PROPOSAL-1. WOLA river swimming-1.8.21SUBMITTED TO THE CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
PLANNING & SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT
WRIGHT OSTERMIER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
JANUARY 8, 2021
RIVER SWIMMING ASSESSMENT AND DESIGN:
QUALIFICATIONS FOR DESIGN
CONSULTING SERVICES
WOLA EAST - SASAKI INCUBATOR - WATERTOWN, MA - 617.453.9627
WOLA WEST - NORTHAMPTON, MA - 413.278.2383
WO-LA.NET
WRIGHT OSTERMIER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Letter of Interest
Re: Request for Proposals, River Swimming Assessment and Design
Dear Mr. Feiden,
As residents and avid swimmers, we are delighted that the City of Northampton is working to provide
affordable and accessible swim areas to the public. As the COVID-19 pandemic has increased
pressure on outdoor amenities, the City’s effort to support healthy, equitable swimming is admirable
and exactly the kind of work WOLA is eager to supports. WOLA is skilled at public participation
workshops, in-depth site analysis studies, and creative problem solving and would be pleased team
up with the City of Northampton to improve public swimming access.
WOLA is a design partnership founded by principals Emily Wright and Kathryn Ostermier. Emily
Wright leads the Northampton, MA office and will be acting as Project Manager, should WOLA be
awarded this project. Emily is a licensed landscape architect with 10 years of experience working on
the design and implementation of parks, playgrounds, and recreational fields for municipalities, public
and private schools, colleges, and universities. Emily has extensive previous experience working and
living in Northampton. For the past 11 years, Emily and her family have made daily use of the well-
established pedestrian and bike network to get to work, school, and favorite local swim spots. She
hopes to contribute to making swimming a great experience for more people in the future.
Principal-in-Charge, Kathryn Ostermier, has over 9 years of experience in environmental and
historic permitting, working on projects with both local conservation commissions and the Army Corps
of Engineers. She is presently managing the design and construction of a Head Start playground for
the Montachusett Opportunity Council, as well as working with the City of Boston’s small business
storefront improvement program.
Together, the WOLA team is currently working with the City of Springfield Parks Department on
improvements to Angelina Park and the Olmsted-designed Colony Hills Terrace. Engagement and
coordination with local neighborhood groups, the Parks Department, and other City Departments
has been critical to moving both projects forward. Senior Parks Project Manager, Laura Walsh, is a
reference that can attest to WOLA’s quality of work and responsiveness.
8 January 2021
Wayne Feiden
Director of Planning & Sustainability
City of Northampton
413-587-1265
WFeiden@NorthamptonMA.gov
WOLA EAST - SASAKI INCUBATOR - WATERTOWN, MA - 617.453.9627
WOLA WEST - NORTHAMPTON, MA - 413.278.2383
WO-LA.NET
WRIGHT OSTERMIER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Kathryn Ostermier, RLA
Principal
WOLA, LLC
Emily Wright, RLA
Principal
WOLA, LLC
WOLA recently worked closely with the Town of Sudbury Department of Planning and
Community Development, leading a community design charrette and producing design
alternatives for three historic parcels which the Town has recently acquired. Executive Director of
Planning & Community Development Adam Duscheneau, AICP, is a reference who can attest to
WOLA’s thorough site analysis and community engagement expertise.
Proposed project manager, Emily Wright, has managed several public projects in the area while at the
Berkshire Design Group. In 2015, Emily managed municipal and PARC-grant funded improvements
to Mittineague Park in West Springfield. Victoria Connor, West Springfield Parks Department
Director, was pleased with Emily’s management and has agreed to act as a reference for the
design quality of the project, its successful completion, and Emily’s budgetary responsibility. In 2016,
Emily designed and managed the construction of the Turners Falls Pocket Plaza in Montague, MA
featuring streetscape improvements along three blocks with intensive pedestrian usage. Town Planner
Walter Ramsey, AICP, is a reference who can speak to Emily’s thoroughness, project oversight, and
responsiveness.
