Powers Farm UMASS Report & Plan.pdf - Randolph, MA

Town of Randolph Massachusetts
Powers Farm
Conservation Area
Management Plan
A Collaboration With The University of massachusetts Amherst
Department of Landscape Architecture And Regional Planning
January 2010

1. Executive Summary.....................................................................
1.1 Introduction......................................................................
1.2 Management Goals...........................................................
1.3 Priority Recommendations...............................................
1.4 Public Participation...........................................................
2. Introduction...................................................................................
2.1 Project Overview.............................................................
2.2 Phased Strategy................................................................
2.3 Introduction to Management Plan....................................
3. Existing Conditions........................................................................
3.1 Regional Context...............................................................
3.1.1 Growth and Development Patterns.....................
3.1.2 Transportation Networks.....................................
3.1.3 Historic and Existing Agricultural Resources.....
3.1.4 Existing Open Space and Recreational Resources
3.2 Community Context...........................................................
3.2.1 Open Space Resources.........................................
3.2.2 Hydrology...........................................................
3.2.3 Land Use.............................................................
3.2.4 Circulation..........................................................
3.2.5 Demographic Trends and Indicators...................
3.3 District Context...................................................................
3.3.1 Adjacent Land Uses.............................................
3.3.2 Circulation and Access........................................
3.4 Site Context ......................................................................
3.4.1 Site Description...................................................
3.4.2 Site History..........................................................
3.4.3 Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources...........
3.4.4 Existing Infrastructure........................................
3.4.5 Opportunities and Considerations........................
4. Management Zones: Delineations and Recommendations.........
4.1 North Main Street Gateway Zone......................................
4.2 Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zone.......
4.3 Residential Interface Zone.................................................
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Contents
4.4 Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone.............................................
4.5 Pasture Conservation Zone........................................................
.............
5. Site Circulation..............................................................................
5.1 Trail Network..................................................................
5.2 Signage...............................................................................
6. Operational and Management Recommendations.....................
6.1 Managing Subcommittee...................................................
6.2 Public Health, Safety and Welfare....................................
7. Phasing and Prioritization............................................................
7.1 Phasing and Prioritization..................................................
7.2 Cost Estimates...................................................................
Appendices
A. Powers Farm Management and Development Matrix.....................
B. Additional Visual Documents...........................................................
C. Public Participation........................................................................
D. Funding Resources.........................................................................
E. Regional and Community Partners..................................................
F. Studio Participants.............................................................................

1.1 Introduction
In 2009 the town of Randolph, Massachusetts made a community-wide
commitment to the preservation, protection and enjoyment of one of the
town’s most significant natural, scenic and historic landscapes with the
purchase of the 11.6 acre Sunnyworth Farm property located off of North
Main Street. Sunnyworth Farm is comprised of approximately 7 acres of
working pasture/hayfields, 3 acres of coniferous wetland and 1.5 acres of
upland and wetland on the eastern shore of Norroway Pond. The property
is a fourth generation working farm with historic value to the community
and region. Its acquisition had been a high priority for the town for
several years as it is one of only two remaining farms in Randolph and
represents an excellent opportunity to provide an amenity to the community
while preserving a landscape with natural and historic value.
Coinciding with the Sunnyworth Farm acquisition, the town used Com-
1. Executive Summary
munity Preservation Act funds to purchase the 2.7-acre Rent property
at 592 North Main Street. The acquisition of this property was critical
because it abuts the farm to the north and provides necessary public
access to the site via North Main Street. Adjacent to Sunnyworth Farm
to the west is the town owned 8.6 acre Bertha Soule Memorial Park,
which consists of approximately 3 acres of woodland and the 5.5 acres
Norroway Pond. In total, the three properties comprise approximately
22.5 acres of open pasture, wetland and forested area in the geographic
heart of Randolph. For the purposes of this document and for the future
management of the site, the three properties will herby be known as the
Powers Farm Conservation Area.
The Powers Farm Conservation Area Management Plan builds upon
the existing management plan for the property that was prepared by the
Randolph Conservation Commission and Open Space and Recreation
Committee in accordance with the stipulations of the Division of Conservation
Services (DCS), LAND grant program. In September of 2009
the town contracted with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst,
Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning to expand
upon the existing management document and create a series of conceptual
design plans and summary recommendations for the property. The
partnership included faculty and teaching assistants from the Regional
Planning and Landscape Architecture departments, graduate research assistants
from the Regional Planning department and a third-year undergraduate
landscape architecture studio, consisting of eight studio teams
of 3 student designers.
In total, the eight studio teams each prepared a master plan for the
programming and design of the site along with more detailed designs of
focus areas on the property. Each studio team included a detailed design
of the North Main Street Gateway Zone (former Rent Property). The
students’ work was based upon an existing conditions report that was
prepared by the graduate research assistants and presented to the landscape
architecture students on the first day of seven week studio.
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This document will serve the town of Randolph in the development and
management of the Powers Farm Conservation Area through the recommendation
of design, programming, planning and management concepts,
scenarios and goals. The graduate research team has synthesized the
studio teams work into a series of design concepts and alternatives, with
recommendations for management and development of the site. The
recommendations are based upon feedback from town officials from the
public meeting on December 17th and the research teams work with the
town planner and town manager. The site has been delineated into five
management zones with detailed design and summary recommendations
for each zone. A strategic work matrix, detailing the prioritization and
phasing of each management zone is included in the appendices.
The overall goal of this plan is to create a framework for the development
of the site while providing a detailed overview of how it can be accomplished
through an incremental, phased process. Included below are
management goals and priority recommendations for the Powers Farm
Conservation Area.
1.2 Management Goals
The following 8 management goals have been identified for the Powers
Farm Conservation Area:
• Create “gateways” to the park with appropriate signage, parking
spaces and pedestrian access points.
• Establish and nurture programmatic and social connections between
the park, existing open space and recreation areas and the surrounding
community.
• Inventory natural resources and manage them to promote native species
and communities.
• Assist in the preservation and protection of the water quality of Norroway
Pond and Norroway Brook watershed.
• Promote the park’s agricultural history and preserve its cultural and
historic resources.
• Provide designated spaces for community gatherings and events.
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• Develop a trail system for site circulation and recreational use with
potential for connections to surrounding neighborhoods and open
space resources.
• Develop environmental and interpretive education programming and
materials for diverse audiences.
1.3 Priority Recommendations
• Expand and develop vehicular and pedestrian access and circulation
at the North Main Street Gateway and Grove Lane access points
• Install and improve entrance signage at North Main Street Gateway
and Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zones.
• Establish initial trail network and signage for passive recreational use
• Assess the viability of restoring existing site structures and how they
fit in with the long-term vision for the sitePerform water quality testing
of Norroway Pond
• Develop vegetative buffer between gateway zone and adjacent properties
• Establish and confirm work agreements with Dana Powers - Pasture
Management Plan and Haying Agreement; flood control and shortterm
dam management
• Perform DPW assessment of the dam and earthen dyke along the
northern shore of Norroway Pond
• Establish physical site boundary with signage or fencing along the
eastern boundary with Dana Powers property.
• Establish the site boundary with signage at the senior center property
line on the dirt farm road along the northern edge of Norroway Pond.
• Install sensitive habitat signage in appropriate areas of the site
• Install warning or risk signage (e.g. deer, ticks, poison ivy water hazards)
at trailheads
• Remove or provide adequate signage warning visitors about the poison
ivy growing on stonewalls and fences throughout the property.
• Assess the safety of the existing fencing along the perimeter of the
Pasture Conservation Zone and the Residential Interface Zone.
• Establish managing subcommittee, responsible to town management
to steer the development and management of the Powers Farm Conservation
Area.

• Explore potential community partnerships and create “Friends of
Powers Farm” non-profit organization to advocate and raise money
for site and improvements and programming.
1.4 Public Participation in Developing this Management Plan
A number of committees worked on the purchase of Powers Farm. The
Open Space and Recreation Committee was involved in negotiation,
meetings with the property owner and coordination of the LAND (Local
Acquisition for Natural Diversity) grant and development of the updated
Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Community Preservation Committee
voted in April 2009 to include Powers Farm on their list of Community
Preservation funded projects. The Conservation Commission was
involved in the review of the LAND grant to the Division of Conservation
Services(DCS) and the development of the management plan. The
Board of Selectmen was involved in public outreach by educating town
meeting participants about the importance of protecting Powers Farm and
the development of the management plan. The draft management plan
was circulated for review and approval by DCS in July of 2009.
A public meeting was held at Randolph town hall on Dec. 17, 2009 in
which the UMass, Amherst project team and eight landscape architecture
studio teams presented their site analyses, conceptual plans and design
recommendations for the site. Oral comments and questions were received
and recorded from the approximately 20 town officials and citizens
present. These comments were used by the research team to inform
which elements of the concept plans to include in the final management
plan recommendations. To gauge the public’s preference for passive
recreation uses, an online survey was conducted by the research team between
November and December 2009 in which 50 town officials, school
department representatives, community representatives and citizens
replied.
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Project Overview
The development of this plan is the result of a collaborative effort between
the town of Randolph and the University of Massachusetts Amherst
(UMass), Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional
Planning (LARP). Randolph town planner Richard McCarthy and Regional
Planning graduate program director Mark Hamin agreed upon a
scope of services for the Powers Farm Conservation Area in September
of 2009 to be undertaken by the UMass project team. The project team
consisted of faculty, graduate student instructors and research assistants,
and undergraduate studio participants from the UMass LARP department,
including:
Project Team
Mark Hamin PhD Project Manager and Research Supervisor
Peter Kumble PhD Studio Instructor
Yaser Abunnasr MLA Studio Co-Instructor
Laura Schaffer Studio Teaching Assistant
Kimberley McKee Research Assistant
Nathan Robinson Research Assistant
Phased Strategy
The UMass project team carried out a three-phase analysis, assessment,
and planning/ design recommendation process for the Powers
Farm Conservation Area during the Fall of 2009. From late September
through mid-October, the research supervisor and assistants expanded
and elaborated upon the initial Powers Farm Management Plan integrating
geographic, demographic, and economic data with local fieldwork
(documentation, meetings, interviews) to develop a more detailed community
profile and overview of area context. These phases of comprehensive
analysis and assessment were followed by a seven-week landscape
architecture studio (focused on open space and recreation, directed by the
Instructional Team) from the middle of October through early December.
The studio participants coordinated and collaborated with the research
team throughout the studio process, developing both conceptual and detailed
landscape design recommendations for the site.
Introduction to the Management Plan
2. Introduction
The research team has developed this management plan, integrating all
phases of the project team’s work. The management plan considers the
past, present and future uses of the conservation area and develops clear
management goals and objectives. It is intended to be a working document
for setting priorities, resource allocation and enhancing communication
and cooperation with park visitors and the surrounding communities.
Information contained in this management plan will benefit a variety of
stakeholders including individuals and organizations interested in recreation,
natural resources, cultural resources, and environmental education
and interpretation. The information is of value to those who live near a
public open space or recreational area and are interested in learning more
about that property and how decisions affecting it are made. Information
contained in management plans helps all of these stakeholders become
more engaged in the operation and management of open space and recreational
resources.
The information in this plan builds upon existing town documents, including
the Randolph Master Plan that was completed in 2000, the Open
Space and Recreation Plan that was updated in 2009 and the Powers
Farm Management Plan that was created in 2009 in accordance with the
acquisition of the property.
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3.1 Regional Context
The Town of Randolph is a suburb of Boston, located about fifteen miles
south of Boston at the intersection of I-93 and Route 24. Randolph has a
total land area of approximately 6,664.9 acres (10.41 square miles) and is
bordered by Milton and Quincy to the north, Braintree and Holbrook to
the east, and Avon and Stoughton to the south and southwest, and Canton
to the west.
3.1.1 Growth and Development Patterns
While sharing several characteristics by virtue of their similar geography,
Randolph and its neighboring communities have developed along very
different patterns. Randolph emmerged as a center for the lumber industry
initially and then became one of the nation’s chief manufacturers of boots
and shoes in the 19th century.
Since World War II, Randolph has developed rapidly with a variety of
residential and commercial land uses and there is little undeveloped land
remaining in town. Quincy, which borders Boston and has a substantial
waterfront area, had preeminent maritime industries such as shipbuilding,
and has since become a fully developed city. Braintree has grown into
a premiere commercial area with one of the largest malls in the region
(South Shore Plaza) and numerous other significant commercial developments.
Milton includes some densely developed areas in the north as
well as more rural areas adjacent to the Blue Hills Reservation. Holbrook,
Stoughton, Avon, and Canton are suburban in character, and are all less
densely developed than Randolph.
3.1.2 Transportation Networks
Randolph’s close proximity to a variety of transportation networks has
had a substantial impact on the community’s growth. I-93 (formerly Route
128), which crosses the northern portion of the Town, connects with Route
3 to the east and I-95 to the west. Route 24 runs along the western edge of
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Rhode Island
Study Area
Norfolk County
3. Existing Conditions
Regional Context
Boston
Randolph
Miles
0 5 10 20 Ü
This graph shows the permanently protected open space with public access
as a percentage of total land area in the towns.

