Q: Why is the Town Park wall being replaced and how long will construction continue? (7/14/07)
A: Stone wall maintenance and sidewalk construction on the Northrup St. side of Town Park will continue through July. Every effort is being made to insure the safety of all youngsters during this time. Stone wall work was an unexpected project necessitated by the installation of concrete sidewalks along this side of the Park. The old stone wall, which was built from stones excavated during the creation of the Town Park site around 1900, is being reconstructed in phases over the next few years. The original large wall stones are too big to re-use in this project; however, to preserve the
historical significance of the wall and significantly cut down on material costs, the Park Dept. is stockpiling the original stones so they can be broken-up into smaller pieces and re-used.
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Q: Can I park my vehicle next to the Bath house when I utilize the Parklands? (7/14/07)
A: There is no parking on the pond boat ramp or at the spaces next to the bath house. This area is well-marked and the Hopedale Police Department will continue to ticket unauthorized and non-handicap vehicles parked in this area. Cars should be parked along Hopedale St.
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Q: Why were "No Trespassing" signs recently placed at the entrance to Draper Field, and why is the gate locked on July 18, 2006, preventing general access to the ballfields? (7/19/06)
A: Residents with questions regarding Draper Field access should contact:
1) Property deed-holder Phil Shwachman (508-798-8844)
2) Town Coordinator Gene Phillips (508-634-2203 x213)
3) Any member of the Board of Selectmen (Alan Ryan, Mike Collins, Lou Arcudi)
The property deed holder has provided a small number of gate keys to Town Coordinator for distribution to public safety departments, the School Department, and Hopedale Youth Baseball. Details can be obtained at the Town Hall during regular business hours.
Q: Why is the Park Commission no longer the Town point-of contact for Draper Field activities? (updated 7/19/06)
A: The entire Draper Field parcel - including the old landfill - is private property, not Town property. Park Commissioners are elected by taxpayers to protect, preserve, and oversee active and passive recreational Town land under our stewardship at the following areas: Town Park, the Parklands and Bath House area, Mellen Field, Adin Ballou Park, and the parcel at the intersection of Adin and Mendon Streets.
In 2003 the Selectmen via a direct request from Draper Field property deed holder Phillip Shwachman, delegated operation responsibilities for the coordination and management of all activities at Draper Field to the Park Commission. The additional burden of managing Draper Field activities became increasingly more demanding and time consuming ; and when we found ourselves negotiating field use requests between commercial interests and the deedholder, we knew it was time to re-evaluate our involvement. In November 2005 the Park Commission unanimously agreed that serving as defacto property managers for a private entity was inappropriate and outside of the responsibilities we were elected to carry out, and we notified all parties concerned that we were re-delegating Draper Field usage coordination
and management to those groups that use it the most: namely the independent Hopedale Youth Baseball Associaton and the Hopedale School Department. Private business who regularly placed requests to use Draper Field to conduct for-profit sports clinics and activities now must interface directly with the property deedholder and or his designees - which we believe is the proper course of action.
Draper Field was built by the Draper Corporation in the late 1940's ( http://www.hopedale-high-blue-raiders.com/BallFieldAlbum/album.htm ) as a corporate recreational facility which the Town had deeded rights to also enjoy. Those deeded rights are still in-place today. Generations of Hopedale school sports teams and little leaguers have enjoyed unrestricted access to this facility. The town has always enjoyed a cordial, mutually-beneficial relationship with
property landowners - including Mr. Shwachan - who have preserved the spirit of open access in return for the Town's Highway Department and sports leagues providing maintenance and general upkeep of the area ( http://www.hopedale-high-blue-raiders.com/BallFieldAlbum/page36.htm ).
We hope that the current gate-locking situation can be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, but in the meantime, we encourage all questions to be directed to the individuals noted above.
