and Peabody. The Salem Bicycling Advisory Committee commissioned a 2010 Bicycle Circulation Master Plan – this master plan calls for additional bike path linkages as well as bicycle lanes and signage throughout the city. The Bicycling Advisory Committee meets regularly and supports the development of additional linkages within the city. Walking paths are a continuing improvement project for the City, especially in downtown, where linkages to the waterfront are not always obvious. The city continues to pursue this with relation to the Harbor Plan and linkages with the recently completed Harborwalk and potential development of the Footprint Power property. Continuing development of walking linkages between parks and running loops through the city should continue to be improved to address this common desire that was noted in the community meetings, as well as the Community Survey. Waterfront Access Salem’s waterfront access is scattered throughout the city, and links or access points are not always clearly labeled. Forest River Park, Palmer Cove, Winter Island, Juniper Point, The Willows, Collins Cove and Furlong Park all offer waterfront access, but the access points are relatively short and isolated. Linear access, such as the recently completed South River Harborwalk, offer walking routes that take best advantage of waterfront access. Additional opportunities should be sought, similar to the Harborwalk, which would further link harbor access. The proposed changes to the Salem Station Property and the Salem Wharf development offer chances to increase this recreational opportunity. Access to the water for boating, canoeing or kayaking is also relatively limited. Recent improvements to the Winter Island Boat Launch, the Willows, and McCabe Park have expanded kayak/canoe access. Access for larger boats also remains limited to private boat yards and the Winter Island boat ramp. Additional waterfront access may be desired in the downtown areas. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 13 Related waterfront access is detailed in the Salem Harbor Plan, which was updated in 2008. The plan’s vision is based upon the City’s historical and maritime character, and focuses on economic development, cultural and historical features, and environmental resources. The main goal is to revitalize the City’s waterfront. Part of the Harbor Plan is to increase visitation to the harbor by transient recreational boaters, as well as cruise ships. Currently, the inner harbor is inaccessible to larger vessels due to shallow drafts, but proposed dredging will make this a more popular destination. All of these goals would benefit from increased pedestrian linkages, harbor walks and increased wayfaring signage between downtown and active waterfront wharfs or facilities. Additional Park Facilities Community meetings, the online survey and previous reports all note the need for additional multi-purpose rectangular fields in the city. Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department has commissioned a Recreational Facilities Needs Assessment to document the need for additional facilities. However, even without that report, need is evidenced by over-used fields on which a good stand of turf cannot be maintained. The addition of popular athletic programs in the past 20 years, such as soccer and lacrosse, as well as equal participation by women, have all put increased demand on fields and resulted in deteriorating quality of the surface and amenities. Amenities such as field lighting, bleachers, automatic irrigation, and synthetic turf can all increase the amount of usage that a field can endure, and possibly defer the need to build additional fields. Facilities should be evaluated to determine which parks would benefit most from improvements; this will be part of the 2015 field assessment report. Other park upgrades requested include amenities for adult socialization (e.g., seating and picnic areas, or adult sports, such as pickle ball), restrooms and additional measures to improve security at parks. Various other programs for sports exist in the city, including a public swimming pool, tennis courts, community gardens, volleyball, skating and other winter activities. Most of the needs related to these items are related to maintenance or replacement of existing amenities. Recreational Programming Input received from previous reports, current Working Group meetings and public forums included interest in the following: 1. More ballfields, particularly rectangular multi-purpose fields (soccer and lacrosse). 2. Promote additional environmental education programming, both in open spaces and waterfront. 3. Continue to develop winter sports programs, such as ice skating, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing (esp. at golf course and Salem Woods). 4. Provide more adult and passive recreational programming (e.g., bird watching, yoga). Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 14 7C Additional Funding Opportunities Funding is a basic need for any municipal endeavor. Numerous funding programs exist in the Commonwealth and the City of Salem has consistently used these programs to help fund projects that foster resource protection. Below is a list of a few of the many programs that exist.3 The programs are relevant to some of Salem’s needs pertaining to flooding, waterway protection, historic preservation, seawall repair, greenway and trail creation, maintenance and even information on urban forestry. It is also possible that, if an enterprise fund were established, its funds could be used as a match, in the event a local “Friends of” group were to apply for a grant. Municipal Seawall Repair Grant Seawall in Salem Willows Gale Associates The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Fund was established in 2013, by the Massachusetts Legislature, to promote public health, public safety, and ecological restoration. Under the authority created by M.G.L. c. 29, §2IIII and regulations issued under 301 CMR 15.00, Energy and Environmental Affairs will enter into contracts with qualified organizations to implement projects for the repair and removal of dams, levees, seawalls, and other forms of flood control.4 Twenty-one million dollars were made available on August 2, 2012, for applications from municipalities to receive grant funding from the state’s Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Fund. The grant funds were to be split evenly among dam and seawall projects. To date, a total of 25 applications have been received, with over $33M in funds requested. The City has received this grant in the past and it is anticipated that this program will be ongoing. 4 - http://www.mass.gov/eea/waste-mgnt-recycling/water-resources/preserving-water-resources/water-laws- and-policies/water-laws/draft-regs-re-dam-and-sea-wall-repair-or-removal-fund.html Historic Curatorship Program A competitive grant program where living or working in an historic building may be free in exchange for building renovation or repairs. