Chestnut Hill Reservation February 2007

Resource Management Plan

Phase I Implementation Summary

The following projects have been identified in the RMP as high priority projects and will be carried out in 2007-2008 as Phase I. The scope for Phase II will be developed with community input once Phase I costs are finalized.

1. Fence removal – spring 2007

• Removal of 1929 steel fence in three locations:
• Along Beacon Street
• Along east side of St. Thomas More Road (at reservoir edge)
• In woods behind Rink/pool
• Six granite columns at two Gatehouses will be preserved in place as required by the MA Historical Commission and the Boston Landmarks Commission
• Interpretive panels required by MHC (to mitigate loss of fence) to be developed in coordination with MHC and BLC and installed later
• Estimated costs for crushed stone, loam and seed $5,000; in-house labor

2. Vegetation Management – spring 2007

• Hazard tree pruning and limited removals
• Limited tree planting
• Treatment of poison ivy 100 feet off shoreline, with focus on fencing along the Driveway
• Estimated cost: $30,000 using existing contract with arborist
• Other projects such as Ailanthus removal and vista management to be undertaken with DCR staff using the Vegetation Management Plan as a guide

3. Stonewall repair along Chestnut Hill Avenue – spring 2007

• Remove and reset loose stones
• Replace missing cap stones
• Repoint wall to match existing
• Estimated cost: $23,000

4. Pathway Rehabilitation* – design by June 30, 2007; construction fall 2007

• Rehab inner path
• Locations of new benches
• Reconfigure/simplify paths behind rink/pool
• Paths along St. Thomas More Road and Chestnut Hill Driveway
• Connections between “inner” and “outer” system
• Pedestrian gateways
• Playground site analysis (please note: The existing play mound, fencing and damaged benches at the “playground” will be removed as a matter of public safety)
• Repair erosion and solve path drainage problems
• Create cohesive, safe, accessible, and attractive pathways design
• Schematic design/public presentation: feedback and discussion – Mid-April 2007
• Final Design – June 30, 2007/public presentation
• Design Cost - $92,000; Construction Budget: $450,000 (exact scope of construction will depend on cost estimates/actual bid amounts)

* Additional notes regarding Pathway Rehabilitation Project

Please note that the scope and budget for the pathway rehabilitation project represents a compilation of a number of separate recommendations included in the Implementation Strategy and Priorities chapter of the RMP. The original RMP design estimates did not include full costs for a survey, and estimates have also been adjusted to reflect savings in mobilization and overhead costs when projects are implemented concurrently. Please see details listed below.

RMP recommendation Construction Design

Pave pathway along south side of Driveway $115,000 ($11,500)

Repave reservoir perimeter (inner) path $215,000 ($21,500)

Create new accessible path system behind rink $182,000 ($18,200)

New path between Driveway and inner path $ 10,000 ($ 1,000)

RMP estimates total $522,000 ($52,200)

Current estimated DCR Budget $450,000 ($92,000)

5. Installation of Benches – fall 2007 and beyond

• Install new benches as included in Pathway Rehabilitation design
• Estimated cost: $120,000
• Overall cost maybe reduced with memorial bench donation program

Overall Summary of Phase 1 Implemenation Costs and Estimated Budget

Fence Removal $ 5,000

Vegetation Management $ 30,000

Stonewall repair $ 23,000

Pathway Rehabilitation

Design $ 92,000

Construction $450,000

Installation of benches $120,000

Total $720,000

Note: The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Office of Public Private Partnerships is providing $150,000 in FY07 for Phase 1 Implementation costs.

Questions concerning the above information may be addressed to:

Mr. Kevin Hollenbeck, West District Manager, DCR Urban Parks Southeast Region

kevin.hollenbeck@state.ma.us or 617-333-7405