For every park project the Town undertakes , ongoing maintenance is a central piece of it ’ s planning process . For example , the design of Fisher Hill Reservoir Park includes higher maintenance areas , such as the natural turf athletic field , and lower maintenance areas , such as the reservoir berms that have a “ no mow ” grass mix . The majority of the site will only be cut twice per year . The tree and shrub plan palette contains native plants that will be allowed to grow naturally with limited intervention and pruning . This allows the Park Division to plan for regular and seasonal maintenancen , and set expectations with the community about levels of maintenance and design intent .
The Town also has an established team of Landscape Architects ( two full-time and two part-time ) and often hires landscape architecture firms to help with major projects . As part of that process , the Parks Division sets up a design review committee and a series of public meetings to fully investigate what ’ s working well , what the park needs , how it can best serve the community , etc . This inclusive approach has helped foster commitment and pride in the Town ’ s park system , past , present , and future .
health benefits ,” Gallantine says . “ Its presence and quality of care contribute immensely to the appeal and livability of the community .”
And because the Town is small , the Parks Division is nimble and flexible enough to experiment . “ One of the benefits of working in Brookline is the leadership team ,” she says .
“ We continuously push ourselves to be innovative , to embrace change , and to find new or better ways to do our work as our Town evolves , while preserving the cultural and historic significance of the landscape .”
Making the most of that combination of an urban location with a small-town feel , together with its historic roots in landscape architecture , have created a park system that rivals that of major cities . It will continue to support a legacy of landscapes for years to come .
What ’ s Next ?
People love living in Brookline and , with its respectable school system , it ’ s becoming even more attractive as more people gravitate
toward living in urban areas . As more land is needed for schools , protecting open space — or balancing the need for it with development — has become a greater focus for the Parks and Open Space Division and open space advocates .
My opinion may not be the most objective , but I truly believe Brookline is special . It ’ s very urban , but still small . The community shares a city mentality , but with small-town familiarity . The Town is truly invested in and committed to its parks — and with good reason . “ We are the custodians of an incredible collection of parks open space that provides essential environmental , recreational , social , cultural , aestheticn and public
Concert at Allerton Overlook in Olmsted Park Photo | Brookline Parks Staff
Joe Geller , FASLA , is a Vice President at Stantec and leader of the firm ’ s planning and landscape architecture practice . He is a lifelong resident of Brookline , a former Town Selectman as well as a Past President of BSLA .
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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