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 15 Flood Management Grants The DCR’s Department of Flood Hazard Management, in coordination with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, offers two grant programs to local government to reduce the risks and costs of natural disasters, especially floods, on homeowners and communit y infrastructure. These programs include pre-disaster grants through the annual Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (FMA) and post-disaster grants through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Heritage Tree Care Grant Program This federally funded program offers competitive grants to communities with advanced tree care programs that wish to protect and enhance large or unique “heritage trees” located on public property or easements. In order to be designated a “heritage tree,” the tree must have a diameter greater than 32 inches, be designated a champion in size for its species in Massachusetts, or have documented historic significance to the community or state. This is especially relevant in Salem, where imported trees surviving from Salem’s Maritime peak still exist. MASS ReLeaf Grant Program Mass ReLeaf is a trust fund for public tree planting projects in Massachusetts. By seeking public or private funding, Mass ReLeaf is able to provide matching grants to support local projects that involve a partnership in the planting and care of trees on public land. The goals of the program are to help communities purchase trees to be planted for energy conservation, screening, community gateway or parking lot enhancement, to offset urban pollution, and to assure long- term tree survival by emphasizing proper tree selection, planting, aftercare and maintenance. Urban Forest Planning and Education Grants The goal of the Urban Forestry Program is to assist communities and non-profit groups to build support for the long-term protection and management of community trees and forests. The USDA Forest Service provides the grant funds, which the DCR administers with guidance from the Massachusetts Community Forestry Council. A maximum of $10,000.00 is available per project. Lake and Pond Grant Program The DCR’s Lake and Pond Grant Program awards grants for the protection, preservation and enhancement of public lakes and ponds in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A maximum grant of $25,000.00 is available to eligible applicants, on a 50/50 cost sharing basis. The grant program helps municipalities and local organizations struggling to meet the challenges of providing long-term solutions for lake and pond management. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 16 Recreational Trails Grants The Recreational Trails Program provides funding support for a variety of trail protection, construction and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts. This national program makes funds available to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The program is authorized and funded through the federal “Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century”, also known as TEA-21. It is administered on a reimbursement basis by the DCR, in partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board and MassDOT. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, government agencies and municipalities. Rivers and Harbors Grant Program A statewide program of matching grants from the DCR’s Office of Waterways, to towns and municipalities, for design and construction to address problems on coastal and inland waterways, lakes and great ponds. PARC and LAND Grant Program Both programs are offered through the Department of Conservation Services, under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA). The PARC Grant assists cities and towns to acquire and develop land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. In order to receive funding, projects need to be for the development of suitable outdoor recreation purposes, whether active or passive in nature. Grants are available for the acquisition of land, as well as the construction, restoration, or rehabilitation of land for park and outdoor recreation purposes (e.g., swimming pools, zoos, athletic play fields, playgrounds and game courts). Access by the general public is required. The LAND Grant helps municipal conservation commissions acquire land for natural resource and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Lands acquired may include wildlife, habitat, trails, unique natural, historic or cultural resources, water resources, forests and farm land. Compatible passive outdoor recreational uses, such as hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, bird observation and the like, are encouraged and access by the general public is required. 7D Management Needs, Potential Change of Use Management Needs The maintenance and programming of Salem’s parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces requires close coordination among City departments. Department of Public Services maintains City parks while the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services schedules events in coordination with users groups. The Park & Recreation Commission approves use of their lands for events. The Department of Planning & Community Development manages park renovation projects using grant funding it secures. User groups not directly affiliated with the School Department share use of School athletic fields with school groups. Section 7 Analysis of Needs City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 7 Page 17 Because Parks, Recreation, and Community Services and the School Department each manage scheduling for their respective athletic facilities, stakeholders suggest exploring ways to better coordinate, or even unify, scheduling. Potential Change of Use Salem has a history of successfully engaging partners to take advantage of opportunities to convert land to park, recreation, or open space uses. Recent examples include:  In 2012, Salem partnered with the Town of Marblehead and Essex County Greenbelt to purchase the former Chadwick Lead Mills for use a conservation land. Located at the mouth of the Forest River, the property is of high scenic, historic, and ecological value, but had been permitted for a multifamily housing development. In a depressed housing market, the owner offered the property for sale at a bargain price for conservation. Funds were raised through private donations, a Marblehead Proposition 2 ½ Override, and a PARC grant.  Essex National Heritage Area acquired the Bakers Island Light Station from the Coast Guard and is initiating public access to the site for the first time in over 70 years.  As mitigation for the Salem-Beverly Transportation Improvement Project, MassDOT has begun construction of Remond Park at the stub of the former Salem-Beverly Bridge Street Causeway. In addition, Chapter 91, the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act, requires that non-water- dependent development on filled tidelands include public accommodations. This ensures that many private developments along a waterbody include a public walkway. For example, the recently completed mixed-use development at 28 Goodhue Street on the North River includes such an amenity, per requirements of Chapter 91 and the Salem Planning Board’s approval. The City should continue to exploit opportunities such as these to convert land to park, recreation, and open space uses with perpetual public access.  