the Town, connecting it to southeastern Massachusetts. Commuter rail service
is available from a station located at the Randolph/Holbrook border
and from stations in abutting communities including Quincy, Braintree,
and Canton.
3.1.3 Historic and Existing Agricultural Resources
Historically characterized by subsistence farming and lumbering prior to
the industrial revolution, agricultural resources in Norfolk County have
become increasingly scarce in recent decades. The county has seen a 34%
decrease in agricultural lands and a 40% decrease in pasturelands over the
past 40 years. Randolph has seen a similar decrease in agricultural land
use from 78 acres in 1970 to 50 acres in 1999.
3.1.4 Existing Regional Open Space and Recreational Resources
Recreational resources that adjoin Randolph and its neighboring communities
include Ponkapoag Pond, which lies in the northwest corner of the
town, straddling the border with Canton. The pond is part of the sizable
Blue Hills Reservation (5,800 acres in total), which includes land in Randolph,
Canton, Milton, and Quincy. The Blue Hills Reservation along with
the adjoining Fowl Meadow Reservation comprises the largest open space
within 35 miles of downtown Boston. The Claire Saltonstall Bike Route,
which travels through the center of Randolph, is part of a designated bike
route from Boston to Cape Cod.
• Blue Hills State Reservation: State park located in Norfolk County,
Massachusetts. Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation
and Recreation, its territory extends into the communities
of Milton, Quincy, Braintree, Canton, Randolph, and Dedham. Recreational
uses include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock
climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing.
• Ponkapoag Pond: Part of Blue Hills Reservation within the town of
Randolph in the northwest corner. Listed as an Area of Critical Environmental
Concern by the state’s Department of Conservation and
Recreation. Recreational uses: AMC cabin rentals, swimming, non-
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motorized boating, hiking.
• Houghton’s Pond: Part of Blue Hills Reservation within the town of
Milton. Recreational uses: swimming, fishing, hiking, ball-fields.
• Fowl Meadow and Ponkapoag Bog Conservation Lands: 3050
acres of protected wetland west of Blue Hills Reservation, part of
Neponset River watershed. Recreational uses: hiking (contains one of
the longest wetland boardwalks in America)
• Claire Saltonstall Bike Route: 135mi bikeway from Boston to tip of
Cape Cod consisting of back roads, bike paths and stretches of highway.
Passes through center of Randolph down North and South Main
Streets past the Powers Farm conservation area.
• Warner Trail: 30mi hiking trail passing through Cumberland, RI and
the Massachusetts towns of Canton, Sharon, Foxboro, Wrentham, and
Plainville. Mass Greenway Vision Project currently looking to extend
Warner Trail to Blue Hills State Reservation by way of the Fowl
Meadow Reservation.
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3.2 Community Context
3.2.1 Open Space Resources
Habitat Corridors and Water Supply - Maintaning Powers Farm as an
open space resource is important for wildlife and the recharge of the
town’s water supply.
• Powers Farm is located at the end of a wildlife corridor that extends
from Bear Swamp in the southwest corner of Randolph north through
the Norroway Brook watershed and Goldstein Open Space Area.
• Norroway Pond is in the middle of the surface water supply to the
Upper Reservoir. The head of the water supply is Bear Swamp,
which feeds Norroway Brook. Norroway Brook is dammed to create
Norroway Pond, which drains into Norroway Brook and ultimately
flows into the Upper Reservoir/Great Pond reserve in the northeast
corner of Randolph and serves as the water supply for Randolph,
Braintree and Holbrook.
Existing Passive Recreation
Based upon standards of the National Recreation and Park Administration
(NRPA) a community should have between 6.75 and 10.5 acres of
parkland per 1,000 residents.
• Blue Hills State Reservation – The Blue Hills Reservation (7,000
acres) and adjoining Fowl Meadow Reservation (6,850 acres) together
comprise the largest area of contiguous open space within 35mi
of Boston. Blue Hills is managed by the Metropolitan District Commission,
and contains 860 acres in the northwest corner of Randolph,
plus land in Canton, Milton and Quincy. The reservation is a regional
recreation resource, and provides opportunities for swimming, mountain
biking, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing. Ponkapoag Pond in
the northwest corner of the Randolph section of Blue Hills is actively
used for non-motorized boating and has cabins for rent operated by
the Appalachian Mountain Club.
• Great Pond Reserve and Watershed Area – This conservation area
includes 395.5 acres in Randolph and Braintree surrounding Great
Pond and the Upper Reservoir, and is managed by local water departments
for watershed protection purposes. Public access to these
water bodies is allowed, but swimming, boating and fishing are not
permitted.
• Goldstein Open Space Area – Semi-protected open space reserve
owned by the town’s school department containing a 1/2 mile hiking/jogging/bike
path connecting Grove St. and West St. Norroway
Brook and adjacent wetlands run north through this property towards
Norroway Pond.
Needs Assessment
Through the community survey, and discussions with various boards and
commissions, several inadequacies and needs became apparent. There
need to be better signage to the recreational areas that describes what
activities are permissible and what isn’t permissible, more accessible
trails for everyone including the disabled community. Designated signed
accessible parking. A management plan to determine who will maintain
the property and what maintenance is necessary. Development of a
multi-pronged approach that further analyzes the multi-use trail system
and develop an action plan to move forward the design, permitting and
construction of multi-use trail on and off-road. Reassess the feasibility of
adopting some new zoning bylaws with incentives or amendments to existing
bylaws that protect specific areas with critical resources. Develop
a land acquisition strategy for specific parcels of land. Develop public
education materials with various boards and commissions.
3.2.2 Hydrology
Surfacewater Resources
The town of Randolph is located within the Boston Harbor watershed.
The majority of the town is within the Weymouth and Weir Rivers sub-
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watershed, which discharges into Boston Harbor at Hingham Bay. The
northwest corner of the town is within the Neponset River sub-watershed,
which discharges into Boston Harbor at Dorchester Bay. The water
resources within each sub-watershed, including rivers, ponds, reservoirs,
and wetlands, are identified below.
Weymouth and Weir Rivers Sub-Watershed
Great Pond and Upper Reservoir: Great Pond and Upper Reservoir
are located on the northeast edge of Randolph, straddling the border with
Braintree. Great Pond is fed by the Blue Hill River, which flows into the
pond from the west, while Upper Reservoir is fed by Norroway Brook
from the south. Both Great Pond and Upper Reservoir are active public
water sources for the towns of Randolph, Braintree, and Holbrook. Both
water bodies are closed to the public for swimming, boating, and other
activities, and are surrounded on several sides by watershed protection
land (see Figure 8).
Riccardi Reservoir: Riccardi Reservoir is an active public water supply
located partially within Randolph but mostly within Braintree. The
reservoir is closed to recreational activities.
Blue Hill River: The Blue Hill River flows east along the southern edge
of the Blue Hills, and defines Randolph’s northern boundary. A portion of
the Blue Hill River is located within the Fowl Meadow and Ponkapoag
Bog Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Blue Hill
River flows into Great Pond, which is part of Randolph’s public water
supply. Three different portions of the Blue Hill River are designated as
Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife. See Figure 8
Norroway Brook and Pond: Norroway Brook originates in Bear
Swamp, flows north through the middle of Randolph, and discharges
into the Upper Reservoir. The brook is dammed to form Norroway Pond,
located near the intersection of Grove Street and North Main Street. The
town of Randolph owns the pond and some land adjacent to the pond.
Portions of Norroway Brook near Bear Swamp and Upper Reservoir are
designated as Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife. See Figure 8
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Mary Lee Brook and Glovers Brook: These streams drain the southeast
portion of Randolph, and flow north to converge with the Cochato
River along the Braintree boundary.
Bear Swamp: Bear Swamp is a primarily forested wetland located
in southwest Randolph adjacent to the Randolph Country Club. The
wetland is located in both Randolph and Stoughton, and functions as the
headwaters for Norroway Brook, which feeds the Upper Reservoir.
Other Riparian Wetlands: Broad areas of wetlands border portions
of several streams in Randolph, including Mary Lee Brook, Glovers
Brook, Norroway Brook and the Cochato River. Since many of these
wetlands are tributaries to the Upper Reservoir, Great Pond and Riccardi
Reservoir, they serve an important function in maintaining water quality
in these public water supplies.
Neponset River Sub-Watershed
Ponkapoag Brook, Pond, and Wetlands: Ponkapoag Brook is located
in the northwest corner of Randolph, within the Blue Hills Reservation
and the Fowl Meadow and Ponkapoag Bog Area of Critical Environmental
Concern (ACEC). Ponkapoag Brook flows west from Randolph
into Ponkapoag Pond and the adjacent bog and then ultimately into the
Neponset River. The ACEC is located in the northwest corner of Randolph
and in neighboring Canton. The Ponkapoag Bog and Pond area
offers a variety of wildlife habitat, historical and archaeological resources,
as well as recreational and educational opportunities.
3.2.3 Circulation
Randolph is well served by a variety of transportation modes with
combination of vehicular access, bus transportation and commuter rail
service. The town is located at the intersection of Route 128 and Route
24 and is well served by state and regional highways, including Route
28 that runs north to the south and connects with Route 139 which runs
east to west. The combination of interstate, state and local roads allows
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motorists to travel freely within and to and from Randolph.
The town is serviced by the Randolph/Holbrook commuter rail service to
and from Boston. The town is serviced by MBTA bus service and Brockton
Area Transit (BAT) bus service. Bus Route 240 with service from
Crawford Square (Town Center) to Ashmont Station and Bus Route 238
with service from Randolph/Holbrook commuter rail station to Quincy
Adams Red Line stop. The BAT bus runs from Route 28 South Main
Street stop to Ashmont Station. The town runs a bus service for elderly
and disabled residents and private taxi companies operate within town to
serve local residents.
The combination of highway, commuter rail, bus and private taxi service
provides town residents with several transportation options unlike many
suburban communities on the South Shore.
3.2.4 Land Use
The majority of land dedicated to residential use is for single family
homes. Single family homes account for 96% percent of residenital land
use, while consisting of 69% of the housing stock. Conversely, multifamily
housing accounts for ony 2% of residenital land use but 31% of
the housing stock. This shows that a large percentage of Randolph residents
are living in densely populated areas.
While the perception is that the town has grown significantly over the
last decade, residential land use has not increased dramatically over the
past four decades as seen in comparing the 1971 and 2005 land use maps.
About 73 percent of the towns current housing units were constructed
between 1950 and 1989.
Commercial uses make up 175 acres, or 2.6 percent of the developed
land area. Three separate commercial and business zoning districts exist
in the Town and contain retail, service, and professional and other office
uses. Retail facilities are largely concentrated along North and South
Main Street (Route 28), Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), and North Street.
The industrial districts are located along the eastern edge of the Town,
along the railroad right-of-way, west side of town along Route 24 and
High Street, and Northeast side of along Route 128.
Older commercial development, such as Crawford Square which is
town center along North Main Street, is largely pedestrian-oriented with
smaller shops set close to the curb and parking in the rear. The Crawford
Square Zoning District permits apartments and condos above the first
floor commercial space. Newer commercial uses, such as those located
on Mazzeo Drive (Route 139), are automobile-oriented, with the buildings
set back from the street and parking located in the front.
3.2.5 Demographic Trends and Indicators
Population
After growing rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, Randolph’s population
has begun to level off in recent decades. According to the US Census
the Town’s total population increased from 30,093 in 1990 to 30,962
in 2000, which represents a growth rate of 2.9 percent. According to
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Metropolitan Area Plannig Council (MAPC)Metrofutures, the Town’s
population is projected to grow to 32,201 in 2010, which is significantly
higher than US Census estimates. Population density in Randolph as of
the 2000 US census was 3,088 persons per square mile, which is significantly
more dense than surrounding areas.
Race
The town of Randolph is a distinctive South Shore community in the
sense that it has an increasingly diverse population and a significant
foreign-born population with many different ancestries who speak different
languages. The Black or African American population in Randolph
has grown from 8.2% in 1990 to 32.7% in 2008 and the Asian population
has grown from 5.6% in 1990 to 12.2% in 2008 according to US Census
and 2008 American Community Survey data. These demographic ratios
are significantly more diverse than those of the larger Norfolk County.
Median Household Income
The median household income estimates for 2007 is $70,506 (American
Community Survey 3-year Estimates). The median household income
for a family of four in 2000 was $55,255 (US Census). This represents a
28 percent increase in median household income, which is a significant
increase. There isn’t sufficient data to determine the number of person
below the poverty limit since the sample size for the survey was so small
the Census Bureau was unable to obtain the number of families below
the poverty limit without creating privacy issues for those families.
However, it can be determined that there are 508 families that fall below
$24,999 median family income which represents 6.9% of the families in
the Town of Randolph.
Local Economy
Of the 639 businesses in 2007 over 85 percent fall within the service
sector with a variety of other industry types. Like many communities,
the Town’s business base has shrunk with the global recession. In real
numbers the town lost 50 businesses, which represent a reduction of 7.4
15

