Open Space and Recreation Plan - 2015 Facility Needs Assessment and Master Plan - Volumes 1-3 - November 2015Gale Associates, Inc.
163 Libbey Parkways | P.O. Box 890189 | Weymouth MA 02189-0004
P 781.335.6465 F 781.335.6467 www.gainc.com
RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS
ASSESSMENT AND OPEN
SPACE MASTER PLAN
Volume 1
Parks Master Planning and Needs
Assessment Report
City of Salem,
Massachusetts
November 2015
McCabe Park
Gale JN 716760
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
VOLUME 1 – Parks Master Planning and Needs Assessment Report
Section 1.1 Introduction, Background and Purpose
Section 1.2 Community Input (Volume 2 summary)
Section 1.3 Park and School Athletics Demand and Programming
(Volume 3 summary)
Section 1.4 Park Evaluations – Methodology & Results
(Volume 4 summary)
Section 1.5 Athletic Field Maintenance Practices and
Benchmarking (Appendix A summary)
Section 1.6 Planning Recommendations (General)
Section 1.7 Parks Master Planning Summary & Recommendations
VOLUME 2 – Community Input
Section 2.1 Community Survey Summary
Enclosure 1: Salem Online Community Survey Results –
Parks, Athletic Field and Open Space Master Plan
Enclosure 2: Input Meeting Minutes
Community Meeting 1 – 02/23/15
Community Meeting 2 – 03/9/15
Maintenance Interview – 02/20/15
Recreation Community Presentation – 01/20/15
VOLUME 3 – Park & School Athletics Demand & Programming
Section 3.1 Fields & Amenities Demand Methodology
Section 3.2 Field Usage Summary Tables
Section 3.3 Field Usage Summary
VOLUME 4 – Park Evaluations
Section 4.0 Park Evaluations Introduction & Methodology
Section 4.1 Parks Evaluations and Mapping
Individual site mapping for each park (46+ parks)
Aerial Photo & notes
FEMA flood mapping location
Evaluation Sheets
Photo Sheets
(all appendices attached to Volume 1) (all exhibits 11”x17”)
Appendix A Athletic Field Maintenance Evaluation
Appendix B Park Recommendations Summary
Appendix C Select Parks - Schematic Design
Exhibit A City Wide Parks Map
Exhibit B. City Parks Inventory List
Exhibit C. Inventory and Evaluation Summary Table
Exhibit D. Athletic Fields Evaluation Summary Table
Exhibit E. Field Usage Summary Table
appendices and Illustrations
table of contents
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Section 1.0 Introduction, Background and Purpose
During the winter of 2014/2015, Gale Associates, Inc. (Gale) was engaged by the City of Salem to
assist with the development of a Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master
Plan for the City of Salem, MA. The focus of the master plan effort was the development of a parks
inventory and assessment of parks recreation facilities and athletic facilities throughout the city.
The scope of this study includes evaluations, assessments and master planning for all of the city
playgrounds, parks, athletic fields, hard court facilities, school yards, and similar types of
recreation facilities. The scope of this study includes the following:
To complete a facilities inventory and assessment to identify the adequacy of existing
facilities, including parks, and athletic fields, and to identify opportunities for
improvements.
To complete a needs assessment, through sensing sessions, questionnaires and
community surveys, to determine the adequacy, effectiveness and appropriateness of
current recreational offerings and make recommendations based on perceptions of
constituents as they relate to parks, open spaces and athletic fields.
To develop a Planning Program for the City, to better meet the recreational needs of the
community as they relate to athletic fields.
To review current maintenance practices and offer recommendations regarding the
level maintenance budgeting and resources that should be allocated for the existing and
proposed inventory of athletic facilities.
To identify priority projects, programs and areas for improvement, of parks and open
spaces, to better meet the needs of the community.
To prepare a Master Plan of facility and program enhancements to better meet the
recreational needs of the City’s stakeholders.
To prepare phasing plans and capital improvement budgets consistent with the Master
Plan recommendations.
The main goal and purpose of this Master Planning study is to provide the city with a clear vision
for its parks and athletic fields, so that budgeting and planning efforts can be done in a clear and
coordinated way. Part of this goal includes the documentation of the communities wants and
needs (volume 2 of this report), and a large part is the inventory and evaluation of the existing
parks, athletic fields and park amenities (volume 3 & 4). Volume 1 consists of the narrative and
articulation of the master planning recommendations, and how those recommendations were
arrived at. These volumes contain a lot of detailed information about the parks in Salem. The
attempt has been made to make these volumes as user friendly as possible so city staff can
Volume 1 – Parks Master Planning & Needs Assessment
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reference individual parks, their inventory and conditions on an ongoing basis in the actual
implementation of the Master Plan. Some of this report recommends large scale improvements
that will affect global developments at certain parks, however the majority of the facility
evaluations concern small scale improvements that will be most efficiently addressed by city staff
on an ongoing, day to day basis as funds become available.
This first volume of the report
provides the summary and findings
of the Master Planning Study that is
backed up by the subsequent three
volumes of the Master plan report.
Volume 1 provides overall direction,
master planning and findings for the
parks. Volumes 2, 3 and 4 document
the detailed information and fact
finding that were the bulk of the
work of this report and back up the
findings of Volume 1. The last three
volumes inventory Community
concerns as well as the amenities
and usage of each park in the city.
These volumes are assembled as
documents intended to be referenced on a regular basis for staff and planners in the
implementation of Master Planning Improvements considered in volume 1.
The volumes of this report include the following:
Volume 1 – Parks Master Planning and Needs Assessment
This Volume comprises the majority of the text portions of the report and outlines
the findings drawn from the other report volumes.
Volume 2 – Community Input
The community input section documents the findings of the community input
meetings as well as the on-line survey of city residents concerning parks usage.
Volume 3 - Park & School Athletics Demand & Programming
Volume 3 documents the demand data and athletic facilities inventory at City Schools
and Parks, discusses programming and recommendations with regard to meeting
user needs for athletic field usage.
Volume 4 – Park Evaluations
This volume provides detailed information on all of the city park and school properties
with regards to park and athletic facilities and amenities. Each park is documented,
inventoried and evaluated for its character, amenities and condition.
Related City Reports and Planning Initiatives
While the subject matter of this report is concentrated on parks, and those facilities controlled by
the Recreation Department and Schools, other city efforts and developments should be
recognized and consulted in planning for current and future parks. Some of those current
initiatives include:
Greenlawn Cemetery
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Salem Open Space & Recreation Master Plan Update 2015
Footprint Energy/Salem Station Conversion
Salem Harbor front Master Planning,
Salem Port Expansion Project
Winter Island Master Plan and Renovations
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall Project
Point Neighborhood Planning
Grove street improvements/Residential Developments
Local Agencies involved in Parks and Athletics development:
Various agencies within the city are also interested in the master planning process for parks in
addition to the Recreation Department which commissioned this report. Other City agencies with
concerns about parks projects in the city include:
Salem Public Schools (athletic fields in parks)
The Department of Planning and Community Development
Mass In Motion – A bicycling and outdoor advocacy group
The Public Works Department (city arborist and street trees)
Various parks user groups
Section 1.2 (Volume 2 Summary) Community Input
A critical part of the Master Planning process is soliciting the input of the Community. Community
input was gathered through posted public meetings, the master plan working group as well as an
on-line survey of community opinions regarding open spaces and parks within the city.
Two public community meetings were held. Each meeting was publicly posted in local
publications, as well as posted on the town website and in local public buildings such as the town
hall and local community centers. At both public meetings a presentation was made outlining the
Master planning process, master planning scope and the goals that were anticipated. A translator
was available at both meetings. At the end of the presentation was a question and answer period.
In addition the Master Planning working group met a number of times to review the planning
process and goals of this plan was held as open forum in town hall. Minutes from these meetings
are included in Volume 2.
Also included in Volume 2 are the results of an on-line community wide survey regarding parks
and recreation facilities within the City. The results of this survey, comments from the community
meetings are various, and the majority of the comments relate to parks in the immediate areas
of the commenter. The most popular comments were those regarding neighborhood parks in and
around the immediate vicinity of the City’s down town, as well as the larger ‘destination’ parks in
the city.
Some of the main concerns expressed during the community input portion of the report include
the following:
The most important perceived recreational need throughout the City of Salem is for additional
open space and passive recreational uses, especially walking, biking, running, hiking, and
fitness. In response to several questions concerning current unmet recreation needs and
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potential priorities for development, the survey revealed that trails and paths is an unmet
need. It is recommended that multi-purpose trail/path networks continue to be considered
and expanded as part of any new recreational park development. Additionally, the City
should look into the renovation and possible expansion of existing trail facilities.
Though only a select demographic responded to questions concerning active recreation, the
second most important recreational need throughout the City appears to be for more or
improved athletic fields, specifically for multi-purpose use. The existing population of fields
appears to be inadequate to effectively meet current demands. This demand is consistent
with that of other communities, as the popularity
of youth soccer increases and new sports (e.g.,
lacrosse) become more widely played.
While additional fields were indicated as a
priority for development, the use of synthetic turf
and athletic lighting as a means to increase use of
existing fields seems to remain an option. Based
on the results indicating support for synthetic
turf, we feel that the incorporation of synthetic
turf or lighting could be considered to meet
demand, in lieu of developing new fields.
It is apparent, through both survey responses and
results of the sensing sessions, that there is a
perception that maintenance and upkeep of
parks is not sufficient. There also appears to be
the perception that the lack of maintenance is
affecting serviceability of the City’s athletic field
inventory. In response to open ended questions,
there is a perception that additional maintenance
is required, rather than new or improved
facilities.
Questions concerning city spending on parks reveals a perception that not enough is being
done to maintain existing parks, and that respondents are in support of additional municipal
spending for maintenance, as well as open space acquisition.
Maintenance of existing city trees and landscape was rated overwhelmingly as very important
to the respondents.
During the community meetings a number of different issues were brought up during the
question and comment period of the meetings. Concerns included lack of maintenance, need
for additional security (drug use at specific parks), Need for additional lighting, bicycle
connectivity between parks and public drinking/water fountains.
For the detailed input and comments refer to Volume #2 of this report.
Downtown Salem
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Section 1.3 (Volume 3 Summary) Park and School Athletics Demand and
Programming
Volume three of the report focuses exclusively on the athletic fields at city parks and schools.
Going into the master planning process, and community input phases of the report there was a
perception that the existing fields in the city are overused, under maintained, and are inadequate
in number to provide for the needs of the public. Subsequent comments from the community,
as well as evaluations of the fields themselves confirms these perceptions. The following
summary outlines the findings of Volume 3 of the master plan, which focuses on the existing fields
in the city, who uses them and how much.
Fields Inventory: (Table 1.3A) =Diamond, MPR=Multipurpose rectangular
FACILITY/PARK FIELD TYPE &
quantity
FIELD SIZE MAIN USERS
2. Bertram Field Stadium Multipurpose 225 X 360
400M track
High School Varsity
5. Castle Hill Playground
(Softball/MPR)
Combined
Softball/Field Hockey
60’ x200’+
150’x270’ MPR
Youth, adult and
High School Field
Hockey
8. Collins Cove Combined
Softball/MPR
60’x170/190’
145’x190’ MPR
Youth
13. Forest River Park Baseball 60’ x 185’ Little League
15. Furlong Park Softball 60’x 200;’ Youth
16. Gallows Hill Park Combined Softball &
baseball/MPR
90’x300’
60’x 200+
190’x290’MPR
Youth & Adult
21/32/C. Irzyk Park/Memorial
/Bentley School
Combined Baseball
(90’bl)/MPR
90’x310’
200’x325’
Youth/HS JV/Youth
26. Mack Park (Ledge Hill) Softball 60’x200’ High School Varsity
30. McGlew Park Softball 60’x200’ Youth & adult
31. McGrath Park Soccer (2) 200’x315’ up
205’x315’ dwn
Youth
33. Palmer Cove Park Combined
Baseball/MPR
90’x310’+
180’x290’ MPR
HS Varsity Baseball
41. Splaine Park (t-ball/softball) Softball 60’ x 155’ Youth (undersized)
45. Witchcraft Heights Combined
Softball/MPR
60’x200’+
170’x215’MPR
Youth
A. Salem High School Multipurpose
Rectangular
210’x330’ lower
170’x270’ upper
HS. Soccer
B. Bowditch School Multipurpose
Rectangular
165’x300’ School use (middle)
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Section 1.3.1 Usage Analysis Breakdowns:
From the data collected from Recreation, the schools and City user groups, there are
approximately 2250 annually scheduled uses on Salem’s athletic fields. These are distributed over
a population of roughly (16) fields throughout the city that can be used at any one time. This
quantity excludes fields not suitable for use (e.g. Mansell, Salem Willows and High School upper)
but includes undersized facilities that are on the City roster of athletic fields. The usage of various
fields varies widely. Isolated, relatively remote, undersized fields receive the least use (e.g.
McGlew, Splaine), and larger fields, closer to downtown, with parking receiving the most use (e.g.
Forest river, McGrath or Bertram.)
Inventory Analysis (Table 1.3B)
Field Inventory Qty Comments
Total Fields 20
Informal/partial/undersized
fields
-5 Splaine, Forest river practice infield, Salem
Willows, Mansell Playground, H.S. Upper
Dedicated Usable Total 15 Available Natural and Synthetic turf fields
The City inventory of athletic fields totals 15 fields that are usable for regulation play, including 1
synthetic turf field to serve a population of 41,340 (2,756 citizens per field). For comparison the
National Recreation and Park Association 2015 Database Analysis report (page 7) shows the
national average of municipalities poled were between 7100 and 7,900 population per
Multipurpose or Diamond field.
The field usage numbers only identify two facilities that receive more than 250 uses per year
(Refer to Volume 3 Field Usage Summary Matrix): Bertram Field, which is synthetic and is not
affected by the heavy use, and both fields at McGrath Park which is heavily used by Youth soccer
programs. Altogether the usage data seems to point to the following:
Softball and Little league fields seem to be in good supply – most softball and little league usage
numbers are well within sustainable levels. It should be noted however that many of the fields
in the city are undersized and do not provide adequate parking nearby for players or
spectators. The exception is the little league field at Forest River Park, which is intensively
used, has parking, lighting and other amenities.
Baseball fields (at Palmer Cove, Gallows Hill, and Memorial field) are in great demand, but
usage numbers indicate that they are well within sustainable levels. Palmer Cover and Mack
Park fields are considered as the High School Varsity Baseball and Softball fields. Memorial
field is used by High School JV, as well as adult leagues.
Most all of the Multipurpose Rectangular fields in the city are undersized for adult play.
Bertram Field is the only field in the city that is large enough for play at or above the High
School level. In addition the majority of the MPR fields in the city are isolated and/or are not
configured to for large sports programs. (E.g. limited parking, unable to use multiple fields at
once.) (E.g. Castle Hill MPR, Palmer Cove (outfield) and Gallows Hill),
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Field Types (table 1.3C)
Existing Field Type Qty.
Dedicated Multi-Purpose Field 6
Informal/partial fields 5
Combined Multipurpose/Diamond Fields 6
Synthetic Turf Field 1
60' Diamond Softball 8
60’ Diamond Little League 1
90' Diamond 3
(some combination fields counted separately– will not total to 20)
Section 1.3.3 Field Usage Summary
The low usage numbers for some of the fields, along with comments from the community input
section of this report seem to suggest that there is an unmet need for Multipurpose Rectangular
(MPR) fields in the city. From the usage numbers, site evaluations and community comments we
have documented that the facilities and conditions at many of the city fields are poor. It is
suspected that players and leagues are going elsewhere to play because Salem fields are
constrained by small field sizes, poor field conditions, lack of parking or lack of amenities. This
shifting of use would not be reflected in the usage numbers and would be difficult to quantify
without further, detailed study.
McGrath and the Forest river little league
field are the only fields In the City that
approach or are above the
recommended maximum of 250 events
per year that is sustainable with
municipal level maintenance. Both these
parks have the amenities and
infrastructure (parking, fencing,
amenities) to make high usage possible.
This information suggests that at least
one larger Multipurpose Rectangular
Field is needed in the city, along with
improving conditions and infrastructure
at existing fields, to make them more
accessible, and usable.
Section 1.4 Park Evaluations–Methodology & Results (Volume 4 Summary)
For Volume 4 – Park Evaluations, each of the 45 actively developed parks listed on the towns
website, in addition to schools which had a park or recreation component as well as less formally
Bertram Field
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developed bike paths or city ‘greens’ were visited by Gale staff. Visits initially started in December
and January 2014-2015 and were followed up in March 2015 and again in August of 2015 (as part
of the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan Report – ADA accessibility review). The inventory
and conditions of the parks, are documented in Volume 4 in a number of ways; as aerial photos
that have been modified to show property boundaries, property restrictions and labels, in written
assessment forms that itemize park features and conditions in detail, and as a Park Evaluations
matrix – which summarizes the individual park features and conditions in table form.
Assessments and Recommendations for specific parks are included in Volume 1 – Assessment
Report. The intent of the detailed Evaluations is to provide town staff with a reference base and
documentation of park conditions, so that conditions can be reviewed and planning efforts
efficiently staged.
Inventory and Evaluation Summary Table
The summary of volume 4 is contained in the Inventory & Evaluation Summary Table, which
contains an abbreviated version of the individual park evaluations as well as a comparison matrix
for the parks that can be used for comparison and prioritization. The matrix provides a simple
overview of each site noting general site components, conditions and prioritized
recommendations for improvements.