WOLA is pleased to offer our experience in gathering public feedback, analyzing complex sites,
and designing projects that are respectful of the place they are located and the people they serve.
Our professional expertise, coupled with our local knowledge of Northampton recreation, brings
an ideal balance of fresh ideas, design perspective, practicality, and economy to the planning and
design process. The WOLA team listens to our clients, listens to communities for whom we work, and
creates places with character. We thank you for your time and consideration, and would welcome
the opportunity to serve the City of Northampton.
RIVER SWIM ASSESSMENT &
DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 - GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
SECTION 2 - PROJECT APPROACH: SCOPE, SCHEDULE, FEES
SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
SECTION 1
GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS
1.1 FIRM PROFILE
1.2 RESUMES
1.3 REFERENCES
1.4 MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE
6
SECTION 1.1 - FIRM PROFILE
FIRM INTERESTS
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS
OUR PROCESS
WOLA is a design firm established by award-winning
landscape architects Emily Wright and Kathryn
Ostermier. Professionals with over 19 years of combined
experience managing local and national projects,
Emily and Kathryn bring expertise in the many scales of
design and planning, from fine residential landscapes to
campus master plans, design, and implementation.
WOLA is a licensed, insured, certified WBE with offices
in the Northampton and Watertown areas. Our strategic
locations allow us to serve clients efficiently and with
care throughout New England and beyond.
OUR HISTORY
Founding principals Emily Wright and Kathryn Ostermier
met in 2009 as Master of Landscape Architecture
students; each has been honored with a national
design award by the American Society of Landscape
Architects. In the ensuing years, each gained experience
at award-winning design firms in the New England area,
developing expertise in forward-thinking design and
project management.
WOLA is a partnership: 50% is owned by Emily Wright,
and 50% by Kathryn Ostermier.
Emily Wright
244 South Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Kathryn Ostermier
21 Joseph Street
Somerville, MA 02143
Emily Wright: RLA, ASLA, BSLA, CLARB
Massachusetts
New York
Kentucky
Kathryn Ostermier: RLA, ASLA, BSLA, CLARB
Massachusetts
New York
Connecticut
Our core values shape the approach of each WOLA
project: careful analysis of context and understanding
of site, authentic client engagement, and clear
communication. Our design work responds to context,
character, and history to develop imaginative design
solutions for a broad range of projects. We are seasoned
professionals, bringing to our clients expertise in design,
project management, and fiscal responsibility. Our clients
receive direct, consistent, and fluid communication from
executive-level project management: we are responsive
and able to adapt quickly to the needs of the project.
Our process is rooted in our breadth of experience and
knowledge of best practice.
WRIGHT OSTERMIER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
7
SECTION 1.2 - RESUMES
EMILY WRIGHT, RLA
PRINCIPAL
EDUCATION
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NORTHAMPTON OFFICE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
REGISTRATION
MEMBERSHIPS
Springfield Park Improvements: Angelina Park & Colony Hills Terrace
Springfield, MA
Park improvements including enhanced accessibility, basketball court renovation,
and planting and signage improvements to a historic, Olmsted designed
neighborhood open space. Construction to be completed summer 2021.
Smith College: Washburn House Accessibility Improvements
Northampton, MA
Enhanced accessibility, integration of walkways between adjacent buildings,
and the careful location of bike racks and site lighting to strengthen the campus
landscape identity and to increase safety. Construction completed fall 2020.
Amherst College: Quadrangle ADA Accessibility Improvements
Amherst, MA
Planning and grading study which identified walkways for grading adjustments to
provide ADA accessible connections between key buildings and landmarks on
campus. The focus area for this study is the central quad, which includes heritage
trees and is surrounded by the Library, World War II Memorial, and Johnson
Chapel. Construction to be completed fall 2021.
Greylock Glen Multi-Use Trail System Plan*
Adams, MA
In coordination with DCR and the Town of Adams, a network of nearly 30 miles
of trails was designed and permitted for Greylock Glen. Trails developed include
hiking, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, running, and equestrian trails. Public
input was gathered through a series of charettes and community members were
engaged to help with trail flagging.