percent for the time period of 2003 to the third quarter of 2008. The
reduction of businesses was evenly distributed across all industry sectors
with no one sector bearing the bulk of the losses. The amount of businesses
in town is not large enough to support a 16,861-person workforce
and the Town’s workforce relies upon surrounding communities for
employment, Metropolitan Boston in particular.
Age Distribution
The population between the ages of 0-14 years of age between 2000 and
2010 is estimated to drop 8.2 percent. However, as an age group, 0-14
years of age generally have higher demand for recreational needs than
other age groups. So the potential drop in population doesn’t necessarily
mean the demand for recreational facilities will drop off.
What the town has seen is a jump in population for persons between the
age of 45-64 years from 1990 to 2000 and an expected increase of 30
percent in 2010. What seems to be happening on a national, state and local
level is that the traditional recreational needs of the 45-64 age group
are being melted with the recreational needs of the 20-44 age group. The
advantage is that any investment in recreational facilities will serve a
larger audience. However, it does put greater pressure to meet the recreational
needs of the town because it is a larger constituent base.
The biggest age group that might see changing recreational needs is
65 and over because today many people over that age now have active
recreational needs. Several factors contribute to this shift such as the renewed
emphasis on exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle and the age at
which couples start families. Massachusetts has one of the highest ages
at which people start families in the country; as a result, seniors who in
the past had their children married and starting a family in their mid 50’s
to early 60’s have children today graduating high school and college.
Commuting Patterns
Randolph has a large commuting population to surrounding communities,
Metropolitan Boston in particular showing a net outflow of commut-
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ers as of the 2000 US census. The Powers Farm North Main St. access
point is located on a main commuting route from the center of the Town
towards the I93/Rt 128 transportation networks to the greater region.
3.3 District Context
3.3.1 Adjacent Land Uses
• Simon C. Fireman Senior Living Community, 640 N Main St. –
semi-protected adjacent woods and wetlands only in the sense that
it is institutional property. The Senior Living center currently owns
a section of the dirt road adjacent to the pond that contains the dam.
The dam that contains Norroway Pond and feeds back into Norroway
Brook is currently on the this property – a liability the Senior Living
center may be keen on transferring to the town.
• Higashi School, 800 N Main St. – The Higashi School does not abut
the property, but owns semi-protected woods and wetlands adjacent
to Dana Powers’ additional property and that of the Senior Living
center that could potentially be part of a larger contiguous open space
if acquired by the town.
• Powers Property – 6.3-acre property on the northwest side of the
pond retained by Dana Powers.
• Sunnyworth Farm – Mr. Powers has retained 1.77 acres of his property
abutting North Main St. to continue his farming operation. A
small buffer of pasture exists between the property line of the newly
established conservation area and the cattle paddock on Sunnyworth
Farm.
• 19-unit residential subdivisions off Grove St. and separated from
Powers Farm by historic stone wall. The development sits on 9 acres
that was formerly part of the Powers Farm.
• N Main St. Commercial District/Crawford Square – dense residential
neighborhoods behind the opposite side of N. Main St. to the
17
property access point with retail, service, professional and other office
uses extending the length of N. Main St. to the intersection at the
center of town, Crawford Square.
3.3.2. Circulation and Access
Access points
• The Rent Property on the northeast edge of the combined open
space parcels at 592 N Main St provides access to one of Randolph’s
central arteries and MBTA bus lines. The street access is approximtely
1mi from the town’s central square along N Main St sidewalks.
There is currently a house with an attached barn and garden landscaping
on the property fronting the street. There is limited parking on the
southern side of the property in front of the barn.
• Grove Lane – off of Grove St and adjacent to the western side of the
combined open space parcels – is the access point for underutilized
Bertha Soule Memorial Park. Grove Lane is very narrow and does
not currently indicate open space access with signage at the intersection
with Grove St, the more-heavily trafficked road. The short trail
from the parking area leads through decidous woodland to the pond’s
western shore. The Grove Lane access point provides a potential
connection to the bike/jogging path to the south through the Goldstein
Open Space Area that runs along Norroway Brook to West St.
• West Street – Potential secondary access point through bike/jogging
path that runs through Goldstein Open Space area to Grove St. and
Grove Lane. The Crawford Square streetscape improvement project
in initial phases is currently slated to extend down N. Main St. from
the central square to the intersection of N. Main St. and West St.,
potentially making West St. an important bicycle or pedestrian connection
through to the pond and Powers Farm property.
• Powers Farm Rd and Randall Way: Potential pedestrian access points
through Powers Farm Rd and Randall Way, which dead-end into the
Powers Farm property through the Grove St. subdivision. Currently

Site Map by Parcel
19
NORROWAY POND
8.6 ACRES
RENT PROPERTY
2.65 ACRES
POWERS FARM
11.23 ACRES

a stone wall separates the cul-de-sacs from the
open space.
3.4 Site Context
3.4.1 Property Description
Powers Farm is a combination of pastures, pond,
forest and wetlands. The property has natural and
scenic qualities; its highest value viewshed is the
view looking east to west where wonderful sunsets
can be seen and an unspoiled view of the woodland
that abuts the town pond. The combined areas of
the project entailing the Powers Farm (11.23 acres),
Rent (2.7 acres), and Norroway Pond (8.6 acres)
properties is 22.51 acres.
3.4.2 Site History
• Powers Farm - The Powers (Sunnyworth) farm
has been in operation for over 110 years and
Dana Powers is the fourth generation of the
family to own the farm. The Powers Farm was
part of the unspoiled vista of the early 1900’s
looking north towards the Blue Hill’s Reservation.
The Powers Farm house, which will be
retained by Mr. Powers, was built in the early
1800’s and sits along a section of North Main
Street where many historic homes exist. The
Powers family has been selling off pieces of the
farm over the last half century in order to maintain
the farming traditions. The farm has gone
from 40 acres a half-century ago to the present
14.5 acres. The most recent sale took place in
1986, when 9 acres were sold for a 19-house
subdivision off Grove Street. Much of the land
has been used as hayfields in recent years, with
Traditionally a marshy area
known as Peat’s Meadow,
the location of the pond has
shifted over past centuries as
it is a man-made body of water
created by damming Norroway
Brook for ice-cutting
and ice-skating purposes. The
pictured maps from the mid
and late-19th century show
a body of water on the other
side of and also bi-sected by
Grove St.
20

an adjacent paddock for beef cattle on the acreage
retained by Dana Powers.
• Norroway Pond – Norroway Pond, fed by
Norroway Brook and pooled by a dam on the
northern side of the pond, is part of a marshy
area historically known as Peat Meadow, which
towards the late 19th and early 20th century was
used for ice cutting each winter to supply ice
for local iceboxes each summer. The pond has
also been dammed at multiple locations over the
past two centuries in the vicinity of its current
location for ice cutting and ice skating purposes
– most likely by the landowner. Soule’s icehouse,
which burned down in the 1930s, used
to operate at the corner of Grove and Cross
streets where pond ice was cut into large blocks
and stored in a wood structure on the property.
Skating was also a common recreational activity
at Peat’s Meadow/Norroway pond where warming
fires were frequently found at the edge of the
ice. Earlier in the 20th century there were also
lights on the pond for ice skating which were
removed in the 1960s due to lack of funding for
maintenance from the town. Skating and hockey
games would continue on the pond with less
frequency until new subdivisions significantly
blocked access to the property in the 1980s and
recreational activity dwindled.
• Bertha Soule Memorial Park – The town
property providing access to the pond was established
as Bertha Soule Memorial Park as part
of a Boy Scout project in 1966 with limited access
off of Grove Lane. The park seems to have
fallen into disuse; trail access and signage are in
need of maintenance.
21
Circulation
North Main St. Looking North North Main St. Looking South

3.4.3 Natural Resources
Powers Farm is one of two working farms left
undeveloped in Randolph. Working farms within
15 miles of metropolitan Boston are a rare resource.
The property is surrounded to the south by a 19 lot
single family residential subdivision which was
once part of the farm. The property abuts an 8.21
acre pond the town owns which feeds Norroway
Brook and flows into Tri-Town reservoirs, the
drinking water supply for Braintree, Randolph and
Holbrook. The property abuts 45 acres of a combination
woodland and wetland complex which isn’t
listed as priority habitat or biomap habitat area.
A habitat assessment was not conducted on site;
however, upon a tour of the property a stand of
Atlantic White Cedar was observed on a portion of
the property that abuts Norroway Pond which will
be protected by the purchase of Powers Farm. The
Ponkapoag area of town which is located at the
foothills of the Blue Hills Reservation is another
location in town where there is an Atlantic White
Cedar swamp identified in the Natural Heritage and
Endangered Species Program Biomap and Living
Waters.
3.4.3 Soils and Hydrology
Originally a wetland area prior to the damming of
Norroway Brook and formation of the pond, the
soils of the study area are largely sandy and silt
loams that are very poorly drained with a high water
table. These soils can be saturated with water forming
wet spots during wet months of the year by surface
runoff and seepage water from adjacent higher
Site Hydrology and Water Direction
Site Soils
22

land. These wet spots generally occur on the western side of the Rent
Property, on parts of the pasture adjacent to the farm. The muck soils of
the Atlantic Cedar Wetland and areas immediately adjacent to the pond
are very poorly drained bog soils formed in accumulations of organic
deposits that are underlain by mineral soil materials. The water table in
these soils is at or near the surface most of the year.
3.4.4 Existing Infrastructure
• Structures on the Rent property: An old house and attached barn with
a landscaped garden area front North Main St. on the Rent property.
• Historic stone walls outline both the Rent property and also a segment
adjacent to the Grove St. subdivision on the southeast side of
the property.
• A wooden fence with a sliding gate to provide pond access runs along
the dirt road that traverses the property. Wooden fences also outline
the cattle paddock on the property abutting N. Main St. that Dana
Powers has retained as a working farm.
• A dirt road runs east-to-west from the working farm property retained
by Dana Powers and then around the northern edge of the pond.
About halfway around the pond the dirt road becomes property of the
adjacent Senior Living Center.
• A dam that controls the outflow of Norroway Brook currently maintained
by Dana Powers is located on the northern edge of the pond at
the property line of the Senior Living Center.
• Two small wooden shacks are located in between the pond and the
residential subdivision near where Powers Farm Rd. dead-ends into
the property.
• A sewage line clearing runs along the southwestern edge of the pond
near the Grove Lane access point with potential connectivity around
the western edge of the pond to the dirt road if an easement is created
with Dana Powers and the Senior Living Center or the properties are
acquired.
23
Wet spot on Rent Property
Outflow of Norroway Brook

3.4.5 Opportunities and Considerations
Opportunties
• Connections to Goldstein Open Space Area to the south and Higashi
School property to the north
• North Main Street access
• Close proximity to Downtown/Crawford Square
• Existing entrance from Grove Lane/Pond access
• Atlantic Cedar Wetland habitat, potential for environmental education
• Historic infrastructure, stone walls
• Ability to observe operational farm
• Possible utilization of structures on the Rent Property for visitors’ or
environmental education center
• Boulders to be utilized as possible children’s play area
• Potential pedestrian access points through Powers Farm Rd and Randall
Way
Considerations
• Lack of buffer between property and residential subdivision
• Private ownership of property surrounding northwestern and southeastern
sections of the pond
• Seasonal wet areas on pasture and western side of Rent Property
• Significant algae bloom on Norroway Pond
• Dam requires maintenance, adjustment according to water levels
24

To effectively administer and manage the Powers
Farm Recreation Area, the site is broken down
into five distinct management zones with a separate
circulation element detailing the development and
management of a site-scale trail network. The design
and methodological approach of the landscape
architects and the natural, historic and existing site
features influenced the delineation of the management
zones. The five management zones include:
• North Main Street Gateway Zone
• Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
• Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization
Zone
• Residential Interface Zone
• Pasture Conservation Zone
This section includes a description of each management
zone, opportunities and considerations
within each zone, and design, programming and
management recommendations aimed at maximizing
opportunities and mitigating potential conflicts.
Opportunities represent site features that enhance
the value of the site, while considerations represent
potential conflict points in use and management of
the property. The recommendations made for each
zone are consistent with the guiding principles and
management goals for the Powers Farm Conservation
Area.
The design, programming and management recommendations
consist of priority (0-2 years), medium
25
4. Management Zones: Delineation, Assessment and
Recommendations