Gale Associates Section 8 Goals and Objectives City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 8, Page 2 Vision Statement - Open Space and Recreation Goals and Objectives The community’s vision is to have an open space system and recreational resources for the current, as well as future generations, that is maintained and enhanced on an on-going basis and provides for all age groups and abilities. The natural landscape of Salem ranges from high, ledge-crowned ridges, to quiet ocean coves and the wetlands of Forest River estuary. The varied nature of Salem’s landscape, and its close ties to maritime commerce, trade and industry, have resulted in a city that is highly urbanized and almost entirely developed. Fortunately, past city leaders valued parks and open space, and preserved large portions of the city for use by citizens in perpetuity. Because of this foresight, Salem has a rather extensive network of parks, playgrounds and protected natural areas. In finalizing the list of goals for the 2015 OSRP Update, the City of Salem set out to continue the traditions of protecting and augmenting these open space and recreational resources. (Refer to Section 6, Community Goals, to understand the process of developing the goals and objectives for this 2015 Plan). Without action, those goals will never be realized. The goals provide a level of focus for the city’s attention, and the following objectives further define the process needed to achieve those goals. The following objectives are, therefore, focused on the general goals of maintenance, protection, acquisition and improvement of the City of Salem’s Parks and Open Spaces. The objectives are even more detailed by specific actions, as listed in Section 9 (Seven Year Action Plan) of this report. Priorities Goals are listed on the next page with their level of priority based on the will of the community as determined through the planning, analysis, and outreach supporting this plan update. High priority Objectives supporting each goal are in bold. City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 8, Page 3 Goal 1 (Highest Priority): Maintain Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objectives: 1. Increase park and open space maintenance to sustainable levels; prioritize and focus on neglected areas. 2. Expand recreational facilities and programming at existing sites, and identify new opportunities. 3. Plan and implement maintenance activities to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. 4. Establish stewardship programs to encourage community engagement and participation in park and open space improvements and maintenance activities. 5. Increase public street tree and landscape maintenance. 6. Provide mixed uses in parks for all age groups and abilities. 7. Create detailed, prioritized renovation plans for select parks. 8. Create more walking/running/biking linkages throughout the city. 9. Maintain & improve temporary sanitary facilities at parks. 10. Increase maintenance staffing of parks. 11. Install & maintain automatic Irrigation systems at select field facilities. 12. Include public art as part of any park or facility renovation or expansion. Goal 2 (High Priority): Develop and Implement a Capital Improvement Program Objectives: 1. Identify key maintenance and improvement needs of city recreational facilities. 2. Identify capital needs at each city-owned recreational facility. 3. Explore alternative means for funding park maintenance and improvements. Goal 3 (Medium Priority): Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible Objectives: 1. Acquire key parcels and sites for multi-purpose trails, scenic views and visual access to the waterfront. 2. Assess historic resources to prioritize improvements to protect those resources that are most endangered. 3. Provide consistently high standards for "symbolic landscapes". 4. Protect examples of Salem's ecological diversity. 5. Maintain expertise of Conservation Commission membership. 6. Use local planning regulations to address open space preservation and protection. 7. Eliminate/reduce contaminated sediment in rivers and harbor. 8. Identify and plan for acquisition of key properties for parks and open space. 9. Identify ways to restore filled wetlands and provide natural floodplain protection. 10. Seek city role in open space and water front land acquisition. City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 8, Page 4 Goal 4 (High Priority): Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objectives: 1. Identify needs for different types of recreational facilities. 2. Provide increased active and passive recreational opportunities. 3. Develop environmental education programs. 4. Make residents aware of underutilized resources by utilizing City of Salem’s website and the media to publicize programs. 5. Improve resident and visitor perception of an experience of Salem's waterfront and harbor location. 6. Improve signage to direct people to the parks and to help orient them within the parks. 7. Update equipment, park surfaces and access to comply with current safety and ADA standards 8. Expand bike paths and designated routes to connect to downtown and surrounding communities. 9. Increase and improve access to the water. Improve signage directing people to the waterfront. 10. Identify current development trends and proactively plan for open space potential. 11. Work with various groups that define Salem’s image to provide enhanced experiences and greater value when using city parks and open spaces. 12. Increase security at Salem’s parks. 13. Improve access to parks. 14. Consider climate change when planning for park and open space improvements and acquisition. At the core of all these objectives is a desire to preserve and enhance Salem’s open space and recreation resources for the current, as well as future generations. A discussion of the public process involved in adopting these goals and objectives is provided in Section 6, Community Goals. For a more specific timeframe for objectives, and the specific actions that need to be taken to realize those objectives, see Section 9, Seven Year Action Plan, which contains more detail on how and when these goals will be implemented. Salem Volunteer Tree Planting Internet  Winter Island Internet Seven Year Action Plan Section 9 – Seven Year Action Plan City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 9 Page 2 Introduction The seven-year action plan is based on the updated goals and objectives outlined in the previous section. To guide the implementation on a year-to-year basis of these actions, the City of Salem should clearly identify a committee comprised of representatives from City staff and existing boards and commissions that will be in charge of ensuring this plan is consulted, used and followed whenever capital improvements for the open spaces are proposed. The committee will be responsible not only for overall implementation of the plan, but would also work to ensure that public outreach and education is regularly sought and achieved. The Action Plan is often the most difficult component of an Open Space and Recreation Plan. Unlike the lofty and general goals and objectives of the previous sections, this is where the rubber meets the road, where the planning ideals are translated into concrete actions. An Action Plan can sometimes be difficult to commit to and be problematic to review over time. Items that have been accomplished fade from view, while the more difficult problems may linger for years. Financial and political trends may change, advancing some items while leaving others untouched. For these reasons alone, many communities are hesitant to put in writing the full scope of their intentions. In this regard an action plan should be considered a living document, subject to constant revision and change as political and fiscal conditions change, as opposed to fixed testament of what must be. The following action plan intends to deliver on the promise of the goals and objectives expressed throughout this process, with a program of tangible steps for the City to take over the next seven years. There is a high level of activity on these issues, based upon the input received during the planning process. These actions are targeted to address the physical as well as the organizational issues confronting the City, as described and analyzed in Section 7. The seven-year action plan described below works to correct these “process” problems, while still maintain ing a focus on the substantive issues of open space and recreation preservation, acquisition, enhancement, management, and maintenance. Some of these actions may already be well underway; others are ongoing but need additional support and some are perpetual goals that will always require attention. While all actions listed are recognized as important, three areas in particular rise to the top as being absolutely essential for any future progress towards meeting the goals of this Plan:  Obtaining continued and unrelenting support from City Leaders and Commissions regarding the level of funding for necessary for consistent and quality parks maintenance and management. City staff, commissions, and boards must also regularly confirm and advocate for the importance of City open space and recreation needs. This will be an on-going action item for city staff to educate the public, and city leaders on the importance of properly funding and staffing this important and highly visible component of the City’s infrastructure. Section 9 – Seven Year Action Plan City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 9 Page 3  While it is understood that there are competing needs in the City, all city leaders and decision makers must be made aware of, and educated that the conditions and quality of open spaces and parks in Salem is a Quality of Life issue that is extremely important to the residents of Salem and the perception of the city to outside communities.  