Downtown Turners Falls Livability Plan & Implementation*
Montague, MA
The Downtown Livability Plan for Turners Falls, MA was awarded a 2013 APA
Award. Through a collaborative process between the Town of Montague, local
residents, property owners, and regional planning agencies, a blueprint was
created for the future development of a more livable, walkable downtown Turners
Falls.
Mittineague Park Improvements*
West Springfield, MA
Improvements to the main entry area of the park included new signage, redesigned
parking, and ADA access to adjacent features. A new Community Garden
was incorporated into the main entry area, along with a new water system,
raised, accessible beds, and a new picnic pavilion. Accessibility was also a key
component of upgrades to the horseshoe courts and a new pedestrian bridge
connecting the existing Green House with the central meadow.
Providence College: Campus Concourse*
Providence, RI
Planning and design of a pedestrian concourse in the heart of campus. Through
student and faculty engagement, the concourse was developed to provide ADA
access along a primary pedestrian route with the use of materials that would reflect
the character of the historic central campus.
*project experience while employed at another firm
M.A. Landscape Architecture,
University of Massachusetts, 2011
B.S. Landscape Architecture,
University of Kentucky, 2009
WOLA, LLC, Northampton, MA
Sept 2018 - Present
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Lecturer of Landscape Architecture
Sept 2018 - Present
The SLAM Collaborative,
Glastonbury, CT
May 2015 - Aug 2018
The Berkshire Design Group,
Northampton, MA
2013 - 2015
Dodson & Flinker
Ashfield, MA
2011 - 2013
ewright@WO-LA.net
413.278.2383
MA #4277
KY #863
NY #002844
American Society of Landscape
Architects (ASLA)
Boston Society of Landscape Architects
(BSLA)
8
SECTION 1.2 - RESUMES
KATHRYN OSTERMIER, RLA
PRINCIPAL
EDUCATION
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WATERTOWN OFFICE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
REGISTRATION
MEMBERSHIPS
Broadacres Farm Design Charette & Recommendations
Sudbury, MA
Facilitated a charette in coordination with the Sudbury Department of Planning &
Community Development to gather feedback from community members regarding
the recently acquired Broadacres Farm property. Feedback from the charette was
used to inform recommendations for future recreational and conservation planning
for the property.
ReStore Boston: Storefront Improvement Program
Boston, MA
Part of the Small Business Economic Development effort by the City of Boston.
WOLA collaborates as a sub-consultant to UX Architecture, designing cohesive
improvements for the Hyde Park storefront of a small businesses. This work
incorporates feedback from the City of Boston and the small business owners to
improve the presentation of the business and building to the street.
Montachusett Opportunity Council: Hosmer Playground
Fitchburg, MA
WOLA is currently working with MOC to develop a new playground for the
Hosmer childcare facility. The facility is a critical community resource for low-
income families. Because resources are limited, WOLA is developing innovative
approaches to outdoor play that are fun, safe, and efficient to maximize MOC’s
investment in the property.
Bement School: Regulatory Review for Addition
Deerfield, MA
Reviewed state and local historic, land use, and environmental regulations to create
a summary document as an evaluation tool as the school considers an addition to
their campus library. Created a clear graphic and comprehensive written analysis
to demonstrate the spatial and regulatory opportunities and constraints.
Town of South Hadley Design Assessment Team
South Hadley, MA
Lead landscape architectural member of interdisciplinary team including architects
and planners. Completed town-wide GIS analysis and identified areas for more
focused analysis. Conceptualized and developed street typology inventory
and matrix; identified culturally defining landscape features. Wrote landscape
architectural portion of report.
Western Woburn Greenway Study
Woburn, MA
Lead landscape architectural member of interdisciplinary team including
architects and planners. Completed town-wide GIS analysis and identified
areas for more focused analysis. Conceptualized and developed street typology
inventory and matrix; identified culturally defining landscape features. Presented
recommendations at town meeting; wrote landscape architectural portion of report.