(2-5 years), and long-term (5-10 years) benchmarks that will guide the
town as it moves forward with the development and management of the
site. Priority projects include the rehabilitation, restoration and utilization
of existing site resources. While some of these projects will involve
a substantial investment from the town, several of the recommendations
involve more basic tasks, such as identifying potential site hazards and
educating the public about significant site resources. This section will be
augmented in the appendix with a matrix showing the internal consistency
of each design, programming and management component with the
guiding principles, goals, and objectives of the plan. Each plan component
will also include a time frame for its development within the site.
4.1 North Main Street Gateway Zone
4.1.1 Zone Description
The North Main Street Gateway zone is delineated by the boundaries
of the former Rent Property and is a primary access point for visitors
to the Powers Farm Recreation Area. The existing property includes a
residential structure with an attached barn located on the eastern portion
of the property along North Main Street. These structures, along with the
existing vegetation to the north limit site lines from the street of the Norroway
Pond and Sunnyworth Farm viewsheds.
Behind the structures, the site lines through the property improve, offering
stunning views to the west and south of Norroway Pond and the Sunnyworth
Farm pasture. The property begins a gradual downward slope to
an open field that is bound by forested area to the north, and stonewalls
to the west and south.
In the immediate term, the property offers excellent access to the site,
while in the long term, the further development of the gateway area
could potentially provide the town with a unique opportunity to develop
an interpretive education center with programming elements related to
site and town history. Because this portion of the site was not acquired
through the state’s LAND program, the permitting of necessary infra-
structure will be less restrictive than in other areas of the site that were
acquired with LAND grants. While allocating funds for the acquisition
of the Rent property in 2009, the Community Preservation Commitee
appropriated $70,000 for necessary improvements to the Rent Property.
The improvements include removing the existing structures to create
nececcary public access to the property.
4.1.2 Opportunities and Considerations
Opportunities
• Access - The North Main Street Gateway provides excellent access
to the site for motorists, pedestrians and transit riders along the Massachusetts
Bay Transportation Authority bus lines. The site’s location
along a regional road offers great visibility to help attract potential
visitors to the park.
• Structures - The existing structures consist of a two-story residential
home and an attached barn. These structures, while blocking visual
access to the site from the street, provide a visual and auditory buffer
26

to North Main Street from inside the park. While the existing structures
will most likely be removed, the Gateway zone is an appropraite
area for a nature education or programming center in the long-term
development of the site. For this reason, some of the concept plans
for this zone include structures, to help the town envision how the
zone could be utilized in the long-term.
• Historic Features - The stonewalls along the southern and western
boundary define the space within the Gateway zone and offer interpretive
opportunities related to site and town history as well as local
Geology.
• Viewsheds - The North Main Street Gateway Zone offers some of
the most spectacular views of the pastures and pond from anywhere
on the site. Development of the site in this zone should protect the
integrity of these viewsheds.
Considerations
• Existing Structures - Because the North Main Street Gateway is the
main access to the site, maintaining all of the existing structures
inhibits visual access and public awareness of the site. The existing
building footprint also limits automobile circulation and parking
within the zone. The improvements necessary to upgrade and
equip the Rent property for public use are cost prohibitive and would
significantly delay the opening of the site for public use. Given the financial
resources the town has invested in the acquisition of the Rent
and Sunnyworth Farm properties for open space and conservation
purposes, it is not consistent with the scope of the management plan
to invest significant time and financial resources towards the restoration
of the existing structures.
• Existing Vegetation - A bramble thicket bisects the property north to
south behind the barn, obstructing circulation through to the pasture
area in the western part of the zone.
• Neighborhood Context - Residential properties abut the gateway
27
zone to the north and south. Appropriate measures should be taken to
ensure the intensification of use on the property does not negatively
impact the neighbors.
• Access - The site’s location along North Main Street represents an
opportunity to help attract visitors to the site, although steps need to
be taken to ensure the access to the site is safe for pedestrians and
motorists. North Main Street is a heavily trafficked road and measures
should be taken to ensure safe access to and from the site.
Common Themes and Recommendations
The development of the North Main Street Gateway Zone is important
to the short-term accessibility of the site and its long-term viability as a
dynamic community resource. The design concepts share many common
design themes, with vehicle/pedestrian access and circulation, visitor/education
center, un-programmed play and performances spaces being the
most common. From a programmatic standpoint, the restoration of some
or all of the structures on the property could allow the town to create an
interpretive center related to town and site history, and agriculture and
nature based education programs.
These design concepts can help the town envision how the site will
evolve and mature with the community over time and how priority projects
and short-term goals will fit into a larger vision for the gateway zone
and the entire site.
Priority Recommendations
• Develop vehicular and pedestrian access and circulation
• Install entrance signage to improve visibility and public awareness of
the site
• Develop vegetative buffer between gateway zone and adjacent properties
• Assess the viability of restoring existing site structures and how they
fit in with the long-term vision for the site.
• Install warning or risk signage (e.g. deer, ticks, poison ivy water haz-

28
Cost and placement of a picnic pavilion in the North Main
Street Gateway Zone as a recreational amenity in can vary
greatly depending on the size, design and materials used
for construction. Pictured are some examples of different
sizes and construction designs used in other parks throughout
the US. It is recommended that proximity to parking
and restroom facilities as well as both the provision or
obstruction of scenic views are considered when locating a
picnic pavilion.

ards) at trailheads
• Remove or provide adequate signage warning
visitors about the poison ivy growing on stonewalls
and fences throughout the property.
• Develop picnic area and restroom facilities in
North Main St. Gateway Zone that maintain
existing viewsheds and minimize visual impact
on the site.
• Develop designated children’s play area or potential
rock playground
Long-Term Recommendations
• Consider construction of visitor/environmental
education center
• Consider construction of gathering space/amphitheater
for community events
4.1.3 Design Concepts and Alternatives
Design 1 - North Main St. Gateway Zone
• Design Overview - This concept shows how the
gateway zone could be developed if the existing
structures are removed from the property.
The existing curb cut on North Main Street is
utilized for vehicle access, and circulation and
parking elements are located along the southern
boundary of the site, in place of the existing
structures. Parking accommodates approximately
15-20 vehicles. A separate pedestrian
access and pathway through the gateway zone
is located north of the vehicle access. A visitor
center is located in the southwest corner of the
site, with un-programmed open field and forested
areas to the north along the site boundary.
Design 1 Perspectives: Views of the North Main St. Gateway entrance to the park
from both a vehicular and pedestrian perspective and also the view into the park
towards the pond from the proposed visitor’s center.
29

30
Design 1 Base Map - North Main Street Gateway Zone
Team SHOE Design

A wetland boardwalk leaves the gateway zone
from the west, forming a connection into the
Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
• Notable Design Elements
1. Visitor Center
2. Parking and Vehicle Circulation
3. Pedestrian Circulation
4. Courtyard
5. Un-programmed forested and open space
• Programming Elements - The main programming
elements in this concept include the visitor
center and the un-programmed open and forested
areas north of the visitor center. The open
space can be utilized for unstructured activities,
while the forested area provides increased habitat
for birds and small mammals and provides a
buffer to neighboring properties.
Design 2 - North Main Street Gateway Zone
• Design Overview - This concept shows another
scenario under which the gateway zone
could be developed with the existing structures
removed. The focal point of this design is the
visitor center, which is built into the existing
topography, and located with a southwest
orientation in the center of the existing pasture.
This orientation maximizes viewsheds of the
larger site. West of the visitor center is an open
play space and a forested area in the northwest
corner of the site. Vehicle access and circulation
is located along the northern site boundary with
approximately 10 parking spaces located in the
northeast corner of the existing pasture.
Design 2 Perspectives: View facing the proposed visitors’ center
from the western edge of the Rent Propertyand observation deck.
Design 2 Perspectives: View of the pedestrian and vehicular entrance from North Main
St.
31

32
Design 2 Base Map - North Main Street Gateway Zone

• Notable Design Elements
1. Visitor Center
2. Parking and Vehicle Circulation
3. Pedestrian Circulation
4. Un-programmed Play Space
• Programming Elements - The main programming
elements in this design are the visitor
center and the open play space. The orientation
of the design maximizes the views through the
site allowing passive recreation activities, such
as photography, bird watching and nature appreciation.
The visitor center and adjacent patio
areas allow for picnicking and more structured
activities related to environmental education
and interpretation.
Design 3 - North Main Street Gateway Zone
• Design Overview - This design shows how the
gateway zone could be developed through the
demolition and restoration of existing site structures.
In this concept, the existing barn would be
restored, along with the façade of three sides of
the existing house. A series of gardens along the
southern boundary guides pedestrian circulation
to an open amphitheater in the existing pasture
area. Vehicle access and circulation would be
located along the northern site boundary, with
parking for approximately 25 vehicles located in
the northeast corner of the existing pasture.
While the town’s priority remains the development
of the Gateway zone through the removal
of the existing structures, this design was included
to show the long-term potential for the
Design 3 Perspectives: Views of the proposed Amphitheater and Monarch Butterfly Walk
on the western edge of the Rent Property and proposed Botanical Gardens in the pedestrian
pathway into the park.
33

34
Design 3 Base Map - North Main Street Gateway Zone

development of the zone. In siting the parking and
infrastructure to preserve open areas, the town can
preserve the potential of the Gateway zone to include
buildings in the future.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Barn Restoration
2. Building Façade Restoration
3. Gardens
4. Amphitheater
5. Parking and Vehicle Circulation
6. Pedestrian Circulation
• Programming - The main programming elements in
this design include the barn, gardens and amphitheater.
The barn provides an excellent opportunity for
an education or visitor center and the amphitheater
could be utilized for structured programs, community
events and more passive leisure activities like
picnicking. The gardens act as a pedestrian gateway
and could be planted in a variety of ways to achieve
programmatic goals.
Design 4 - North Main Street Gateway Zone
• Design Overview - This design shows how the
Gateway Zone could be developed through the
utilization of the existing structures on the property.
In this concept, the existing structures remain, and a
small amphitheater would be attached to the back of
the barn. Directly north of the barn is a sitting area
that maximizes the views to the west. Vehicle access
and circulation and is located along the northern
boundary of the entrance to the property, with
parking for approximately 15-20 vehicles located in
the northeast portion of the existing pasture area. A
pathway that guides pedestrian circulation through
Design 4 Perspectives:
Views of the proposed
learning center/bleacher
seating area from behind
the restored barn
as well as the North
Main St. pedestrian
entrance and main path
through the proposed
visitors center.
35

36
Design 4 Base Map - North Main Street Gateway Zone

the gateway zone is located between the existing structures and the
vehicle access points. The lower pasture area includes a performance
space that could be used for a variety of structured and unstructured
activities.
While the town’s priority remains the development of the Gateway
zone through the removal of the existing structures, this design was
included to show the long-term potential for the development of the
zone. In siting the parking and infrastructure to preserve open areas,
the town can preserve the potential of the Gateway zone to include
buildings in the future.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Existing Building Restoration
2. Barn/Amphitheater Restoration and Construction
3. Site Lookout/Bleacher Seating Area
4. Performance Space
5. Parking and Vehicle Circulation
6. Pedestrian Circulation
• Programming Elements - The main programming elements in this
design include the barn and building restoration. The barn and amphitheater
provide excellent opportunities for an education, visitor center
and lecture spaces. The performance space could be utilized for
structured programs, community events, farmer’s markets and more
passive leisure activities like picnicking and nature appreciation.
4.2 Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
4.2.1 Zone Description
The Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone is comprised of the northernmost portion
of the former Sunnyworth Farm property. The zone is delineated to
the east by the stonewall, to the north and west by the site boundaries
within the coniferous wetland and to the south by the farm road that follows
the northern edge of Norroway Pond.
The Atlantic Cedar Wetland zone has unique ecologic value, with a
37

coniferous wetland that includes a stand of Atlantic White Cedars, a rare
species with a limited range endemic to the coastal wetlands of the eastern
United States. The westernmost portion of the zone includes the former
bed of Norroway Brook, before the Norroway Pond dam altered the flow
of the brook.
4.2.2 Opportunities and Considerations
Opportunities
• Programming - The stand of Atlantic Cedars is a rare and unique species
that offers unique interpretive and education opportunity to visitors
of the site. The larger coniferous wetland and non-forested wetland
areas other a number of education opportunities ranging from the
general public to local schools.
• Circulation - The coniferous wetland also provides an opportunity for
low impact trails that would augment the programming elements in the
short term, and potentially serve as a connection to the larger woodland
and wetland area north of the property in the long term.
• Habitat Restoration - The unforested wetland areas in the eastern portion
of the site could provide an excellent opportunity to restore native
habitat by allowing the pasture area to return to its native habitat.
Considerations
• Resource Protection - The presence of rare and sensitive species also
represents management considerations. Management in this zone
should be more intensive and scheduled, to ensure that impact from
site visitors does not infringe upon the ecological value of the rare
habitat zones.
• Hydrology - The eastern portion of the site that is currently pasture is
also wetland. This portion of the site needs to be managed properly to
protect the ecologic integrity of the zone.
38
The Atlantic Cedar Wetland trail can be developed in a
variety of ways requiring different levels of construction
and resources. Wetland boardwalks (pictured left), structures
that uses widely spaced bents or piers as a foundation,
require sophisticated construction but are designed
to cause minimal damage to soils and the surrounding
wetland habitat. Boardwalks can also be designed to
meet ADA requirements.
Puncheons (pictured right) can be used where the soil is
wet but does not contain enough water to seriously hamper
trail work. Puncheon are essentially short-span footbridges
or a series of connected short- span footbridges.
The one thing common to all puncheon construction is
the use of sleepers or sills. Different types of puncheon
construction and wetland trail design and construction
in general are described in detail on the US DOT Federal
Highway Administration web site.

