Neponset II Park provides a boat launch to the tidal Neponset River . Photo | Pressley Associates
not put in place so these were not constructed . The soccer fields have been a huge success , and the fields have recently been used to show movies in the summer , bringing back a bit of the drive-in history . There is also an annual pumpkin float every year on the creek , which is now advertised in the Trustees newsletter and brings people from outside the area to the park . The playground is so popular it is actually overused , so there has been a recent push to enlarge it . The shade structures along the paths , the large picnic structures , and the shelters with toilet facilities have all been a success and are still in use .
Community input has also informed the Hallet site at PJP II , where there had been a desire for community gardens . Boston Natural Areas Network ( BNAN ) received a seed grant recently which might have been used but , unfortunately , the group who had pushed for the gardens has faded . The footprint is still there , so it still may happen given the upsurge in farmer markets and the grow-your-own movement .
Neponset II was viewed by the community more as a neighborhood park , as it was sited directly adjacent to the residences on Hilltop Street . DCR had to work hard to convince the community to have anything programmed at that site — everything from parking to a splash pool and boat launch was
disputed . The community was satisfied that the Martin Playground across the street was sufficient , and they were concerned about the crime in the area . Some felt parking and any activity at Neponset II would increase “ that element ” in their neighborhood . They wanted something to look at , but a place no one could get to except by walking . The DCR had to remind them that this was a regional park system . Eventually the parking , splash pad , and boat launch were built , and this small park provides a vital link between PJP II Park and the Neponset River Trail across Granite Avenue . Other features ( a small skate park for example ) were asked for and then retreated from — and DCR responded accordingly to ensure community satisfaction .
Technical Challenges
These two park sites also offered unique challenges for environmental design and park development . Technically considered brownfields , existing park conditions required varying methods of remediation , each with different potential health risks . Design opportunities varied and were dictated by environmental regulation and post remediation use limitations . Development of both park sites required extensive coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP ) and specialized remediation programs tailored for each site .
80 BSLA