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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 Water Based Recreation Next Steps 4 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)