Common Themes and Recommendations
The Atlantic Cedar wetland is one of the most sensitive habitats on the
site and the design and programming recommendations reflect the fragile
ecologic conditions. The common design and programmatic themes
utilize wooded boardwalks to allow visitors access to the unique wetland
habitat. Another common design component was the transition of the
unforested wetland that is currently managed as pasture to native habitat.
The development of the Atlantic Cedar Wetland boardwalk is a very
important element in the long-term development of the site, however it is
not a priority project in this zone or for the overall site. In the immediate
term, the town should use appropriate signs to educate the public about
the sensitive habitats within this area and why they are important. Signs
should also encourage visitors to stay on marked trails in the un-forested
area, and to not disrupt the habitat of the coniferous wetland. Another
priority project in this area is an inventory of existing flora and fauna
which could be done by students in the Randolph High School science
department.
Priority Recommendations
• Install sensitive habitat signage along the edge of the Atlantic Cedar
wetland
Medium Term Recommendations
• Inventory wildlife and native species (potential long-term learning
project with RPS science department) to further knowledge about
site flora and fauna and support the development of interpretive areas
related to wildlife, plants and natural history.
• Upon the recommendation and assessment of a certified wetland
scientist, consider the possibility of expanding the Atlantic Cedar
wetland habitat into the existing pasture area in the Atlantic Cedar
Wetland Zone.
• Construct Atlantic Cedar wetland boardwalk and/or puncheon trail to
provide access to this unique natural area while protecting sensitive
resources.
Long Term Recommendations
• Consider the establishment larger trail system through wooded areas
to the north establishing linkages to Randolph Community Middle
School and the Higashi School property

4.2.3 Design Concepts and Alternatives
Design 1 - Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
• Design Overview - The focal point of this
concept is the boardwalk through the Atlantic
Cedar wetland. The boardwalk converges along
the north side of Narrowly Pond to form the
entrance and exit to wetland area. Once inside
the wetland, boardwalk splits, forming a circular
path with seating areas and observation points.
Notable observation points include the lookout
over Norroway Brook as it flows from Norroway
Pond to the Upper Reservoir.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Wetland Boardwalk
2. Observation Decks
• Programming Elements - The wetland boardwalk
offers significant opportunities for environmental
and interpretive education related to
wetland habitats, birds and hydrology.
Design 1
Perspectives:
View of
boardwalk
through Atlantic
Cedar
Wetlands.
Design Base 1 Map - Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
40

Design 2 - Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
• Design Overview - The focal point of this design
is a boardwalk that leads from the western
boundary of the gateway zone over the unforested
wetland and into the eastern side of the
Atlantic Cedar wetland. The boardwalk meanders
through the wetland area and exits on the
north side of Norroway Pond. The design differs
from the previous design 1 in that there are two
distinct entrance points, and the boardwalk includes
the unforested wetland area directly west
of the gateway zone. The existing unforested
wetland would be managed to allow the area to
become a successional forest.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Wetland Boardwalk
2. Successional Forest
• Programming Elements - The wetland boardwalk
offers significant opportunities for environmental
and interpretive education related
to wetland habitats, birds and hydrology. The
successional forest is an excellent opportunity
to increase forested wetland habitat and offers
excellent education opportunities to visitors of
the site.
Design 2 Perspectives (right): View of boardwalk
through Atlantic Cedar Wetlands.
Design 2 Base Map (below) - Atlantic Cedar
Wetland Zone
41

4.3 Grove Lane and Norroway Pond
Revitalization Zone (Priority Zone)
4.3.1 Zone Description
The Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zone is comprised of
the Bertha Soule Memorial Park and the portion of the Sunnyworth farm
property along the eastern pond shore. The acquisition of the Sunnyworth
farm property represents an important opportunity for the town to improve
access to the pond, and the larger conservation and recreation area from
the existing access at Grove Lane.
The zone consists of a 5 acres pond, approximately 2 acres of deciduous
forest on the western shore of the pond, and approximately one acre of
wetland and upland along the pond’s eastern shore. The areas is delineated
according to the lot boundaries on the north, west and southern side of the
property, and to the east by an existing stone wall on the Sunnyworth Farm
property. On the eastern side of the property, there are two outbuildings
that were historically used as warming and changing shelters for ice-skaters
in the winter.
4.3.2 Opportunties and Considerations
Opportunities
• Access - Although there is access through Grove Lane to the Norroway
Pond property it is poorly marked and overgrown. The acquisition of
the Sunnyworth Farm property represents an opportunity to revitalize
the entrance to the western side of the park, which serves as a primary
access point to the pond.
• Circulation - The incorporation of the Norroway Pond property into
the development and management of the site offers expanded opportunities
for site circulation through an expanded network of walk-
42

ing trails. Existing trails access the pond from the parking lot off of
Grove Lane, and a dirt trail runs along the northern side of Norroway
Pond from the Powers Farm property.
• Viewsheds - The western shore of the pond offers excellent views to
the south and east of the pond, woodland and pasture.
• Programming - There is significant potential for programmatic elements
in the Norroway Pond Revtalization Zone, ranging from education
and recreation to habitat restoration.
1. Education - Norroway pond offers enormous interpretive and
more specific education opportunities for school groups and the
larger population. The pond sits in the middle of the Norroway
Brook Watershed, which runs from Bear Swamp in the south, to
the Upper Reservoir in the North.
2. Recreation - Norroway Pond offers excellent recreation opportunities,
from ice-skating in the winter, to bird watching, walking,
photography and potentially fishing in the warmer months.
3. Habitat Restoration - The restoration of Norroway Pond is a great
opportunity for the town to improve habitat and water quality in
the pond and the larger watershed.
Considerations
• Access/Circulation - For the Norroway Pond property to be fully
integrated into the programming and development of the site the
town will need to improve access and circulation from the western
side of the pond to the upland areas of the site to the north and east.
Currently, there is no way to circumnavigate the pond to connect to
the remaining portions of the site. This could potentially be mitigated
through the acquisition of land from abutting properties or gaining
right-of-way access through private properties.
• Water Quality - Water quality is a primary concern to the ecologic
integrity of the pond, the greater watershed and the visitor experience
43
to the site. In summer months, unsightly algal blooms overtake the
pond, threatening the wildlife in the pond.
• Dam/Earthen Dyke Monitoring - The dam and earthen dyke that form
Norroway Pond should be assessed for their structural integrity. If
either of these structures were to fail, it would significantly change
the existing hydrology of the site.
• Neighborhood Context - The Gove Land access is located on a quiet,
dead end residential street. Although most activities will take place
away from the neighborhood, the parking lot access is very close to
existing neighbors.
Common Themes and Recommendations
The integration of the Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization
Zone into the development and management of Powers Farm Conservation
and Recreation Area represents an important opportunity for the
town to provide improved access and opportunities to an underutilized
open space resource. The common design and programming themes
among the concept plans include the need to provide pedestrian circulation
around the pond to the entire site and defining spaces for the public
to sit and enjoy the natural environment. Because the town does not own
all the property that abuts the town, elevated and water-based walkways
were utilized by the design teams to create circulation.
Perspectives: View
of pedestrian bridge
over pond connecting
Grove Lane access
point to Residential
Interface Zone.

Priority Recommendations
• Enhance vehicular and pedestrian access and circulation
• Improve signage to improve visibility and public awareness of the
site
• Perform water quality testing of Norroway Pond
• Establish and confirm work agreement with Dana Powers to manage
the dam along the northern shore of Norroway Pond
• Perform DPW assessment of the existing dam and earthen dyke along
the northern shore of Norroway Pond
• Establish the site boundary with signage at the Senior Center property
line on the existing dirt farm road along the northern edge of Norroway
Pond.
Medium-Term Recommendations
• Inventory wildlife and native species (potential long-term learning
project with RPS science department) to further knowledge about
site flora and fauna and support the development of interpretive areas
related to wildlife, plants and natural history.
• Explore options to gain access to parcels on northern and northwestern
edges of the pond via acquisition or easement agreement to
provide pedestrian circulation around pond.
• Based upon water quality testing results from Norroway Pond, develop
a restoration/treatment plan for the pond to mitigate impacts
from nutrient loading and eutrophication.
• Establish and mark trail linkage to Goldstein Open Space Area multipurpose
path
• Develop seating areas along the pond shoreline that maximize viewsheds
• Develop picnic/sitting areas along the eastern shoreline of pond.
Long-Term Recommendations
• Construct pedestrian boardwalk across southeastern edge of pond to
connect Grove Lane access to the Residential Interface/Pasture zones

4.3.3 Design Concepts and Alternatives
Design 1 - Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zone
• Design Overview - This concept includes several design elements
aimed at increasing access and the visitor experience at Norroway
Pond. The parking is redesigned and brought into the interior of the
site to offer more privacy to the existing neighborhood. A pathway
leads past a visitor center/rest rooms to the southern pond shoreline
where the trail splits north along the western shoreline and east on
a boardwalk that crosses the pond. The trail along the western shore
leads to patio area with a fire pit and dock, before continuing north
Design 1 Base Map - Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zone
as it meets up with the existing trail on the north side of Norroway
Pond.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Redesigned Parking Area
2. Visitor Center/Bathrooms
3. Pedestrian Circulation
4. Boardwalk
5. Observation Decks
6. Patio/Skating Dock
• Programming Elements - The main programming elements in this
concept include the trails that provide circulation around Norroway
Pond and the enhanced access to the pond, which can be used for a
45

variety of recreation, interpretation and education
opportunities.
Design 2 - Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization
Zone
• Design Overview - The focal point of this concept
is the use of constructed “floating wetland
islands” and “wetland walkways” to improve
water quality, increase habitat, and provide
circulation around the pond. The design concept
includes a redesigned parking lot at the site entrance
and a trail that follows the ponds western
shore to the north and south. The floating “wetland
walkways” allows pedestrian circulation
across the southern portion of the pond to the
peninsula on the eastern side of the pond. The
peninsula includes an observation deck and the
southeastern side of the pond includes a picnic
area. Floating “wetland islands” are placed
throughout the pond to provide increased habitat
and improve water quality.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Redesigned Parking Area
2. Floating “wetland islands and walkways”
3. Pedestrian Circulation
4. Observation Decks
5. Picnic Area
• Programming Elements - This concept offers
numerous programming concepts related to
education. The presence of the floating “wetland
walkways” and “wetland islands” could be an
especially effective way to manage pedestrian
circulation and improve water quality at the
same time. The restoration of the pond could
What is a BioHaven floating island?
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46

Design 2 Base Map - Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zone
47

epresent a collaborative opportunity between the town and the Randolph
High School science department.
4.4 Residential Interface Zone
4.4.1 Zone Description
The residential interface zone is located in the southeast portion of the site,
abutting the houses along Powers Farm Road, Randall Way and Sunnyworth
Lane. The zone consists of historic pasture land that is divided into
two distinct areas by a stone wall that runs east to west through the pasture.
The area is delineated to the north by the existing farm road through
the property, stonewalls to the west and south ,and the site boundary to the
east established by the sale of the property.
4.4.2 Opportunities and Considerations
Opportunities
• Access - The proximity to the existing neighborhood to the south and
the two dead-end streets that terminate at the site boundary serve as
potential pedestrian and vehicle access points. This would further increase
the accessibility of the park to the existing neighborhoods.
• Existing Site Features - This zone is well defined by the existing site
features, the farm road along the northern part of the zone and the
existing walls and fences to the west and north. This separation from
the rest of site creates a separate “room” for activities distinct from the
rest of the site.
Considerations
• Neighborhood Context - The location of this zone, adjacent to a
residential neighborhood, should be considered in its use and development.
Design and programming elements should be sensitive to the
neighborhood.
• Site Boundary - The eastern boundary for the site is currently undefined
and marked only by survey stakes.
• Hydrology - The western portion of the pasture is a natural drainage
basin for the property and retains water.
Common Themes and Recommendations
The management and development of the Residential Interface is reflective
of the proximity to the existing neighborhood. The common design
and programming themes are centered on seasonal activities like gardening
that would minimize noise and disturbances to the existing neighborhood.
Priority Recommendations
• Establish physical site boundary with signage or fencing along the
eastern boundary with Dana Powers property.
• Assess the safety of the existing fencing along the perimeter of the
Pasture Conservation Zone and the Residential Interface Zone.
48