Section 1.5 Athletic Field Maintenance Practices & Benchmarking
Athletic Field Maintenance practices and benchmarking were analyzed in detail in Appendix A. In
that section common recommended maintenance practices and costs were compared to the
actual Salem maintenance practices in order to benchmark where Salem maintenance compares
with that of other communities. Though actual Salem
city budget data is not broken out in a way that strictly
isolates athletic field maintenance tasks, a comparison
of the recommended field maintenance budget, and
the current Parks Department budget for ALL city parks
and facilities reveals how under funded the Parks
department currently is. The recommended budget
for JUST the athletic fields of approximately $366,000
exceeds the actual budget for ALL parks and facilities,
including paved areas, pools and playgrounds by over
$100,000 dollars.
This underfunding was noted by the public during the community meetings, working group
meetings and the on-line survey of this report. Over 70% of respondents to the online survey
answered negatively to the question “Do you feel the City of Salem is currently investing enough
resources and/or money into its parks, open spaces and athletic fields?” The conditions of the
City parks are clearly a concern that the public recognizes.
Section 1.6 Planning Recommendations – General
Having visited the parks, and evaluating them for inventory and conditions, Gale offers the
following general recommendations. These recommendations are based on our new knowledge
of the parks in Salem, their characteristics, apparent usage and community comment, with
acknowledgement of the desire to reduce maintenance needs while increasing the usage of city
parks and the image of the city.
Broken Bench - Layfayette Park
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1.6.1 Overall usage trends and recommendations:
Reduce maintenance and Programming at under or little used parks: Every park on the
Recreation Department’s list was visited for the purposes of this study. A few parks on that list
stood out as appearing very little used and isolated. Specifically Dibiase, Cabot Farm, McGlew
and Willow Beach.
Dibiase and Cabot Farm parks are
both located on dead end residential
streets, neither has parking, and both
have play equipment in
neighborhoods where most
residences have their own play
equipment. The city should consider
removing the play equipment
component of these parks to save
costs, as well as consider removing
some of the benches and picnic
spaces in lieu of more informal,
passive lawn areas that are easier to
maintain. Abandonment of basketball
courts could be considered, as these seem infrequently used also.
McGlew and Willow Beach have a different character. Willow Beach really has no amenities and
no access, and probably no recreation programming associated with it. It appears to be treated
as neighborhood beach access, and should probably be left in this state. It is not used for formal
swimming, and does not have any amenities associated with it. Consideration should be given to
removing it from the list of parks, and adding it to the Open Space Inventory.
McGlew Park is in very poor condition, with outdated play equipment, abandoned features and
rusted fence. It is also very difficult to find parking on nearby streets in order to visit McGlew.
Consideration should be given to permanently removing the (currently unusable) tennis courts at
McGlew to allow construction of a small parking area on the park interior. Though this will add
maintenance costs, and will need to be patrolled for safety and loitering purposes…it will greatly
improve access and use of this park, especially the ballfield.
Concentrate Tennis Programming and Use: While organized athletics, youth sports and new
sports programming (e.g. lacrosse & rugby) have served to increase the demand for rectangular
athletic fields, there has also been a
decrease in demand for some
sporting venues, especially tennis.
Currently almost every
neighborhood park in Salem has the
same elements: A playground, a
basketball court, a shade structure,
an open space component, and a
tennis court. In almost every
instance the tennis court has been
abandoned, is in poor condition and
is marginally usable. In many
Cabot Farm Park
Salem High School Courts
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instances courts have been repurposed- commonly for community gardens but also for street
hockey and other informal hard pavement play.
Tennis is typically a sport that people will get in the
car and drive to play. The city should consider
abandoning the ‘every park’ installation of tennis
courts and concentrate on providing a quality tennis
facility with multiple courts in 2 or 3 central
locations in the city. Multiple courts in a given
location will allow tennis programming to be
introduced if desired. For lessons or coaching a
minimum of 5 courts is desired to allow coaching
multiple players at once. The High School courts,
and Salem Willows appear to be two sites that are
particularly well suited for improving tennis
facilities. The Forest River courts also have potential, if access and vehicle parking were allowed
nearby. All these facilities have the potential for parking nearby, other users who would use the
courts, and could be equipped with lighting to expand playing hours. Removing unused tennis
courts at other parks could provide additional space for fields, community gardens or open space,
as well as reduce maintenance costs. Basketball is currently much more popular a sport…but the
same consideration should be given to parks where basketball use is rare or infrequent (e.g.
Dibiase or Cabot Farm)
Accessible Parks: Fortunately many of Salem’s neighborhood parks are relatively level in grade,
allowing handicap access within and around parks. However there are very few parks that provide
the accessible walkways and elements that allow a full parks experience to the less able. In
addition almost all of the city playgrounds and playscapes are of a design that not only requires
the less able to cross a wood chip safety surface, but requires
wheelchair bound users to leave their wheel chair to fully
experience the play equipment. Frequently the wood chip
safety surface has settled or eroded to a degree that level
access is not feasible, and access to the play equipment is
effectively blocked. At a minimum accessible pathways should
be provided at all parks linking park elements, and also
providing walking loops for more able users. The City should
also consider making at least one park a showcase for
accessibility by not only providing walkways and accessible
loops, but by providing fully wheelchair accessible play
equipment, surfacing and site amenities. Should the demand
be identified, a popular park element being added to some
municipal inventories includes ‘Dream fields’ or ‘Miracle fields’
which are artificially surfaced athletic venues that are
specifically designed for use by the less able.
Athletic Field Demand and Programming: Previous sections of this report and Volume 3 have
discussed Athletic field demand and Programming in detail. It is thought that usage on city fields
is in demand, but under represented due to scheduled uses being moved out of town or to non-
town run facilities. Another facility similar to the Forest River little league field is needed in town,
Wheel Chair 'Transfer Station" &
Settled Surface (Bowditch School)
Pickman Park Tennis court
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as are 1 or 2 full size (230’x 380’) multipurpose fields. Construction of a synthetic turf
multipurpose field could alleviate this need due to the high usage synthetic turf can withstand.
Reducing Maintenance: Reviewing maintenance procedures and scope should be done on a
regular basis, for established parks and especially for parks under development. Lawn areas
should be designed for easy access and a minimum of trimming or fussy pruning. Materials and
amenities should comply with a city standard to ease maintenance and replacement parts.
Placing garbage receptacles should be carefully reviewed. Particular examples include Leslies
Retreat Park, where removal of two thirds of the garbage receptacles could probably be
considered without decreasing service, or Patten Park where the garbage receptacles are
outdated and largely unused. Weekly emptying of a single garbage receptacle adds up to a
significant annual cost.
Park Materials, Aesthetics and Imaging: Parks should be designed like parks, and provided with
materials and amenities that are appropriate to the pedestrian level experience of parks. Many
existing city parks are currently lighted with highway type fixtures (e.g. cobra head lights) have
galvanized metal guardrails and are paved with asphalt or concrete. Standards for ornamental
lighting, wood guard rails, ornamental bollards, fencing, gates and park entryways should be
created and followed similar to other standards that are used for city parks.
Reducing Maintenance by type of Park: The urban pocket parks, urban plazas and greens listed
below are fundamentally different types of parks from the larger, open parks and fields. There is
typically not an active recreation component, there is typically more pavement, more ornamental
plantings and a much higher intensity of usage. Consideration should be given to who is
maintaining these areas. Parks staff that is geared up to maintain more open, grassed areas may
be poorly suited to maintain these areas, where a DPW crew used to asphalt, mortar and concrete
may be better suited.
1.6.2 Parks and Facilities Large Scale Planning Potentials:
Certain parks and facilities in the city are under or poorly developed, however could possibly be
developed in ways that will allow uses to be shifted from other parks, putting facilities where they
are needed and freeing up space where they are not. The High School, Gallows Hill, Palmer Cove
and Mack Park are four parks that we have especially noted.
Mack Park
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The High School appears to be one of those sites that has potential for greater development,
which would take the pressures of large active recreation uses away from existing parks where a
passive recreation component is missing. Outdoor athletic facilities at the high school are
currently in poor condition. The tennis courts are unusable and the two athletic fields are
overgrown and poorly outfitted. Renovation of the tennis facilities and fields could provide the
high school with facilities on site, reducing bussing and maintenance costs, increase school image,
and possibly allowing space to be freed-up at parks currently used for high school sports. Moving
baseball or softball back to campus could free up areas at Mack Park or Palmer Cove.
The lower High school field could also be considered for synthetic turf and lights in order to
increase usage and keep maintenance costs low. A field at the high school site that could
withstand high usage with relatively low maintenance would provide the school with an on-site
outdoor venue for soccer, field hockey, physical education and other uses that cannot currently
happen at the high school easily. Preliminary studies are recommended however, as first
evaluations of the high school site indicate nearby regulated wetland areas, steep slopes and
possible ledge rock.
Gallows Hill and Mack Park: Both Gallows Hill and Mack park offer significant open spaces, varied
topography, views, historical structures and neighborhood linkages in addition to active fields,
playgrounds and parking. Both are also centrally located in the city. Both are in need of general-
overall renovations and both have potential for providing walking loops and paths (Think NYC
Central Park style) that are greatly in demand in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Palmer Cove is currently developed and is a
popular basketball court as well as the site of
the High School Varsity baseball field,
community gardens and a Tennis court that
appears to have been adopted by an organized
Street Hockey league. Palmer Cove’s location
on the edge of the Point Neighborhood also
makes it of particular interest as the only large
park close to the Point. Any significant re
configuration of Palmer Cove is contingent on
the removal of the baseball field, however
Improvements could still be made to the park
to improve aesthetics and provide a paved
walkway, loop and linkages that could provide
water front views, and passive recreation areas linking Leavitt and Salem street, the waterfront
and amenities within the park.
Linear Paths and Linkages between parks: Ayube bike path, Collins cove harbor walk, Downtown
Harbor Walk and Canal Street bike path, (and Leslies Retreat) all provide pedestrian friendly
walkways and linkages within the city. Walkable cities and linkages such as these efforts have
been noted to be highly desirable to residents and have be cited in causing a trend away from
living in the suburbs. Every opportunity to complete and enhance walking loops and paths around
the city, within and between parks should be pursued with determination. Of particular interest
would be any opportunity for extension of waterfront access downtown. Current developments
with Salem Station/Footprint energy may greatly expand waterfront access…however a formal
pedestrian linkage from this site, to downtown is missing.
Palmer Cove
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New Parks: In recent years the city has had the opportunity to obtain properties and convert
them to parks which are now an important part of the city’s parks inventory. Leslies Retreat, and
Peabody park are recent examples. Another park to soon be added to the cities inventory is the
Bridge street extension park now (2015) under construction (to be named Remond Park). If
everything works out, city may also be able to add another park to its inventory in the next few
years as part of the Salem Station/Footprint Energy project, however, the effort must be made
and hurdles must be overcome to make this a reality.
It should be noted that the parks inventory is becoming imbalanced in that the majority of parks
are in the northern and eastern portions of the city. Consideration should be given to providing
additional parks in the western portions of the city which are currently thinly served with active
recreation parks. This was noted in some of the on-line survey comments.
1.6.3 Multipurpose Athletic Field Potentials:
Southern Salem Willows field and Mansell
Playground offer large field sized lawn areas
that are currently poorly graded and
unusable for sports. These two parks may be
able to be easily re-graded to a proper, and
much needed Multipurpose Rectangular
sports pitch, especially if earth fill is available
from a nearby construction project.
The composite Bentley School / Memorial
Park / Irzyk Park field is currently in fair to
good condition. The geometry of this field
would allow for a large combination
Multipurpose Rectangular/Baseball Field. Synthetic turf at this field should be considered in order
to allow intensive use in this area of the city, the adjacent schools, as well allow baseball uses a
venue for starting play when most other fields are too wet for use.
Park Categorization (including School Properties) (some parks fall under multiple categories)
POCKET PARKS (SMALL PARKS) URBAN PLAZAS AND GREENS
9. David Beattie Park
17. Gonyea Park
34. Patten Park
35. Peabody St. Park
42. Swiniuch Park
10. Derby Square
12. East India Square
23. Lafayette Park
24. Lappin Park
37. St. Anne’s park
38. Salem Common
G. Hawthorne Blvd Islands
DESTINATION/MULTIUSE PARKS OTHER
13. Forest River Park
25. Leslies Retreat Park (dog park)
26. Mack Park (Ledge Hill)
40. Salem Willows
44. Winter Island Park
5. Camp Numkeag
14. Fort Lee
18. Greenlawn Cemetery
20. Highland Park / Salem Woods
29. McCabe park and Marina (boat launch)
39. Salem Maritime /Derby Wharf
43. Willow ‘Beach’
Mansell Playground Field
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NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS ATHLETIC FIELDS
1. Bates School
3. Broad Street park
4. Cabot Farm Playground
5. Castle Hill Playground
7. Curtis Memorial Playground
8. Collins Cove
11. Dibiase Park
15. Furlong Park
16. Gallows Hill Park
19. High Street Park
21. Irzyk Park
26. Mack Park (Ledge Hill)
27. Mansell Playground
28. Mary Jane Lee Park
30. McGlew Park
31. McGrath Park
32. Memorial Park (Irzyk/Bentley)
33. Palmer Cove Park
35. Peabody St. Park
36. Pickman Park and Playground
41. Splaine Park
45. Witchcraft Heights
2. Bertram Field (H.S. stadium Field)
5. Castle Hill Playground (softball/MPR)
8. Collins Cove (softball)
13. Forest River Park (Little League
Baseball)
15. Furlong Park (softball)
16. Gallows Hill Park (softball/baseball)
21/32/C. Irzyk Park/Memorial/ Bentley
School
26. Mack Park (Ledge Hill) (softball field)
30. McGlew Park (softball)
31. McGrath Park ((2) Soccer)
33. Palmer Cove Park (baseball)
41. Splaine Park (t-ball/softball)
45. Witchcraft Heights (softball)
A. Salem High School (Fields)
B. Bowditch School (MPR Field)
Linear Parks
D. Collins Cove harbor Path
E. Ayube Bike path
F. Canal Street Bike Path
Also: Harbor Walk
Essex Street pedestrian mall
1.6.4 Park Amenities: Small Scale Goals & Considerations:
Pathways within parks: Accessibility code requirements require that accessible pathways be
available to the various amenities within a park. Few of the city parks currently provide accessible
pathways to park elements. Many do not provide accessible parking either. The city should
consider developing at least one city park as ‘fully accessible’ with an attempt to make all park
features comply and exceed accessibility requirements. At the remainder of the parks, the effort
to provide paved linkages within parks should be seen as opportunity to provide a system of
formal walking paths and circuits (for everyone), rather than a code mandate that must be met.
Walking loops and paths were overwhelming noted in the community survey as a need within the
city and these walkways will help meet this demand.
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Standardization of Materials and Amenities: Past
Parks development within the city has wisely used
standards with regards to the materials used and the
amenities placed at each neighborhood park. For
example basketball standards at almost every park is
of the same manufacture, and most neighborhood
parks have similar amenities: a basketball court, a
play area, a field. This has allowed a certain degree
of ease of maintenance in repairing and replacing
parts or park elements at parks. This standardization
should continue to be a priority in the renovation of
parks, and should not be seen as limiting the
creativity in future park designs.
Play areas & Play Structures: Many of the play structures in the city are of the same vintage and
manufacture, and are situated on an ‘engineered’ wood chip safety surface. Play areas, if
improperly maintained are a great liability to any municipality. Per Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) guidelines play areas should be evaluated by a Certified Playground Inspector
annually. This certification is relatively easy to obtain, and the city should consider training
someone on staff to fill this role. The greater majority of parks visited had in-adequate safety
surfacing which increases the cities exposure to liability both in regards to safety and ADA
accessibility. Older, out of date play equipment and play equipment without proper safety surface
(rubberized surface, wood chips, etc.) should be taken off line or removed immediately to limit
exposure to the City...
Water Fountains: Public access to potable water was raised as a subject at a few of the master
planning working group meetings. Many of the existing parks have (had) water fountains, but the
majority of them observed have been permanently capped and abandoned in place. The viability
of existing water services was not evaluated as part of this report. In addition 4 or 5 different
types of water fountains are used at city parks, some of which appear custom made, and some
which are manufactured: Concrete block with pipe, Concrete filled PVC pipe, precast stone and
ornamental metal fountains are all used.
Water Fountains present a large maintenance issue as well as concerns with current Health and
sanitary regulations which may require additional features such as drains to sanitary sewers.
Typical Basketball Standard
Water fountain - Concrete Filled Pipe (Forest River) Water Fountain - concrete block (Dibiase)
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Newer water fountain products provide the opportunity for less
maintenance (remote notifications, frost free and self-shut off
as well as additional features (bottle fills). Water fountains at
small neighborhood parks (without an athletic component) can
be considered for complete removal (e.g. Juniper Point Park) ,
as most people carry their own water. At larger parks, or parks
with an athletic field, renovation and modernization of water
fountains should be considered on an individual basis. Cost as
well as standardization, maintenance, replacement and
vandalism should all be considered when selecting water
fountain locations and materials.
Parks and Snow Storage: The winter and spring of 2015
provided some of the most snow the region has seen in many
years. Parks and facilities throughout the city were used for the
storage and disposal of snow. Particularly parking areas at Fort
Lee and Castle Hill Playground. All park parking areas should be
designed for possible snow storage as a compatible use at city parks. Parking and lawn areas at
Fort lee, Castle Hill, McGrath, Forest River, Gallows Hill, Mack Park, Salem Willows and Winter
Island all have potentials for snow storage areas, if accommodations for proper drainage and
cleaning of debris are made.
