Rocky Hill Trails.pdfRocky Hill Universal Trails 1
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
I: Project Information
Project Title: Rocky Hill Greenway Accessible Trails
Project Summary: CPA Funding is sought to create a universally accessible trail
network at the Pine Grove Section of the Rocky Hill Greenway. A Small Grant was
awarded in 2020 that allowed for connection of the rough trail system to Old Wilson
Road. Using a state grant as a match, we would like to expand this work to create
trails for everyone on what is quickly becoming a very popular area for walking and
nature watching.
Estimated start and completion date: 2022
CPA Program Area (check all that apply):
Open Space � Historic Preservation
� Community Housing Recreation
II: Applicant/Developer Information
Contact Person and or/primary applicant: Wayne Feiden
Property Owner (if applicable): Northampton Conservation Commission
Organization (if applicable): Northampton Conservation Commission and Office of
Planning and Sustainability
Mailing Address: City Hall, 210 Main Street, Second Floor
Daytime phone #: 413-587-1265 Fax #: 413-587-1264
E-mail address: wfeiden@northamptonma.gov
III: Budget Summary
Total budget for project: $120,000
CPA funding request: $100,000
CPA request as percentage of total budget: 83%
Applicant’s Signature:
Date Submitted: September 17, 2021_______________________
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Parcel Information
Pine Grove Section, Rocky Hill Greenway, Old Wilson Road
Narrative
Over the past several years, in multiple transactions, the City of Northampton in
partnership with Mass Audubon has created the Rocky Hill Greenway, a 200+ acre
wildlife corridor that is part of an impressive network of open space extending from the
Connecticut River Oxbow and Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, through Northampton west to
forested hills and the Berkshire highlands beyond. The Greenway represents a series of
conservation victories, as for many years the site was zoned for a business park. The
Rocky Hill Greenway is ecologically rich and diverse. The main topographic feature of
the Greenway is a drumlin that some 15,000 to 12,000 years ago would have been an
island in the early stages of Glacial Lake Hitchcock, and formed part of its western
shore at later stages. The varied sediments left behind as a result of this landscape
position, combined with land use history, give rise to several distinct forest vegetation
zones, including wetlands, mesic forests, and relatively dry forest, which in turn
influence the wildlife usage of the area. The Greenway hosts several vernal pools,
including a prime example in a saddle near the top of the drumlin. The Pine Grove
segment of the Greenway is a 105-acre former 18-hole golf course that was protected
by the City in early 2020 using a Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity Grant matched
by Community Preservation Act funds. The clubhouse and associated infrastructure and
improvements were retained by the seller in order to make the conservation purchase
feasible, and were not included in the open space acquisition.
With state grant assistance, The City of Northampton has already implemented a first
phase of restoration on the site. The site has also been designated a Priority Ecological
Restoration Project by the state Department of Ecological Restoration, and work to
restore the stream and remove dams will be ongoing. Initial work included demolition
of drainage structures, demolition of small stream crossings, removal of miscellaneous
concrete debris, modification of the concrete pond outlet structure to allow for
additional pond level control, mechanical scarification, aeration and seeding of existing
fields, construction of deer fencing and extensive tree planting. Permits were obtained
by Planning and Sustainability staff. Next phases of work are identified in the
Restoration Master Plan, which was developed by GZA Environmental with extensive
comment and input from the City and partners, fieldwork, site evaluation and technical
analysis. The full plan includes the complete assessment of all recommended goals and
objectives. One of these major goals, for which CPA funding was provided in 2020 and
implemented in 2021 was Site Access: Extend existing pathways to create connections
throughout the Site. Use existing cart paths and stream crossings and extend to form
looped paths throughout the Site to provide walking access for the public and for
maintenance. The Master Plan presents three (3) smaller looped paths that each are
roughly ¾ of a mile. Combining the loops together, the larger main path which
Rocky Hill Universal Trails 3
encircles the Site is approximately 1.5 miles. A short dead-end spur off the main path
provides access to a unique stone feature. This important first step allowed gaps to be
connected from the road past that first green to intercepting the gravel trail, and for
boardwalks by the wettest area near the stream downstream from the dam. This
created public access to the property where it was now eliminated due to the seller
retaining the driveway and clubhouse, and has continued excitement and momentum
about Pine Grove and the broader Rocky Hill Greenway.