Medium-Term Recommendation
• Develop community garden area and equipment storage facilities
4.4.3 Design Concepts and Alternatives
Design 1 - Residential Interface Zone
• Design Overview - The focal point of this concept is the development
of community gardens in the northern half of the zone and an orchard
in the southern half of the zone. The orchard is an exciting programmatic
component of the site and provides a buffer between the site
and the residential neighborhood to the south. Pedestrian access to
this area of the site would be allowed through the development of
entrances off of Randall Way and Powers Farm Road. To support the
Design 1 Base Map - Residential Interface Zone
community gardens, a small parking lot for approximately 5 vehicles
would be placed in the southeast corner of the site with access via
Randall Way. A vegetative buffer along the eastern side of the zone
reinforces the existing site boundary.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Community Gardens
2. Orchard
3. Pedestrian Circulation
4. Vegetative Buffer
• Programming Elements - The programmatic elements in this area of
the site are related to the community garden and the orchard. Opportunities
include education, community events and festivals.
49

Design 2 - Residential Interface Zone
• Design Overview - The focal point of this design is the development
of community gardens in the southern portion of the residential zone.
The existing farm road would be moved to the south to form the
northern boundary of the community garden and the existing pasture
would be integrated into the larger pasture to the north. A parking lot,
Design 2 Section Drawing (right): Community
gardens and equpment storage structures.
Design 2 Perspectives (below): View of community
garden plots
Design 2 Base Map (below and right) - Residential
Interface Zone
accommodating approximately 8-12 vehicles is located in the southwest
portion of zone adjacent to Randall Way.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Community Gardens
2. Pedestrian Circulation
3. Parking Area
• Programming Elements - The programmatic elements in this area of
the site are related to the community garden. Opportunities include
50

education, community events and festivals.
4.5 Pasture Conservation Zone
4.5.1 Zone Description
The Pasture zone is located east of Norroway Pond and directly south of
the North Main Street Gateway Zone.. The area is delineated to the north
by the stonewalls that form the boundary with the gateway zone, to the
east by the existing site boundary, to the south by the existing farm road
and to the west by a combination of the farm road and an existing stone
wall. The zone consists entirely of land that was once used as pasture for
Sunnyworth farm.
This portion of the site offers some of the best views of Norroway Pond
and the surrounding woodland on the western shore and the pasture represents
the town’s historic past and is also an extremely unique land use
in modern-day Norfolk County and metropolitan Boston.
4.5.2 Opportunities and Considerations
Opportunities
• Site Geology - The Boulders protruding from the subsurface offer
excellent educational opportunities as well as natural areas to sit relax
or play.
• Viewsheds - The pasture area offers some of the best views of Norroway
Pond and the surrounding woodland.
• Circulation - Trails through the pasture to the rest of the site represent
an important opportunity to guide circulation through the site. This is
especially important in the short-medium term as the property remains
working hayfields.
Considerations
• Hydrology - There are several wet spots in the western part of the
pasture as the natural grade of the site slopes approaching Norroway
Pond.
• Pasture Management - The town should finalize its haying agreement
with Dana Powers, and work to establish a pasture management plan,
that incorporates the accessibility of the pasture to the public’s use for
un-programmed recreation on the fields.
Common Themes and Recommendations
The management and development of the Pasture Zone is reflective of
its preservation as a largely un-programmed open space and maintained
agricultural resource. The common design and programming themes are
centered on a children’s play area utilizing the existing rocks and boulders
with potential utilization of existing wetlands adjacent to the pond
for environmental education regarding seasonal wetland habitats.
51

Priority Recommendations
• Establish physical site boundary with signage or fencing along the
eastern boundary with Dana Powers property.
• Establish and confirm Pasture Management Plan/Haying agreement
with Dana Powers
• Remove or provide adequate signage warning visitors about the poison
ivy growing on stonewalls and fences throughout the property.
Medium-Term Recommendation
• Develop programming for Pasture Conservation Zone related to historic
pasture land and demonstration farming.

4.5.3 Design Concepts and Alternatives
Design 1 - Pasture Conservation Zone
• Design Overview - This concept split the pasture
into two distinct areas with a trail running
from north to south trail. The eastern side of the
pasture remained open play space, while the
western side, closest to the pond, was designated
as a wetland meadow. The northern part
of the pasture, includes a lookout point with
seating area, frog pond and a rock playground
for children.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Wetland Meadow
2. Open Play Space
3. Frog Pond
4. Pedestrian Circulation
5. Rock Playground
• Programming Elements - The programmatic elements
in this design are related to environmental
education with a focus on seasonal changes
in the wetland meadow and also interpretive
recreation in the rock play area. The lookout
point aids circulation as it serves to guide visitors
towards either the pond or the community
gardens area.
53
Design 1 Perspectives:
View of rock playground
(right) and frog pond sitting
area (below).

Design 1 Base Map - Pasture Conservation Zone

Design 2 - Pasture Conservation Zone
• Design Overview - The focal point of this
design is a large circle of boulders, that can be
used for relaxation or recreation, located in the
eastern portion of the pasture. The other design
elements include walking trails that follow the
perimeter zone and link to the other parts of
the site. The existing pasture remains largely
unchangesd allowing for any number of unprogrammed
activities.
• Notable Design Elements
1. Rock Playground
2. Pedestrian Circulation
• Programming Elements - The programmatic
elements in this design entail recreation in the
rock play area and also agricultural preservation
in largely maintaining the pasture in its current
state with designated trails to protect viewsheds
and guide visitors through the zone.
Design 2 Base Map -
Pasture Conservation
Zone
55

5.1 Trail System
5.1.1 Description of Existing Trails
• A gravel and packed dirt farm road currently traverses the property
from the south east to the north west, running along the northern edge
of the pond. This road is currently used by the adjacent farm operation
to access land owned by the farmer adjacent to the northwest
corner of the property.
• A sewage line cut currently runs through the wooded area along the
western edge of the property towards the Grove Lane access point.
• Roughly defined entrance points to the Atlantic Cedar Wetland Zone
currently exist.
• An overgrown path runs from the current Grove Lane parking area
straight through the sewage line clear cut to the pond edge.
5.1.2 Opportunities and Considerations
Opportunties
• The Atlantic Cedar Wetland provides an opportunity for an interpretive
trail/wetland boardwalk and more intimate natural experience.
• The open spaces and viewsheds of the Rent Property, Pasture Zone
and Norroway Pond will allow visitors to spatially orient themselves
on the property and provide directional guidance.
• The Grove Lane access point provides a potential link to the Goldstein
Open Space Area hiking/jogging path across Grove St. to the
south.
Considerations
• The Town currently does not own the parcels on the northern and
around the western edge of the pond starting at the dam. The parcel
on the southern edge of the pond adjacent to Norroway Brook and
56
Grove St. is also under private ownership.
• Existing infrastructure such as the stone walls and dirt path may need
to be altered to accommodate an updated trail system.
• The Pasture Zone is largely a sensitive and wet area currently maintained
and hayed by Dana Powers.
5.1.3 Proposed Trail System Recommendations
• Mark trails clearly with signs/maps at trailheads and appropriate directional
signage to orient visitors throughout the trail system.
• Trails shuld be designed and managed to maintain a wooded buffer
between the trails and any nearby developed areas.
• Establish pedestrian entrance pathway to guide visitors through the
Rent Property from North Main Street.
• Establish a trail to guide visitors from the Rent Property, through the
sensitive pasture zone towards the pond destination.
• Clear trail from Grove Lane access point to Pond
• Construct a pedestrian bridge (floating or anchored) to connect the
Grove Lane access point and area across the pond to the east near the
wooden shacks to provide trail circulation around the pond.
• Establish a trail to guide visitors from the Rent Property through the
wet areas next to the Atlantic Cedar Wetland to access the wetland
walk and protect sensitive habitats.
• Construct a trail consisting of wetland boardwalks and puncheons to
provide access to but also protect the sensitive habitat of the Atlantic
Cedar Wetland Zone by preventing visitors from hiking off-trail.
• The Town should pursue access to land circulating the entire pond
by either acquiring adjacent parcels or creating easement agreements
with the current landowners.
5.2 Signage
5. Site Circulation
Self-guided trails and signs are a popular means of promoting the Town’s
recreation opportunities. Trail signage can:

• Provide a recreational and educational experience;
• Improve recreational access and responsible visitor behaviour;
• Increase visitors’ understanding of the local environment;
• Promote an area’s history and heritage;
• Add to an area’s tourism potential; and
• Decrease risk to visitors
Recommended Signage:
Priority Signage
• Entrance Sign, North Main Street Gateway
• Entrance Sign, Grove Lane Gateway
• Informational Kiosk/Park Map
• Notices of Habitat Protection Area
• Property Boundary Markers
• Directional Signs
• Warning or Risk Sign
Medium-term Signage
• Agricultural History/Sunnyworth Farm Interpretive Sign
• Wetland Habitat Interpretive Sign
• Pond Habitat Interpretive Sign
• Atlantic Cedar Habitat Interpretive Sign
• Dam/Norroway Brook Interpretive Sign
• Soule IceHouse Historical Sign
• LAND Grant Acknowledgement Sign
• Grove Street/Grove Lane Intersection Directional Sign
Types of Signs:
• Gateway Signs – Signage at the main vehicle and pedestrian entrance
points to Powers Farm will both establish an image for the
park, attract visitors to the park from the roadway and signal parking
facilities.
• Park Maps - Maps at park entrances, within the boundaries of the
park and along set distances of pathways can help to increase and
enhance park users knowledge, curiosity and interest about the park.
• Information/Bulletin Boards - Often park visitors are familiar with
the one or more sections of a park that they frequent and are not familiar
with the breadth of a park and its facilities. In addition, visitors
are often uninformed about park events and activities, and renovation
or management plans.
• Educational and Interpretive Signs - Educational signs such as
those that highlight or point out specific trees, paths, flowers, or other
elements of the natural environment can also be conceived as a fun
way to engage people in interacting with the natural environment.
• Warning or Risk Signs - These signs warn of a particular danger
or risk and should include an appropriate pictogram identifying the
hazard, a statement of danger or hazard, a statement of consequence;
and a statement of precautionary action.
• Directional Signs - Directional signs posted intermittently, especially
in natural areas, not only can serve to help people keep their bearing,
but also feel located and secure.
57

Proposed Trail System
58

Proposed Signage
59

6.1 Managing Subcommittee
The Town Manager may appoint a subcommittee to oversee the implementation,
operations, monitoring and maintenance of the Powers Farm
conservation area.
The subcommittee will review attainment of the management goals and
update and review the Powers Farm Management Plan from time to time
in conjunction with Conservation Commission, the Open Space and
Recreation Committee, Community Preservation Committee, and Town
Council.
6.2 Public Health, Safety and Welfare
Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation will typically be from dawn until dusk unless specially
authorized. Exceptions may be granted by the managing subcommittee
for community events, night-time recreational use of the pond,
stargazing activities or use of the event facilities on the Rent Property.
Emergency Vehicle Access
The Town’s Fire, Police, and EMT personnel have emergency response
procedures in place for the property. Motorized vehicles are allowed
on the property in consideration of public safety and emergency or with
prior written permission of the Commission.
Lighting
Lighting should be provided both for security purposes and for occasional
night-time use of the Rent Property facilities. Parking area lighting
poles as well as pedestrian scale site (i.e. picnic pavilion) and walkway
lighting. Lighting should also be provided at the Grove Lane parking
60
6. Operational and Management Recommendations
area for potential night-time use of the pond.
The Town should also consider lighting for the Norroway Pond skating
area for night-time ice-skating and hockey game. Former lighting equipment
is currently stored in the wooden shacks on the Powers Farm property.
Due to the areas of sunlight on and around the pond, solar lighting
could be an cost-effective and energy-efficient option for the town.
Proximity to residential development should be considered when siting
light poles and fixtures.
Park Security
The Town can encourage and promote establishment of “Neighborhood
Watch” program to help protect park/park area and also coordinate with
the Randolph Police Department regarding park policing efforts and
regular patrols as warranted.
Good maintenance plays a vital role in park safety and security. The presence
of graffiti, litter, vandalism, poorly maintained paths or planting can
contribute to a perception of lack of safety. They suggest that an area is
uncared for, and has minimal supervision.
A Powers Farm conservation area contact telephone number should be
clearly posted so that users can recommend improvements and report
damage or needed repairs.
Dogs
It is recommended that on-leash dogs and dog-walking be allowed in the
Powers Farm conservation area with dog-waste disposal units intespersed
throughout the trail system.
Extra precaution should be taken with dogs in proximity to the opera-

tional farm property line due to the livestock and farm animals contained
within the paddock.
61

