DCR Master Plans

Executive Summary

1. Vision Section
2. Community Engagement
3. Existing Condition
4. Corridor-wide design identity and amenities 
   1. Part 1
   2. Part 2
   3. Part 3
5. Mobility and Access Section
6. Park and recreational facilities
7. Facilities Section
8. Natural Resources Section
9. Cultural Resources Section
10. Implementation Section
11. Operations and Maintenance Section

Table of Contents

Part One - Executive Summary

• 1.1 | Purpose and Goals
• 1.2 | Master Planning Process
• 1.3 | Summary Recommendations

Part Two - Site Analysis and General Recommendations 2.1 - 2.2 

• 2.1 | Park History
• 2.2 | Past Planning and Development Context

Part Two - Site Analysis and General Recommendations 2.3 - 2.4

• 2.3 | Arrival, Circulation and Parking
• 2.4 | Site Features and Built Facilities

Part Two - Site Analysis and General Recommendations 2.5 - 2.9

• 2.5 | Program Activities
• 2.6 | Visitor Experience and Wayfinding
• 2.7 | Stormwater Infrastructure
• 2.8 | Utilities Infrastructure
• 2.9 | Landscape and Vegetation

Part Three Master Plan Recommendations 3.1 - 3.2

• 3.1 | Circulation Improvements
• 3.2 | Area-Specific Recommendations

Part Three Master Plan Recommendations 3.3

• 3.3 | Building Improvements and New Facilities

Part Three Master Plan Recommendations 3.4 - 3.5

• 3.4 | Stormwater Improvements
• 3.5 | Utilities Improvements

Part Three Master Plan Recommendations 3.6 - 3.7

• 3.6 | Proposed Site Furnishings
• 3.7 | Signage and Wayfinding Improvements

Part Four - Landscape Management Plan

• 4.1 | Landscape Management Plan

Appendices

Appendix A | Topographic Survey

Appendix B | Signage Inventory

Appendix C | Operations Proposed Diagrams

Appendix D | Opinions of Probable Construction Cost

Appendix E | Meeting Notes from Public Engagement

Appendix F | Public Comments

Herter Park Master Plan Public Meetings June 10, 2021 & September 29, 2021

Herter Park Master Plan Public Meeting September 28, 2022

DCR Parkways Master Plan (2020)

The Plan articulates a vision for an interconnected network of walkways and bikeways throughout metro Boston that provide residents of all ages and abilities with access to recreational destinations and healthy transportation opportunities. Short-term improvements that can be rapidly implemented, long-term capital investments, and policy and design guidance for improving the parkways for all travel modes are the key features of the Plan. By realizing the vision set forth in this Plan, DCR will enhance the legacy of the parkway system by ensuring safe, comfortable access for users of all modes and all ages abilities.

New Charles River Basin Master Plan 2017 Update

New Charles River Basin Master Plan Executive Summary (1995)

New Charles River Basin Master Plan (1995)

The Nantasket Beach Reservation, located on the Atlantic Ocean on the northern shore of southeastern Hull, MA, is owned and operated by the DCR. The 26-acre Reservation encompasses approximately 1.3 miles of beachfront (6,800 linear feet), and includes the beach and adjacent visitor amenities, associated parking areas, and an operations and maintenance facility.

In 2005, in conjunction with a project for seawall and beach accessway repairs at Nantasket Beach, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) initiated this Nantasket Beach Reservation Master Plan for the landside facilities of the Reservation.

Letter from DCR Commissioner Roy - December 2016

Cover - Acknowledgements, Table of Contents

Executive Summary

This Master Plan project was initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to build on earlier studies and the improvements to the Reservation completed to date.

Cover + Contents.pdf
Executive Summary.pdf
Chapter 1- Introduction.pdf
   Existing Context Plan.pdf
Chapter 2- Summary of Current Conditions.pdf
   Existing Site Conditions Plan.pdf
Chapter 3- Site + Building Program and Alternatives.pdf
Chapter 4- Recommendations.pdf
   Recommended Site Plan.pdf
   Recommended Floor Plans.pdf
Chapter 5- Sources.pdf

Appendices
A- Architecture Appendices.pdf
B- Engineering Appendices.pdf
C- Zoological Appendices.pdf
D- Alternatives and Evaluation.pdf
E- Advisory Committee and Review Comments.pdf
F- Massachusetts Audubon Society Interpretive Plan.pdf
G- Trailside Name and Identity.pdf

Cover

Acknowledgments

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Findings and Recommendations

Implementation

Related Projects and Recommendations

Epilogue

Bibliography

Credits

Appendix A   Appendix B   Appendix C

Appendix D   Appendix E

Master Plan North

Master Plan South

Maintenance Plan North

Maintenance Plan South

The Upper Charles River Reservation Project addresses a 5.75 mile section of the Charles River, including 11 miles of protected river banks, from Watertown Square to Commonwealth Avenue in Newton and Weston. It is part of the agency’s larger goal to extend the Charles River greenway 14 miles to Brook Farm in West Roxbury. As this first section of the Reservation greenway is completed, it will provide a critical open-space link between the Charles River Basin and the scenic “Lakes District”, spreading over 190 acres through Newton, Weston, and Waltham.