Securing additional sources of funding, staffing, and other support for park facility maintenance and enhancement. There is strong interest in increased amenities at parks and creating additional parks. Resources to achieve these goals can be scarce and the City must continue to be creative in how funds are raised. New Playground on Salem Common Internet Seven Year Action Plan The following map (Map 7: Action Plan and Priorities) and table outline Salem’s seven year action plan. Section 9 – Seven Year Action Plan City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 9 Page 4 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 1 of 25 S EVEN Y EAR A CTION P LAN 2015 -2022 KEY Goal 1 – Maintain Goal 2 – Capital Improve Goal 3 – Protect & Acquire Goal 4 – Access & Awareness DPS – Department of Public Services DPCD – Department of Planning and Community Services. PRCS - Parks Recreation and Community Services Salem 2015-2022 Open Space and Recreation Seven Year Action Plan Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year Increase park and open space maintenance to sustainable levels, prioritize and focus on neglected areas.  Educate & obtain support from city leaders, elected officials, staff, commissions and boards that open space and recreation is a central & lasting priority for the citizens of the city of Salem Parks and Rec Commission. 2015 Community Input meetings and online survey as part of recreation needs master plan. N/A 2015-2022  Inventory and evaluate data to address parks in poor condition prioritizing safety concerns. PRCS, DPS, Parks and Rec. Comm. 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment for all city properties & Open Space and Recreation Plan Update by Gale Associates City 2015  Implement Winter Island master plan: - Barracks bldg. rehab - Hanger rehab. - Ft. Pickering restoration - USCG hanger plaza DPCD 2003 – Hanger roof replacement 2007 the City completed a feasibility and re-use study of the barracks/admin. building. 2009 the City performed some minor restoration of historic features . 2011,the Cecil Group completed a Winter Island master plan. City, Federal and State Grants 2015, 2016 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 2 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year - Improve paths and walkways - New park furnishings and amenities - Infrastructure improvements 2010 the city restored the lighthouse, installed a sewage pumping station, and made minor repairs to the door and exterior masonry of the hangar using a federal EDI 2010 Boat & kayak launch and sailing facilities were improved 2010 Sail Salem starts sailing program 501 © (3) 2014, the city obtained a PARC grant to install a multiuse trail around the perimeter of the park 2014 MHC grant awarded to city to assess Fort Pickering and design its restoration)  Repair/improve picnic areas at McCabe Park. PRCS, DPS New Initiative City 2016  Improve tennis and basketball courts at parks throughout the city. PRCS 2009 to 2014 The City resurfaced basketball courts at Irzyk, Palmer Cove, Splaine, Mansell, High Street, Salem Willows and Furlong Parks and the tennis courts at Furlong Park and Salem Willows City, PARC, Fed. Land & Water 2015-2022  Develop a system for coordinating field and parks scheduling and cancelation Provide a single source for scheduling and cancelations that can reschedule events when fields are ‘unplayable’ and prevent excessive damage PRCS & DPS & Schools ITS Spec. Events Coordinator New Initiative 2015-2016  Replace & repair park benches & tables on a regular basis. DPS, Park and Recreation Donation Program 25+ benches were donated so far; (The Willows and Winter Island – all benches have been improved) City & Donors 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 3 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year  Set program in place for regularly evaluating and repairing Play structures and safety surfaces per consumer product safety guidelines PRCS, DPS New Initiative City & CPA 2015-2016 Expand Recreational facilities and programming at existing sites and identify new opportunities.  Improve & maintain hiking trails in Forest River conservation area and Highland Park/Salem Woods. PRCS Friends Groups Con Comm 2010 The city improved drainage, trail and foot bridge improvements to Highland Park/Salem Woods. 2010, 2012, 2014 volunteer maintenance of Forest River conservation area 2015 Forest river trails and footbridges assessment MA DCR CPA Volunteers ConCom 2015-2017  Continue to expand programming for water related activities such as swimming, water safety, sailing, kayaking, and environmental awareness. Parks and Rec. Commission, PRCS 2008 – 2009 Sail Salem, kayaking and boat cruise (private vendors) added to Salem Willows and Winter Island. Operation of programs at Forest Park pool City, non-profits 2015-2022  Evaluate need and feasibility of drinking fountains at parks, using current technology. Consider Mary Jane Lee park as trial installation. Mass in Motion DPS New Initiative Grants 2015, 2016 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 4 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year  Increase environmental recreation programming (open space and waterfront). Engage Salem Sound Coastwatch, Schools, National Parks, Historical Societies, State agencies (DCR), Conservation and other organizations to host/provide environmental programming Parks and Rec. Commission, PRCS Con Comm The following programs now use Salem Parks: Salem Sound Coastwatch, YMCA Various summer Camps Sail Salem Winter Island sailing program City Con Comm & non-profits 2015-2022  Find locations, pursue funding and construct additional playing fields and playgrounds. Parks and Rec. Com and PRCS 2015 – Open Space and Recreation MP Update Completed Work: 2015 Ward Street playground 2015 Mary Jane Lee Park – New Splash Pad 2014 Bertram Field Synthetic turf & track 2010 Peabody Street & Harborwalk - new park & playground 2008 Gallows Hill - new softball field. Various 2015-2022  Identify opportunities for creating open space and playground facilities in dense neighborhoods that lack such opportunities. Parks and Rec. Comm. 2015: Salem Harbor Station/Footprint Energy opportunity 2015 Bridge St. causeway/Remond park under construction 2013 – Point Neighborhood Vision & action plan competed 2013 –Chadwick Lead Mills acquired Various MA DOT Private City 2015-2022  Look for opportunities for new park/playground in West Salem Parks and Rec Commission PRCS New Initiative CPA 2017 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 5 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year  Consider creation of a new dog park to address overuse of the current dog park at Leslie’s Retreat Park. Parks and Rec. Comm. 2010 - Leslies Retreat dog park expanded. City 2018  Continue to promote winter sports activities, such as ice skating, cross country skiing or snowshoeing at the municipal golf course. Parks and Rec. Comm. PRCS 2014, 2015 Mack Park skating 2010 snowshoeing and cross Country programming and racing started 2010 Salem Woods / golf course orienteering programming Temp. rink at Common City 2015-2022  Work with MassDOT to ensure that a park is developed at the end of Bridge St. as agreed to as mitigation for the Bridge St. bypass project. MassDOT 2015 – Bidding complete construction slated for summer 2015 MassDOT 2015, 2016 Plan and implement maintenance activities to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.  