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Q: 1) Why does the Park Department collect Recreational Fees from the independent youth softball and baseball programs - as well as the School Department? (3/06)
A: Park Department philosophy is that any non-Town-run league or private entity - be it an independent Youth Sports organization or a Private business - that collects a fee for participation in their programs that take place on open Town property, will pay a Recreational Fee to the Town for the privilege of exclusive use.
Usage Fee Permit for Commercial Use of Park Fields/Courts/Facilities ($125/day - requires Board approval)
Q: 3) Why is a separate 10% fee being assessed by the Park Dept. on non-Hopedale tournament teams?
A: The only tournaments run on Park grounds the past few season have been by Hopedale Youth Softball. The league collects fees from visiting teams to enter a tournament, and realizes profits from the sale of food and clothing at these very popular, well-run events. Tournaments, also require additional field grooming, generate more traffic and noise in the
neighborhood, and create a great deal of trash for the Town to haul away. The Park Commission and softball agree that a 10% stipend or equivalent flat fee is more than fair for the quality, exclusive, venue being provided.
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Q: Why is the Park Commission no longer the Town point-of contact for Draper Field activities? (12/05)
A: The Park Department voted unanimously in November 2005 to discontinue serving as the Selectmen-appointed (2002) point-of-contact for Draper Field activities - given that we do not sponsor or oversee any programs at this venue.
In contrast to thoughts expressed by the Board of Selectmen, as an elected Town Board we believe our time and responsibilities are best-served overseeing, protecting, and maintaining Town-owned recreational facilities;
rather than serve as a defacto property manager for a private landowner. All groups/organizations/businesses wishing to utilize, improve or comment on the Draper Field property should contact Phil Shwachman, Hopedale Industrial Center, Inc. c/o First American Realty; or call 508-798-8844.
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Q: Why was the Town Beach closed a few years ago & will it stay closed in 2007?
A: Bathing and swimming lessons Hopedale Pond's Town Beach, a tradition that drew hundreds of children and their families daily dating back to the early 1900's, was discontinued by the Park Commission in 2002 due to declining attendance. We simply could not justify escalating costs to staff the program with certified instructors and lifeguards given the lack
of use by residents and non-residents alike for this free service. Should public interest and sentiment within the Town rekindle, consideration will be given to reviving the program for swim lessons and/or open swimming in some manner. Funding was not allotted for staffing/opening the Beach in our FY2008 budget.
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Q: Why was sand being dredged from Hopedale Pond down by the bath house the week of September 13th? (9/21/05)
A: The activity that many people gathered to watch during this time was NOT a dredging operation, but rather a hydro-raking project commissioned by the Park Department, and performed by Aquatic Control Technology of Sutton, MA. A sand bar delta had accumulated and grown significantly over the past 15+ yrs from collective storm drain discharge off of Northrup/Park/Dutcher/Oak/Williams Streets & Tammie Rd. Aside from the aesthetic and safety impacts, the presence of this sand bar above or near the water surface no longer allowed for rapid settling of nutrient-laden sediments and other potential pollutants, but rather forced the discharged water/sediment to fan-out across the Town Beach and adjacent area - extending nearly half-way across the pond! By doing so, this dispersed these materials throughout the lower pond where
the nutrients become more available for nuisance algae and aquatic weed growth. Sand was removed with a floating hydro-rake machine, deposited on the old Town Beach area to drain off, and then hauled away by the Highway Dept. to the Waste Water Treatment Plant property. The Hydro-Raking and removal of this sand deposit will realize ecological, safety, recreational, and aesthetic benefits for Hopedale Pond for years to come.
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Q: Can anything be done to improve small boat access at Hopedale Pond? (4/05)
A: The Park Commission will explore options for improving cartop and small trailer access to the lower pond. Traffic and safety patterns, abutter interests, and possible land acquisition access points will be explored. Background information: Residents will remember that the Commission permanently protected the Parklands by banning vehicular traffic a number
]here for details); unfortunately, in doing so use of small access points at the Rustic Bridge and below the First Fireplace were affected. The remaining boat access point at the old "garages" off of Lake & Progress Streets was rendered inaccessible a few years later due to privatization of the site for storage units.
