Public Forums on Sacred Heart Site - Next: June 27

The third (last) public forum specifically inviting residents to comment about how the new open space at Deborah Sampson Park should look and be used is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m., Community Center.

At the previous forum, on June 6, the Beals and Thomas planners presented three illustrated concepts for configuring the tree-surrounded grassed area that replaces the demolished Sacred Heart building: (1) a park with benches separating two small "undulating" landscapes;  (2) an 8 - 8 graded field for youth soccer/lacrosse requiring irrigation and some tree-cutting; and (3) a "hybrid," not "hypergraded" park/field that could be used for scheduled and ad hoc activities by residents of all ages.

All three concepts provide 50 net additional parking spaces; minimal fencing (none enclosing); no additional lighting; plantings and natural contours to prevent uncontrolled parking; paths to guide dog walkers; benches; and a gazebo/picnic area.

The audience seemed pleased with the presentation. Most favored option (1); some preferred option (3); and only one spoke for option (2), which was labeled "unacceptable and intrusive" by a Cedar Street resident.

Residents' requests included "do not divide park into two smaller areas"; "plant fruit trees"; permeable paths; bike racks; septic/leaching under the parking lot to enable permanent bathroom; enhanced exercise trail; disc golf; electricity connection. Also, in case of option (3), the Recreation Department should "consistently refrain from scheduling the area at certain times," especially daytimes and weekend afternoons, to ensure availability for ad hoc uses by the public. Costs for creating the final design were estimated at $350,000-$450,000.

The final concept plan, to be presented on Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m., Community Center, will presumably take into account the preferences expressed by the public at all three forums. Comments may also be sent to rweidknecht@btiweb.com

Future process potentially includes final report to Selectmen and Sacred Heart Committee in mid-July; application for funds from Community Preservation Committee (CPC); discussion/vote at CPC; appropriation of funds by Fall Town Meeting (November 4) or later. All these are public meetings in which residents may take part.