Develop and implement a plan to perform routine maintenance on an annual basis. DPS Schools Mass in Motion DPS New Initiative City 2015, 2016  Participate and track FAQs via FAQ program and respond to questions in a timely manner. PRCS 2014 ‘SeeClickFix’ online issue reporting mechanism put in place In 2009 the city implemented a Frequently asked question (FAQ) program to track and respond to questions inquiries, concerns, etc. City 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 6 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year Establish stewardship programs to encourage community engagement and participation in park and open space improvements and maintenance activities.  Maintain traffic islands and associates landscaping in locations such as Riley Plaza, and work with business sponsor and/or adopt such areas. Beautification Committee 40-45 traffic islands/public areas have been identified as potential sponsorship opportunities, with 30 areas sponsored. Sponsors/ BComm Fundraising/ Volunteer 2015-2022  Work with Salem community gardens to site gardens within walking distance of each neighborhood. Salem Community Gardens 2015 – Mack, Palmer Cove & Pickman garden improvements 2014 - Splaine Park gardens completed 2011 – Pickman Park gardens completed 2015-2022  Support and cooperate with parks “friends of” organizations. Parks and Rec. Comm. PRCS ‘Friends of Groups as of 2015: Forest River, Mack Park, Common Association, Juniper Point, Pickman Park, Salem Woods, Greenlawn Cemetery, and Winter Island 2015-2022  Establish a program for enhancing protection of land owned by the Conservation Commission, such as the Forest River trail. ConComm. 2015 – Conservation Commission conducting assessment of Forest River trails and footbridges.(funding approved) CPA Con Com DCR 2015, 2016 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 7 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year Increase public street tree and landscape maintenance (street trees)  Provide funding for DPS and tree warden to inventory, restore & add street tree planting pits and trees City/ DPS 2014 neighborhood street tree inventories City Arbor Grants DCR CPA Utilities 2017  Establish a city street tree committee to promote tree and landscape work City / DPS New Initiative 2016  Involve garden clubs and citizens in street tree revitalization efforts Parks and Recreation Comm. PRCS, DPS New Initiative 2015-2022  Continue tree donation program PRCS, Tree Warden New Initiative Donors 2015-2022  Remove invasive species and poison ivy DPS, Con Com 2015 Winter Island 2015-2022  Maintain, replace and add trees in parks DPS New Initiative 2015-2022 Provide mixed uses in parks for all age groups and abilities.  Inventory park needs as part of 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and act on recommendations PRCS 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment in progress City/Grants 2015 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 8 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year Create detailed prioritized renovation plans for select parks  Provide detailed, prioritized park renovation plans for Forest River, Mack, The Willows, Palmer Cover, Lafayette, Mary Jane Lee, McGlew PRCS 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment 2015  Evaluate the demand for indoor recreation facilities and community space PRCS / Schools 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment City 2015  Provide detailed, prioritized renovation plans for city athletic fields for McGrath, The Willows, and Palmer Cove Parks and Rec. Dep’t 2015 Recreation Facility Needs Assessment 2015 Create more walking / biking /running trails and linkages throughout city  Update bicycling master plan to analyze city streetcapes and park linkages to identify the best linkages and locations Bicycle Advisory Committee DPCD Mass in Motion Harbor walk project Salem Woods Canal Street bike path Winter Island 2015, 2016 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 9 of 25 Goal 1: Maintain & Improve Existing Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year Maintain & improve temporary sanitary facilities  Evaluate parks with greatest need of porta- potties. maintain existing restroom facilities. McGrath, Salem Willows were most noted as being in need of restrooms and maintenance. Explore covered carrels for porta-potties. DPS, PRCS New Initiative 2018, 2019 Increase- staffing of parks maintenance personnel.  Increased budget for maintenance. City Parks and Recreation Comm. PRCS, DPS New Initiative City 2015-2022 Install & maintain automatic irrigation systems at select parks & athletic field facilities  Include funds for irrigation systems in conjunction with any field renovations where appropriate DPS 2015 Athletic needs assessment study McGrath Irrigated HS upper field Irrigated (but not connected) Common Splaine Golf Course Some traffic islands 2015-2022 Include public art as part of any park or facility renovation or expansion  Coordinate parks and open space projects with public art commission to identify projects and funding sources. PRCS Public Art Commission New Initiative 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 10 of 25 Goal 2: Develop and Implement a Capital Improvement Program Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year Identify key maintenance and improvement needs in City recreational facilities.  Inventory and assess the condition of the equipment at each facility on an annual basis. PRCS 2008/2009 City implemented a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Parks 2017  Repair and improve items as necessary. PRCS, DPS, Engineering 2008 Witch House Roof 2008 Rec. Dept. Equip 2008 Forest River Pool repair 2008 Forest river park improvements 2008 Willows Restroom 2008 Seawalls 2011 Collins cove seawall 2015-2022 Identify capital needs at each recreational facility.  Develop a list of top capital improvement needs annually. PRCS 2015 Recreation evaluation and Needs assessment 2015  Identify measures needed to meet the ADA requirements for each facility. Comm. On Disabilities, PRCS New Initiative 2015 Explore alternative means for funding park maintenance and improvements.  Identify opportunities for and create dedicated park funding sources. Parks & Rec. Comm. PRCS, DPCD 2008 - Willows Park Parking Meter Fund 2010 – Leslies Park Pooch Pass Fund Salem Common use fee fund Parking passes – McCabe, Winter Island 2015-2017 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 11 of 25 Goal 2: Develop and Implement a Capital Improvement Program Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Pursue grant opportunities to enhance City parks and playgrounds. DPCD, PRCS Completed Grants: 2008 Peabody Street PARC grant 2009 Furlong improvements PARC grant. 