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Q: Why is the High School Softball program moving from Draper Field to Mellen Field in the Spring of 2005? Speculation abounds that it has to do with recent EPA tests for contamination at the girls softball field at
Draper Field (10/04)
A: THE PENDING FIELD SHIFT FOR THE HHS GIRLS SOFTBALL PROGRAM HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WHATSOEVER WITH THE EPA TESTING BEING CONDUCTED AT THE DRAPER LANDFILL SITE. High School administrators approached the Park Dept. about the feasibility of moving the Girls softball program to the existing softball fields at
Mellen late this past summer. The reasoning behind this was two-fold: 1) as most of the Softball athletes grew up playing in the Youth Softball at Mellen, there's a familiarity and "homefield advantage" for them to continue to playing there. 2) The school would be able to take full advantage of Mellen's concession facility - a pleasant benefit to players and fans alike. The Park Commission unanimously and enthusiastically supported this idea, and our Director, Mark Sesona, worked closely with
school officials and Youth Softball board members to co-fund the fall skinning and refurbishment of the north field at Mellen in preparation for the upcoming season.
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TOWN LEASH LAWS and POOP-a-SCOOP REGULATIONS APPLY WITHIN THE PARKLANDS! NOTICE: (9/04)
Several people recently have reported to the Park Commission that they have had unpleasant encounters within the Parklands with loose dogs and rude, indifferent dog owners. As Parkland acreage is vast, the best suggestion we can give to anyone who has a situation with an unleashed dog, is to immediately report the incident via cell phone to the Police Dept. (508-473-8444 - or 911 in case in case of injury), giving a full description of the pet and its owner. A vehicle license plate number would be useful as well. Fines will be levied on handlers whose loose dogs disrupt and/or prohibit others from enjoying this area in any way. We thank the many dog owners who appreciate and respect the Parklands - while exhibiting consideration and courteousness to others. [ http://www.hopedale-ma.gov/Public_Documents/HopedaleMA_Parks/dogs
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Q: Why has a chain gate been placed at the top of the road leading to the bath house? What about handicap parking? (10/04)
A: This driveway provides town vehicle access to the bath house and Park storage garage. It is not a parking area for the general public or immediate abutters. Unfortunately, over the past few years unrestricted use by both has resulted in damaged lawn areas (town property extends roughly 10' to the right of the driveway), and occasionally cars parked
directly in front of the door blocked access to the bath house. Ample free parking for Pond & Parkland access from this entrance - including a handicap space - is available on Hopedale St. For safety reasons, the chain is one car length down the driveway to allow Town vehicles to pull-in off the street while unlocking it. This space is solely for Town vehicle use and is otherwise designated as a "no parking" zone. 4/05 update: The Park Dept, will improve handicap accessability at the
top of the Bath House access road in Spring 2006.
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Q: Does the Park Dept. sponsor organized men's or women's softball? (2/04)
A: At this time there are no town sponsored or independent adult softball teams or leagues playing in Hopedale.
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Q: I'm new to town, how do I sign my child up for Town sports like soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, etc.
A: Non-school-related sports programs for Hopedale youngsters are run by independent, non-profit, youth sports organizations. The Park Dept. typically does not sponsor leagues or teams; however we do maintain and oversee all fields in Town that these groups utilize (except HYBL basketball). For specific information on these programs, and programs
offered within the Hopedale school system, check out:
Softball HYSA (Hopedale Youth Softball Association)
Baseball HYBA (Hopedale Youth Baseball Association)
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Q: Does the Park Dept. run summer programs and if so what are the costs?
A: We offer a Summer Recreation Program at the
[ http://www.hopedale-ma.gov/Public_Documents/HopedaleMA_Parks/facilities ]Town Park that provides morning & afternoon arts & crafts, sports equipment sign-out, games, and activities such as tennis instruction, shuffleboard, wiffleball, ping-pong, etc. for Hopedale youngsters. This is a free offering, not a daycare or summer camp program. Young children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Games & equipment sign-outs are free, arts & crafts projects typically cost under .50 cents.