Norfolk Meadow Stormwater Park
Norfolk, CT
Led collaborative team designing two-acre stormwater management park included
architects, engineers, hydrologists, and town members. Completed GIS analysis
and schematic design work; presented plan incorporating on-site stormwater
management and recreation.
M.A. Landscape Architecture,
University of Massachusetts, 2012
B.A. Art History,
Smith College, 2001
WOLA, LLC, Watertown, MA
2019 - Present
Dan Gordon Landscape Architects
Wellesley, MA
2012 - 2018
kostermier@WO-LA.net
617.453.9627
MA #4295
CT #1457
NY #002840
American Society of Landscape
Architects (ASLA)
Boston Society of Landscape Architects
(BSLA)
9
SECTION 1.2 - RESUMES
ALLYSON FAIRWEATHER
DESIGNER
EDUCATION
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NORTHAMPTON OFFICE
MEMBERSHIPS
Private Residence
Northampton, MA
Currently in design development, WOLA is working closely with the client to
provide landscape improvements that increase privacy and provide visual intrest in
the garden throughout the year. Assisted in the research and design of the planting
pallete, as well as construction documentation.
Montachusett Opportunity Council: Hosmer Playground
Fitchburg, MA
WOLA is currently working with MOC to develop a new playground for the
Hosmer childcare facility. The facility is a critical community resource for low-
income families. Because resources are limited, WOLA is developing innovative
approaches to outdoor play that are fun, safe, and efficient to maximize MOC’s
investment in the property.
Bement School Nature Playscape*
Historic Deerfield, MA
Lead two workshops to identify the unique needs of both staff and K-9 students.
The final deliverables included a report to summarize insights gained from the
workshops, a summary of the benefits of nature-based play environments, and a
preliminary landscape design concept. Project was awarded the LAF 2020 Steven
G. King Play Environments Scholarship.
Correctional Landscape Studies: Increasing the Restorative Potential*
Massachusetts Correctional Insitute for Women, Framingham, MA
This final graduate masters project explored the intersection between landscape
architecture, restorative environments, and prison reform. Engagement with
the incarcerated community throughout the design process demonstrated that
landscape architects can play a meaningful role in restoring the benefits of nature
in correctional landscapes and help improve the lives of offenders and staff, alike.
The Carney Family Auditorium, University of Massachusetts**
Amherst, MA
Renovation of an existing lecture hall within the College of Education. Key
objectives included providing flexibility of use and universal accessibility.
Participated in the conceptual design through to final construction documentation.
Lead the developement of the BIM model and produced renderings for conceptual
design studies and marketing materials. Completed in October 2019.
Marcus Hall, University of Massachusetts**
Amherst, MA
Renovation within the College of Engineering created an energizing hub for the
growing graduate student community. The program included a conference room,
offices, computer lab, collaboration areas, and locker storage. Participated in
the conceptual design through to final construction documentation. Assisted in
the spatial layout, BIM modeling, and the selection of light fixtures, furniture, and
interior finishes. Completed January 2019.
*graduate student project experience at UMass Amherst
**project experience while employed at another firm
M.A. Landscape Architecture,
University of Massachusetts, 2020
B.S. Interior Design,
Endicott College, 2012
WOLA, LLC, Northampton, MA
April 2020 - Present
Kuhn Riddle Architects
Amherst, MA
Project Designer
Sept 2017 - April 2020
Cube3 Studio,
Lawrence, MA
Interior Designer
Nov 2014 - May 2017
The Architectural Team
Chelsea, MA
Interior Designer
Aug 2012 - Nov 2014
afairweather@WO-LA.net
339.227.7536
American Society of Landscape
Architects (ASLA)
Olmsted Scholar Nominee
10
SECTION 1.2 - RESUMES
RESUME
Edythe M. Ambroz, AIA
Cost Estimator
Structures by Design, Inc.
Position: President
Firm emphasis: provide construction estimating services which are built upon thirty-eight years of
experience in the design and construction industry.