2013 Bertram Field Renovations PARC grant 2014 Mary Jane Lee ‘Our Common Backyard’ grant 2015-2022  Seek to establish public/private partnerships. Parks and Rec. Comm. PRCS Derby St. Open Space ; maintained by SHARE Various friends groups (see above) Sail Salem – Winter Island 2015-2022  Seek to Partner with youth sports groups and athletic organizations for usage and maintenance Parks and Rec. Comm. PRCS Lacrosse and Little League provide some maintenance and materials Road races and charity walks use city parks on a regular basis Salem Youth Soccer, Flag Football, Pop Warner 2015 Partnered with North Shore Rugby 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 12 of 25 Goal 3: Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year Acquire key parcels and sites for multi- purpose trails, scenic views, and visual access to the water.  Acquire old railroad rights of way for multi- purpose trails. DPCD, Bike Advisory Comm. The City continues to negotiate with the MBTA to utilize an unused freight rail right-of-way to extend the Bike Paths. FootPrint Power, Collins Cove Path Extension 2015 Winter Island Trails 2015 Mass DOT Canal St. Bike Path Construction Harborwalk CPA, PARC Grants DEM 2015-2022 Assess historic resources and prioritize improvements to protect those resources that are most endangered.  Support Salem Historical Commission and Historic Salem Inc. efforts to identify and protect their designated “endangered” historic sites. Historic Comm., Historic Salem Inc., Parks and Rec. Comm. PRCS National Park Service Current: Winter Island Restoration Fort Pickering Current - Fort Lee Current – Derby Wharf Witch house restoration MPPF grant National Park Service Waterfront restorations 2015 Preservation Plan Updated 2015-2017  Maintain, Restore and enhance Salem’s Historic Cemeteries, and their unique features including fences, headstones, etc. Cemetery Comm. & Friends groups Broad St., Howard St., St. Peter’s Church, Charter St., Burying Point, Green lawn and Essex St. Cemeteries remain priority cemeteries for preservation. 2015 Greenlawn Cemetery Dickson memorial chapel restoration 2015 – Charter St. Cemetery restoration funds approved Doors at Chapel Completed 2015, 2018 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 13 of 25 Goal 3: Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year Provide consistently high standards for “symbolic landscapes.”  Review parking situation at the Willows to ensure that parking is confined to specific areas away from sensitive land within the park. PRCS, Park and Rec Comm Picnic tables were installed on a grass area which was previously being used for parking at the Willows and created a new area for picnics. 2016, 2017  Plant new trees in parks  Explore replacement of street trees by National Grid when damaged or removed DPS/ PRCS DPS tree replacement programs for the Common, Forest River Park and the Willows Utilities, Green Cities, CPA, 2015-2022  Continue the program for regular tree replacement and planting with a goal on increasing tree canopy at Salem’s parks and open spaces. DPS, Beautification Comm. Completed: Salem is a recognized Tree City USA. 2013 point neighborhood street tree plantings with TD bank Grant. Mass ReLeaf, Heritage Tree Care Grant, Urban Forest Planning Grant Utility Co.’s 2015-2022 Protect examples of Salem’s ecological diversity.  Consider Strengthening Salem’s wetlands ordinance to protect rare, endangered, and unique flora and fauna. Con. Comm. City Council On going 2019 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 14 of 25 Goal 3: Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Proactively eradicate invasive species at City parks, open space and wetlands. Con. Comm., and non-profit organizations Completed: 2008 phragmities at Forest River/Pickman Park 2014 Knotweed at Splaine Park 2015 phragmities at Winter Island 2015-2022 Maintain expertise of Conservation Commission membership.  Encourage Commissioners and agent to attend workshops and pursue certificates such as Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners. Con. Comm. Commissioners have been actively engaged and participate in numerous workshops over and continue to sign-up for conferences and workshops 2015-2022 Use local planning regulations to address open space preservation and protection.  Work with City Boards and Commissions to encourage applicants and developers to provide conservation restrictions on parcels adjacent to recreation and/or resource areas or for unique properties. Con. Comm. Several developments now include conservation restrictions as a condition of permitting 2015-2022  Encourage Developers to use the cluster Development provisions of the Salem zoning ordinance to increase the percentage of usable open space Planning Bd. On Going 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 15 of 25 Goal 3: Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Publish and distribute to the public a pamphlet on resident actions to reduce nonpoint source pollution and continue to educate residents on importance of reducing nonpoint source pollution. DPS,DPCD City annually supports Greenscapes program which includes distributing information to the public on non-point source pollution Coastal Nonpoint Source Grant; Sec. 319 Nonpoint Source Grant, Con. Comm. Water Dept. 2017, 2022  Pursue funding to expand household hazardous waste collection program. DPS, BOH Bi annual Salem/Beverly Hazardous waste disposal day Salem E-Waste Recycling Police Sta. Pharmaceutical waste bin 2017 Eliminate/ reduce contaminated sediment in rivers and the harbor.  Pursue dredging and contaminated sediment disposal of the South River. DPCD 2012 – current South River Dredge Project in design and permitting Govenor’s Seaport Advisory Council 2015-2018 Identify and plan for acquisition of key properties for parks and open space.  Identify desirable parcels not owned by the City that are located in key locations and identify the current owner. If purchase and sale is not possible speak to the current owner about developing a conservation restriction on the property. Committee, Con. Comm. Essex County green Belt Open Space and Recreation Plan Updates Identify privately owned open space to be monitored Chadwick Lead Mills Property recently purchased as conservation land with Marblehead. Project supported by Greenbelt and PARC grant. 2015-2017 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 16 of 25 Goal 3: Protect Open Spaces and Acquire More Open Space When Possible Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Identify desirable parcels for acquisition that would improve existing park usage or access PRCS, DPCD New Initiative CPA, DCR, PARC Grants 2016-2018 Identify ways to restore filled wetlands and provide natural floodplain protection.  Identify filled wetlands and flood zones. Con Com On Going Fines, Violators 2018-2020  Work with landowners to restore filled wetlands. Con Comm Planning Board On Going Fines, Violators 2019-2022  Work with property owners to implement low impact development techniques and increase flood storage. Planning Board Con Com DPS On Going 2015-2022 Seek city role in open space and water front land acquisition  Work to obtain waterfront access and parkland at Salem Harbor Power Station site. Planning Board, City, DPCD PRCS. Planning board decision requires Footprint to provide public access to the waterfront on its parcel. Community Benefits agreement that allows City use of Surplus Properties Chapter 91 water access 2015-2017  Work to integrate new land into waterfront parks inventory and commercial waterfront DPCD, New Initiative 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 17 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year Ensure goals and objectives of this report are being actively pursued  Annually evaluate the progress of this Action plan and adjust priorities accordingly Planning, DCPD & Parks and Rec. Comm. On going 2015-2022 Identify needs for different types of recreation facilities.  