Water Based Rec Next Steps.pdfWater Based Recreation Next Steps 1
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION
PROJECT APPLICATION COVER SHEET
I: Project Information
Project Title: Water Based Recreation Assessment – Next Steps
Project Summary: CPA funding was provided in 2020 to hire a qualified consulting
firm to assess existing informal swimming areas in Northampton, identify which one
or two have the greatest potential for more formalized improved swimming areas
and one or two which might have potential for more minor improvements. This next
step seeks funding for implementation of one of the major recommendations, an
accessible walkway from Connecticut River Greenway riverfront part to the
swimming beach nearby
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): City of Northampton
Organization (if applicable): Northampton 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: $110,000
CPA funding request: $70,000
CPA request as percentage of total budget: 64%
Applicant’s Signature:
Date Submitted: September 17, 2021_______________________
Water Based Recreation Next Steps 2
Project Overview:
The CPA provided funding for a River Swimming Assessment and Design
Recommendations study in 2020. Completed in August 2021, the final report noted
that
River swimming has become increasingly popular in Northampton as residents
and visitors seek relief from the summer heat. Both the Mill River and the
Connecticut River have seen heavy use, particularly during the summer months
of the COVID-19 pandemic, as parks and open spaces across the country saw
record numbers of visitors looking for ways to escape their homes and access
fresh air. With increased use of Northampton rivers came increased tensions with
neighbors, city officials, and those concerned about the environment and
equitable access to recreation. Noise, trash, and unsafe behaviors have led
neighbors to feel frustrated. Community groups concerned about stream bank
degradation also want to ensure that those who cannot afford a house in
Northampton still feel welcome to swim. City officials are working to understand
and help the frustrated neighbors while also addressing broader issues raised by
local community groups and swimmers. The purpose of this study is to
understand and record the concerns of the concerns of those that use and have
a stake in the future of Northampton river swimming areas. In addition to
understanding the points of stress and opportunities of each swim area, this
study is also intended to identify ways that these swim areas can be improved to
mitigate some of the short and long term points of stress.
The Connecticut River Greenway is located northwest of Damon Road and the River
Run Condominium Complex. In 2015, the City added parking, a boathouse, accessible
walk to the river, boat launch, and docks to provide greater access to the Connecticut
River. The site also became home to Northampton Community Rowing, the City’s
primary partner in managing the property.
Storms over the past few years have deposited sediment to the southern shore of the
river, creating a beach to the east of Barrett Brook. The beach is regularly used by
those willing to cross Barrett Brook or hike through the nearby woods. While the
addition of the beach has been welcome, storms have also caused damage to some of
the boat docks and gangways originally installed in 2015.
Accessibility to the water and boat launches from the parking lot is currently an issue, which is one of the primary reasons for this project. When water in the river is low, the
accessible route ends just short of the water. Currently, those with mobility issues are
often driven down the boat launch and then helped into boats. An accessible walkway
from the park to the swimming beach is proposed to allow for safe access to the River.
Utilizing concept plans from the study as a base, a trail will connect swimmers to the
beach via a pedestrian bridge over Barrett Brook and an elevated boardwalk through
the woods. An accessible boat launch is incorporated into the new dock, allowing those
Water Based Recreation Next Steps 3
with limited mobility multiple options for launching a kayak or canoe. Additional
amenities include toilets, water fountain, changing rooms, and trash and recycling,
picnic tables and benches. The design and layout of the trail will be informed by the
three scenarios presented in the Swimming Report. The exact layout and approach will
await final design, pricing, and reaching an agreement with the Northampton
Community Rowing, who owns the current docks, the recreation Commission, who
owns the boathouse property, and the Conservation Commission, who owns the
Greenway open space. A detailed budget and engineering plan will be available once
the trail details have been finalized. The cost is nearly all docks and anchor installation,
other related work will be done by volunteers.
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 riverine resources contribute significantly to its community
character. The Mill and Connecticut are enjoyed for boating, fishing, and through
pathways and trails through their riverfronts. Access for swimming is very
limited, and this project seeks to create additional opportunities to fill that gap
and serve more people.
Addresses recommendations contained in the Sustainable Northampton comprehensive
plan and/or the Northampton Open Space, Recreation, and Mixed Use Trail Plan 2018-
2025 or is consistent with other city-wide planning efforts that have received broad-
based scrutiny and input and can demonstrate wide community support
Creation of water based recreation facilities was identified as a priority in the
Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Serves under-served populations
One of the major goals of the project is to create water access for everyone;
including all populations.
Receives endorsement by community groups, municipal boards and/or departments and
City residents.
The project is supported by the Office of Planning and Sustainability and
Recreation Department. A public forum on the study is scheduled for October 14.
Leverages additional public and/or private funds, or demonstrates that other funding
sources are not readily available or sufficient
CPA funding will be matched by a MassTrails grant
Demonstrates a high benefit/cost value
Can be implemented expeditiously and within budget
The project also meets many of the specific Open Space and Recreation criteria:
Open Space Criteria:
Provide opportunities for passive recreation and environmental education
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Provide connections with existing non-motorized multi-use trails or potential trail
linkages
Preserve valuable surface water resources, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds,
wetlands, buffer zones, vernal pools and riparian zones
Recreation Criteria:
Support multiple active and passive recreation uses;
Serve a significant number of residents;
Expand the range of recreational opportunities available to Northampton residents of
all ages
Enhance the appreciation of the natural world and its conservation
Contribute to the positive health status of its citizens
Benefit conservation and recreation initiatives
Maximize the utility of land already owned by Northampton
Promote the creative use of former railway, waterways and other corridors, including
connecting corridors, to create safe and healthful non-motorized transportation
and exercise opportunities
Incorporate environmentally friendly design and long-term maintenance
ATTACHMENTS
Connecticut River Greenway Photos and Map Excerpt
Accessible route to
water’s edge
Beach beyond Barrett Brook End of accessible route to the water
Base of existing boat launch
View down Barrett Brook
toward Connecticut River
CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY:
CIRCULATION, REGULATED AREAS, SAFETY, & POINTS OF STRESS
(UNOFFICIAL)