fall 2013 parks inspection report
TRANSCRIPT
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
1/13
Newburyport Park Inspections
Revised October 2013
270 Water Street
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Several dead shrubs need to be replaced Unused gate post left by National Grid
contractor should be removed Some grassy areas sparse and in need of
improvement
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDS
A professional landscaping contract keeps the park looking
generally well-kept, though some grass areas (below) are
sparse and in need of improvement.
An unused gate post left by
National Grids contractor
needs to be removed.
Several dead shrubs resulting from lack of irrigation need to
be replaced.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
2/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 2
ATKINSON COMMON
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Piles of brush along border with LowerAtkinson present fire hazard
Some trees present a safety hazard topedestrians
Trees need maintenance program to keepthem healthy and to avoid safety hazards
related to untended deadwood
Granite bollard broken
Rules signage needs replacing Dumping a problem along Chase Street
entry area & behind Plummer Ave
residences encroaching on park
Lily Ponds need new curbing and sealant toprevent leaks
Resurfaced tennis courts Working with DPW to remove brush piles CPA funding secured to address safety
issues with trees
Parks Commission reviewing rules signagein all parks before repairing then willreplace sign
Repaired Plummer Ave entrance damageand connector driveway to Lower Atkinson
Coordinating with Planning Director to dealwith encroachment on park by neighbors.
Refinished Civil War Memorial tablets andreconstructed memorial plaza with brick
and granite pavers.
IMPROVEMENTSBEFORE AFTER
Tennis courts were resurfaced and newly striped with the inclusion of Under10 lines.
Tarnished Civil War Memorial tablets were refinished and the deteriorating memorial plaza was reconstructed
with brick and granite pavers and dedicated in May 2013.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
3/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 3
ATWOOD PARK
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Chain link fence rusted & detached Ditch & cracks in tennis court area
Tennis net missing & posts broken Cracks in asphalt of basketball court Brick wall broken in three places; brick
needs re-pointing
Benches need sanding, sealing Brick bench broken, needs 6 new bricks Graffiti on basketball backboard
Coordinated sponsorship program withOpportunity Works & Hennessey
Landscaping to maintain the park weekly;
lawn quality has improved; trees have been
mulched
Secured CPA funding & seeking Morrillfunding to carry out phased improvement
project
NEEDS
Drawing above depicts planned improvements at Atwood Park. The former tennis court will receive a new asphalt surface to
provide a safe place for kids to ride bikes, scooters, etc.; the colored circles represent an area where a bike riding track will be
painted; new planting bed with street trees line the edge of School Street; new fencing will be installed; and a concrete table
tennis unit would be placed where the originally planned bocce court is pictured above. Since this drawing was done, the
bocce court was removed from the plan due to maintenance concerns and additional, ornamental fencing was added between
the play area and the School Street planting bed.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
4/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 4
AYERS PLAYGROUND
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Basketball court needs repaving &relining
Track ride handle missing Decals peeling off of alphabet toy Walkway, cobble plaza and play area
weedy
One bench needs painting Signpost needs painting
New safety surfacing installed Spring toys replaced New landscape ties installed Touched up paint on play structures
and benches; removed graffiti fromslides
Installed new basketball nets
Asphalt basketball court and play area is in need ofresurfacing and re-lining.
Replacement
of broken
swing toys
and new
safety
surfacing are
among
multiplesafety and
other deferred
maintenance
issues
addressed at
Ayers
Playground.
BEFORE
AFTER
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDS
Some portions of the climbing structure have been touched
up but more touching up remains.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
5/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 5
BARTLET MALL/FROG POND
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Water quality poor; potentiallyhazardous to people and pets
Deadwood hanging over picnic tablesat Auburn Street end of park
Need new swing mats and mat underspinning component on play
structure
Landscape ties need replacing Bolt remaining from missing bench
needs to be cut off
Basketball area needs re-paving Play lot weedy Picnic tables need paint touch up
(black) Weedy around bike racks Small water bubbler broken Fence along High Street could use
painting
Track ride has mildew, needs cleaning Street trees along Pond St. need
pruning
Repaired all lighting Replaced swing chains Under-surface aerators installed in
pond to increase dissolved oxygen Installing new piping to increase
volume of water flow in fountain
Writing RFP to determine bestapproach for pond cleanup
Weeds controlled on High Streetpromenade
Contracted for weed control on allwalkways.