Winter Parks Programming: Winter parks programming was a noted request in the community
survey, parks are not typically designed with amenities that are only useable during winter
months, however winter parks programming can be considered for some parks, taking advantage
of natural park features. For example Salem common is perhaps best suited for installation of
temporary ice rinks due to its level nature and downtown location. Ponds at Greenlawn cemetery
could be used for skating if patrolled. New pathways at Salem Woods and the municipal golf
course are appropriate for cross country skiing and Mack Park provides open slopes for sledding.
Park Buildings: Many of the parks in the City have some sort of shade structure. Many of the
larger parks have had a different role in the past, and have some combination of Historic
Structures, either
actively used or
partially
abandoned. Where
these buildings are
inherited by
Recreation, a
regular and
deliberate process
of evaluating the
cost-benefit of
maintaining these
buildings should be
in place and allow
for deliberate
action. For
example some
Water Fountain - Ornamental
(Salem Common)
Upper Gallows Hill Park
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structures at Mack Park, Salem Willows and Leslies retreat, may be underused, or may have
outlived their expected lifespan. In contrast, other buildings may be structurally sound and would
be more valuable both in direct expense and in potential rental if renovated, Winter Island hanger
and barracks may be an example of this.
Parks with Buildings (other than School Buildings)
PARK BUILDINGS INVENTORY
1. Bertram Field (H.S. stadium Field) Masonry Field House, Bleachers Pressbox,
Ticket booths
3. Broad Street Park Masonry columns & wood roof shade
structure
4. Castle Hill Playground Masonry columns & wood roof shade
structure
5. Camp Naumkeag Various wood and masonry structures
7. Curtis Memorial Playground Masonry columns & wood roof shade
structure
8. Collins Cove Masonry columns & wood roof shade
structure
13. Forest River Park (Little League Baseball) Masonry Pool building
Masonry restroom/maintenance building
Wood concession/pressbox
Wood Dugouts (2)
15. Furlong Park Prefabricated Metal shade structure
16. Gallows Hill Park Historic concrete pillar & wood roof pavilion
18. Green lawn cemetery Historic stone office
Historic stone chapel
(2) metal maintenance buildings
19. High Street Park Masonry columns & wood roof shade
structure
22. Juniper Park & Playground Cedar/Wood Gazebo
25. Leslies Retreat Wood/Cedar Gazebo
Prefabricated metal/wood ped. Bridges (2)
26. Mack Park (Ledge Hill) Wood concession/pressbox
Wood Dugouts
Wood – former residence
Wood former garage & shacks (3)
29. McCabe Park and Marina Wood guard/ticket shack
33. Palmer Cove Park Concrete Dugouts
Wood Concession/Pressbox
Wood restroom/function building?
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35. Peabody St. Park Metal and plastic shade structure
36. Pickman Park and Playground Masonry columns & wood roof shade
structure
38. Salem Common Historic stone band gazebo
Historic wood Archway
39. Salem Maritime National park service maintained – various
wood houses, shacks and restroom buildings
40. Salem Willows Park (4) wood gazebo/pavilions
1 marina shack
2 charter vendor shack
1 concession building
1 restroom building (masonry)
1 wood arcade building
41. Splaine Park Metal and plastic shade structure
44. Winter Island Park 1 masonry guard shack
Prefabricated wood picnic pavilion
Camp shower/restroom bldg. (masonry)
Masonry Coast Guard Hanger & office bldg
wood gazebo at parking (2)
Small masonry utility buildings (2)
Masonry events building
Old Coast Guard Barracks (masonry,
abandoned)
Wood harbor masters shack
Section 1.6.5 Individual Park Planning Recommendations
In addition to the general park planning considerations Gale has also provided specific park by
park recommendations based on the evaluations performed for each park. These
recommendations are provided as Appendix B. These park by park recommendations are
intended to be used with the evaluations performed in volume 4 and can be used for parks
maintenance and planning throughout the city.
Winter Island Coast Guard Hanger
Mack Park - Old Residence
Charter Shack-Salem Willows
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Section 1.7 Parks Master Planning Summary & Conclusions
Salem has a rich and varied inventory of parks, including inland open spaces, trails, waterfront,
active recreation and historic buildings. In our analysis of the parks that is detailed in the four
volumes of this report, we have inventoried and evaluated the city parks, how they are used and
how they are maintained. From that analysis we suggest that the city consider four general goals
for improving the serviceability of its parks, increasing their usage and enhancing the image of the
city of Salem:
Maintain: Consider the maintenance requirements of the parks and fund maintenance programs
accordingly. As with every municipality, economic pressures directly affect the quality of facilities
available to the public. Parks and public works staff frequently live in an environment where
resources are limited, and where no amount of creativity or ingenuity can make up for too few
resources. Currently city parks are under maintained. The need for additional maintenance at
the parks has been documented in a number of different ways in this report. This need was one
of the most vocal comments at all the community meetings, and in the on-line survey. The City
should consider expanding a few key staff resources to eliminate the use of various vendors that
are currently hired for maintenance work. Some staff expansions that could be considered would
include dedicated, specialized crews for the following:
A City Tree Crew: A dedicated crew responsible for tree maintenance throughout the city. Tree
crew should include a licensed arborist and a licensed pesticide applicator. At a minimum they
would be supplied with a bucket truck, chipper and proper arborist gear.
A City Turf Grass Crew: responsible for the maintenance of athletic field and high profile lawn
areas, and would be properly equipped to perform mowing, fertilization, aeration, overseeding
irrigation repair and topdressing necessary for maintaining healthy stands of grass. This crew
would likely have a series of seasonal employees that could also maintain infield areas, stripe
fields and perform other, regular athletic facilities maintenance. The foreman should be a
licensed pesticide applicator. Consideration could be given to sharing funding for this crew with
Salem public schools for the maintenance of their fields also.
Salem Common
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A floating General Maintenance Crew: For regulating inspecting and repairing of parks amenities
such as play equipment, shade structures, water fountains, beach maintenance, fencing,
The right people will define these positions and what the need for additional unskilled or seasonal
labor will be. A skilled foreman may be able to fill numerous rolls, and seasonal scheduling can
prevent layoffs during winter months that could jeopardize retaining skilled staff. Some sharing
of resources with Public Works and schools should also be considered, they may have the need
for a tree crew, and parks may occasionally have the need for a paving or masonry crew.
Arrange: Park Uses can be re-arranged between city parks to make the best use of resources,
prevent scattering maintenance tasks through the city and concentrate certain uses in the
centralized areas, which best exploit adjacent infrastructure. Tennis facilities should be limited to
only a few locations in the city, and the amount of courts at those venues increased to allow tennis
instruction, coaching and programs. Consideration of a similar consolidation of some basketball
courts may also be appropriate. Strong consideration should also be given to moving school uses
onto campus or to adjacent properties, reducing busing costs, increasing field availability to
schools and freeing up needed space at city parks.
Improve: The facilities at some city parks are outdated, undersized or under maintained. As a
result these facilities are also under-utilized. Improving the conditions at city parks will attract
use and users (and increase maintenance needs). Accessible pathways and walking loops were a
strong need according to the on-line survey. Providing appropriate lighting is one improvement
that should be considered that allows safe use after dark, when people are home from work and
using city parks. This report has documented the need to improve athletic facilities and play areas
at city parks. This report also asks the city to consider improvements to certain parks in order to
improve ‘walkability’, safety and access.
Expand: Growth is an important aspect of any economy, even the economy of recreation. The
growth of City Parks is a reflection of the image and prosperity of a city. Walkable cities with
linkages to public transportation are known to attract young active residents. City staff should
remain aware of key opportunities to add the cities inventory of parks, and should be allowed to
advocate for their purchase. Important areas of expansion in Salem include any linkages and
expansion between downtown and the city’s historic waterfront, dedicated bike paths, especially
those that provide a 2 or 3 mile walking loop, opportunities for new parks in West Salem and
opportunities to add full size multipurpose rectangular athletic fields to the cities inventory.
Mack Park
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 1 of 10
Consideration of the resources needed to properly maintain park facilities, including
available staff and the equipment used is a vital component of parks planning. Parks do
not have the budget of a National Football League stadium, and cannot be Planned for in
the same way. Municipal maintenance budgets are typically limited, and the design of
park facilities are designed with this in mind. This section contains two parts: The first
section outlines recommended maintenance practices and provides budgeting
information based on those recommended practices. The intent of this first section is to
provide a benchmark for comparison to the next section. The second section documents
the current maintenance practices and budget for the municipally run athletic fields in
the City of Salem. In order to document current maintenance practices, maintenance
staff was interviewed and basic equipment inventoried in order to compare current
practices with those recommended to keep a municipal level playing field in playable
condition.
Section 1 – Recommended Athletic Field Maintenance Tasks
Every type of sport or use impacts wear of natural turf differently. Soccer, football,
softball and baseball each dictate a different set of conditions, requiring unique
management approaches, (e.g., soccer goal mouths versus football midfield and side line
areas). Maintenance requirements also can vary within individual fields, based on
environmental conditions, soil conditions and changes in the micro climates (sun, shade,
drainage, exposure to salt, traffic, etc.). Dedicated turf managers are aware of these
variations and apply maintenance accordingly. The following outlines the tasks and
scheduling required to properly maintain natural turf fields, and to assist in the
formulation of maintenance budgets proposed later in this section. These are general
recommendations and the costs used have been obtained from various owners
throughout the northeast, and generalized for the purposes of this report. Actual budgets
may vary based on specific site conditions, quality of field construction and the turf
manager’s actual budget and time allocations. A general description of typical athletic
turfgrass maintenance tasks are outlined below.
1.1 - Testing
As an integral part of the Integrated Turf Management Program for natural turf, each field
should have its topsoil tested regularly for nutrient levels. Samples can normally be taken
by on-site staff and sent to the UMASS Agricultural Extension Service for testing and
results (www.umass.edu/soiltest/). These tests will determine the amounts of fertilizer,
lime and sand topdressing that need to be applied as part of regular
maintenance. Knowing these results prevents unnecessary fertilizer and lime
applications, and can provide significant savings on maintenance costs and materials.
1.2 - Mowing
Turf grass in areas of play should be mowed at least weekly during the growing season to
provide a suitable playing surface. Regular mowing practices enhance turf density, color,
Athletic Field Maintenance Evaluation
Appendix A
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 2 of 10
texture, root development, wear tolerance and other key aspects of turf quality. Mowers
need to be maintained regularly, should not have any fluid leaks and must have sharp
blades. Mowers dedicated only for use on athletic fields are highly recommended, so that
blades are maintained sharp and weed seed and potential disease is not transferred to
the fields. Mowing heights are adjusted from two and a half inches (2.5”) during the
growing season (until mid-July), to three and a half inches (3.5”) from mid-July to mid-
September, and then gradually brought back down to two and a half inches
(2.5”). Clippings are either mulched and left behind, or collected and disposed of,
depending on the height of the cut and the thatch density targeted by the turf manager.
1.3 - Infield Maintenance - Baseball/Softball
During the spring (April-June) season, baseball/softball infields are typically dragged with
a machine/drag-mat (intended for infield work) and amended to smooth and dry the
infield material, as well as to adjust grades at wear areas near the bases and home
plate. The batter box and foul lines are also typically painted. For baseball, the pitcher’s
mound is adjusted and divots repaired. This work is typically performed weekly during
the regular season, and sometimes prior to every game for stadium fields or during play-
offs. The infield maintenance budget should account for spring clean-up and preparation
of the infields to remove leaves, weeds and replace bases.
1.4 – Irrigation
In New England, the irrigation season typically runs from June through August. During
that period, each field footprint should receive one inch (1”) of irrigation per week, which
should be adjusted in accordance with precipitation. For a typical 90,000 SF soccer field,
this equates to 54,000 gallons per week. Automatic irrigation systems should not be
considered to be ‘set and forget’ systems. Field managers need to actively monitor
irrigation to confirm proper timing, coverage and operation, and monitor irrigation with
the goal of using water sparingly. Fields that are watered too much are susceptible to
disease, early wear and over compaction. We recommend the use of intelligent
controllers with moisture sensors. Maintenance budgets need to account for spring start-
up and repair of irrigation systems, as well as fall winterization.
1.5 – Fertilizing
Fields are fertilized to provide micronutrients to the soil and “food” for the turf grass
plant. Fertilization should generally be performed in the early spring and summer, and
later supplemented on selected fields in the early fall, as needed. This will ensure that
sufficient nutrients are available to develop healthy root zones during the peak growth
period, which includes May and June. Fertilization should be directly related to soil tests
performed on an individual field and as part of an overall Integrated Turf Management
Program. This is particularly important for facilities that border on wetland receptors,
which may be unnecessarily contaminated by over-fertilization. Once soil sample data
has been obtained, fertilizer with the proper nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (N-P-K)
ratio should be applied at the recommended rates. Low solubility fertilizers, applied only
at rates which ensure uptake, should be used to minimize groundwater or surface water
impacts.
1.6 - Lime Application
Lime application is generally performed in late November, as it typically takes up to six (6)
months to breakdown. Lime should only be applied to soil based on the results of the
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 3 of 10
annual soil testing recommendations. Lime is caustic and should not be applied if field
use is scheduled.
1.7 - Aeration
Aeration alleviates compaction and develops deep-rooted turf. It is accomplished by
creating spaces in the turf, thus allowing moisture, nutrients and oxygen to penetrate to
the root zone. Aeration also breaks up thatch, which helps contribute to the organic
content of the soil and breaks the mat on
the soil surface. High-use fields should be
aerated two to three (2-3) times per
year. We recommend that six to seven inch
(6”-7”) hollow core aeration equipment be
used for aeration. If the intent is a long-
term modification of the root zone, we
recommend removing the plugs and top
dressing the field with coarse sand.
1.8 - Topdressing
Topdressing is applied periodically, as a soil
amendment, to maintain a smooth playing surface and to vary the root zone particle size
distribution, which affects drainage and compaction of the topsoil. Top dressing adds soil,
sand or other beneficial organic material, and soil amendments (as determined by turf
needs and based on agronomic testing) to the surface of the turf. It should always follow
core aerating, with the intent of working topdressing materials into the core holes.
1.9 - Over-Seeding
Over-seeding is recommended for all high use athletic fields. Over-seeding is the
spreading of seed over bare areas or areas that are stressed to enhance (fill in) the
stressed/bare areas, establish new turf and/or improve the condition of the turf. The
type of seed used, quantity and application timing varies with turf managers’ preferences,
time of year, and the goal(s) to be accomplished (quick patch or long term repair). Over
seeding is typically timed to coincide with aeration and topdressing tasks.
1.10 - Pesticide and Herbicide Applications
Pesticides and herbicides should be used sparingly and only be applied by licensed
applicators. Pesticides should not be applied as a prophylactic, but rather in response to
an observed pest or disease, and then tailored accordingly. Instructions and timing for
application of pesticides and herbicides is critical and should be strictly followed, as they
are typically targeted at particular stages of growth of weeds or pests. The use of
pesticides and herbicides on public properties is severely limited by Massachusetts
Law. Any chemicals used must be of recent manufacture and have quick, effective
results. Chemicals that may present health hazards should not be used. Approved
pesticides can be found on the State University System website and are known to change
periodically. Again, pesticides should be applied only as part of an overall Integrated
Turf Management Program and consistent with jurisdictional policy. This is particularly
true for facilities that border on water courses or wetland areas.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 4 of 10
1.11 - Synthetic Turf Maintenance
Synthetic turf is not totally maintenance free. Typically turf only needs to be “raked” or
‘groomed’ four times in a typical playing season (April - November). A synthetic turf
groomer is a special attachment that tows behind a gator or tractor. Grooming
redistributes the sand and rubber infill, fills in typical wear spots at the goal mouths and
improves field appearance. It also evens out the cushioning and traction qualities of the
infill materials (typically sand and rubber crumbs). Spot sanitation and rinsing to remove
bodily fluids can be done during events and should never be done in a “blanket”
application. Some owners elect to do “deep” grooming, which is typical done by a vendor
who has the specialized equipment. Deep grooming machines remove the sand and
rubber infill, rinses and filters it and replaces it as the machine moves over the
field. Magnets remove metal debris, and filters remove dust, sediment and debris from
the infill. “Deep” grooming should only be done “as needed” and is not considered a
regular maintenance task. Typically, turf comes with an eight year warranty, so owners
should not be paying for repairs to the turf during that period.