Complete on-going surveys and discussions with residents and field users to determine the need for new or improved services. Parks and Rec. Comm. PRCS 2015 Recreation Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan in progress 2015-2022 Provide increased active and passive recreational opportunities.  Review seasonal recreational programs offerings and adjust based on participation and requests for different activities. Parks and Rec. Comm. Salem developed a website enabling residents to sign-up for Park and Recreation Programs via the internet. 2016 Develop environmental education programs.  Sponsor programs at parks with non-profits to teach children about environmental topics. Parks and Rec. Comm. Con Com ‘Friends of’ groups, Schools Salem Sound Coastwatch works with students in Salem from organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club to teach them about the environment. School Programs 2015-2018 Make residents aware of underutilized resources by utilizing the City website and the media to publicize programs.  Enhance and maintain presentation of information on Salem’s website regarding recreational programs. PRCS The Parks and Recreation Commission prints and distributes a brochure two times a year which lists all of the activities available for residents. The Commission also advertises events via the City web site, Facebook, and other social networking media. 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 18 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Provide press releases for each new recreation program season. PRCS On Going 2015-2022  Display maps identifying parks, playgrounds, conservation areas on the City’s webpage and make paper copies available to the public. PRCS, Mass in Motion, Bicycling Advisory Committee 2014 City created bike maps in collaboration with Mass in Motion and Bicycling Advisory Committee. 2015-2022 Improve resident and visitor perception of an experience of Salem’s waterfront and harbor location.  Provide specific information on the City website regarding Salem history and recreational/historic opportunities for visitors. Historic Comm., Chamber, & DPCD This was completed and is posted on City Parks Website 2015-2022 Improve signage to direct people to the parks and to help orient them within the parks.  Apply City wide signage program to install, repair and update entrance signs installed at Salem’s park facilities. Parks and rec. Comm. PRCS, DPS, DPCD 2010 installed signs at Peabody Street Park, Furlong Park, Splaine Park, the Harbor walk and Winter Island. City, CPA 2016-2020  Install signage identifying public open space created through development Planning Board, PRCS., DPS 2008-2009 StrongWater Crossing Phases 1 and 2 are complete; Construction has now continued and additional trails to open space are added Developers 2017-2021 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 19 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year Update equipment and park surfaces/ access to comply with current safety and ADA standards.  Implement and update improvements identified in the ADA self- assessment as park improvements are undertaken, and provide accessible playground facilities. Comm. On Disabilities, Parks and Rec. Dep’t, DPCD Completed: 2009 and newer play equip is ADA compliant 2010 Furlong Park ADA accessible swings 2010 – The Common, Peabody & Furlong Rubber playground surfacing installed. 2014 – Splaine Park rubber play surfacing 2014 – Bertram Field turf and track Various 2015-2022 Expand bike paths and designated routes to connect to downtown and surrounding communities.  Update Salem Bicycle Master Plan Bike Advisory Comm. New Initiative 2015, 2016  Research and pursue future transportation enhancement funding from federal sources such as ISTEA and state sources Mass Highway, MBTA, or MAPC Bike Advisory Comm. New Initiative 2016-2018  Create interconnecting trail system linking schools and parks on roadways and by off road routes (bike paths). Bike Advisory Comm. Completed: 2013 – City & Marblehead Purchased Chadwick Lead Mill property which has path passing through it. ROW remains Marblehead Municipal Light Dept. property 2015 Mass DOT offroad path (Canal St) 2012? Bridge St. Bypass Path 2010 City wide Bicycle Circulation Plan complete. 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 20 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Purchase and install bike racks throughout downtown, schools, and parks. Bike Advisory Comm. 200 Bike racks were installed throughout downtown Salem. City has installed bike racks at every park in Salem Salem Spins Bike Share City 2016, 2017 Increase and improve access to the water improve signage directing people to the waterfront.  Develop and distribute a map showing waterfront access points. DPCD, Harbormaster, Completed: Essex County/Salem Kayaking Access 2018, 2019  Identify and improve access points such as public boat launches and provide required parking, signage, and other amenities. Harbormaster, PRCS, DPS, Con. Comm. New pier at Blaney St Footprint Energy Bridge St. park (Remond) 2010 New Ramp at McCabe Marina (Kernwood Marina) 2009 Winter Island – Increased Access & Dock Improvements State Public Access Board 2018, 2019  Continue to work toward implementation of a continuous Harborwalk. DPCD, Planning Board, Engineering, DPS Additional sections of the Harborwalk to be encouraged as opportunity presents itself Completed: 2010 Completed along with Peabody Park Project Additional Harborwalk under construction at Salem Wharf. Winter Island Perimeter walk to be constructed 28 Goodhue private development constructed segment of riverwalk per Ch. 91 requirements Governor’s Seaport Advisory Council 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 21 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Undertake dredging to create additional recreational boating opportunities as suggested in the Harbor Plan. DPCD Design and permitting is ongoing for South River Dredging. Governor’s Seaport Advisory Council 2015-2018 Identify current development trends and proactively plan for open space potentials  Keep aware of potential open space developments with regards to current planning DPCD, City, Parks and Rec. Comm PRCS Recent developments with Salem Harbor Station, Salem Wharf, Harborwalk and National park service, MTBA improvements and proposed multifamily residential developments. 2015-2022 Work with various groups that define Salem’s image to provide enhanced experiences and greater value using city parks and open spaces  Cooperation and communication between various City Groups and Organizations Haunted Happenings, National Parks, Maritime heritage, Historic comm, DPCD, PRCS Salem Main St. North Shore CDC New Initiative 2015-2022 Increase security at Salem Parks  Work with Police to encourage foot patrols and presence in troubled parks Police, PRCS New Initiative 2016-2020  Explore use of ‘blue light’ security kiosks in select parks Police, PRCS DPS DPCD New Initiative 2016-2017 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 22 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Trim trees and shrubs in parks increase visibility and security DPS New Initiative 2015-2022  Install lighting in parks to increase night visibility PRCS, DPS New Initiative Adjust and convert lights to reduce glare and increase perception of safety Focus efforts on: Lafayette, Peabody, Splaine and Furlong & Mary Jane Lee 2016-2019 Improve access to Parks  Update parks to be accessible to all age groups and abilities Disabilities comm, PRCS DPCD Identify needs and Prioritize ADA upgrades to amenities and sidewalks 2016-2022  Identify Parks where additional parking is needed & feasible PRCS DPCD New Initiative 2017, 2018  Explore feasibility of drinking water access at parks