Asked Tree Warden to addressdeadwood in willow
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDS
A basketball court
which doubles as
winter parking is in
serious need of
resurfacing and
restriping.
In addition to getting the fountain flowing again, four
underwater aerators were installed with the aim of increasing
dissolved oxygen levels in the pond to improve water quality.
Work continues to improve volume of flow in the central
fountain.
Retaining edge
around swings is
rotting and has
exposed spikes.
Swing mats are
deteriorated and
need re lacement.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
6/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 6
BROWN SQUARE
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Paint on sign post peeling Interpretive sign panels delaminating
Working with sign company to replaceinterpretive panels that are
delaminating
CASHMAN PARK
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Granite benches unstable due to erosion Walkway from Merrimack St. to river
badly cracked
Cashman lawn sparse, needs re-seeding Cracks & puddles on basketball court One seahorse spring toy missing Bolts need tightening on Tot Lot
climbing structure
Dog bubbler not working
Replaced spiral slide Installed new safety surfacing Re-welded mast on central ship climbing
structure
Installed swing mats
New safety surfacing, along with swing mats have been
installed.
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDS
While many landscape ties were replaced, further
work needs to be done to address rotting ties.
While many landscape tie
were replaced, further wo
needs to be done to addre
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
7/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 7
CLIPPER CITY RAIL TRAIL
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Several trees with deadwood andone dead tree needs removal
near waterfront
Low Street slope needs weeding Graffiti an ongoing problem: under Gillis
Bridge; on trash can near waterfront;
under High Street bridge; electrical
bunker; bench just south of Low Street Grass couches dilapidated, need
removal
Need mulch around all benches Shrubs near Parker St need pruning of
deadwood
Large limb to be removed north oflabyrinth peace offering sculpture
Peace offering sculpture needs washing,waxing, buffing
Mural needs washing Interpretive panels delaminating Low Street spur path garden needs
renovating
Will He needs repair Invasives need removal
Coordinated ongoing volunteer work onberry labyrinth, geometric gardens and
Washington Street gateway gardens.
Volunteer dog waste pickup ongoing; Repaired Parker Street crossing light Renovated Parker Street gateway garden
using volunteers
Increased maintenance of WashingtonStreet gateway dog refuse receptacle to
reduce odors
Increased management of dog wastecleanup
Contacted sign maker about replacinginterpretive panels
Asked Green Artist League to removeunkempt plantings south of Haleys
access path
INN STREET PLAYGROUND/MARKET LANDING/BULLNOSE
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Missing steering wheel on play structure Park perimeter looks barren, needs
landscaping
Benches on Bullnose could userefinishing
New landscaping mulchpurchased and installed by DPS
Coordinating design forlandscaping perimeter of play
area
JASON SAWYER PLAYGROUND
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Broken game table Chess boards rusting Pavilion posts rusting, support beams
corroded, need to replace or remove
Basketball backboard needs replacing Paint needs touching up: track ride,
hand rails, green bar over slide
Need snow fence behind climbing net
Basketball backboard replaced Installed new swing mats Parks Commission directed removal of
pavilion structure
Basketball backboard and hoop was replaced with a new,
weatherproof model. Pavilion supports are corroded beyond repair.
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDSBEFORE AFTER
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
8/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 8
JOPPA PARK
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
New sink holes in walkway byseawall, walkway needs to be
replaced
Grass showing weeds and bare spots Benches need replacement Rose hedge needs weeding and mulch Central garden needs renovation Water Street sidewalk in poor condition
Working with State Dept of Fish andGame to replace boat ramp
Funding approved by CPC for creation ofinterpretive panels
Partial funding approved for benches,bench plazas through Mayor Gayden W.
Morrill Charitable Foundation and CPA
Three dead rosebushes replaced underwarranty
Asked DPS to patch sinkholes
MARCHS HILL
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Stair landings falling apart; stairs ahazard
Basketball court cracked Needs two new basketball rims & one
net
Signpost needs painting
Consulting with Planning Office aboutreconfiguration of park entrance in
conjunction with Rail Trail extension
project
DPS installed partial hand rail on left ofstairs
Left: Staircase partially repaired
with additional handrail installed.
Stair landing still in disrepair.
Plans for Clipper City Rail Trail will
reconfigure park entry, and install
a new, granite staircase.
Above Left: Joppa Park walkway is prone to sinkholes and needs to be replaced. Above right: benches are old & damaged and need repair
and/or replacing.