Services: Cost Estimator
Consultant
Clients and Projects
Clientele:
• Non-profit agencies
• Public schools
• Colleges and universities
• Local, state, and federal governments
Project types:
• Cost range: $300,000 to $18 million
• Building categories: municipal facilities, offices, libraries, fine arts centers, restaurants,
sports facilities, dormitories, housing, and many others.
Education
Boston Architectural Center (BAC)
Bachelor of Architecture, 1986
Registrations/Certifications
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
Massachusetts Registered Architect
American Institute of Architects
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Massachusetts Licensed Construction Supervisor
Community Activities
Habitat for Humanity – design and construction supervisor, net zero duplex in Easthampton MA
11
SECTION 1.3 - REFERENCES
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Springfield Park Improvement Projects:
Angelina Park & Colony Hills Terrace
Laura A. Walsh
Senior Parks Project manager
Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management
200 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
lwalsh@springfieldcityhall.com
(413) 886-5186
Broadacres Farm Design Charrette and Report
Adam L. Duchesneau, AICP
Director of Planning & Community Development
Town of Sudbury
Flynn Building, 278 Old Sudbury Road
Sudbury, MA 01776
DuchesneauA@Sudbury.MA.us
(978) 639-3398
Turners Falls Livability Plan & Implementation
Walter Ramsey, AICP
Montague Town Planner
planner@montague-ma.gov
(413) 863-3200 ext. 112
Mittineague Park Improvements
Victoria L. Connor, CPRP, CPSI, CPO
West Springfield Parks Department Director
vconnor@townofwestspringfield.org
(413) 739-1549
MOC Hosmer Head Start Playground
Kevin Reed
Executive Director
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.
601 River Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Kreed@mocinc.org
12
SECTION 1.4 - MUNICIPAL EXPERIENCE
MUNICIPAL WORK: PAST AND PRESENT
Whether working to gather community feedback from
a design charrette or creating GIS map overlays of
a riverfront historic district, WOLA principals Emily
Wright and Kathryn Ostermier have a track record of
successful partnerships with municipalities in the New
England Region.
As staff at previous firms and now at their own
eponymous firm, Emily and Kathryn’s longstanding
interest in working with communities and stakeholders
has led to a developed expertise in analysis,
planning, and design.
Representative samples of work by WOLA can be
found on the following pages and the full PDF of our
Sudbury Broadacres Farm report can be found via
the link below:
WO-LA.net/report-examples
BROADACRES FARM DESIGN CHARRETTE & REPORT
Sudbury, MA
2019-2020
WOLA
SPRINGFIELD PARK IMPROVEMENTS: COLONY HILLS TERRACE & ANGELINA PARK
Springfield, MA
2020-Present
WOLA
DOWNTOWN TURNERS FALLS LIVABILITY PLAN &
IMPLEMENTATION
Montague, MA
2013
Emily Wright of WOLA while at Dodson & Flinker
GREYLOCK GLEN MULTI-USE TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
Adams, MA
2014
Emily Wright of WOLA while at Dodson & Flinker
SOUTH HADLEY DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINES
South Hadley, MA
2014
Kathryn Ostermier
SECTION 2
PROJECT APPROACH
2.1 SCOPE & SCHEDULE
2.2 FEES & EXPENSES
14
SECTION 2.1 - SCOPE & SCHEDULE
We understand that the City of Northampton
would would like to study five informal swim
areas along the Mill River for light-touch
improvements while also studying the City’s
Connecticut River Greenway swim area for greater
capital improvements. Study results and design
considerations would be tested and reviewed by
community members and design concepts and
drawings would be developed for prioritized
improvements.
PROJECT APPROACH, SCOPE &
SCHEDULE
We approach the Conceptual Design Phase
process as a team; facilitating conversation
and ideas between the WOLA design team,
the Northampton Planning & Sustainability
Department, community groups & stakeholders,
and other City Departments.
In order to develop swim area improvement
strategies which address the needs of the
community, it is important that we understand the
context of each swim area both physically and in
terms of its future usage and maintenance.