1.12 – Recommended Maintenance Budgets for Existing or New Fields
The following anticipated maintenance costs are based on the tasks listed above. These
costs have been gathered from Massachusetts municipalities over the past ten years and
Maintenance Activity
Annual Qty for
municipal level
Rectangular field
Annual Qty for
municipal level
Diamond
AnnualTask
Cost ($)
Annual
Maintenance
Cost
Rectangular
Annual
Maintenance
Cost
Diamond
Equipment Maintenance, service, inventory,
training, etc 1 1 $2,850 $2,850 $2,850
Spring Inspection\sampling 1 1 $850 $850 $850
Fertilization 1 1 $1,254 $1,254 $1,254
Spring Clean-up 1 1 $1,316 $1,316 $1,316
Pesticide/herbicide Application 2 2 $363 $726 $726
Cut grass, empty trash, restripe, rake infield 0 18 $444 $0 $7,992
Cut grass, empty trash, restripe, 18 0 $375 $6,750 $0
Aerate 2 2 $288 $576 $576
Topdress 1 1 $1,504 $1,504 $1,504
Overseed 1 1 $963 $963 $963
Irrigation 18 18 $35 $630 $630
Lime Ph Adjustment 1 1 $574 $574 $574
Winterization/leaves/irrigation 1 1 $1,638 $1,638 $1,638
** maintenance activities based on recommended municipal level regimen
**Operational costs include resources, manpower equipment and materials $19,631 $20,873Total Per field
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 5 of 10
represent average estimated costs, based on prevailing wage and materials rates. Gale
has maintained a data base of these costs from previous municipal projects. This
calculation includes an estimate of the resources, manpower, equipment and materials
to perform each activity on a typical natural turf playing field. In addition to material
costs, this calculation accounts for labor and overhead costs, as well as equipment
utilization rates and capitalization/depreciation. The following table summarizes these
calculations:
1.13 – Synthetic Turf Maintenance Costs
Typically, synthetic turf needs to be groomed four (4) times per year. This time is
estimated at five (5) hours for two (2) employees, touching up infill, grooming with a
tractor and turf rake, and clean-up. At $250/hour for crew and machines is $1,250 per
grooming, four times per year equals an anticipated synthetic turf maintenance budget
of $5,000 per synthetic turf field.
1.14 – Recommended Turf Maintenance Summary
Using these basic estimated per-field unit costs, the implementation of a typical
maintenance budget for existing and proposed fields has been calculated.
ATHLETIC FIELD FACILITY
Recommended.
Maintenance.
Budget
Bertram Field $5,000
Bowditch School Field $19,631
Castle Hill Playground $20,873
Collins Cove Playground $20,873
Forest River Park $20,873
Furlong Park $20,873
Gallows Hill Park $20,873
Mack Park $20,873
Mansell Playground Field $19,631
Memorial Park (Bentley School) $20,873
McGlew Park $20,873
McGrath Lower $19,631
McGrath Upper $19,631
Palmer Cove Park $20,873
Salem Willows Park $19,631
Splaine Park $19,631
Witchcraft Heights $20,873
Salem High School Upper Field $19,631
Salem High School Lower Field $19,631
Total Recommended Budget: $365,800
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 6 of 10
Section 2 – Current City of Salem Field Maintenance & Budget
City parks and fields are currently maintained by the Salem Parks Department (PD) and
the Salem School District Facilities Department (SDFD). Gale met with maintenance
personnel from both City departments that are responsible for the City’s parks and open
spaces. The SDFD is responsible for maintaining all of the School District’s facilities in the
City. The inventory of the School District’s facilities include: Salem High School (SHS)
Upper Field, SHS Lower Field, Collins Middle School – Bertram Field, and Nathaniel
Bowditch School Field. The PD maintains the remaining fields used by the City. Refer to
the inventory of athletic fields maintained by the PD and the SDFD, listed below:
INVENTORY OF ATHLETIC FIELDS IN SALEM:
FACILITY
RESPONSIBLE
MAINTENANCE
PARTY
SCHEDULER/
CONTROLLER
CITY
PARK
(Y/N)
Bertram Field SDFD SDFD Y
Bowditch School Field SDFD SDFD N
Castle Hill Playground PD PD Y
Collins Cove Playground PD PD Y
Forest River Park PD PD Y
Furlong Park PD PD Y
Gallows Hill Park PD PD Y
Mack Park PD PD Y
Mansell Playground Field PD PD Y
Memorial Park (Bentley School) PD PD Y
McGlew Park PD PD Y
McGrath Lower PD PD Y
McGrath Upper PD PD Y
Palmer Cove Park PD PD Y
Salem Willows Park PD PD Y
Splaine Park PD PD Y
Witchcraft Heights PD OTHER Y
Salem High School Upper Field SDFD SDFD N
Salem High School Lower Field SDFD SDFD N
2.1 Salem School District Facilities Department (SDFD) Maintenance Resources:
SDFD Maintenance Staff Resources:
1 – Salary Employee (Director)
0 – Full Time Support Staff
1 – Seasonal Staff
Schedule: April through October
Currently on a 12-day rotation for maintaining facilities.
Responsible Area: 106 Acres
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 7 of 10
SDFD Equipment Resources:
2 – Walk behind Mowers
1 – 21” Rotary Walk behind Mower
1 – 36” Rotary Mower
1 – 48” Rotary Mower
1 – Steiner 430 Max Tractor w/48” & 60” Mower Deck
School Department Out-Sourced Maintenance:
The School Department engages a third party contractor, Prescription Turf Surfaces (PTS),
for maintenance of the Nathaniel Bowditch School field. PTS provides aeration services
twice per year, maintains the irrigation system and provides general consulting for the
field.
Herbicide and Pesticide application is typically out-sourced to a licensed applicator. This
work is done seasonally as part of the sidewalk and roadway maintenance program.
The School District does not regularly perform topsoil testing, irrigation upkeep, or related
advanced turf care (e.g. aeration, weed control, over seeding,) for their athletic fields.
School Department Maintenance Concerns
Bertram Field is classified as a City Park, though it is maintained by the School
Department. The budget for the care and maintenance of Bertram Field is through the
fee schedule established for user groups of the facility. It was understood through staff
interviews that the fee schedule is not adhered to on a consistent basis.
2.2 Salem Parks Department Maintenance Resources:
PD Maintenance Staff Resources:
5 – Full Time Support Staff
1 or 2 – Seasonal Staff
Schedule: April through October
Currently on a 7-day rotation for maintaining facilities.
Responsible Area: 1,300 acres+
All City Park facilities and Open Spaces not covered by SDFD
PD Equipment Resources:
2 – 54” Scags riding mowers
1 – 48” Great Dane riding mower
1 – 21” Walk Behind De-Thatcher
1 – Riding Tractor Infield Groomer
PD Materials Inventory:
25 Tons – Infield clay mix
30 Yds – Wood chips for playgrounds
Parks Department Out-Sourced Maintenance:
The PD engages a third party contractor, Greenscape of Nashua, NH, for grass cutting
services for 90% of the City’s Parks and Open Spaces. The PD is responsible for grass
cutting operations for the remaining 10% of the City’s Parks and Open Spaces which
includes Forest River Park and Salem Common.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 8 of 10
The softball field at Witchcraft Heights is maintained by the City though it is scheduled
and controlled by a third party. The SDFD does not schedule uses at Witchcraft Heights.
The PD does not regularly perform topsoil testing for the City’s athletic fields.
A licensed herbicide applicator is engaged seasonally.
No topdressing activities are performed on any of the fields
Over seeding is done regularly on all of the fields that are irrigated.
Aeration: The PD aerates the fields once per year for every field, with the exception being
the fields at McGrath which are aerated twice per year. Additional financial support is
provided by the Salem Youth Soccer program to aid in the extra effort at McGrath.
The PD does not own an aerator, but rather borrows the aerator from the golf course as
well as contracts out to a third party, a portion of the aeration work.
The PD performs all infield maintenance for their facilities to include grooming and lining
all fields. Though there are no volunteers that assist in physically maintaining the
facilities, there is financial support from the little league program which helps in acquiring
clay infield mix and the re-sodding of park turf such as Forest River Park.
Parks Department Irrigation maintenance:
The PD is responsible for all irrigation upkeep and maintenance, spring start up and fall
shut down. All of the irrigation systems are on timers, or a set and forget type system,
with the exception of McGrath Lower field and Splaine Park which are equipped with rain
sensors.
Irrigation System Inventory:
FACILITY NAME AGE OF SYSTEM TYPE OF CONTROLS
FOREST RIVER > 12 YRS TIMER (SET AND FORGET)
McGRATH LOWER 2 YRS RAIN SENSOR (SMART)
McGRATH UPPER > 12 YRS TIMER (SET AND FORGET)
SPLAINE 1 YR RAIN SENSOR (SMART)
MACK > 12 YRS TIMER (SET AND FORGET)
WITCHCRAFT HEIGHTS 4 YRS TIMER (SET AND FORGET)
PALMERS COVE > 12 YRS TIMER (SET AND FORGET)
MEMORIAL/Bentley* > 12 YRS TIMER (SET AND FORGET)
*Memorial Park’s irrigation system is problematic, all controls are located in the school
which makes getting to the controls difficult.
Parks Department Maintenance Concerns
The Parks department feels they are under funded. More staffing and more equipment
are required to perform all the work required of them. The PD currently triage’s
maintenance tasks based on park condition, or amount of usage. Parks notoriously under
maintained include McGlew Park and Collins Cove as compared to some of the other
parks in the City due to the hierarchy of fields (primary fields vs. secondary fields) which
exist in the City.
There is no inclement weather policy in place for any of the athletic fields maintained by
the Parks Department. It is up to the game officials or league administrators to call off a
sports event due to inclement conditions.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 9 of 10
2.3 Parks Department Maintenance Budget (2015):
Total Parks Department Budget
PD MAINTENANCE TASKS APPROVED BUDGET
Ground Maintenance – Cemetery
(mulch, irrigation systems, repairs, etc.)
$3,800
Ground Maintenance – Parks & Rec
(maintenance of City Parks & Playgrounds, benches,
signs, grass seed, etc.)
$30,000
Contracted Services – Mowing (Greenscape Land Design) $125,000
Contracted Services – Cemetery Roadside, Vegetation
and Mowing
$4,950
Contracted Services – Line Painting $15,000
Tree Planting – Cemetery/Open Space $4,000
Grounds Keeping Supplies – DPW $9,700
Park & Ground Maintenance (paper for restrooms,
basketball & soccer netting, field paint, keys, etc.)
$10,000
Pool Maintenance (Opening and closing Forest River Pool,
Maintenance & Painting Forest River Pool, Chlorine)
$12,000
Recreational Supplies (Athletic Supplies – Balls, nets;
misc. supplies – replacement swings, etc.)
$12,000
Total Parks Maintenance Budget $226,450
Amount of parks budget Contracted Out $144,950
Source: FY 2015 DETAILED BUDGET REPORT EXPENSES, provided by Parks Department
The Parks Department is funded through the City Department of Public Works (DPW) with
final budget numbers approved by Town Council.
Parks Department Athletic Facilities Budget
PD Athletic Field Maintenance Tasks APPROVED BUDGET
Ground Maintenance – Parks & Rec
(maintenance of City Parks & Playgrounds, benches,
signs, grass seed, etc.)
$30,000
Contracted Services – Mowing (Greenscape Land Design) $125,000
Contracted Services – Cemetery Roadside, Vegetation
and Mowing
$4,950
Contracted Services – Line Painting $15,000
Grounds Keeping Supplies – DPW $9,700
Park & Ground Maintenance (paper for restrooms,
basketball & soccer netting, field paint, keys, etc.)
$10,000
Approximate field maintenance budget 2015 $194,650*
* cost for all parks maintenance & mowing – field’s maintenance costs not broken out
Source: FY 2015 DETAILED BUDGET REPORT EXPENSES, provided by Parks Department
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Plan Appendix A
Appendix A Athletic Facility Maintenance Evaluation Page 10 of 10
2.4 – Maintenance Budget Summary
Though actual city parks budget data is not broken out in a way that strictly isolates
athletic field maintenance tasks, a comparison of the recommend ed field maintenance
budget, and the current Parks Department budget for ALL city parks and facilities reveals
how under funded the Parks department currently is. The recommended budget for JUST
the athletic fields of approximately $366,000 exceeds the actual budget for ALL parks and
facilities, including paved areas, pools and playgrounds by over $100,000 dollars.
This underfunding is evident and was noted by the public during the community meetings,
working group meetings and the on-line survey of this report. Over 70% of respondents
to the online answered negatively to the question “Do you feel the City of Salem is
currently investing enough resources and/or money into its parks, open spaces and
athletic fields?” The conditions of the City parks are clearly a concern that the public
recognizes.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 1 of 16
Salem Parks Recommendations
(Refer also the Parks Evaluations Summary Table)
Refer to Volume 4, detailed park evaluations for each park, and the Park Evaluations Summary table for a
detailed inventory and description of each parks attributes
1. Bates School ........................................................................................ 55 Liberty Hill Ave.:
Description: A small neighborhood park area on the north end of the Bates School Property. Bates school also
includes two playscapes, a larger one on the north end of the school, and a small tot age Playscape on the
south end of the property.
Possible Improvements:
Provide benches at basketball Court
Consider providing gate at street at basketball?(school Access?)
Consider complete replacement of north Playscape area (out of date, poor condition)
Maintain:
Supplement/add safety surfacing at playstructure (North)
Backstops in fair condition - usable, some rust
Repair and maintain paved play area
2. Bertram Field ................................................................................... 1 Powder House Lane:
Description: Bertram Field is a large municipal scale lighted stadium facility with a brand-new track and facility,
however surrounding facility infrastructure is somewhat out of date, especially buildings and amenities.
Neighboring Collins Middle school has little to no outdoor recreation space.
Possible Improvements:
Consider major renovation of restrooms and office building for accessibility & code issues
Update front bleacher rail for safety (guard rail) and hand rails
Consider renovation of park entry and parking area to increase facility image.
3. Broad Street Park .................................................................................... 24 Jackson Street:
Description: A smaller neighborhood park located on the northeast corner of Collins Middle school property.
Park area is terraced into surrounding hill, and has steep slopes on all sides including adjacent parking area.
Parking generally used by the neighborhood and adjacent school.
Park Recommendation Summaries
Appendix B
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 2 of 16
Possible Improvements:
Consider accessibility Improvements. (parking spaces, ramps)
Maintain:
Repair Picnic shelter. Columns are chipped and cracked, wood roof and structure is
rotted.
Supplement/add safety surfacing, fix wood edging at Playscape. Playscape is newer and
in good cond.
Wood on bench's (2) needs replacement/refurbishment
Paint and fix basketball backstops. some rust, need nets
4. Cabot Farm Playground ......................................................................... 2 Kernwood Street:
Description: Small, isolated park on dead end street with only on street parking on a narrow road. Appears
little used and is overgrown in places
Possible Improvements:
Underused Park. Consider abandonment/removal of some park elements
Maintain:
Backstops are in fair condition: rusting, nets missing
Supplement/add safety surfacing. Playscape is in good cond.
Older spring riders do not meet current safety recommendations
Playscape area is overgrown, perimeter of park is overgrown
Wood/concrete benches, need new wood, are overgrown
shade structure needs structural repairs, area is overgrown
Concrete/wood fence needs repairs, new rails
Basketball asphalt is cracked and has weeds
Repair or remove Water fountain Concrete block, inoperable
5. Camp Naumkeag .................................................................................. 85 Memorial Drive:
Description: Seasonal Camp run by the YMCA. Area slopes steeply toward water, exposed ledge and heavily
wooded. Various wood frame and masonry block buildings. Most park facilities are out of date and do not
meet current code or accessibility requirements
Possible Improvements:
Consider complete renovation of camp facilities and amenities.
Play equipment not to current codes, Lack of safety surfacing is a safety issue.
Buildings in various conditions, many in need of renovation,
Safety and fire code improvements
Few buildings are handicap accessible
Benches in various states of repair
Worn paths indicate areas for paving
6. Castle Hill Playground .................................................................................. 14 Story Road:
Description: An open, active recreational park that includes a popular softball field, playground and
basketball. Relatively level site with adjacent residences and wetland areas to the East
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 3 of 16
Possible Improvements:
Consider renovations to asphalt parking renovations, crack repair, ponding water at south
end of parking
Remove or replace existing Water Fountain (Concrete filled PVC pipe)
Maintain:
Supplement/Add Play surfacing, Repair playground edging
Repair Wood bollards
Picnic Structure wood needs aesthetic repairs and paint
Basketball court crack and settling repairs
7. Charles R. Curtis Memorial Park ................................................................19 March Street:
Description: A stand alone, isolated neighborhood park. Relatively flat with access to adjacent bikeway
Possible Improvements:
Consider color coating Basketball pavement
Maintain:
Supplement/add safety mulch. Playscape newer and in good condition, mulch has settled
and is under standard thickness, and inaccessible
Remove graffiti, maintain benches;
Paint and fix basketball backstops in good condition, some rust, needs nets,
8. Collins Cove Playground ........................................................................... 31 Collins Street:
Description: A medium size waterfront neighborhood park on the edge of the cove. This park is mostly level
in grade is a popular softball field
Possible Improvements:
Consider general renovation of fencing, surfaces and amenities
Consider abandonment/removal of tennis component
Consider installation of multipurpose paved court.
Consider abandonment/removal of water fountains
Play equipment in need of repairs, parts replacements, swing missing. SAFETY MULCH
SETTLED, BELOW REQUIRED DEPTH.
Chain link fence between columns in poor condition, needs replacement
Consider renovation of basketball court asphalt and backstops
Consider replacement of chain link fence at seawall, rusted
Maintain:
Stone columns at street need repointing/repair
Shade structure wood in poor condition, in need of repairs and paint
Lawns - need fertilizer, over seeding and weed control
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 4 of 16
9. David J. Beattie Park ......................................................................................... 4 Fort Ave.:
Description: Small Neighborhood 'pocket park' or 'garden park' that does not contain any active recreational
elements. Park has a water easement running through its length
Possible Improvements:
Consider replacing wood fence with more durable option.
Consider paving and curbs at parking areas east.
Maintain:
Gravel paths
10. Derby Square ............................................................................................. 32 Front Street:
Description: A paved urban pedestrian square and gathering space that is part of Salem's Historic Downtown
Corridor, and includes Salem's Old City Hall. Parts of the square include old alley spaces, and the southern
portion of the square is developed as an informal amphitheater/seating/performance space.