NEEDS
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
9/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 9
MOSELEY WOODS
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Needs more wood fiber safetysurfacing around all play structures
Steering wheel needs tightening Stone wall damaged Erosion problems along waterfront
pathways
Lawn being used to stage equipmentfrom Round-A-Bout project
Broken split rails on trail near Pavilion Stove pipe should be removed or
planted to discourage use as a grill
under pine trees
Picnic table top Trex boards warped Touch up paint needed on central play
structure
Invasive vines damaging trees onproperty line with Swindlehurst
property
Additional wood fiber safety surfacingbeing installed
Consulting with round-a-bout contractorre: lawn repair-improvement
Added Gladiator dog refuse receptacleand contracted with Doody Calls to
maintain it to reduce litter issues
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDS
An old grill base encourages use of
fire where fires are prohibited.
Synthetic planks on one of the
pavilion picnic tables are warped,
need replacing.
Portions of the central climbing
structure need touch up paint.
Additional wood fiber safety
surfacing is needed around all play
structures.
Several split rails need to be
replaced.
To reduce a litter problem in the park, an additional dog waste
receptacle was installed and is being maintained as part of the citys
contract with Doody Calls.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
10/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 10
PERKINS PARK
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Equipment replacements needed toreplace: two spring toys; ship; fire truck
Playground grass areas needsreplacement, fertilizing and maintenance
Ball field grass slope needs repair Too much signage is an eyesore Lichen on benches. Park sign rotting, needs replacement Cracked swing chains on tire swing Tire swing support beam needs repainting Graffiti on port-o-potty shed; consider
securing shed with doors
Repaired & re-shingled sandboxstructure, and wooden entrance
structure; added new sand
Installed new slides Installed new play wood fiber safety
surfacing
Installed new play sand
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDSBEFORE AFTER
The declining sand box structure and park entrance cupola were shored
up, given new decking and new shake shingle roofs.
Old, damaged
slides were
replaced.
Missing play structures (right) and
ragged landscaping gives the park
an un-cared for look.
Chain link fence is bulging and
needs re-fastening.
Tire swing chains are cracked
and need replacing.
Tire swing
support
beam is
rusted and
needs
painting.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
11/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 11
SKATE PARK
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Chunks of concrete are chipped fromunder the coping; normal wear and
tear
Youth Services applied annual sealantYouth Services called for volunteers to
repair concrete under coping
THREE ROADS
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Twigs and brush need to be raked Water trough needs painting Trees and bushes could use mulch to
make the park look more well-kept
TRACY SQUARE
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Benches need refinishing Entrance garden beds needs mulch Leaves need to be raked
NEEDS
Park needs some TLC to look well-kept: benches need refinishing; leaves need to be raked; entrance garden beds needs mulching, possibly re-
landscaping.
NEEDS
Chunks of concrete have been broken
away from under the coping, or upper
metal edge, of some of the bowls.
Here the damage can be seen at thefar side of the small bowl in the
foreground. This is normal wear and
tear which Youth Services repairs
every couple of years.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
12/13
Newburyport Parks Inspections, Fall 2013, Page 12
WOODMAN PARK
Safety Issues Other repairs and/or cosmetics Actions taken
Basketball court cracked Climbing structures need touch up
(red & tan, steering wheels,
handrails, steps)
Climbing structures and picnic tablesmildewed
Trash cans look dilapidated Baseball infield overgrown Nu-oak benches need cleaning One sound tube broken off Ruts in parking lot Landscaping ties around parking lot
rotted
Installed new wood fiber safety surfacing Installed swing mats to reduce wear of
wood fiber safety surfacing
Partially cleaned climbing structures Partially touched up paint on climbing
structures
Coordinating with neighbors to volunteerlabor
Coordinating with Pioneer League toimprove ball field
Removed used pile of backstop fencing Replaced broken swing seat Tightened handles on play structure Replaced basketball rim
IMPROVEMENTS NEEDS
Playground safety surfacing was replenished to improve safety and
mulch spread around trees and parking lot to make the park look
well-kept.
One sound tube is
broken off. Photo on
left shows what it
should look like. On
right is what remains
of the damaged play
piece.
Landscaping ties that
border the parking lot are
rotted, need replacement.
Some portions of the climbing structures
have been repainted, but many
components still need touch up paint.
While the outfield,
used as a soccer
field, is in good
shape, this ballfield
needs a backstop
and fencing and the
infield needs to be
repaired and
maintained.
-
7/27/2019 Fall 2013 Parks Inspection Report
13/13