As the area begins to get more use, one of the recurring requests we have heard is a
need for trails that are universally accessible for users of all needs and abilities but are
soft surface and feel more “natural.” All multi-use paths are accessible, but natural-
feeling universal conservation trails, such as those as the DAR in Goshen or the Conte
Nature Trail in Hadley, provide a different experience and are a need that is found onlyt
in a few spots in Northampton. Creating a natural accessible trail system is an
environmental and cost challenge at most Greenways, where wetlands and steep slopes
impose difficult complications. At the Rocky Hill Greenway however, a relatively flat,
previously disturbed site create ideal conditions. The trail will be created by laying
down a geogrid material; pavers will be unrolled and secured, and voids filled with soil
and/or gravel. The reinforced grid will secure the fill material to limit mobilization,
clearly delineate trails, and provide a more stable surface both for users in wheelchairs
and users of all abilities.
The project meets several Community Preservation general criteria:
General Criteria:
The Pine Grove Trail meets several of the CPC general evaluation criteria:
Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of
the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents. Northampton’s open
spaces and trails are often cited as one of the major contributions to the City’s sense of
place. Pine Grove is a unique addition to the new Rocky Hill Greenway that saw a great
deal of pubic use even before it was permanently protected, and is a recreational gem.
Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive
plan, Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan or is consistent with other city-
wide planning efforts that have received broad-based scrutiny and input and can
demonstrate wide community support.
Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments The application is supported by the Conservation Commission, Massachusetts Audubon
Society, and Friends of Northampton Trails and Greenways.
Contributes to the preservation of Northampton’s unique character, boosts the vitality of
the community, and enhances the quality of life for its residents
The project also meets many of the criteria for both Open Space and Recreation
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Open Space and Recreation Criteria:
Supports passive and recreational opportunities by providing information about areas
and encouraging further exploration
Serves many residents and visitors
Is accessible to all ages and abilities
Enhances appreciation of existing conservation areas
Contributes to public health by encouraging walking and hiking
Maximizes utility of city owned land
Promotes a creative use of connecting corridors
3) What community need(s) does this project serve? If the project serves multiple
needs and populations, please describe them. If the project serves a population that is
currently underserved, please describe.
The project will promote use of conservation areas and trails by all residents and
visitors. By continuing work to connect population centers with multi-use paths and
wooded trails of varying types and difficulties, there will be opportunities for everyone,
including environmental justice populations, elderly and school-aged residents, and
people with disabilities.
4) What specific guarantees will assure the long-term preservation of the project?
Once the trails are created, they are not anticipated to require maintenance for many
years. A Friends of Rocky Hill Greenway group, which is in the process of being
created, and which this project will help to do, will work on longer-term maintenance
and expansion.
5) What community support does the project have? Explain the nature and level of the
support.
The project is supported by the Conservation Commission, Disabilities Commission, and
the Office of Planning and Sustainability.
6) How will the success of this project be measured?
Success of the project will be measured by creation of an accessible trail network that
connects the interior network to the roadway, and that continues to elicit excitement
about the expanding Rocky Hill Greenway and the new Pine Grove protection and
restoration efforts.
7) Is ongoing maintenance and upkeep required? If yes, please explain how this will
be accomplished.
Any ongoing maintenance to the trail system, including further development of future
phases, will be led by Office of Planning and Sustainability staff, and conducted by
volunteers.
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Community Need/Protections/Project Feasibility and Success
The project will fill a largely unmet need for accessible conservation area trails in
Northampton. While the City does have more universal access trails than most
communities our size, because of our paved shared use paths, we have very little
natural looking and feeling trails.
Project Budget:
Item CPA Match
Design and preparation (Layout trail, plan, design, clear
vegetation, clear rocks and debris, bid, oversee project)
$5,000 (in-kind)
Materials (geocells) $15,000
Contractor (labor, grading, gravel, additional geocells) $100,000
TOTALS $100,000 $20,000
ATTACHMENTS:
Master Plan Trail Map
Trail Photos
Example Trail Surface
Additional Support Letters to Follow as Received
Rocky Hill Trails, Pine Grove Section. September, 2021