Skyline Park Photo | Brookline Parks Staff
of recommendations for the next decade and into even beyond .
Gallentine stated that the reorganization of the Division was not only about new job descriptions , but also about improved training , equipment , and appreciation for the profession of land management : “ It was about establishing accountability within every level of the organization , from the bottom up and the top down .” For
example , the Division sends employees to leadership training , UMass Green School , urban forestry seminars , safety programs , pest and turf management , proper equipment use , and on-site horticulture and pruning programs . “ Investing in staff is investing in the future of the Town ’ s parks ,” says Gallantine . A new vehicle replacement schedule inventories equipment and anticipated replacement dates ; this enables the Division to prioritize and plan ahead for practical , efficient vehicle replacement . The Division also sets aside $ 15,000 annually for small engine equipment so that the basic tools for each crew are fully operational and meet all current safety requirements .
In 2006 , the Division published the Parks , Open Space and Recreation Strategic Master Plan — a full inventory of all assets , a condition assessment , a full history and description of each site , and a needs assessment . This analysis generated a list
With such high demand for the Town ’ s few athletic venues , those existing facilities experienced chronic
overuse . To add more field use capacity , the Town got creative by converting natural grass fields to synthetic turf , capping an old landfill and converting it into a 15-acre multi-use park , and acquiring and converting a 10-acre state-owned reservoir into a multi-use park , both including athletic fields . It continues to look for acquisition opportunities and to share fields with partners such as local institutions . These two new parks , added
in the last 10 years , not only provide athletic fields , but are multigenerational , active and passive recreational community parks with walking paths , a diversity of seating and picnicking areas , play areas and access to nature .
Skyline Park
Photo | Julian Russell
Brookline has no beach or outdoor public
pool , so the Town has incorporated over a dozen splash pad and water play areas into the parks to provide that access .
Residents have consistently asked for more
places to walk , so the Town focused on adding walking circuits in existing park areas . In the larger parks , these circuits are handicapped accessible and create a loop for all levels of users , from dog-walkers , to joggers , to seniors out for a light walk .
Soule Playground
Photo | Julian Russell
10 BSLA