Our approach is in-depth, collaborative, and
driven by a desire to understand stakeholder needs
and deliver design options which add value to
public space.
TEAM KICKOFF MEETING
FEBRUARY 1
WOLA will meet the Northampton Planning &
Sustainability Department to gather input and
better understand budgetary and maintenance
goals for the project.
INITIAL DATA GATHERING
FEBRUARY 1 - 19
The first step of this process is research and field
observations. State and local GIS data, locally
available water quality testing data, and site
visits will be used to identify opportunities and
constraints associated with each swim area. The
following data will be collected and presented to
the Planning & Sustainabilty Department:
+Resource areas and identification of potentially
sensitive habitat area.
+Local water quality test results for each swim
area or a nearby upstream area.
+ADA access for each swim area.
+Community access for each swim area
including pedestrian, bike, and vehicular access
and neighborhood proximity.
+Existing stream bank conditions including
erosion, recent/frequent flooding, invasive
species, and suitability for future improvements.
+Swim area amenities including toilets, picnic
tables, trash/recycling, etc.
+Potential safety issues
COMMUNITY DATA GATHERING
FEBRUARY 22 - MARCH 12
Once data is collected for each swim area,
WOLA will present this information and our initial
understanding of the opportunities and constraints
to the Planning & Sustainability Department, along
with local community groups and stakeholders.
Community members and representatives of various
City Departments will help complete the study of
each swim area by building on previously collected
experiential data related to the following:
RIVER SWIM ASSESSMENT & DESIGN
15
SECTION 2.1 - SCOPE & SCHEDULE
+Quality of swimming experience
+Experience of living next to a public swimming
area
+Experience of maintaining a public swimming
area
+Safety issues & concerns
+Additional recreational opportunities
+Concerns and opportunities that the design
team might have missed
WOLA will work with the Planning & Sustainability
Department to collect this information via a Zoom
Workshop and an online survey.
CONCEPT DESIGN
MARCH 15 - APRIL 2
The design process begins once WOLA has an
in-depth understanding of each swim area and
priorities set forth by Northampton Stakeholders.
During this phase, our team will work to articulate
overall layout, circulation, and site amenities as well
as any circulation to provide ADA access.
WOLA will meet with the City, community groups,
and stakeholders to present the concept design
options, using the opportunity to receive City
comments and identify a preferred design direction.
25% DESIGN & COST ESTIMATE
APRIL 5 - MAY 10
Design drawings, details, and specifications will
be developed from the preferred design direction.
These drawings will reflect the layout, material,
and quality of the proposed improvements and will
reflect the feedback gathered from stakeholders
and the City during Concept Design. 25% Design
Drawings will include the following:
+Site preparation plan
+Site grading & drainage plan
+Site layout & materials plan
+Site planting plan
+Construction details
+Construction specifications
WOLA will work with Structures by Design, a
local woman-owned construction cost estimating
company, and will generate a cost estimate to
present a realistic sense of cost to the City, and
both documents will be presented to the City and
stakeholders for review and comment.
16
SECTION 2.2 - FEES & EXPENSES
RIVER SWIMMING ASSESSMENT & DESIGN
COSTS & FEES
Initial Data Gathering $4,600.00
Community Data Gathering $1,800.00
Concept Design $3,300.00
25% Design $3,900.00
Cost Estimating Services $2,500.00
Total Basic Services $16,100.00
Reimbursable Expenses $300.00
Total Fees and Expenses $16,400.00
RIVER SWIMMING CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
OPINION OF POSSIBLE COSTS & FEES*
Survey (as needed) +/- $7,000.00
Permitting Services (as needed) +/- $6,000.00
Civil Engineer Services (as needed) +/- $12,000.00
100% Construction Documents +/- $16,000.00
Bid Negotiation +/- $3,000.00
Construction Contract Administration +/- $9,000.00
Total Basic Services $53,000.00
Reimbursable Expenses $1,500.00
Total Fees and Expenses $54,500.00
* At the completion of the River Assessment and Design Study, WOLA
would provide the City of Northampton with an updated fee proposal to
reflect the refined scope of work and project budget established during
the study.