Possible Improvements:
Consider ramp at amphitheater (south) does not have rail, is steeper than code.
Consider ramp at old town hall entry may present tripping hazard (no rail)
Consider replacing missing trees (Some existing tree pits are empty (2)).
Maintain:
Brick and concrete: heaving and changes in grade
Concrete accent panels: spalling and cracked
Girdled root systems at trees
11. Dibiase Park..................................................................................................48 Dell Street:
Description: A small, isolated, Neighborhood park on a dead end road, that appears little used.
Possible Improvements:
Consider abandonment/removal of under-used features (e.g. play equipment, half court,
water fountain)
Maintain:
Planting beds are compacted, missing plantings and are in need of general rejuvenation.
Play mulch is settled and needs replenishment (SAFETY ISSUE)
Park sign is broken down, and needs to be reinstalled
12. East India Square ..................................................................................... 158 Essex Street:
Description: A popular urban square/park that is part of the popular Essex Street Pedestrian mall. The historic
square was developed in 1976, and contains a large fountain (shaped after the City) as well as bordering shops
and restaurants.
Possible Improvements:
Maintain:
Planting beds are compacted, missing plantings and are in need of general rejuvenation.
Brick surface has few missing/cracked bricks that need repair, settling has caused minor
grade changes between concrete accents and bricks, especially east. Ornamental lighting
poles are in need of paint, rust control.
Some minor masonry repair and cleaning is needed, Fountain structure has some exposed
reinforcement/cracks
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 5 of 16
13. Forest River Park ...................................................................................... 38 Clifton Street:
Description: A large, varied use, waterfront destination park that contains a variety of year round uses, open
spaces, mature trees, walking paths, water views, athletic facilities, play areas and walkways for every type of
citizen.
Possible Improvements:
Historic Slide: good condition, but very hazardous: consider closing/reuse.
Playscapes: Replace peastone surfaces with wood chip safety surfacing
Consider paving parking area for better organization and increased efficiency.
Consider opening vehicular access & developing parking adjacent to pool building.
Consider redeveloping or abandoning tennis courts at this site (too remote from parking)
Consider renovations to pool building for accessibility and code upgrades.
Consider renovation of maintenance building (north) for accessibility.
Pool: Replace rusted fencing
Little League: remove broken bleachers and bleachers on sloped surfacing (unsafe)
Consider enhancements to entry sequence to park (e.g. entry walls, masonry & signage)
Maintain:
Repair picnic benches, wood and paint
Repair water fountains at pool and baseball. Remove other water fountains
Repair walkways adjacent to beaches, improve beach access north.
Trees: Many large mature trees, some dead trees and large dead branches.
Landscape in general needs rejuvenation/upgrades for future health
Basketball Court: asphalt cracked, faded surfacing. Rusting, but usable backstops.
14. Fort Lee .............................................................................................. 100 Memorial Drive:
Description: A piece of undeveloped, forested land immediately south of Salem Willows Park. This park is
undeveloped except for single track foot paths, historic earthworks and a gravel parking area on the east side
that is used for Salem Willows overflow parking and snow storage.
Possible Improvements:
Consider clearing east side of park to restore historic views.
Consider developing historic features of this site.
Consider removal of underbrush and invasive species
15. Furlong Park ......................................................................................... 20 Franklin Street:
Description: Furlong park is a medium size, waterfront neighborhood park with a popular softball field that
draws users from throughout the city. Furlong was recently fully renovated, with landscape, facilities and
interpretive signage and is in generally excellent condition.
Possible Improvements:
Consider widening street for additional parking width
Basketball Court, Tennis and shade structure- newer and in great condition
Maintain:
Supplement and maintain settled wood chip surface and Play Equipment
Benches and picnic benches, newer some chips in powder coating, good condition
Walks and Pavements - newer in good condition
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 6 of 16
16. Gallows Hill Park ..................................................................................... 53 Hanson Street:
Description: Gallows Hill (aka Ledge Hill) is a large varied terrain neighborhood and destination park that is
basically split in two by a steep wooded slope. The upper park contains an older picnic structure, play
equipment and open fields. The lower park contains two baseball diamonds, a play area, a skate park and a
40-50 car parking area. The lower park is immediately adjacent to Mansell Park.
Possible Improvements:
REMOVE or complete renovate upper Gallows play equipment (older, no safety surface)
Consider complete renovation of upper Gallows park areas.
Replace or Completely remove water fountains at upper Gallows (concrete block, in-operable)
Consider adding accessible walking pathways throughout park and open space areas.
Complete reconstruction of skate park with modern design. (currently unusable)
Consider complete reconstruction of lower field areas, fencing and backstop, add irrigation
Maintain:
Upper Gallows: Picnic Shelter: columns need paint and repair. Historic structure.
Lower Gallows Playscape in good to fair condition
Supplement settled safety surface
Asphalt walkways: widen, clear overgrowth and repair heaves and dips.
Parking: repair asphalt, repair perimeter fence and rocks to prevent driving on fields
Provide decorative safety/use lighting in lieu of utility lighting
17. Gonyea Park .......................................................................................... 41 Northey Street:
Description: A very small, isolated, neighborhood park/open space at the end of a dead end street. Surrounded
by multifamily housing. This park has some newer elements and 6 off street parking spaces which appear to
be used by adjacent residences.
Possible Improvements:
Consider complete removal of Water fountain (newer precast stone)
Maintain:
Playscape in good to fair condition
Supplement Wood chip mulch settled, needs renovation
Benches, and tables
Concrete walks, cracked and settled - repair tripping hazards
Lawn areas, weeds and crabgrass – renovate, fertilize, and over seed
18. Greenlawn Cemetary .................................................................................. 57 Orne Street:
Description: A large, historic and active cemetery with mature trees and monuments that is popular with
walkers and joggers.
Possible Improvements:
Prune, maintain and replace trees
Renovate historic chapel building (access & use)
Consider historic/interpretive signage/mapping
Provide screening for maintenance yard areas
Maintain:
Perimeter fence needs repair or paint in locations
Benches need wood replaced, painted.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 7 of 16
19. High Street Park ........................................................................................... 2 High Street:
Description: High Street park is a medium sizes urban 'back lot' park that is fully developed. It is located
between adjacent multifamily housing, a church and adjacent businesses.
Possible Improvements:
Supplement/Maintain Play area surfacing and equipment. Equipment is in good cond. Safety
mulch settled, and wood edging needs renovation
Replace/ Repair Chain link fencing, bent and bowed (plowing?)
Maintain:
Walkways, asphalt, needs crack repair, and root repair in locations
Basketball backstops rusted, and bent, needs repair and paint
Picnic Shelter in poor shape. Consider full removal or complete renovation.
Trees: trim up for security and air circulation
20. Highland Park/Salem Woods ................................................................... 75 Wilson Street:
Description: Highland Park/Salem is a large, natural wooded open space park with a primitive dirt trail and
board walk system adjacent to Salem Woods Golf course.
Possible Improvements:
Consider accessible boardwalk loop.
Consider wetland viewing platforms or towers.
Maintain:
Trails and board walks, Triming and repair
21. Irzyk at Memorial Park ............................................................................. 17 Fort Avenue:
Description: Irzyck Memorial park, Memorial Park and Bentley school are all the same site and are
indistinguishable as separate parks to all but city staff.
SEE BENTLEY SCHOOL EVALUATION
22. Juniper Park and Playground ........................................................................ 28 Beach Ave:
Description: Juniper park is very small isolated neighborhood park, that you wouldn't know about unless you
knew where it was. Adjacent buildings abut right against park boundaries.
Possible Improvements:
Consider complete removal of water fountain (newer precast stone)
Supplement/maintain Play surfacing and equipment. Equipment is in newer, good condition,
Wood mulch has settled, and needs restoration, Wood edging is heaved, needs minor
adjustments
Maintain:
Benches, wood/concrete benches need wood pieces replaced, paint.
Basketball: Asphalt needs minor crack repairs, backstops need paint and nets.
Shade structure: trim and roof repairs
23. Lafayette Park ................................................................................... 124 Lafayette Street
Description: Lafayette Park is a highly groomed, urban 'green', with passive recreation uses, lawns, mature
landscape trees and multiple memorials. The park is surrounded by three intersecting streets with on street
parking on the park side of the street.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 8 of 16
Possible Improvements:
Tree trimming and possible removal/culling
Maintain:
Concrete and wood benches: various wood slats need replacement
Metal and wood benches: One bench metal end needs replacement
Stone dust paths need trimming and weed removal
Tree trimming and possible removal/culling
24. Lappin Park .................................................................................... 112 Washington Street
Description: Lappin park is a small urban square at the intersection of Essex Street and Washington street that
is probably the most recognizable park in the city to outside visitors.
Possible Improvements:
Consider Replacement of Water fountain: with more accessible model
ornamental metal, operational
Maintain:
Highly used park. Some bare spots in turf west
Some brick curbing damaged, missing
Ornamental light poles: paint and cosmetics
25. Leslie’s Retreat Park ................................................................................... 71 North Street
Description: Leslie's retreat is a newer (2010) large linear passive open space park that is constrained by the
railroad ROW to the south and the adjacent North river. Leslie's Retreat is known for its popular dog park as
well as it the walking/ jogging route it provides.
Possible Improvements:
Renovate: Dog park gates: too narrow for wheelchair access
Replace Dog park lighting: Replace miss aimed lights with ornamental lighting
Remove: Excessive trash receptacles: remove many to reduce maintenance.
Consider opportunities for littoral plantings in adjacent North River
Provide formal rain/shade shelter within dog park area.
Maintain:
Repair damaged bench slats (various)
Exposed bolts at shade structure
Walkways: Asphalt, heaving at picnic structure, settling/holes at bridge abutments
Irrigation: abandoned system intended for landscape establishment
Remove heaved/exposed irrigation pipe.
Remote areas of park appear to be a favorite spot for homeless – consider improvements
for patrol car access.
Tree work, removed & replace dead trees. discourage weed whacker tree girdling.
26. Mack Park / Ledge Hill ......................................................................... 29-37 Grove Street
Description: Mack park is a large, mostly open space park on the top of prominent hill in central Salem. The
perimeter of the park is noted by steep wooded slopes, exposed ledge and adjacent residencies. The center
of the park contains the former Mack estate, various utility/out buildings and a softball field utilized mostly by
the high school girls’ softball team.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 9 of 16
Possible Improvements:
Consider removal of outbuildings & unused shacks.
Consider addition of permanent or portable sanitary facilities
Consider repurposing/efficient use of former estate building
Consider addition of formalized perimeter walking paths and pedestrian access to street.
Supplement/Maintain wood chip safety surface, edging and Play equipment
Repair Stone masonry entry columns east and west
Renovate(or consider removal of) Basketball, add 8' fence at NW perimeter to prevent balls
down slope
Replace guard rail/bollard system with park appropriate materials
Replace old field irrigation heads and controls.
Maintain:
Tree work: maintain trees, remove dead and dying
Water fountain (at Playscape) Concrete block, repair or remove
Perimeter park areas and walk access at streets
Update handrails at stairs and ramps.
Softball field and amenities:
Areate, topdress and overseed athletic field areas
27. Mansell Playground ................................................................................ 50 Proctor Street
Description: Mansell park is a street side open grass field of varied topography, with a basketball court which
is generally considered as the eastern part of Gallows Hill Park.
Possible Improvements:
Consider re-grading field areas for use as formal sports pitch.
Replace or completely remove Water fountain (concrete filled PVC pipe) Not operable.
Maintain:
Repair & Replace: Wood bollard guards at street
Basketball surface and Backstop aesthetic improvements, crack repair
Exposed utility manholes: adjust and bury
28. Mary Jane Lee Park .................................................................................. 41 Palmer Street
Description: Mary Jane Lee Park is a small, excessively popular urban neighborhood park in the Point section
of Salem. This park provides shade, adult gathering areas and youth active areas and is truly a gathering center
for the Point community. Recently installed splash-pad is currently the only splash pad in the city.
Possible Improvements:
PROVIDE acceptable playscape surface: replace sand with safety surfacing
Consider additional ornamental park security lighting
Document splash pad operation and maintenance for reference and benchmarking for future
similar amenities.
Maintain:
Playscape repair and graffiti maintenance
Bench repairs and maintenance needed
trim trees for visibility/security
Perimeter access & security fencing
Water fountains: new, operational
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 10 of 16
29. McCabe Park and Marina .................................................................... 24 Kernwood Street
Description: McCabe Park & Marina is a popular, and well accommodated boat launch on the North End of
the City. It also has an undeveloped path and little known open space/park area north of the boat launch. The
boat launch and adjacent open space areas are steeply sloped and exposed ledge rock as well as panoramic
views of Danvers River.
Possible Improvements:
Install porta potty corral. Provide accessible porta-potty unit.
Consider adding picnic/seating areas on east edge of parking area.
Consider updating walk and seating areas south & east. This area has great potential if
developed further as a park, and made accessible
Boat launch: a good boat launch with steep slopes and accessible (but steep) grades due to
tide differences.
Consider ornamental security fence at street in lieu of chain link.
Consider installing ornamental lighting within parking area in lieu of shack mounted wall-
packs.
Maintain:
Boat Launch facilities
Consider complete renovation of asphalt parking within 10 years.
Consider complete renovation of marina pier within 10 years.
30. McGlew Park ....................................................................................... 201 ½ North Street
Description: McGlew park is a medium size neighborhood park, surrounded by residences, in the north west
side of the city. Use of the park is largely restricted by poor access as the result of its back-lot location and lack
of parking, on site, and on neighboring streets.
Possible Improvements:
Consider Total Renovation of park due to current poor conditions, and poor access.
Consider adding parking and vehicle access within park area.
REMOVE & Replace: Play Equipment-very poor condition, no safety surfacing
Remove or Renovate: Tennis/street hockey court: Very poor condition, pavement cracked
and heaved, fencing broken, overgrown, unusable.
Replace softball backstop, safety and park perimeter fencing, (rusted, broken)
Remove or Repair Water fountain: Concrete filled PVC pipe.
Maintain
Basketball court: asphalt in fair condition, some cracks, faded surface. Uprights rusting,
needs nets and paint
31. McGrath Park ................................................................................ 46 Marlborough Street
Description: McGrath park is a popular park for youth soccer uses, because of off street parking and field
layout. The park was recently renovated and has current playscapes, fencing and parking areas, as well as
undeveloped (and largely inaccessible) wooded/wetland open spaces to the east and south
Possible Improvements:
Consider installing paved perimeter walking path
Maintain:
Aerate, fertilize, topdress and overseed field areas to maintain field quality.
Maintain and evaluate operation of Irrigation systems regularly
Supplement/Maintain play surfacing and equipment
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 11 of 16
32. Memorial Park .......................................................................................... 17 Fort Avenue
Description: Memorial Park, Irzyck, and Bentley school are all the same site and are indistinguishable as
separate parks to all but city staff.
SEE BENTLEY SCHOOL EVALUATION
33. Palmer Cove Park and Playground ............................................................ 30 Leavitt Street
Description: Palmer Cove park is a larger, downtown, waterfront neighborhood park, devoted mostly to active
recreation that also serves as Salem High School's varsity baseball field facility.
Possible Improvements:
Renovate: Walking paths and site lighting. Extend walkways adjacent streets, provide
walking loop within park. Provide ornamental lighting and seating areas.
Replace: bent and rusted fencing
Rebuild/Repurpose Fully renovate and convert Tennis court to Street hockey: currently
asphalt and fencing are in poor condition, Asphalt is cracked, surface faded, various markings
on pavement. This is a popular street hockey venue that is maintained by a passionate, but
loosely organized group of users.
Consider full renovation (or relocation) of baseball field. Renovate dugouts, fencing,
pressbox, lighting, and infield areas.
Add: additional tree plantings at waterfront and north.
Consider adding a Playscape area.
Maintain:
Basketball: Asphalt surface and backstops in good condition. Some cracks in asphalt.
backstops are rusting, need nets.
34. Patten Park ............................................................................................. 41 Buffum Street
Description: Patten park is a very small street corner park, with mature shade trees, lawn, landscape planting
and four older benches.
Possible Improvements:
Remove garbage receptacles...poor condition, uneven, unsightly.
Maintain:
Wood rail fence is in good condition, could use minor repairs and paint
Lawn areas: Fair condition some bare spots/thin-ness
Shade trees: pin oaks could use some pruning
Benches: fair condition, replace wood slats, repaint
Gravel Walkways: fair condition, could use touch up
35. Peabody Street Park .............................................................................. 15 Peabody Street
Description: Peabody park is a new (2013) harbor front park that was constructed off of the new harbor walk.
The new park is provided with portion of the harbor walk as well as a small play area, shade structure, trees,
landscaping and benches.
Possible Improvements:
Maintain:
Repair Shade structure roof
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 12 of 16
Landscape maintenance needed: trim grasses, reset or replace bent and damaged trees.
Ornamental grass bed west: consider relocating overgrown benches, lighting and bike
rack out of this landscape bed.
Repair/replace decorative tiles on concrete walls.
Skateboard damage (waxing) on concrete walls - add 'skate stoppers'
36. Pickman Park Playground ......................................................................... 20 Lincoln Road
Description: Pickman is a medium size neighborhood park on the south end of town that abuts the Forest
River with an informal beach area, playscape, basketball and lawn areas
Possible Improvements:
Supplement/Maintain: Play equipment: wood mulch has settled, wood edging rotting in
places, exposed metal stakes
Renovate: Provide accessible walkway/route;
Consider full removal of tennis court & fencing
Consider full removal of water fountains (currently inoperable)
Maintain:
Fence at street: Replace damaged posts and wood rails
Tables and benches: poor condition, wood slats and paint needed
Basketball, fair condition, cracked, faded, east backstop is out of plumb, needs nets
Shade Structure: Fair condition: wood needs repair and paint
37. St. Anne’s Park ..................................................................................... 279 Jefferson Road
Description: St. Anne's Park is a small triangular shaped public green/park space in a residential area.