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Q: Why is Hopedale Pond posted "no swimming unless lifeguards are on duty?"
A: Two reasons: safety and liability. Despite being a relatively shallow body of water, there are sharp dropoffs around the perimeter of the Beach area. Also, the general muddy bottom of the pond contributes to turbidity (i.e. the water appears "dirty"). Without a designated swim area in place (the swim area is sandy), these factors make for hazardous swimming
conditions, and would impede efforts in the event that a water search & rescue is necessary. The Police Dept. continues to help us enforce this for the safety of all.
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Q: Is Hopedale Pond polluted?
A: As mentioned above, the turbidity of the pond contributes to a perception that the water is "dirty" or "polluted." In fact, the [
amazement of nearly the entire class), what many Townsfolk have known for generations - that Hopedale Pond is a clean, healthy body of water, and a resource that deserves to be preserved, protected, and utilized. For a written summary of the class' findings, click [ http://elem.hopedale.k12.ma.us/teachers/sdunn/hopedalepondrevised.htm ] here .
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Q: Have geese fouled the waters of Hopedale Pond?
have become an incredible nuisance, their biggest negative impact is what they leave behind on the shoreline and elsewhere on land, not in the water. In actuality a similar problem that’s much more flagrant - Dog waste not picked up by inconsiderate owners - poses much more of a health hazard and imposition to people looking to enjoy the pond and our open spaces surrounding it. There are quick-fix and other costly methods to rid an area of geese; however, until local and federal politicians can be lobbied to remove the protected status of these animals, they will continue to be intrusive and create potential health hazards at all open field areas and beaches.
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Q: Hopedale Pond abuts the old Draper plant, how can it not be contaminated by it in some way?
A: For this we thank the laws of physics. The pond sits upstream from Drapers, and its outflow drops 10’ below at the Freedom St. dam to flow under the plant.
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[Marker]Q: How come the Parklands remain closed to vehicles?
A: Longtime residents remember a time when the Parklands were wide open to vehicle traffic and it was easy to drive to the three "Fireplaces" (picnic areas with grilles and concrete picnic tables), and many of the fishing spots at the north end of the pond via the Dutcher or Hazel street entrances. So why the change? 1) Open access led to a proliferation of illegal trash and building material dumping within the Parklands. Pick up and disposal of this material became costly. 2) Reckless drivers
speeding through the grounds resulted in increased property damage, a number of collisions, and several near-accidents with individuals and families biking, hiking, jogging etc. 3) Budget cutbacks made it increasingly difficult for the Police Dept. to adequately patrol the area, and minimum Park staffing prohibited regular and reliable opening and closing the gates. In 1995 the Park Commission voted to restrict vehicle traffic permanently. Feedback from hikers, joggers, naturalists and cyclists over the years has remained overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining this practice.
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Q: We hear there's an effort underway by the Park Dept. to find/create new play fields in town. What's the latest?
] harfc
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Q: Can you do anything about eliminating porta pots at the Town Park - how about re-opening the rest rooms?
A: Opening & maintaining the comfort station at the Park, and keeping up with constant vandalism, became costly and impractical given the lack of staff - especially during the fall & spring. This is why porta pots appeared at the Park the past couple of years. Last Fall, in response to multiple requests made to this Board, we had the comfort station plumbing
completely repaired and put back in working order. This Spring, necessary electrical safety upgrades were made, one stall on each side has been eliminated, and heavy-duty timed locks have been added. These locks will provide us flexibility to set the hours the building is accessible. We know this is welcome news to families utilizing the playground, as well as to our sports teams & spectators, and we'd appreciate your help in keeping this facility open by reporting any vandalism immediately to the Police Dept. See our [ fcp://@fc.virtualtownhall.net,%231017107/Recreation%20Web%20Pages/regs/zero
]zero tolerance policy on vandalism.
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