7.1 Phasing and Prioritization
These management recommendations are specific actions to be taken to
achieve the management goals. Each recommendation is associated with
one of two levels of management and services; basic or enhanced.
• The basic level (priority) maintains and assesses the property’s current
resources and infrastructure and develops key vehicular and pedestrian
access points to provide for basic passive recreation, with the
goal of meaningfully and safely connecting visitors to public lands.
• The enhanced levels (medium and long-term) expand facilities and
operations beyond the basic level to reach a property’s higher potential.
Recommendations are association with the basic level of management
and services if they meet any of the following criteria:
• Maintaining or securing public, visitor, and staff health and safety.
• Maintaining essential property infrastructure.
• Providing protection and stewardship for significant or critical cultural
and natural resources.
• Ensuring appropriate access and recreational activities.
Priority Recommendations
• Develop vehicular and pedestrian access and circulation at the North
Main Street Gateway and Grove Lane access points (Gateway Zone)
(Grove Lane Revitalization)
• Develop picnic area and restroom facilities in North Main St. Gateway
zone
• Install and improve entrance signage at North Main Street Gateway
and Grove Lane and Norroway Pond Revitalization Zones.
62
7. Phasing and Prioritization
• Establish initial trail network and signage for passive recreational use
• Existing structures (Rent Property and Skating Buildings)
• Perform water quality testing of Norroway Pond
• Establish and confirm work agreements with Dana Powers - Pasture
Management Plan and Haying Agreement; flood control and shortterm
dam management
• Perform DPW assessment of the existing dam and earthen dyke along
the northern shore of Norroway Pond
• Establish physical site boundary with signage or fencing along the
eastern boundary with Dana Powers property.
• Establish the site boundary with signage at the Senior Center property
line on the existing dirt farm road along the northern edge of Norroway
Pond.
• Install sensitive habitat signage in appropriate areas of the site
• Install warning or risk signage (e.g. deer, ticks, poison ivy water hazards)
at trailheads
• Assess the safety of the existing fencing along the perimeter of the
Pasture Conservation Zone and the Residential Interface Zone.
• Remove or provide adequate signage warning visitors about the poison
ivy growing on stonewalls and fences throughout the property.
• Assess the safety of the existing fencing along the perimeter of the
Pasture Conservation Zone and the Residential Interface Zone.
• Establish managing subcommittee, responsible to town management
to steer the development and management of the Powers Farm Conservation
area.
• Explore potential community partnerships and create “Friends of
Powers Farm” non-profit organization to advocate and raise money
for site and improvements and programming.
Medium-Term Recommendations
• Inventory wildlife and native species (potential long-term learning
project with RPS science department) to further knowledge about
site flora and fauna and support the development of interpretive areas

elated to wildlife, plants and natural history.
• Establish environmental education programming (potentially in conjunction
with RPS science department)
• Explore options to gain access to parcels on northern and northwestern
edges of the pond via acquisition or easement agreement to
provide pedestrian circulation around pond.
• Based upon water quality testing results from Norroway Pond, develop
a restoration plan for the pond to mitigate nutrient loading and
eutrophication.
• Upon the recommendation and assessment of a certified wetland
scientist, consider the possibility of expanding the Atlantic Cedar
wetland habitat into the existing pasture area in the Atlantic Cedar
Wetland Zone.
• Construct pedestrian bridge/boardwalk across southeastern edge of
pond to connect Grove Lane access to the Residential Interface/Pasture
zones
• Construct Atlantic Cedar wetland boardwalk and/or puncheon trail to
provide access to this unique natural area while protecting sensitive
resources.
• Establish and mark trail linkage to Goldstein Open Space Area multipurpose
path
• Clear underbrush to create ice-skating rest area at pond’s edge near
Grove Lane access point with potential fire-pit and/or warming area
• Develop designated children’s play area or potential rock playground
• Develop community garden area and equipment storage facilities
Long-Term Recommendations
• Consider construction of visitor/environmental education center
structure
• Consider construction of gathering space/amphitheater for community
events
• Consider the acquisition of open space parcel to the north of the property
to expand conservation and recreation area
• Explore sustainable energy options (solar, hydro, wind)
• Consider the establishment larger trail system through wooded areas
to the north establishing linkages to Randolph Community Middle
School and the Higashi School property
• Explore options for bike-way connections and signage to the Blue
Hills State Reservation trail system via Lafayette and High Streets
• Consider assembling open space parcels for establishment of Norroway
Brook watershed greenway and recreational trail stretching from
Bear Swamp southwest of the site to the Tri-Town reservoir system
and protected public water supply lands to the northeast.
63

Preliminary Cost Estimates
The research team developed a list of cost estimates for project recommendations.
The cost estimates are intended to help the Town plan and
budget for park implementation. These project estimates are preliminary
but are meant to provide a general estimate of costs for budgeting purposes.
The management plan consists of the project description, estimated
project cost, and project priority.
Cost estimates are intended to be general guidelines for establishing
priorities, staffing levels and budgeting. Before any recommendations
are implemented, the Town should re-evaluate these figures with more
detailed site-specific cost estimates.
Basic Park Furnishings
Benches $540-$750
Picnic Tables $540-$1,000
Garbage Can & Holders $250-$600
Raised Picnic Grills $323-$500
Park Signs (entrance) $756-$5,000
Directional Sign $250
Entry Gate $2,000
Interpretive Kiosk $8,000
Interpretive Signage $1,200
Bike Rack $1,500
Structures
Covered Picnic Areas $40,000-$75,000
Viewing Pier 6'x25' $4,000
Restrooms
Basic Portable ADA compliant portable $82/mo-$157/mo
Unisex with urinal $28,080
Standard one toilet/sink each $37,800
Infrastructure
Asphault Paving $92/ton
Concrete Paving $52/sq. yd.
Permeable Concrete Paving $10/sq.ft.
Boardwalk, Wood, Pin Pile - Over Water $50/sq.ft.
Crushed Rock Path 6' Wide $11/linear ft
Biofiltration Drainage Swale $18,000
Catch Basins $2,000
Lighting
Parking Lot Lighting $11,000/pole
Site and Walkway Lighting $3,000/pole
Preliminary cost estimates compiled from the Randolph Planning Dept, the
Park and Recreation Master Plan of Canby, Oregon, the Jaunita Beach Park
Plan from the City of Kirkland, Washington, and the Ped & Pedal Trail Cost
Analysis. Costs in year 2000 dollars.

65
Appendix A: Powers Farm Management and Development Matrix

Powers Farm Online Community Survey
An online survey was conducted by the UMass-Amherst research team
between November and December 2009 in which 50 town officials,
school department representatives and community group representatives
and citizens replied. A contact list of community representatives for
the survey was compiled by utilizing contact lists of Town Boards and
Commissions, through interviews with initial contacts and through online
research of community organizations in Randolph. Survey Results
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Appendix C: Public Participation
1. How long have you been a resident of Randolph?

2. What is your age?
3. What is your gender?
4. Which of these best describes your status?
# of Resp. Status
(6) Family, grown children no longer at home
(18) Family with children 11 years+
(17) Family with children between 6 to 10 years old
(5) Family with young children less than 5 years old
(3) Adult couple- no children
(4) Single adult living alone
(2) Single adult sharing a residence with other adult(s)
(1) Single parent- children at home under 10 years old
(2) Single parent- children at home over 11 years old
(1) Non-resident, but regularly work in or visit town
(0) Other
5. Which of these best describes your relationship with the Randolph
Community?
(1) Community Representative (church group, non-profits etc)
(0) Business Owner
(2) School Staff
(7) Working Professional
(1) Town Official
(12) Citizen
(1) Other
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6. Do you regularly visit passive recreation and open space locations in other communities? If so, please rank the passive recreation activities in
terms of how likely you are to participate in them (the same ranking can be applied several times if applicable).
Additional Comments:
• writing
• attend weddings and community events held in nature reserves
• Running
• camping, fishing
• Open field spaces so games can be played.
• softball, baseball
• relaxing, maybe reading a book
• Exploring, letterboxing
• landscape painting
70
• skateboarding, rollerskating, fishing
• We are a married couple with a 24 year old son still at home and a 21
year old daughter in her last year of college. Hit all the demographics
when doing a survey

7. Please select the characteristics most important to you when choosing to visit a park or recreation site (the same ranking can be applied several
times if applicable).
Additional Comments:
• This property should revert
to natural; use the pond
for fishing/skating, use the
ground for walking/picnicing
• make sure that the shore
line in an easily accessed
area is clear to the water for
sampling and launching of
non motorized water craft.
• Plant fruit trees
• I’d like to see a pond or
lake for fishing or canoeing.
• most important not
to use crushed stone.
Wheelchairs,baby strollers
etc., will have a tough time
using this type of pavement....same
with gravel.
Dirt Trails can be tough too,
if not maintained (rocks and
other objects can cause for
problems!
• Good tennis courts, Randolph
has few left, too
many conversions to basketball
• Please do NOT put gravel.
It is extremely difficult to
push wheel chairs on it.
Hard packed earth or pavement
are preferable.
• A goal or something specific
to do when I get there.
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8. Please describe your favorite places to enjoy the outdoors, whether in
Randolph or elsewhere.
• I frequently visit the Blue Hills as well as the dog park in Hingham as
both allow off-leash exercise and socialization
• Poncapog pond, blue hills
• The Blue Hills or Cape Cod
• hiking trails, and recreation areas
• Dunn Lake state park - beautifully maintained, great trails, lots of access
to the lake.
• Massasoit state park, War memorial Park in West Bridgewater, Mt
Tom in Easthampton MA
• Frog Pond, Arnold Arboritum, Public Gardens
• Houghtons Pond
• Ponkapoag pond and the Blue Hills recreaton area in Milton.
• NH, Maine, Berkshires, bike path in Cambridge (Alewife) to Bedford,
old/converted rail paths in general
• We enjoy biking and flying kites in Quincy off the expressway. There
are also picnic tables. We are looking for places to hike with our kids.
• Blue Hills Weather Station
• Borderlands, Ames Nowell, Wompatuck, Myles Standish
• hiking, visting and exploring nature
• Currently there are no particular places of beauty in randolph to enjoy.
• Arnold’s Arboretum, Houghton’s Pond and Blue Hills, the beach,
Castle Island, The Public Garden, various Boston islands, Pope John
Paul II Park
• I love the Blue Hill reservations and Trustee reservations.
• ball fields
• Playgrounds and bike trails
• Houghtons Pond, Imagination Station (Randolph), Holbrook Playground,
• I enjoy walking over in Weston at their reservoir. Dogs an be free to
run.
• Blue Hills hiking, Ponkapoag fishing, Sunset lake Braintree ice skating
• we go over to houghton pond in milton locally. Not as close the cape
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or white mountains.
• Blue Hills, Boston COmmon, Boston Public Garden, Charles River
• Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park, Boston Public Gardens,
• Belcher park; Goldstein area
• Visiting places in NH
• Blue Hills, New Hampshire or Maine
• beach, park or playground
• playground with picnicking, sun as well as shade, light fishing,
• I enjoy my own backyard. I enjoy walking my dog around my neighborhood.
I am disappointed to see so much litter and neglect around
the town.
• trails, rivers, mountains, ponds---quiet places
• places that have variety - not just hiking but also a shady rest place.
Uneven ground for challenge but also flat ground to make for easy
resting hike.
• Blue Hills, Diana’s Bath (NH), Victory Field and other parks/paths
along the Charles (Watertown, Ma), World’s End (Hingham)
• Blue Hills/Houghton’s Pond, Arnold Arboretum
• Oliver Ames Estate, Blue Hills Trailside Museum and hiking, Lands
End in Hingham, local beaches and Audubon Society lands
• Ponkapoag Trail
• Blue Hill Reservation
• Borderland, Blue Hills Reservation, Hale Reservation
• Massasoit State Park, Ames Nowell State Park, Ellisville State Park
9. Are there specific programs you think should be incorporated into the
Powers farm site (for example, community activities, festivals, environmental
education, etc.)?
• It would be nice to have activity areas for middle school aged youngsters
as the playgrounds in town are geared towards much younger
(preschool & lower elementary) kids.
• I would love to see the old “hot chocolate” shack back there; community
groups could use it as a fundraiser by manning it during cold
nights of skating
• Community Gardens, 4-H Programs for students
• I would like the own to have a dedicated field for the Pop Warner