SECTION 3
WORK SAMPLES
3.1 BROADACRES FARM DESIGN CHARRETTE
3.2 SPRINGFIELD PARK IMPROVEMENTS: COLONY HILLS TERRACE
3.3 TURNERS FALLS POCKET PLAZA & DOWNTOWN LIVABILITY PLAN
3.4 MITTINEAGUE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
3.5 GREYLOCK GLEN MULTI-USE TRAIL SYSTEM PLAN
3.6 AGAWAM DOG PARK
3.7 SOUTH HADLEY DESIGN REVIEW GUIDELINES
3.8 WESTERN WOBURN GREENWAY STUDY
18
SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
BROADACRES FARM DESIGN CHARRETTE
SUDBURY, MA
The Town of Sudbury acquired the historic 38 acre
Broadacres Farm parcels and wanted to understand the
opportunities and constraints of the land, as well as the
ways in which the community hoped to experience and use
the newly purchased parcels. With a broad constituency
comes many different priorities: WOLA was challenged
to demonstrate that there can be complementary, overlaid
diverse uses for these parcels, and that public space
programming can meet the needs of many.
WOLA worked closely with the Department of Planning
and Community Development, to understand their goals,
using site visits, research, and GIS analysis to develop
an in-depth understanding of the physical and cultural
characteristics of Broadacres Farm and its context within
Sudbury.
A community charrette was planned, incorporating
activities which gathered both anecdotal and empirical
data to inform conceptual designs for the Farm. Three
design alternatives were produced, as well as a final
report which told the story of the charrette and presented
the data and analysis for the Town to use as they move
forward in the planning process.
The final report may be viewed:
WO-LA.net/report-examples
Jars with photos of example character images were placed around the room, grouped together so participants could compare and
contrast different aesthetics. Community members then voted for their preferred aesthetic by placing beans in jars: large lima beans
indicated first choice, smaller red beans second choice, and the smallest black eyed peas third choice. Results were weighted
according to choice and then ranked by highest score, indicating strongest community preference.
19
SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
SPRINGFIELD PARK IMPROVEMENTS:
COLONY HILLS TERRACE
SPRINGFIELD, MA
Colony Hills, designed by the Olmsted Brothers in
the 1920s, recently received designation as a historic
district. As a result, the Department of Parks, Buildings
& Recreation Management (DPBRM) along with the
Colony Hills Neighborhood Association, pursued
funding to restore the planting at Colony Hills Terrace,
a prominent open spaces within the neighborhood.
WOLA worked closely with the DPBRM and
Neighborhood Association to develop a
proposed design that respects the character of the
neighborhood and the original plantings of the
Olmsted Brothers.
The proposed design incorporates signage indicating
the neighborhood’s designation as a historic district
and the incorporation of a new bench. New
plantings represent species used in the original
planting design of the neighborhood but are carefully
placed to avoid obstruction of site lines by drivers
and pedestrians.
COLONY HILLS TERRACE
SPRINGFIELD, MA
EVERGREEN OPTION
PRESENTED TO THE CITY & COMMUNITY OF SPRINGFIELD
DECEMBER 2020
Possible Historic
Neighborhood Sign
Location
Possible Historic
Neighborhood Sign
Location
Rendering showing proposed Colony Hills Terrace planting & possible signage locations
Existing Conditions
20
SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
TURNERS FALLS POCKET PLAZA &
DOWNTOWN LIVABILITY PLAN
MONTAGUE, MA
With a resurgence of energy in downtown Turners Falls,
the local planning office embarked on a study of the
downtown area, incorporating community input and
resulting in a prioritized list of action items. At the top of the
list were streetscape improvements along the three blocks
with the most intensive pedestrian usage.
A custom bench enhances the unique character and
amenity of the corner plaza. In addition to providing a
safe and accessible place for the community to sit and rest
after shopping or during the Fall Harvest Festival, the plaza
highlights the energy of downtown Turners Falls, displaying
public art as well as being a place of gathering.