DPS, PRCS DPCD New Initiative 2016-2017  Maintain & upgrade walks, linkages and amenities for accessibility Disabilities comm, DPS DPCD New Initiative 2016-2010 Consider Climate Change when planning for parks and open space improvement and acquisition  Salem Climate Change Vulnerability & Assessment Plan should be consulted when considering development in low lying or flood prone areas. Planning Board DPCD Con Com Parks and Rec. Com. New Initiative 2015 Coastal Green Infrastructure Feasibility Assessment by Salem Sound Coastwatch 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 23 of 25 Goal 4: Improve Public Access, Security and Awareness Objective Actions Responsible Party Status & Progress Funding Action Year  Consider projected future expansion of flood areas when locating parks, recreation areas and open space Planning Board, DPCD, Con Com, Parks and Rec. Com. New Initiative 2015-2022 Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 24 of 25 Various Completed Items from Previous Open Space Plans Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year  Support adoption of the Community Preservation Act. Parks and Rec. Comm.  2012 Salem voters Approved CPA Complete  Develop and adopt the Low Impact Development By-Law and ordinance. City Council, Planning Bd., Stormwater Advisory Group  2012 - Low Impact Development / Storm water management ordinance enacted Complete  Develop matrix of parks, playgrounds, open space and the facilities that each has available to the public and post on the City web site Parks and Rec. Comm., DPCD  This was completed and is posted on City Parks Website  Complete Eliminate/ reduce point and nonpoint pollution.  Continue to control combined sewer outflows. DPS  The City is maintaining its NPDES permit. Ongoing Improve resident and visitor perception of an experience of Salem’s waterfront and harbor location.  Provide specific information on the City website regarding Salem history and recreational/historic opportunities for visitors. Historic Comm., Chamber, & Harbor Comm.  This was completed and is posted on City Parks Website Complete  Purchase and install bike racks throughout downtown, schools, and parks. Bike Path Comm.  2008. bike racks were installed throughout downtown Salem.  City has installed bike racks at every park in Salem City Complete Seven Year Action Plan 2015-2022 Section 9 Action Plan Matrix Page 25 of 25 Various Completed Items from Previous Open Space Plans Objective Actions Responsible Party Status Funding Action Year  Continue to work toward implementation of the harbor Walk project. Harbor Plan Imp. Comm., DPCD  2010 Completed along with Peabody Park Project  Additional Harborwalk under construction at Salem Wharf.  Winter Park Perimeter walk to be constructed Governor’s Seaport Advisory Council Phase I Complete  Internet Section 10 Public Comments Section 10 – Public Comments Table of Contents 1. 2015 - Community Meeting Minutes 2. 2015 – Online Survey Comments Sheets 3. 2015 – Review Letters October 15, 2015 Tom Devine, AICP, Senior Planner City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development 120 Washington St., 3rd Floor Salem, MA 01970 Dear Mr. Devine: Thank you for submitting the “City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 - 2022” to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) for review. The Division of Conservation Services (DCS) requires that all open space plans must be submitted to the regional planning agency for review. This review is advisory and only DCS has the power to approve a municipal open space plan. While DCS reviews open space plans for compliance with their guidelines, MAPC reviews these plans for their attention to regional issues generally and more specifically for consistency with MetroFuture, the regional policy plan for the Boston metropolitan area. The plan is very comprehensive and represents a high level of detail. The plan is highly consistent with MetroFuture and specifically links where the City’s Action Plan conforms to the MetroFuture goals. The plan should serve the City well as it continues its efforts to preserve open space and provide for the recreational needs of its residents. Thank you for the opportunity to review this plan. Sincerely, Marc D. Draisen Executive Director Cc: Lynn Duncan, MAPC Representative, City of Salem Melissa Cryan, Division of Conservation Resources Irzyk Park Gale Associates Section 11 References & Links City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 11, Page 3 References & Links City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update, Vanesse, Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 2007 - 2012, http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/2007-open-space-and-recreation- plan City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Seven Year Action Plan Update 2012 http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/2007-2014-open-space-and- recreation-action-plan-update City of Salem Master Plan Update and Action Plan, Brown, Larissa, 1996 http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/1996-master-plan-update City of Salem, Salem’s Top Employers, http://www.salem.com/business-and-economic-development/pages/salems-top-employers Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements rev 3/08, www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/dcs/osplanreq08.pdf Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program http://www.mass.gov/eea/waste-mgnt-recycling/water-resources/preserving-water-resources/water- laws-and-policies/water-laws/draft-regs-re-dam-and-sea-wall-repair-or-removal-fund.html, March 2015 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/, March 2015 Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/, March 2015 Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information Systems (MassGIS) http://www.mass.gov/anf/research-and-tech/it-serv-and-support/application-serv/office-of-geographic- information-massgis/, 2015 Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Massachusetts Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2012 http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/dcs/fy13-gr/draft-scorp-2012.pdf McHugh, Capt. Bill. City of Salem Harbormaster. http://www.salem.com/harbormaster MetroBoston DataCommon http://metroboston.datacommon.org/, March 2015 United States Census Bureau, QuickFacts Beta, [Online] http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045214/00,2559105,25, March 2015 Salem Massachusetts, Bicycle Circulation Master Planning Study, Fay, Spofford & Thorndike & the Salem Bike Path Committee 2010 http://www.salem.com/bicycling-advisory-committee/pages/bicycle-circulation-master-plan City of Salem Open Space and Recreation Plan Update 2015 Section 11, Page 3 Salem Harbor Plan, Fort Point Associates, Inc. Apex Companies LLC & the Salem Harbor Plan Implementation Committee, 2008 http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/2008-salem-harbor-plan MAPC North Shore Regional Strategic Planning Project, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), 2011 Salem Public Art Master Plan, Via Partnership LLP, 2013 http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/public-art-master-plan-91813 Point Neighborhood Vision and Action Plan, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, City of Salem, 2013 http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/point-neighborhood-vision-and- action-plan-english-august Salem Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment & Action Plan, CDM Smith, 2014 http://www.salem.com/planning-and-community-development/files/vulnerability-assessment-action- plan Winter Island Park Master Plan & Summary, The Cecil Group, Inc. 2011 http://www.salem.com/sites/salemma/files/uploads/winterislandmaster.pdf