football program, with facilities for children to play.
• Environmental education opportunities
• should work with our AP Environmental, and college prep environmnetal
course sections to do a biomass inventory and monitor
the chemical health of the habitat. Monitor the extent and range of
invasive and endangered species. set up examples of alternative energy
put to work for the center including hydro, wind and solar power
that could be reverse metered as a credit towards the centers utility
bill. competitive science projects for the local sectional, state and
international science fairs. set up a photo op site for weddings and
other special occasions. maybe incorporate both native and donated
species in designed plantings that could serve as a teaching tool for
home landscape projects. maybe hardscapes donated by local contractors
for the sake of advertising or memorial gifts. no wooden or
metal benches [due to maintainence] only granite. on site facility for
lab groups to do labs with utilities and secure storage. maybe remote
monitoring systems for water and air, connected to the net to be accessed
remotely. develop GIS maps of the area showing identified
spiecies and chemical environment.
• Something that gets the teenagers involved.
• community gardening
• All of the above would be nice.
• community activities, playgrounds, walking paths, bike paths, picnic
areas, restrooms, sporting activities, use for Randolph Recreation
activities, outdoor related programming
• Community events bring people in so that they can see the site. After
that, they can return to do the activities they enjoy.
• 4th f July, maybe some other community festivals
• educational displays, open space, trails
• communityactivities,education, open sac
• It would be nice to have a Farmer’s Market.
• Multicultural events. Children programs. Neighborhood events.
• I think incorporating students into community activities in and around
Randolph would be an excellent idea!
• sports, concerts, family activities
• walking
• It all sounds wonderful!
• Environmental and historic information
• Arts In the Park, environmental education, tie it in with some of the
fabulous science programs going on in the Randolph public schools.
Contact Nick Micozzi and work with him.
• Community programs and events
• Environment Education
• sure, community activities would be good
• community activities
• It would be nice if the Powers farm could be kept operating so children
could experience it. Perhaps a petting zoo or demos of farm
activities would be good.
• Festivals, environmental education as well as habitat education, day
camps for kids
• Community activities where we can come together as a community
and get to know each other. Craft fairs, festivals, etc.
• a community garden, preferably organic vegetable, some flowers;
community music venue, prefer folk music but would honor any
Randolph group
• community activities, education for our school children who are devoid
of knowledge about nature
• Pumpkin festivals are neat, boy scout girl scout community hikes,
skating is a great idea, commuity “clean our parks” might help keep
the park clean and give people a sense of “its thier park and they
should take care of it”
10. Are there any additional community concerns that you feel should be
considered in the development of Powers Farm Project (for example, accessibility,
security, etc.)?
• That certain groups will be excluded by virtue of single use decisions
ie: no dogs allowed, or making it a playground instead of open space
• Keep development to a minimum
• My only concern is that it should be used for the betterment of the
community.
• security via cameras, lighting, and maybe gated for controled access
during the evening.
• Security
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• Park must be patrolled often.
• Daily maintenance such as trash collection and security would be
positive.
• accessible recreation and trails should be paved and wide enough to
allow for strollers, bikes, wheelchairs etc. This needs to be an accessible
park that can be accessed by all!
• Obviously security is an issue - lighting is a necessity.
• no more housing developments-open space for families to explore
• parking
• Perhaps time management...weekend activites would benefit a community
with families rather than scheduling things during work
hours.
• Just as long as you guys are not taking my property taxes to pay for
this project, I am more open minded to what you guys may do. Randolph
has more dire needs right now other than “nice grounds” areas.
• I have found that Randolph is a very secure area. I have never had
trouble walking here at any time.
• security to avoid graffitti and vandalism
• I am excited to hear about the possibility of having additional recreational
space in Randolph.
• Least disruption to existing wildlife
• It needs to be safe and CLEAN, let it be a true representative of Randolph
20 years ago, when there was pride in our Town.
• accessibility is most important; security also
• Take safety as a priority
• Security so teens do not use it as a hang out
• security, cleanliness, accessibility, facilities
• parking, security
• Security would be my biggest concern. The safety of our children is
paramount. I would not want the area to become a “hangout” destination
for Randolph youth.
• Accessibility to people with disabilities is very important. An educational
component centered on historical farm activity would be
wonderful.
• I do NOT like the idea of leveling the house to make a parking lot.
I’d rather see a parking lot incorporated into the landscape, especially
since it is right on Main St.
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• Security and cleanliness should be addressed right from the start.
• some maintenance of the area to ensure it does not become a dumping
ground or vandalism
• Security is big, we need to feel safe in order to enjoy the park.
Public Meeting
A public meeting was held on Dec. 17, 2009 at town hall in which the
UMass-Amherst research team and eight landscape architecture studio
teams presented their site analyses, conceptual plans and design recommendations
for the combined Powers Farm conservation area. Oral comments
and questions were received from the approx. 20 town officials
and citizens present and were recorded by the research team to inform
which elements of the concept plans to include in the final management
plan.
2009 Open Space and Recreation Community Survey
The Town of Randolph conducted an Open Space & Recreation Survey
between Feb. 26, 2009 through Mar. 12, 2009 in which 522 citizens
replied between paper and online responses. The list of uses below
emerged as the top 10 recreational facilities citizens feel are needed:
1. Children’s play areas
2. Local neighborhood parks
3. Recreation center
4. Community gardens
5. Picnic
6. Hiking trails
7. Biking trails
8. Conservation areas
9. Tennis courts
10. Little league fields

The following have been identified as potential funding sources from
Federal, State and private programs and foundations to assist in the
development of the property. It should also be noted that Randolph High
School employs a grantwriter, Michelle Montavon, who could potentially
assist with grants related to environmental education or general partnerships
with the Randolph Public Schools.
Community Preservation Act Funds
• Town budget information
Federal Programs/Funding Opportunities
• NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program - This
program supports community-led natural resource conservation and
outdoor recreation projects. RTCA staff provide technical assistance
to communities so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and
develop trails and greenways. Web site: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/
programs/rtca/
State Programs/Funding Opportunities
• Massachusetts Environmental Trust General Grants – These grants
provide funding to support programs, research, and other activities
that promote the responsible stewardship of the Commonwealth’s
water resources. MET’s goal is to encourage development of new
approaches and ideas and to spur innovation among grantees or
partnering organizations. The Trust supports projects that: improve
water quality or quantity, conserve aquatic habitat and species, reduce
runoff pollution, etc. The Trust prefers those projects that support
new programs rather than existing, involve collaboration with other
non-profits or municipalities, leverage additional funding, etc. The
Powers Farm project could qualify in regards to water quality and
remediation of Norroway Brook/Pond as part of the Town’s public
Appendix D: Funding Sources
water supply. Web site: http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeatermin
al&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Grants+%26+Technical+Assistance&L2=
Grant+%26+Loan+Programs&L3=Massachusetts+Environmental+Tr
ust+(MET)&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_met_met_grant_
programs&csid=Eoeea
• DCR Recreational Trails Grants Program – The Recreational Trails
Program provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 on a reimbursement
basis for a variety of trail protection, construction,
and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts. It is part of
the national Recreational Trails program, which is funded through
the Federal Highway Administration. The Powers Farm project
could qualify as a trail that links natural and recreational resources
to homes, schools, neighborhoods and communities and also as an
urban trail in a densely populated area with underserved populations.
Web site: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/regional-
Grants.htm
• DCR Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant – These are
50/50 matching grants offered to municipalities and non-profit groups
in Massachusetts communities of all sizes for the purpose of building
local capacity for excellent urban and community forestry at the
local and regional level. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $30,000.
The Powers Farm project could qualify under “strategic community
tree plantings” or the “other projects that would result in sustained
improvements to urban and community forestry management” designation.
Larger communities are likely to be more competitive. Web
site: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/forestry/urban/urban-
Grants.htm
Private Funding Opportunities
• The Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust – This trust pursues initiatives
in three key fields of interest: education, environment and health.
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For education, there is a special interest in promoting early learning
and quality out-of-school time. Within the field of environment, the
Trust focuses on preservation of fresh and marine waters through
natural habitat conservation. Areas of priority include low-income
or vulnerable populations, collaborative partnerships and combinations
of two or more of the Trust’s priority fields of interest. Grant
requests are generally considered on the scale of $50,000 or more per
year. The Powers Farm project could qualify with included elements
of environmental education and also within the context of the Town
containing environmental justice communities. Web site: http://www.
jbcoxtrust.org/
• Jane’s Trust – This trust pursues initiatives in the greater Boston
area for the following purposes as related to Powers Farm: access to
educational opportunities both inside and outside of the traditional
classroom with particular focus on underserved populations and for
meaningful and innovative contributions to protection of critical or
historically significant rural and urban natural resources. The Powers
Farm project could qualify with included elements of environmental
education and also within the context of the Town containing environmental
justice communities. Annual grants generally range in
size from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Web site: http://www.hembar.com/
selectsrv/janes/index.html
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The following is a preliminary list of potential partnerships, both public/
private and public/public, identified throughout the course of this process.
These partnerships can open doors to opportunities that otherwise may be
limited or unattainable if undertaken solely by the Town.
Friends of Powers Farm
Create the “Friends of Powers Farm” non-profit volunteer organization,
separate from but in cooperation with the official subcommittee, to create
a sense of shared-responsibility and stewardship and to recruit volunteers
for the purpose of:
• Trail Maintenance Programs and Clean-up
- Trail Building
- Individual Community Events
- Monthly Trail Maintenance Days
- Adopt-a-trail Opportunities for Volunteers
• Outreach and Events
- Event Planning
- Outreach in the Park
- Photo contests
- Press releases
• Advocacy
- Attend Local Municipal Meetings
- Address Development Threats and Conservation Opportunities
• General Volunteer Opportunities
- Website
- Newsletter
- Administration
Examples of local organization:
• Friends of the Blue Hills, Web site: http://www.friendsofthebluehills.
org/
Appendix E: Community and Regional Partners
• Friends of Prowse Farm, Web site: http://www.prowsefarm.org/contact.htm
• Friends of Pond Meadow, Web site: http://www.pondmeadowpark.
org/supportthepark.htm
Sunnyworth Farm
This section will define the relationship between the conservation area
and the adjacent 1.77 acres retained by Mr. Powers as an operational
farm.
Randolph Public Schools
The science department of Randolph Public Schools has expressed
interest in a partnership with the newly created Powers Farm conservation
area with potential for long-term learning projects, field trips and
classroom programs and utilization of an environmental education center
on-site should an existing structure remain or a new structure be located
on the property.
An environmental education center to be utilized by RPS science programs
should ideally have classroom space for 25-50 students, storage
space for research equipment and electric and plumbing in order to be
utilized for science classes or the RPS summer science camp.
Students in the high school’s Environmental Science AP course could
assist in long-term environmental inventory, monitoring and remediation
projects for the Town or Conservation Commission such as biodiversity
monitoring, invasive species inventory or removal, GIS mapping, water
quality testing and pond remediation as the site’s water resources pertain
to the Town’s water supply.
After school science programs or environmental education field trip
programming could also be developed in partnership with the RPS sci-
77

ence department and could potentially become a destination for schools
throughout the region.
Additional funding resources may be available through partnerships with
the Randolph Public Schools as the high school employs a dedicated
grantwriter, Michelle Montavon (see Funding Resources section). Contact:
RPS District Science Director, Nick Micozzi. Email: micozzin@
randolph.k12.ma.us
Connect: A Southeastern Massachusetts Public Higher Education
Partnership
Connect is a partnership of public higher education institutions in southeastern
Massachusetts—Bridgewater State College, Bristol Community
College, Cape Cod Community College, Massasoit Community College,
Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth.
Potential for partnerships with regional institutions in environmental
education – one of Connect’s two basic goals is to advance the economic,
educational, and cultural life of Southeastern Massachusetts.
RPS Science Director Nick Micozzi has connections to Professors at
Bridgewater State and Massasoit Community College’s Canton campus
is located within a few miles of Powers Farm. Web site: http://www.connectsemass.org/
Randolph Garden Club
• Assistance in development and maintenance of Community Garden
plots
• Recommend Powers Farm be added to list of RGC “Projects” and
that RGC hold club events on the property
Student Conservation Association – Boston Chapter
SCA engages local students (ages 15-19) from the Boston area in com-
78
munity conservation projects around the city. Students provide hands
on service doing meaningful environmental work projects such as trail
building and restoration, invasive plant removal, revegetation projects
and construction. Web site: http://www.thesca.org/communityprograms?community=boston-ma
Sponsorship by Local or Regional Businesses and Associations
• General outreach to encourage local landscapers, contractors, builders,
pavers to provide free or discounted labor in development of park
infrastructure in exchange for free advertising as a partner or friend
of Powers Farm
• General outreach to receive financial support from local or regional
businesses for the development and/or maintenance of elements as a
sponsor of Powers Farm

Appendix F: Studio Participants
The Parks and Recreation Studio, LA 397B, instructors were Peter Kumble, PhD and Yaser Abunnasr, MLA and teaching assistant Laura
Schaffer. The eight studio teams consisted of 3rd-year undergraduate students in the department’s Landscape Architecture program.
Jane Alexanderr Henry Hess
Andre Belperron Christopher Johnson
Matthew Bent Ryan Kemmerich
Nicholas Betts Zachary Kingston
Michael Brescia Wesley Lomax
Anthony Brow Nicholas Mastroianni
William Bunker Carl Mccrae
Matthew Canty Philip Morrison
Tanya Chesness James Rebello
Julie Goodwin Joseph Silviera
Benjamin Green Sage Sluter
Rachel Grigorian