Possible Improvements:
Remove/Replace: Chain link fencing
Maintain:
Open Lawn areas, aerate, overs seed and fertilize
Renovate: Garden/monument area - Empty?
Repair: Walkways, Asphalt in fair condition, some root heaving
Benches, some wood slats need replacement/painting
Tree work needed pre-emptively
38. Salem Common ................................................................................... Washington Square
Description: Salem common is a large New England green that is the heart of the city. The park hosts various
events during the year and includes mostly passive recreation uses and organized events, with a large
playscape and basketball court area on the Northeast corner.
Possible Improvements:
Maintain:
Playscape: some damaged events/exposed fasteners
Lawns: aerate and over seed to alleviate compaction
Water fountains: Metal ornamental, operational
Walkways/high wear areas need more regular maintenance
Unify materials and equipment styles
Perimeter fence: repair and replace (in progress)
Tree work: regular maintenance
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 13 of 16
39. Salem Maritime / Derby Wharf National Historic Site .............................. 193 Derby Street
Description: Salem Maritime Historical site a former waterfront wharf and commercial center of early Salem.
It is run by the National park service and provides an important link to Salem's Maritime Heritage
Possible Improvements:
Many of the park elements are newer, well maintained and in good conditions
Seawall shows some erosion/storm damage from the previous winter
Some high-wear areas that are compacted and bare of turf
40. Salem Willows Park .................................................................................. 200 Fort Avenue
Description: Salem Willows is a large, very diverse waterfront park that has previous history as an amusement
park with various arcade, marine and food vendor leased buildings. Salem Willows also has beaches, wharfs,
open lawn areas and is a very popular spot for summer picnicking.
Possible Improvements:
Consider major renovation of Southern areas of the park to increase parking, renovate tennis,
fields and Dead Horse Beach area.
Consider full renovation of tennis courts as community tennis destination, including
lighting and amenities. Currently tennis: poor condition, asphalt heaved, cracked, fencing
rusted, bowed, not handicapped accessible.
Maintain/Renovate Basketball courts: Currently in fair condition, some minor pavement
cracking, very faded surfacing. Backstops need paint, maintenance.
Repair: Seawall and bluff safety rails/improvements needed, especially south
Repair: Seawall/access middle/south is unsafe and needs remediation
Maintain:
Picnic structures: repair wood, repaint & maintain
Vendor shacks: various conditions of repair
Restrooms: older and not to current codes
Vendor buildings (arcades) in need of renovations
Repair or Remove: Water fountains:
North: Metal, newer operationa
South: Concrete block, Inoperable, repair or remove
Wood pier will need renovation within 5 years
Asphalt walks Good condition, cracked and heaved in places
Benches: Various conditions, some wood slats need replacement
41. Splaine Park ....................................................................................... 23 May Street (rear)
Description: A medium sized isolated, recently renovated, neighborhood park with both active and passive
recreation elements.
Possible Improvements:
Supplement/maintain wood chip surfacing at swings, settled, divots.
Splaine Park was recently renovated and is in good condition
42. Swiniuch Park ......................................................................................... 128 Derby Street
Description: Swiniuch Park is a very small, postage stamp size, park on a street corner in historic maritime
district of Salem
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 14 of 16
Possible Improvements:
Continue to maintain. Park has few amenities other than planters, stone benches and brick
walks.
Remove or replace: Existing water fountain base? - abandon properly to avoid tripping
hazard.
43. Willow Beach ........................................................................................ 24 Willow Avenue
Description: Willow beach is a waterfront access beach on the inner harbor that is not provided with lifeguards
or amenities. No above-tide line areas are available, the beach is defined by a high seawall and adjacent
residences and businesses. At high tide, 95% of the beach is underwater.
Possible Improvements:
Consider abandonment as a Park?
Beach is isolated, and little known except to immediate neighbors.
No amenities. Access to beach level is not to code (no rails or accessible ramps)
44. Winter Island Park .......................................................................... 50 Winter Island Road
Description: Winter Island Park is a large, varied water front open space park that offers a popular beach and
boat launch, and harbor masters shack, as well as camping, a historic fort, and a former coast guard station.
Winter Island facilities are commonly rented for events and weddings on and off season, and the pier provides
some of the best views available of Salem Harbor, Marblehead, and portions of Massachusetts Bay.
Possible Improvements:
Consult current master plan for Winter Island Improvements
Renovate former coast guard buildings. Buildings are in v. poor condition and are in need of
renovations.
Maintain. Beach and camp areas are well appointed and are very popular.
Fort Pickering is largely overgrown with invasive species.
45. Witchcraft Heights ................................................................................. 1 Frederick Street
Description: Witchcraft Heights is an elementary school that has a popular softball/baseball field as well as
typical elementary school amenities such as play equipment and a paved basketball court.
Possible Improvements:
Supplement/Maintain playscape mulch. Mulch is settled and devoted.
Consider providing a fully skinned area at ballfield
Near future: Resurface Basketball. Court and field currently in good condition
Galvanized chain link fencing in good condition
46. Hawthorne Boulevard Islands ................................................................. 1 Frederick Street
Description: Large open boulevard Island with open lawn, landscaped trees, memorials and walkways
Possible Improvements:
Consider providing benches. Hawthorne provides a relatively quiet rest area between Essex
Street and the waterfront.
Enhance Pedestrian lighting.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 15 of 16
A. Salem High School ..................................................................................... 77 Wilson Street
Description: Salem High School site has varied topography and shares its property with Bowditch school. Site
includes 5 asphalt tennis courts that are on the SW corner of the site, and two natural turf rectangular fields
are located on the south end of the site with an asphalt basketball court. Bowditch school and field is located
to the north and east of the existing high school building..
Possible Improvements:
Consider reconstruction and expansion of existing outdoor facilities to bring athletic events
back onto campus, reduce bussing and improve school image.
Consider Full renovation of tennis courts. Consider lighting and amenities to make this a
community focus tennis facility., Currently courts are unusable.
Minor renovations to basketball court. Paint, surfacing and fencing renovations.
Upper field, overgrown, Isolated, un-usable.
Lower field, unevenly graded, poor fencing access and amenities.
B. Bowditch School ........................................................................................ 79 Wilson Street
Description: Bowditch School is part of the Salem High School Campus property. Bowditch School, its field,
play areas and building are NE of the high school building adjacent to Wilson St.
Possible Improvements:
Continue to maintain natural grass field. Field is sized for middle school play. Fencing
restricts use and keeps field in good condition. Topdress to eliminate bare spots and low spots
caused by normal wear.
Supplement/ Maintain mulch surfacing at Playscape. Playscape is newer in need of minor
repairs.
C. Bentley School/Irzyk Memorial/Memorial Park .......................... Memorial Drive & Fort Ave
Description: Bentley school shares it property with memorial and Irzyk Memorial parks. The school occupies
the Northern parts of the property, and includes a full size combination baseball/multipurpose field and
playground, while the portions of the site adjacent to Fort Ave, contain the park components, included play
equipment, a basketball court and a memorial military armored tank.
Possible Improvements:
Replace older, out of date play equipment, surfacing and edging.
Supplement/ Maintain Wood chip surface settled, poor condition, exposed concrete footings,
changes in grade limit accessibility.
Repair Stone column perimeter columns & fence, fair condition, replace missing columns
Add gates to limit vehicle access.
Regrade, renovate and reseed athletic fields to reduce compaction and eliminate puddles and
bare spots. Fill swale areas south to expand size of multipurpose play.
Replace, renovate irrigation system
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix B
Appendix B – Park Recommendation Summaries Page 16 of 16
D. Collins Cove Beach and Tracy walking/bike Path ....................... Webb Street & Collins Cove
Description: Tracy walking path is an east-west spur of the Ayube Memorial (route 107) bike path that includes
open water front and (non-lifeguard) beach along southern Collins Cove.
Possible Improvements:
Formalize eastern linkages to Salem Willows/Winter Island & historic waterfront
Formalize beach access?
Fix or Remove, Water fountain: Concrete filled PVC pipe, currently inoperable.
Asphalt and gravel walks in generally good condition
Maintain Pedestrian lighting, ornamental, good condition, not dark sky compliant, glare
Maintain Lawn areas, fair condition some shore erosion, weeds, bare spots
Beach, sandy, no life guard,
Sea wall, concrete, needs aesthetic/preventative maintenance
E. Ayube Memorial Drive bike Path ....................................... (aka Bridge St. Bypass Bike Path)
Description: Linear park adjacent to the bypass with a 10' wide asphalt off street bike path and accent park
areas at streets that dead-end along the path.
Possible Improvements:
Path and elements are newer and in good condition.
Additional links and continuations are the best potential for this path
F. Canal Street bike Path .................................... Salem State between Canal St. and Lafayette
Description: Linear park, former rail bed with a 10' wide asphalt and stone dust bike path with continuation
into Marblehead along Salem harbor.
Possible Improvements:
Improve pedestrian lighting at intersection of Loring St.
Path and elements are newer and in good condition.
Additional links and continuations are the best potential for these paths
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 1 of 12
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
As part of the scope of the Master Planning Study three parks were chosen for further study. The
three parks chosen were McGlew Park, Gallows Hill Park and Palmer Cover Park. Each park was
looked at as a candidate for complete redesign and renovation of existing park elements. These
three parks were chosen for specific reasons such as current need, size of park and potential
impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. A schematic master plan layout was created for each
park and cost estimates were performed to assist in formulating pre-design budgets for the
proposed work at each site.
As early, predesign budget estimates, the numbers provided include contractor’s mobilization,
and insurance, a 15% contingency and 7.5% for soft costs, (for design fees, testing and permitting
fees, etc.). Though inflation is currently very low, an additional 2% of cost escalation should be
added to these budget estimates for every year after 2015. Property acquisition or fees involved
with deed clearances are not included in the estimated costs for the parks.
#31 Mc Glew Park
McGlew was chosen for additional planning because of the critically poor condition the park is
currently in, as well as the potential for some significant changes to the park that could make the
park more user friendly. This park is ripe for a complete overall. Play equipment is out of date
and in poor condition, the existing tennis court is essentially abandoned and use of the softball
field is limited because the only parking available is on the adjacent residential street. The goal
of any renovation would be to increase site access by adding parking, renovation of Play areas
and reconstruction of the softball and basketball fields.
The intent for this renovation is to provide increased access to the park by providing parking and
restoring the same basic neighborhood park functions that the park had previously. Changes we
would propose include: Complete renovation of the ball field and site fencing. Removing the
existing tennis courts completely, Relocating the basketball court and play areas and providing a
small parking lot (20-30 cars?) on the interior of the park, to take pressure off of already difficult
on street parking.
COST ESTIMATE
McGlew Park Renovations: In estimating the project costs for this improvement project the
following items were included in the scope of the budget estimates.
Athletic field and Parking Renovation numbers include costs for demolition of the existing field,
the existing basketball and tennis courts, the play equipment, and all existing park amenities.
Proposed improvements include reconditioning the existing ball field, a new backstop, new
asphalt driveway, parking area, parking area lighting and walkways. Also included is ball field
safety netting (to protect parking, and play areas from long-balls) and asphalt walkways around
Schematic Design
Appendix C
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 2 of 12
the site. This item also includes some clearing and earthwork to provide additional area around
the new field.
Play scape and Basketball Renovation line item includes the installation of a new Playscape and
safety surface as well as a relocated basketball court. Replacment of the tennis court and water
fountain is not proposed.
Opinion of Budget Costs:
Item Cost
Athletic Field Renovations & new Parking $562,000
Playscape & Basketball Improvements $316,000
TOTAL $878,000
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 3 of 12
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 4 of 12
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 5 of 12
#33 Palmer Cove Park
Palmer Cove Park was chosen for additional study because it is located in an important part of
the city with regards to the adjacent Point Neighborhood and the adjacent waterfront. Except
for the basketball court which was recently renovated Palmer Cove park has been generally
neglected. The existing baseball field is lighted and is the home field for Salem High School. The
park also has an abandoned tennis court that is utilized mostly by a local street hockey league,
which performs some of its own maintenance on the courts, including the court lights. Any
development of Palmer cove will require consideration of flooding, as the entire site is within
the flood zone for the adjacent harbor.
Key to any redevelopment of Palmer cove would be the redevelopment or relocation of the
baseball field to another site. Other goals for improvement include improvements to the
waterfront stroll, improvements to the community gardens, and formalizing pedestrian linkages
from Salem and Leavitt Streets. Goals would also include formalizing the street hockey court and
community garden areas. Ornamental lighting and formalized linkages would restore this park as
a neighborhood park for active and passive recreational uses.
Changes we would propose include: Replacing baseball with a Multipurpose Rectangular field /
great lawn, installing a street hockey court with fencing and lighting, improving the waterfront
stroll, adding a play area and adding lighted walkways and linkages to the various streets
bordering the park. Other amenities to consider (that are not included here) would be the
consideration of synthetic turf and new athletic lighting to increase usage of the multipurpose
field.
COST ESTIMATE – Palmer Cove
Palmer Cove Park Renovations: For Cost Estimating purposes the following items were included
in the scope of the budget estimates. No work to the existing basketball court is proposed. Costs
for relocation of the baseball field to another location are not included here.
Athletic field renovation numbers include costs for demolition of the existing field, all on site
fencing and pavements as well as the construction of a natural turf rectangular multipurpose field,
which includes costs for a new irrigation system, fencing at each end of the field and seeding the
field as turf.
Street Hockey Renovation costs include the demolition of the existing tennis court pavement and
lighting as well as costs for new pavements, color coating, dasherboards fencing and basic lighting
as well as costs for electrical connections and lighting controls.
Park and Playground Northeast costs: This area of redevelopment includes costs for cleaning up
some overgrowth along the park perimeter as well costs for a new Playscape, new lawns, trees
and landscaping.
Walkways and Connections: This portion of the proposed work includes a perimeter asphalt
walkway around the site as well as connections to Salem and Leavitt Streets. This line item
includes benches, pedestrian lightings, an allowance for reconfiguring the community gardens, as
well as a line item for a new gazebo structure along the shoreline.
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 6 of 12
Opinion of Budget Costs – Palmer Cove:
Item Cost
Athletic Field $701,000
Street hockey $343,000
Park and Playscape NE $292,000
Walkways and Connections $557,000
TOTAL $1,893,000
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 7 of 12
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 8 of 12
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 9 of 12
#16 Gallows Hill Park
Gallows Hill has a number of distinctly separate areas including Upper Gallows, Lower Gallows
and Mansell Playground as well as undeveloped forested areas to the west and north. Gallows
Hill is also home to a large water storage tank on the top of the hill. Components of Gallows hill
are critically in need of renovations (e.g. ball fields and upper play areas), and other open space
areas present the opportunity for development of improved pathways, improved parking, open
space areas and possibly additional an athletic field (at Mansell). Of note is that there are
‘paper’ roads that border Gallows hill to the west (Almeda St) and East. As well as other Salem
open space properties that could potentially be used to expand the area of the park.
Gallows Hill is surrounded by densely populated neighborhoods that could take advantage of
the park if safe linkages were provided. The vision for developing Gallows Hill would be to
renovate many of the existing active recreation components as new, as well as use the existing
topography to create a series of wide, lighted walking paths that would link to surrounding
neighborhoods (vision central park in NYC or the Fens in Boston). The parking area would be
reconstructed, as would the skate park and athletic fields at Lower Gallows. At Upper Gallows
the basketball court would be reconstructed and a Playscape added. At adjacent Mansell park
the field would be graded to provide a proper sports pitch for youth soccer or lacrosse.
Ornamental lighting and formalized linkages would restore this park as a citywide park with links
through neighborhoods as well as between them.
COST ESTIMATE – Gallows Hill Park Improvements
For Cost Estimating purposes the following items were included in the scope of the budget
estimates.
Athletic field renovations costs include costs for total reconstruction of the existing fields as
natural turf, which includes special provisions for some clearing to be able to fit the fields, costs
for some rock removal, a new irrigation system, fencing and a ball safety netting system at right
field to protect the parking area.
Parking area and Skate Park Renovation costs include the complete relocation and
reconstruction of the parking area and 8,000sf of skate park. Cost for the skate park include
perimeter fencing, equipment and lighting, as well as allowances for rock removal and drainage
due to the proposed location. Costs for the parking area include lighting, electrical controls and
access (for the rest of the park) as well as fencing to keep vehicles out of the adjacent open spaces.
Upper Gallows Improvements include costs for renovating all Upper Gallows lawn areas, a fence
along Hanson Street, a new play area, and complete relocation and reconstruction of the
basketball court, as well as costs for a walkway around the upper field area and costs for additional
repairs to the existing picnic pavilion.
Mansell Field Costs include filling, regrading and reseeding the field to provide a proper pitch for
athletic events. Costs include provisions for drainage, fencing along Mansell Parkway and
reconstruction of the existing (inoperable) water fountain.
Walkways and Linkages: The walkways and linkages proposed for Gallows Hill are perhaps the
largest and most impactful component of the proposed Improvements to Gallows Hill. Costs are
difficult to gage due to the grades, and the layout of the walks, which will be dependent on
topography, rock outcroppings and specimen trees. However costs have been estimated to
provide 8’ wide asphalt walkways as shown on plan, with connections to Almeda Street, Valley
Street and Witch Hill Road. Trail heads have been estimated to provide a urban park type trail
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 10 of 12
head and park entry with masonry columns and ornamental pavers. Signage as well pedestrian
lighting limited to specific routes has been provided. Access Bollards and heavy duty vehicle gates
have also been included in the costs. Allowances have been included for rock removal, retaining
walls and railings. Costs for this item have the potential to vary widely, depending on the final
design and construction of this park element.
Design, construction mobilization and other bidding, allowances and contingency costs have been
added into each of these elements separately, as though separate projects. Should the city decide
to group some or all of these elements together, significant savings could be realized.
Gallows Hill Park Renovations:
Opinion of Budget Costs:
Item Cost
Athletic Field Renovations $786,000
New Parking & Skate Park $953,000
Upper Gallows Improvements $532,000
Mansell Field $312,000
Walkways, lighting and Linkages $790,000
TOTAL $3,373,000
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 11 of 12
Recreation Facility Needs Assessment and Open Space Master Plan Appendix C
Appendix C – Select Parks – Schematic Design Page 12 of 12
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
RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS
ASSESSMENT AND OPEN
SPACE MASTER PLAN
Volume 2
Community Input
City of Salem,
Massachusetts
April 2015
Mack Park
Gale JN 716760
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
VOLUME 1 – Parks Master Planning and Needs Assessment Report
Section 1.1 Introduction, Background and Purpose
Section 1.2 Community Input (Volume 2 summary)
Section 1.3 Park and School Athletics Demand and Programming
(Volume 3 summary)
Section 1.4 Park Evaluations – Methodology & Results
(Volume 4 summary)
Section 1.5 Athletic Field Maintenance Practices and
Benchmarking (Appendix A summary)
Section 1.6 Planning Recommendations (General)
Section 1.7 Parks Master Planning Summary & Recommendations
VOLUME 2 – Community Input
Section 2.1 Community Survey Summary
Enclosure 1: Salem Online Community Survey Results –
Parks, Athletic Field and Open Space Master Plan
Enclosure 2: Input Meeting Minutes
Community Meeting 1 – 02/23/15
Community Meeting 2 – 03/9/15
Maintenance Interview – 02/20/15
Recreation Community Presentation – 01/20/15
VOLUME 3 – Park & School Athletics Demand & Programming
Section 3.1 Fields & Amenities Demand Methodology
Section 3.2 Field Usage Summary Tables
Section 3.3 Field Usage Summary
VOLUME 4 – Park Evaluations
Section 4.0 Park Evaluations Introduction & Methodology
Section 4.1 Parks Evaluations and Mapping
Individual site mapping for each park (46+ parks)
Aerial Photo & notes
FEMA flood mapping location
Evaluation Sheets
Photo Sheets
(all appendices attached to Volume 1) (all exhibits 11”x17”)
Appendix A Athletic Field Maintenance Evaluation
Appendix B Park Recommendations Summary
Appendix C Select Parks - Schematic Design
Exhibit A City Wide Parks Map
Exhibit B. City Parks Inventory List
Exhibit C. Inventory and Evaluation Summary Table
Exhibit D. Athletic Fields Evaluation Summary Table
Exhibit E. Field Usage Summary Table
appendices and Illustrations
table of contents
Volume 2 – Community Input
Page 1 of 9
SALEM RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
SECTION 2.1 COMMUNITY SURVEY SUMMARY
In the web-based survey, residents of the City were asked to complete a Parks, Athletic Field and
Open Space Questionnaire. The website link was posted on City websites, e-mailed to residents,
and otherwise distributed to City residents. The same survey was posted online in English and in
Spanish. A total of four hundred and thirty-six (436) English and two (2) Spanish survey responses
were received.
Below is a summary of the survey questions and responses, followed by observations/conclusions.
Questions 1 through 6 - Demographic Information
97% of the respondents were residents of Salem
63% of the respondents were between the ages of 36 and 5 9 (a little more 2% were under 26,
while a little more 17% were over 59)
47% of the respondents had between 1 and 2 people in the household
52% of the respondents had 3 or more people in the household
51% of respondents had no children under 18 in the household
49% of respondents had between 1 and 4 children under 18 in the household
Conclusion: Respondents were mature (working age) Salem residents and households without
children were only slightly more represented than households with children in the survey. The
following responses should be weighted with this demographic split in mind.
Questions 3 & 7 - Information and Transportation
Question 3: What source of communication would you prefer to use to find out about events and
opportunities related to parks? (Check all that apply.)
70% e-mail
60% social networks (e.g., Twitter, Facebook)
54% city website
Lowest 3: schools, word of mouth, youth sports websites
Conclusion: Electronic media is the preferred method of notifications / communication.
VVoolluummee 22 –– CCoommmmuunniittyy IInnppuutt
Volume 2 – Community Input
Page 2 of 9
Question 7: What mode of transportation do you use to get to Salem’s parks?
47% walk to parks
42% drive to parks
5% bike to parks
Less than 1% take public transportation
Conclusion: Walking or driving to Salem’s parks are equally popular. Few residents use public
transportation to get to Salem’s parks.
Questions 8, 10 &12 - how do you use the parks in Salem?
Question 8: What informal recreational activities do you and your family participate in?
50% or more of respondents walk, bike, use the beachfront and use playgrounds
30 to 50% of respondents hike, run, walk dogs, picnic, enjoy nature (bird watch or nature
study), swim and sled
Less than 10% skateboard, rollerblade, play pickup softball, ice skate, sail, play pick-up
baseball
Less than 5% bike share or play volleyball
Conclusion: Passive recreational activities are the most popular.
Question 10: How often do members of your household use the following types of facilities?
Often Visited: Open Space Parks (62%) and Beaches (41%)
Somewhat Often Visited: Trails (41%) and Beaches (37%)
Open spaces and beaches have been visited by almost everyone (95.7%)
Conclusion: The majority of respondents use open spaces and beaches the most, while more
active recreational activities are used by a smaller portion of residents.
Question 12: Does anyone in your household participate in the following organized sports? If
yes, please indicate how many. (Note: Over 50% of respondents skipped this question.)
Conclusion: 50% of respondents have at least one (1) family member participating in organized
sports.
Questions 15, 18, 27 & 28 - Perceptions of needed improvements
Question 15: How many additional athletic facilities do you feel the City requires? (Note: Over
30% or respondents skipped this question.)
33% feel additional rectangular fields are needed
17% feel additional tennis courts are needed
13% feel additional basketball courts are needed
11% feel additional softball/little league size fields are needed
9% feel additional 90’ baseball diamonds are needed
54% had no opinion
Volume 2 – Community Input
Page 3 of 9
Conclusion: The majority of respondents cited that additional rectangular fields are needed.
Question 18: Which of the following types of facilities would you like to see improved?
The top facility types include:
Rectangular athletic fields (58%)
Walking and hiking trails (55%)
Baseball 60’ diamonds (55%)
Multi-use trails (47%)
Conclusion: The majority of respondents cited trails (walking and multi -use) and athletic fields
(rectangular and 60’ diamonds) as requiring improvements.
Questions 27: Which park area (non-sport) needs improvement? (List the area in most dire
need.)
Forest River Park was most often listed as requiring improvement.
Conclusion: Forest River, The Willows, Mack Park and Collins Cove were the most frequently
noted parks requiring improvement. Other parks notably mentioned included Winter Island,
Palmer Cove, the Common, Gallows Hill, the Point and McGlew.
Question 28: Other than playing fields, what other athletic/recreation facilities do you feel s hould
be improved upon or developed to better meet the needs of the community ? (Pick three.)
Top priority ratings for facilities included:
Playgrounds (47%)
Tennis, basketball courts, running areas (tracks, courses), trails, spray parks/ pools and dog
parks all rated between 35-45% as a number one priority
Conclusion: Respondents thought playgrounds, tennis, basketball courts, running areas (tracks,
courses), trails, spray parks/ pools and dog parks were the priority facilities that need to be
improved/developed.
Question 29: Which existing athletic facility do you feel should be a priority for redevelopment?
(Pick the top three.)
Top priority ratings for facility redevelopment included :
McGrath Park (68%),
The Willows (43%),
Palmer Cove (35%)
McGlew Park, Gallows Hill and Forest River (a three way tie at 34%)
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Conclusion: McGrath Park is thought to be the biggest priority for renovation, followed by the
Willows and Palmer Cove.
Questions 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 23 & 24 - Perceptions of existing Parks Maintenance and Budgeting
Question 11: Please rank each objective below in order of importance.
The top three ‘most important’ rankings were:
Maintain existing parks and open s paces (91%)
Maintain existing recreational trail networks (70%)
Maintain existing athletic fields (56%)
The top three ‘least important” rankings were:
New/additional athletic fields (54%)
New/additional playgrounds (37%)
New/additional parks/open spaces (24%)
Conclusion: Most respondents agree that maintaining the City’s current parks and recreation
assets is important, and that it is even more important than developing new facilities.
Question 13: In general, what is your perception of the condition and s erviceability of athletic
facilities throughout the City?
33% of respondents thought the athletic facilities were generally well maintained
37% of respondents thought athletic facilities were in barely acceptable condition
23% had no opinion
Conclusion: No clear conclusion can be reached from this question. The choices allowed were
perhaps too vague to be of value.
Question 14: In general, what is your perception of the adequacy and availability of athletic
facilities throughout the City?
16% of respondents thought athletic facilities are p lentiful and convenient for use
32% of respondents thought athletic facilities were inconvenient (not nearby), but not so
much that it would prevent their use
30% had no opinion
Conclusion: No clear conclusion can be reached from this question. The choices allowed were
perhaps too vague to be of value.
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Question 16: In general, what is your perception of the condition and serviceability of
playgrounds throughout the City?
45% thought the playgrounds were generally well maintained and in good condition
32% thought the playgrounds were barely acceptable
17% had no opinion
Conclusion: No clear conclusion can be reached from this question. The results are too close.
The choices allowed were perhaps too vague to be of value.
Question 17: In general, what is your perception of the adequacy and availability of playgrounds
throughout the City?
34% thought the playgrounds were generally well maintained and in good condition
27% thought the playgrounds were barely acceptable
21% had no opinion
Conclusion: No clear conclusion can be reached from this question . The results are too close.
The choices allowed were perhaps too vague to be of value.
Question 23: How concerned are you with the use of pesticides and herbicides at the parks to
keep turf grass properly maintained?
43% of respondents were somewhat concerned
40% of respondents were concerned
18% were not concerned
Conclusion: Respondents are concerned with the use of pesticides/herbicides at Salem parks.
Question 24: How important is it for Salem to actively manage trees in its parks, open spaces and
streets?
74% of respondents rated this as very important
Conclusion: Respondents feel that it is very important for Salem to manage trees on public
properties.
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QUESTIONS 25, 30, 31, 32 & 33 – VARIOUS QUESTIONS ON PARKS SERVICES AND SPENDING
Question 25: Do you feel that there is a need for additional indoor public recreational space?
Maybe, if there is a justifiable need (49%)
Yes, a recreation/community cen ter should be a priority (41%)
No, it is not needed (11%)
Conclusion: Almost 90% of respondents think an indoor recreational space should be a priority, if
a justifiable need can be demonstrated.
Question 30: Do you feel that the City of Salem is currently investing enough resources and/or
money into its parks, open spaces and athletic fields?
70% of respondents answered this negatively.
Conclusion: A solid majority of respondents believe that more needs to be spent on parks, open
spaces and athletic facilities.
Question 31: Are there any specific parks where you think additional security measures are
required?
55% responded that no additional security is needed
Conclusion: No clear conclusion. Respondents are essentially split on the need for or adequacy
of park security.
Question 32: What maintenance or improvement strategies are needed to better secure Salem
Parks? (Pick all that apply.)
The top three answers were:
Increased police presence (55%)
Increased Lighting (54%)
Emergency call boxes (51%)
Conclusion: No clear conclusion. Those that feel additional security is needed are essentially in
agreement on the options provided.
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Question 33: Do you feel that the City’s acquisition of open space properties is a good use of tax
payer dollars?
In order, from least popular to most popular:
No, budget is better spent elsewhere (4%)
No, the amount of open space in Salem is adequate (12%)
Yes, if it prevents open space from being developed (40%)
Yes, it is always a good idea (44%)
Conclusion: Salem residents are overwhelmingly in favor of the prudent spending of tax dollars to
acquire open space.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
With over 450 responses, the Salem Parks, Open Space and Athletic Field Survey provides
valuable insight into the perceptions of the various recrea tional constituencies and stake holders.
The quantity of responses is typical for this type of study in a city the size of Salem. The
conclusions made from this study however, may be somewhat skewed, given the narrow
demographics of the participants. This was evidenced by a nearly a 50% split between
respondents with children and those without, as well few responses from adults under the age of
27.
Specific Conclusions:
Respondents were mature (working age) Salem residents.
Households without children were slightly more represented than households with children in
the survey.
Electronic media is the preferred method of notifications .
Walking or driving to parks is equally popular.
Residents typically do not use public transportation to get to parks.
Passive recreational activities are the most popular.
The majority of respondents use open spaces and beaches the most, while more active
recreational activities are used by a smaller portion of residents.
50% of the survey respondents have at least one family member participating in organized
sports.
The majority of respondents cited trails (walking and multi-use) and athletic fields
(rectangular and 60’ diamonds) as requiring improvements.
Forest River, the Willows, Mack Park and Collins Cove were the most noted parks requiring
improvement. Other parks frequently mentioned included Winter Island, Palmer Cove, the
Common, Gallows Hill, the Point and McGlew.
Respondents thought playgrounds, tennis, basketball courts, r unning areas (tracks, courses),
trails, spray parks/pools and dog parks were the priority facilities that need to be
improved/developed.
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Page 8 of 9
Most respondents agreed that maintaining the City’s current parks and recreation assets is
important, and even more important than developing new facilities.
Respondents are concerned with the use of pesticides/herbicides at city parks.
Respondents feel that it is very important for the city to manage trees on public properties.
Approximately 90% of respondents think an indoor recreational space should be a priority, if a
justifiable need can be demonstrated.
A solid majority of respondents think more needs to be spent on parks, open spaces and
athletic facilities.
Survey respondents are overwhelmingly in favor of the prudent spending of tax dollars to
acquire open space.
Summary of Conclusions
The survey assessed attitudes, opinions and priorities in a number of different ways. From
question to question, the trends and conclusions were fairly consistent. As a result, we believe
there is strong consensus, at least within the sampled group, regarding the following conclusions:
The most important perceived recreational need throughout the City of Salem is for
additional open space and passive recreational uses, especially walking, biking, running,
hiking, and fitness. In response to several questions concerning current unmet recreation
needs and potential priorities for development, the survey revealed that trails and paths is an
unmet need. It is recommended that a multi -purpose trail/path network be considered as
part of any new recreational park development. Additionally, the City should look into the
renovation and possible expansion of existing trail facilities.
Though only a select demographic responded to questions concerning active recreation, the
second most important recreational need throughout the City appears to be for more or
improved athletic fields, specifically for multi-purpose use. The existing population of fields
appears to be inadequate to effectively meet current demands. This demand is consistent
with that of other communities, as the popularity of youth soccer increases and new sports
(e.g., lacrosse) become more widely played.
While additional fields were indicated as a priority for development, the use of synthetic turf
and athletic lighting as a means to increase use of existing fields seems to remain an option .
Based on the results indicating support for synthetic turf, we feel that the incorporation of
synthetic turf or lighting could be considered to meet demand, in lieu of developing new
fields.
It is apparent, through both survey responses and results of the sensing sessions, that there is
a perception that maintenance and upkeep of athletic fields and parks is not sufficient. There
also appears to be the perception that the lack of maintenance is affecting serviceability of
the City’s field inventory. In response to open ended questions, there is a perception that
additional maintenance is required, rather than new or improved facilities.
Questions concerning city spending on parks reveals a perception that not enough is being
done to maintain existing parks, and that respondents are in support of additional municipal
spending for maintenance, as well as open space acquisition.
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Maintenance of existing city trees and lands cape was rated overwhelmingly as very important
to the respondents.
The Salem Parks, Open Space and Athletic Fields Survey, as well as community meetings and
input, are intended as tools to allow the City to document the views of city residents in a way that
can be used to formulate policy and capital planning for the city parks. This survey is only single
component of a larger Open Space and Recreation Master Plan effort for Salem’s parks. The
results of this survey will be used in that report to help formulate a program of proposed
improvements, as well as prioritize those improvements over the coming years.
One of the next steps in the master planning process is to determine the extent of unmet needs
and suggest solutions related to maintenance, renovation strategies, redistribution of demand
and recreational program enhancements that will better meet the needs of the recreation users
in the City of Salem.