New sidewalks provide a more continuous, ADA-
accessible route, while the energy efficient street lighting
is in keeping with the historic character of the buildings.
Emily Wright was the lead designer and project manager
for the Turners Falls Streetscape Improvement Project and
Pocket Plaza while at the Berkshire Design Group.
Streetscape Improvements along Avenue A
Avenue A Pocket Plaza
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SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
Picnic pavilion with easy access to community garden
Community garden with accessible raised beds
Pedestrian bridge
MITTINEAGUE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA
Creating a clear sense of arrival and providing
more accessibility were the main goals of the
Mittineague Park improvements in 2015. With input
from neighbors and community members, the main
entrance to the park was redesigned to include a
new entry sign, modified parking, and ADA access
to adjacent features.
A new Community Garden was incorporated
into the main entry area, along with a new water
access system, raised accessible beds, and a new
picnic pavilion. Accessibility was a key component
of upgrades made to the horseshoe courts and
a new pedestrian bridge connecting the existing
Green House with the central meadow. Park
improvements were funded with a $400,000 PARC
Grant and a $220,000 contribution from the Town
of West Springfield.
Emily Wright was the project manager for this
project while a landscape architect at the Berkshire
Design Group in Northampton, MA.
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SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
GREYLOCK GLEN MULTI-USE TRAIL
SYSTEM PLAN
ADAMS, MA
In coordination with DCR and the Town of Adams,
a network of nearly 30 miles of trails was designed
and permitted for Greylock Glen. Over 14 miles
of new trails were added while approximately
15 miles of trails were updated to provide better
access while protecting critical habitat areas.
Trails developed included hiking, cross-country
skiing, mountain biking, running, and equestrian
trails. DCR and the Design Team facilitated multiple
public meetings to understand how people use the
existing trails and how the trails could be improved
to better serve the Town of Adams and out of town
visitors. Emily Wright worked on this project as a
landscape designer at Dodson & Flinker.
Fall in Greylock Glen
Greylock Glen Trails Map
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SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
Small dog play area
The Well-loved dog fountain
AGAWAM DOG PARK
AGAWAM, MA
In coordination with the Town of Agawam and
the Stanton Foundation, a new dog park was
designed to accommodate play and exercise for
dogs large and small. The park’s design allows
dogs to play safely off-leash while allowing their
human companions shaded benches to relax and
socialize. Digging areas and open lawns allow
dogs to run and play while the obstacle course
allows for training opportunities. Emily Wright was
the lead designer and project manager for the
project while at the Berkshire Design Group.
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SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
SOUTH HADLEY DESIGN REVIEW
GUIDELINES
SOUTH HADLEY, MA
The Town of South Hadley hired a design
assessment team (DAT) to investigate the
potential for the adoption of community-
based design standards to sustain, enhance,
and build on its cultural and ecological
qualities and setting in the region.
The GIS analysis and framework is a first
step in articulating the specific physical,
spatial, and social features that contribute
significantly to the Town’s character,
providing a toolkit of analysis and methods
for the Town to use as it works to establish
and implement a community review process
and design guidelines to maintain and
strengthen the unique character of South
Hadley.
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SECTION 3 - WORK SAMPLES
WESTERN WOBURN GREENWAY
STUDY
WOBURN, MA
In 2009, the City of Woburn had two
large parcel groups of undeveloped land,
Whispering Hill and Winning/Shannon Farms
that were, or had the potential to be, available
for acquisition. Whispering Hills has since
been acquired by the City.
The study included a thorough GIS and field
observation analysis of these focus areas,
conducting suitability assessments for potential
land uses that met the needs of the residents
of Woburn. Strategies were proposed for
connecting these focus areas with linkages to
each other, to other existing open spaces in
Woburn, and to green spaces in neighboring
towns using green streets and greenways as
connectors.
Proposed trails and wetland boardwalks to encourage public interaction with Whispering Hills ecologic systems
WO-LA.NET
WRIGHT OSTERMIER
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS