Halibut Point State Park - Landscape Improvements Project

DCR completed multiple improvements to the landscape at Halibut to increase accessibility, improve flow of vehicular traffic at the parking lot, and establish a native meadow.

Project Updates

halibut ribbon cutting

November 30, 2021: Ribbon Cutting!

State and local officials came together to celebrate the many improvements completed over the last several years at Halibut Point State Park and reopen the Visitor Center to the public.

Visitor Center hours are posted on the park webpage: Halibut Point State Park | Mass.gov.

September 13, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Planting more trees and shrubs around the parking lot and in the Visitor Center area.
  • Electrical service to the maintenance building will be reestablished, and the generator removed.
  • Installation of final sections of curbing and bollards within the parking lot.
  • Completion of regrading and pathway work at the Visitor Center area.
  • Begin construction of dumpster enclosure in the parking lot.

June 25, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Pave the remainder of the parking lot areas.
  • Installation of gates, curbing and dumpster enclosure within the parking lot.
  • Begin loam and seeding areas around the parking lot entrance area and edges.
  • Entry walls will be nearing completion.
  • Preparation for installation of the pedestrian pathway through the parking lot.

 June 14, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Starting tree planting – about 1/3 of the new trees that are a part of this project will be planted.
  • Continuing subbase prep for remainder of the parking lot areas.
  • Applying additional erosion control blankets and starting seeding.
  • Beginning to prepare area around the Visitor Center for work.
  • Entry walls will be nearing completion.

June 4, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Preparing the subgrade and base for the remainder of the parking lot.
  • Continuing work on parking lot landscape features.
  • Continuing construction on granite entry wall #1.
  • Preparing locations for first round of planting.

May 28, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Completing binder course paving and striping for partial reopening of the parking lot to visitor use for Memorial Day weekend.
  • Beginning preparation work on parking lot landscape features.
  • Completing the work on the main pedestrian pathway and reopening it for visitor use.
  • Preparing temporary accessible parking spots at the Visitor Center.
  • Completing construction of granite entry wall #2 and beginning construction on granite entry wall #1.
  • Working with landscape architects on tree selection and prep for first round of planting.

May 21, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Continuing the work on the main pedestrian pathway.
  • Completing all ledge drilling work.
  • Installing and grading the gravel subbase of the parking lot, followed by pavement installation.
  • Completing construction of granite entry wall #2 and beginning construction on granite entry wall #1.

May 13, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Completing the installation of the new electrical line through the parking lot to the maintenance building.
  • Completing the compaction of the subbase and installation of the accessible surface – stabilized stone dust - for the main entrance pathway. Note: this path will be closed to undertake this work – during this time visitors will be directed to utilize the Gaffield Road entrance instead. Vehicular traffic on Gaffield will be limited at this time to accommodate the shift in pedestrian traffic.
  • Re-construction of the fieldstone wall along Gott Ave
  • Begin of ledge drilling in spots necessary to achieve necessary grades.
  • Begin construction of granite entry wall #2.

May 6, 2021: Construction Update

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Preparing the footing for the granite entry walls on both the parking lot side and on the park side.
  • Installing the new electrical line through the parking lot to the maintenance building.
  • Preparing, grading, and installing the accessible surface for the main entrance pathway. Note: this path will be closed for approximately two weeks to undertake this work – during this time visitors will be directed to utilize the Gaffield Road entrance instead. Vehicular traffic on Gaffield will be limited at this time to accommodate the shift in pedestrian traffic.

April 22, 2021: Construction Update

The primary focus of the work in the first several weeks of the project will be at the parking lot, in an effort to be able to reopen the lot to visitor vehicles in time for Memorial Day weekend. Some work will also occur during this period in other areas of the park, in an effort to make efficient use of contractors and equipment on site.

In the coming week the contractors will be:

  • Undertaking selective tree removal along the main pathway and the edge of the meadow. This will complete the extent of the tree removal work for this project.
  • Working on base preparation for the parking lot.
  • Preparation of stormwater features.
  • Preparing the footing for the new granite entry wall at the parking lot.

September 17, 2019 Public Information Meeting

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, DCR held a Public Information Meeting at the Rockport Middle School to showcase the completion of the Visitor Center rehabilitation project, provide an update on the status of the new exhibit fabrication and installation plans, and present information on the landscape plans and highlight incorporation of earlier feedback.

Additional Resources

October 29, 2018 Public Informational Meeting

On Monday, October 29, 2018, DCR held a Public Information Meeting at the Rockport Library to provide an update on the Visitor Center rehabilitation work, update the development of the exhibit design work, and present information on proposed landscape improvement plans and solicit feedback.

Additional Resources

Contact   for Halibut Point State Park - Landscape Improvements Project

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