C:\00-SALEM\716760 (g drive)\01 Evaluation\report\NEEDS ASSESMENT REPORT\Volume 2- Community Input\02-NA Volume 2
Report.doc
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
RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS
ASSESSMENT AND OPEN
SPACE MASTER PLAN
Volume 3
Park & School Athletics
Demand & Programming
City of Salem,
Massachusetts
April 2015
Forest River Little League
Gale JN 716760
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
VOLUME 1 – Parks Master Planning and Needs Assessment Report
Section 1.1 Introduction, Background and Purpose
Section 1.2 Community Input (Volume 2 summary)
Section 1.3 Park and School Athletics Demand and Programming
(Volume 3 summary)
Section 1.4 Park Evaluations – Methodology & Results
(Volume 4 summary)
Section 1.5 Athletic Field Maintenance Practices and
Benchmarking (Appendix A summary)
Section 1.6 Planning Recommendations (General)
Section 1.7 Parks Master Planning Summary & Recommendations
VOLUME 2 – Community Input
Section 2.1 Community Survey Summary
Enclosure 1: Salem Online Community Survey Results –
Parks, Athletic Field and Open Space Master Plan
Enclosure 2: Input Meeting Minutes
Community Meeting 1 – 02/23/15
Community Meeting 2 – 03/9/15
Maintenance Interview – 02/20/15
Recreation Community Presentation – 01/20/15
VOLUME 3 – Park & School Athletics Demand & Programming
Section 3.1 Fields & Amenities Demand Methodology
Section 3.2 Field Usage Summary Tables
Section 3.3 Field Usage Summary
VOLUME 4 – Park Evaluations
Section 4.0 Park Evaluations Introduction & Methodology
Section 4.1 Parks Evaluations and Mapping
Individual site mapping for each park (46+ parks)
Aerial Photo & notes
FEMA flood mapping location
Evaluation Sheets
Photo Sheets
(all appendices attached to Volume 1) (all exhibits 11”x17”)
Appendix A Athletic Field Maintenance Evaluation
Appendix B Park Recommendations Summary
Appendix C Select Parks - Schematic Design
Exhibit A City Wide Parks Map
Exhib it B. City Parks Inventory List
Exhibit C. Inventory and Evaluation Summary Table
Exhibit D. Athletic Fields Evaluation Summary Table
Exhibit E. Field Usage Summary Table
appendices and Illustrations
table of contents
Volume 3 – Park & School Athletics Demand & Programming
Page 1 of 6
Section 3.0 Demand Programming Introduction
A critical component of any athletics and recreation master plan is to identify who is using an
inventory of fields, and how often are they using them. For planning purposes there are two
major goals of the demand determination calculations. The first go al is to determine raw field
usage and document which athletic programs are using which fields , and how much. This data
will affect how priorities are rated, and how fields scheduling is accommodated. The second goal
is to determine how that usage of the fields affects maintenance requirements. Each sport wears
a field differently. Football wears a field more than baseball, and Lacrosse wears a field differently
than field hockey.
No study can hope to document every field use, or every specific type of usage, or the exact
degree of wear on that field associated with a specific use. Youth sports use fields differently than
adult sports, soccer wears a field differently than football, practice wears a field differently than
a game. To attempt to measure that difference in wear between sports Gale Associates applies
usage multipliers to the raw scheduling data in order to estimate the amount of wear on a field
caused by those uses. The goal of this exercise being to confirm which fields are being overused,
specifically fields that are being over used to a point of not being able to sustain a viable growth
of turf.
The industry standard for the limits of being able to maintain a viable stand of grass, on a
municipal maintenance budget, is between 200 and 250 uses per year. A ‘use’ being defined as a
game, 2 hours long, with 11 players per team. Between 200 and 250 uses per year is considered
borderline sustainable. The viability of the turf on that field is highly dependent on the quality of
maintenance provided. Over 250 uses per year is considered unsustainable for growing turf for
municipal fields maintained with typical municipal budgets.
The following volume consists of a narrative, methodology, recommendations, a Field Usage
Summary Table and A Field Usage Summary Table with Multipliers . The Field Usage Summary
Tables document the field Uses per field per year in a graphical manner, both with and without
usage multipliers. This volume further includes explanations of the methodology used in this
volume.
Section 3.1 Fields and Amenities Demand Methodology
For the purposes of evaluating field demand, turf wear, degradation and needed maintenance the
amount of USE a field receives provides a measure of its condition. A field ‘USE’ is considered 2-
hour game or practice involving two teams or approximately 22 athletes using a field for 2 hours.
It is worth noting that a synthetic turf field can withstand any amount of use that can be effectively
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Volume 3 – Park & School Athletics Demand & Programming
Page 2 of 6
scheduled. Typically, the annual total use quantity is between 500 and 750 uses per synthetic turf
field, depending on if athletic lighting is provided for the field .
Athletic Field Terminology:
Baseball Field: Has grass on the infield surrounding the pitcher’s mound. Typical baseball field
dimensions include:
Little League fields: Have a 60’ distance between bases (baseline) and a 200’ outfield
(minimum distance from home plate to the outfield fence)
Baseball field (High School level and higher) have a 90 foot baseline and a preferred distan ce
from home plate of 310 feet at left and right field and 350 feet to center field.
Softball Field: Has an infield that is fully ‘skinned’, which means the pitcher’s mound is
surrounded by infield material (no grass on the infield). Softball fields are smaller than baseball
and have a 60’ baseline and a minimum 200’ outfield for all levels of play.
Multipurpose Rectangular Field (MPRF): MPRF sizes can vary greatly depending of level of use
(e.g. youth soccer or High school Soccer) or sports played (lacrosse, football). In the Untied
States a MPRF typically is used for some combination of soccer, football, lacrosse and field
hockey. For High School level sports (or better) the preferred dimensions of the field is
385’x230’. This dimension can fit all the common athletic field sizes for adult play, with safety
runouts around the perimeter of the field.
Combination fields: Combination fields include a Softball or Baseball field which shares its
outfield with a multipurpose rectangular field. For usage calculations, these fields are counted
as a single field, however different multipliers are used depending on the sports pla yed.
Gale developed a field use matrix for all of the athletic programs in the City of Salem that use City
facilities included with this volume. The quantities listed in the Summary Matrix were obtained
from user group websites, the Parks Department facility reservation database, school sports
schedules and parks staff. All data reflects field use between the fall 2014 and spring and summer
2015 seasons. The totals from this matrix provide a quantification of all of the documented field
uses for each field, at each park, across the City for a year. Though detailed and thorough, the
use data provided should not be considered as 100% of the uses on city parks. T here are
additional uses (spontaneously scheduled practices, rescheduled games and informal ‘pickup’
uses) that are not documented or included in these use/demand estimates.
There are approximately 2300 annually scheduled uses on Salem’s athletic fields. These are
distributed over a population of twenty (20) fields throughout the city. This quantity includes
undersized facilities that are on the City roster of athletic fields and that are typically scheduled
for athletic usage. The usage of various fields varies widely. Isolated, relatively remote,
undersized fields receive the least use (e.g. Salem Willows), and larger fields , closer downtown,
with amenities and parking receiving the most use (e.g. McGrath or Bertram.)
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The field usage numbers only identify two facilities that receive more than 250 uses per year:
Bertram Field, which is synthetic and is not affected by the heavy use and both fields at
McGrath Park which is heavily used by Youth soccer programs.
The usage data points to the following:
Softball and Little league fields seem to be in good supply – all softball and little league usage
numbers are well within sustainable level, however there is some indication that baseball uses
uses softball fields when smaller baseball fields (with grassed infields) are not available.
Baseball fields (at Palmer Cove, Gallows Hill, and Memorial field) are in great demand, but
usage numbers indicate that they well within sustainable levels.
The majority of the MPR fields in the city are undersized for adult play. In addition the majority
of the fields are isolated and are not configured to for large sports programs. (e.g. limited
parking or the inability to use multiple fields at once.) The only exceptions to this in the city is
McGrath Park and Bertram field.
It is also useful to look at the type of field and size of field to determine why fields are being used
or not used. The following tables provide the calculation of the demand and a breakdown by
uses.
Table 1 - Inventory Analysis
Inventory Qty Comments
Total Fields 20
Informal/partial fields -5 Bowditch School, Splaine, Forest river practice
infield, Salem Willows, Mansell Playground
Dedicated Usable Total 15 Dedicated natural and synthetic turf fields
Baseball, softball and rectangular
The City inventory of athletic fields totals 16 usable fields, including 1 synthetic turf field to serve
a population of 41,340 (2,584 citizens per field)
Table 2 - Field Types
Existing Field Type Qty.
Multi-Purpose Fields 11
Informal/partial fields 4
Combined Diamond/
Multipurpose Fields 7
Synthetic Turf Field 1
60' Diamond Softball 7
60’ Diamond Little League 2
90' Diamond 3
(combination fields counted separately– will not total to 20)
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Table 3 – Use-by-Type Analysis
Demand Type Qty. of Uses
Softball Uses 894
Multi-Purpose Uses 771
Synthetic field Uses 268
60’ baseball uses 240
90' baseball uses 112
Total 2045
Multi-purpose uses (771) plus synthetic turf multi-purpose uses (268) almost matches the
combined usage numbers of baseball or softball programs. This must be taken into consideration
in the calculation of the Planning Program. It should be noted that the one 60’ baseball diamond
at Forest Park received 240 uses, and the same type of field at Splaine park received 102 uses.
Almost all of the other little league baseball uses were on 60’ softball diamonds.
Section 3.2 – Field Usage Summary Tables
The attached field summary tables , provides a summary of the total uses of each facility in the
City of Salem. The color coding of columns to the left and right hand sides of the sheet represent
the following:
Red Greater Than 250 Uses Per Year*
Yellow 200 – 250 Uses Per Year
Green Less Than 200 Uses Per Year
(*synthetic turf use is limited only by scheduling and, as such, it’s high usage should be
disregarded)
Refer to Table 3 – Field Usage Summary Table (Exhibit E, Volume 1)
Section 3.2.1 Field Usage Summary Table with Multipliers
While the number of scheduled team uses is important to gain an understanding of field space
adequacy and turf quality, it can be misleading, as scheduled uses do not always correlate to
damage to the turf condition. High school football play is more deleterious to turf condition than
Little League baseball, as larger, more competitive athletes cause higher stress loads , divots and
damage on a natural turf playing surface. Also, different sports cause damage to turf in different
areas. For example, footb all causes turf to wear mostly in the center of the field between the
hash marks, while soccer and lacrosse cause wear at the goals, at center field and along the
sidelines. As a result, planners must also account not only for the number of uses, but for the
type of use and age of the participants. We do this by applying an impact factor (multiplier) to the
raw field use data.
Gale as typically assigned an impact factor of 1.0 to mens & women’s soccer as the average activity
in terms of field impact and deterioration. Adult football is twice as damaging to the turf and, as
such, assign it a 2.0 impact factor. Similarly, Little League level baseball has less impact on turf
condition and is assigned an impact factor of .75. Other impact factors for various sports were
assigned accordingly and multiplied by the number of scheduled uses for each type of activity to
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yield ‘equivalent’ team uses in terms of turf damage and impact. The results are included on the
second table attached to the end of this volume ‘Field Usage Summary with Multipliers”.
While this approach is subjective and somewhat imprecise, it more accurately accounts for
differences in the impact on turf condition depending on the type of use on the athletic fields
across the City. The modified use data for fields which are routinely used for high impact sports,
such as lacrosse or football, tend to be higher than actual scheduled uses; while those for fields
which are routinely used primarily for baseball and softball will be less. Curiously the modified
usage numbers are very close to the unmodified numbers, due to the balance in baseball uses
(0.75 multiplier), to high impact uses (football 2.0 and Lacrosse 1.75).
The resulting field Modified demand data does not change substantially from the raw usage data,
it only accents the overuse of parks. Especially both McGrath fields which show modified usage
of over 300 uses per year.
Unfortunately the usage (both raw and modified) data does not document uses that are displaced
because of lack of availability (e.g. Soccer uses that are scheduled out of town, because regulation
size Salem fields are not available). The usage data also does not fully reflect uses that are
occurring on substandard fields because regulation fields are not available. (for example the
report does show that little league played roughly 413 games on softball fields, but no equivalent
data exists on the many substandard size rectangular fields in the city.).
Section 3.3 – Field Usage Summary
The results of the field usage data reflects some of the public comment gathered in other volumes
of this report: The fields at McGrath are in need of improvement (due to overuse), and the City
needs more little league fields.
A facility similar to McGrath (with multiple full size fields, with amenities) is needed in the city to
relieve the pressure at McGrath, or improvements to McGrath could be considered that would
accommodate the high usage (e.g. synthetic turf and lights).
For little league, there are many lightly used, dedicated, softball fields in the city that could be
easily converted to a little league use (aka construct a grassed infield), without significantly
impacting softball uses. Little League game fields do have specific requirements (e.g. fencing,
dugouts and flagpoles) that need to be constructed, as well as field amenities such as available
parking, lighting and irrigation that will make use of the field mor e desirable.
The field demand and programming evaluation also reveals some of the following:
That many of the multipurpose rectangular fields in the city are relatively isolated (as
single field facilities) and are undersized for adult/regulation play. As isolated fields
they are not usable for larger youth programs that split coaches between fields (e.g.
McGrath)
Out of 11 multipurpose rectangular fields, only 5 are larger than the minimum size for
Jr. High School Soccer (300’x165’). Bentley School (aka Memorial), Salem High Upper,
Bertram Field, and McGrath, upper and lower.
Out of 11 multipurpose rectangular fields in town 7 are shared with a baseball or
softball use – limiting spring rectangular field play (lacrosse, soccer) to three fields.
Out of the seven softball fields in the city only two fields have usage of more than 100
uses per year: McGlew and Mack (lighted). Indicating there seems to be some excess
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in softball field availability, or that field conditions are so bad that use is being shifted
to other fields. It should be further noted that many of the uses for these two fields
are little league baseball using softball fields (inappropriately).
The parks inventory and evaluation, is intended to provide the city with easy to digest
information on the usage of each park so that parks staff can evaluate and prioritize what
improvements needs to be made to city fields. The usage data is one tool to document both
under-used facilities as well as facilities that are in high demand and overused. The ultimate
decision on where and how to improve fields will include a balance of considerations such as
existing parking, existing amenities, proximity and improvements that can increase the ability
of a field to sustain a greater level of use, such as synthetic turf, irrigation or lighting.
C:\00-SALEM\716760 (g drive)\01 Evaluation\report\NEEDS ASSESMENT REPORT\Volume 3 Parks and Recreation Demand\02-NA-
Volume 3 -REPORT.docx
Salem Recreation Facility Needs Assessement and Open Space PlanExhibit EFIELD USAGE SUMMARY TABLESUMMARY SHEETSalem Recreational Needs Assessment and Master PlanGreen Less than 200 events per yearAdjusted with multipliers (see individual sheets)Yellow Between 200 and 250 events per yearMPRF Multi-Purpose Rectangular FieldRed Greater than 250 events per yearAll numbers based on a 'Normal' event: (2) 11 player teams on a field for 2 hours#REF! Inappropriate use (e.g. baseball on a softball diamond)Approx. Field Size(feet)Baseball school V, JV & FSoftball School V & JVFootball School V, JV & FreshBoys LAX F, JV & VGirls LAX F, JV & VField Hockey SchoolMens Softball LeagueRotary & VFW SoftballSieniors BaseballSCHOOLSLF/RF90' Diamond / MPRF 310/310 200x325 48.015.033.0 48.0Bertram Field Synthetic MPRF 360x225268.0 40.0 39.0 42.0 44.0 45.0 37.0 6.0 15.0268.0Bowditch School Field165x3000.0NO DATA0.0Lower Field (S)210x33051.011.0 22.0 18.051.0Upper Field (N)170x27093.0 34.0 33.0 26.093.060' (no diamond) / MPRF 215x170 102.0102.0102.0PARKS60'-diamond/Field Hockey 200+ 270x15010.010.010.0Softball Field 60'-diamond 170/190 190x14590.0 20.010.0 8.0 20.0 12.0 2.0 9.0 9.090.0 Field Space-62.062.062.0 Baseball Field 60' Diamond 185/185 -240.0240.0240.0 Baseball Practice Infield 60' base path(no diamond) -- -0.0NO DATA0.0 Softball Diamond 60' Diamond 200/20097.097.097.0Baseball/MPRF 90'-diamond / MPRF 300/300 290x190137.5 42.048.547.0137.5 Softball Field 60' Diamond 200/20074.074.074.0 Softball Field 60' Diamond 200/200 -158.056.0102.0158.0 Practice Field Informal Field 180x1105.05.0 5.0 Softball Field 60' Diamond 200/200 -102.0102.0102.0Upper Fields (N)315x200293.0243.0 42.08.0 293.0Lower fields (S)315x205252.0244.08.0 252.0Baseball /MPRF90'-dia. / MPRF 310/310 290x18090.0 22.068.090.0Soccer /MPR Rugby 279x22011.011.0 11.0 Baseball Field 60' Diamond 155/150 -102.0102.0102.02285.584 130 74 72 68 55 67 55 0 755 487 54.5 140 8 20 12 2 9 128 16 11 33 52285.5*Young kids only at SplaineTOTALSTOTALSSalem CharterVarious (zombie walk, weddings, fast athletics, etc)Special OlympicsNorth Shore RugbyWhole FoodsCharity DefenseSalem Little LeagueWomen's Softball LeagueMcGlew ParkCastle Hill PlaygroundBoys Soccer V & JVSplaine Park*Collins Cove PlaygroundSee Bentley SchoolMansell Playground (@ Gallows Hill)Forest River ParkGirls Soccer V & JVTOTALSalem Youth SoccerSalem Youth FootballYouth LacrosseGallows Hill ParkMack Park (fenced, lighted)Furlong Park (fenced outfield)Palmer Cove ParkMcGrath ParkWitchcraft HeightsSalem High SchoolCollins Middle School fenced, lightedMemorial Park aka Bentley SchoolSalem Willows ParkFacility/FieldsCommonBentley School / AKA Memorial Field11/19/20151Field Usage Summary