Loading...
2021-1014 Northampton Swimming Forum-10-14-2021PRESENTED October 14, 2021 PUBLIC FORUM: NORTHAMPTON RIVER SWIMMING ASSESSMENT & DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS AGENDA 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 COMMUNITY DATA GATHERING 3.0 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS 4.0 PUBLIC FEEDBACK INTRODUCTION RIVER SWIM AREAS CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY MAINES FIELD NONOTUCK DAM COOK’S DAM ORANGE DAM WHERE TO FIND THE RIVER SWIMMING REPORT northamptonma.gov/2211/River-Swimming COMMUNITY DATA GATHERING COMMUNITY DATA GATHERING We want to acknowledge that the hardest populations to reach are the ephemeral recreation users. These people also make up a greater proportion of environmental justice communities. We understand that this under-represented group needs to be factored into the decision making process. COMMUNITY DATA GATHERING COMMUNITY DATA GATHERING Resolutions Group • Continue dialogue with diverse stakeholders • Community building • Individual & group capacity building • Open dialogues • Continue information gathering What do you currently enjoy the most about swimming at the Connecticut River Greenway? • Amazing, sandy beach • Walkable • A nice place to relax • Lots of parking • Close to the rail trail PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY What do you want to enjoy about swimming at the Connecticut River Greenway in the future? • Would like to see more investment in this area since it is an Environmental Justice Neighborhood • Greater accessibility • Better amenities • Lots of potential to better serve people with disabilities • Fewer neighbors in close proximity to be disturbed by noise and activities • Possible connection to the beach from the east side of Barret Brook • Changing facilities • Bathrooms PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY What concerns do you currently have about Swimming at the Connecticut River Greenway? • Unclear access from Damon Road • Beach isn’t accessible to people in wheelchairs • Trash left behind by people visiting the beach is an issue • Northampton Community Rowing would like help managing trash and recycling • Speed of people driving down private drive near River Run Condos • Boat traffic • Alcohol use • Lack of lifeguard • River currents PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY What concerns do you have about the future swimming at the Connecticut River Greenway? • Concerned that if this is made a formal swim area, admission fees will price people out of being able to use the swim area • Concerned that if there isn’t a comprehensive plan for this area, it’s quality as a swim area will decline • Doing nothing will be more expensive in the long run the creating a comprehensive plan now PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: MAINES FIELD What do you enjoy about swimming at Maines Field? • Undeveloped and Natural aspects of the site • Accessible to a lot of residents • Park is underutilized and has capacity for more users • Wild, trails • Large Trees for shade • Pavilion for use and shade • Welcoming space, available parking • Open Space for multiple activities What do you want to enjoy about swimming at Maines Field in the future? • Facilities unlocked for use/toilets • Bike Racks • Stop using for snow storage- bad for river • Picnic tables • Trash receptacles • Interpretive signs for trails, wildlife habitat, story walks. PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: MAINES FIELD What concerns do you currently have about swimming at Maines Field? • Bank Erosion • No Bike Racks • Invasive Plants • Pedestrian unfriendly for access/no sidewalks on Riverside/speeding? • Water Quality a question due to snow dump • Potential for increased noise with increased use • Flash flooding impacts PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: MAINES FIELD What concerns do you have about the future swimming at Maines Field? • Accessibility for all types of users (concern for all swim sites) • Leash law PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: MAINES FIELD What do you currently enjoy the most about swimming at the Nonotuck Dam? • Swimming above the dam is terrific; classic NE old mill vistas. Lots of adjacent of open space with potential • Swimming • Sitting by the river in silence or prayer or reading, enjoying peace, loves this area! PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: NONOTUCK DAM What do you want to enjoy about swimming at the Nonotuck Dam in the future? • Development of Maines field would be good for folks from Florence Heights - seems safer than Nonotuck Mill Dam. More amenity at Maines Field. • Have fun and swim • Additional open space acquired, parking PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: NONOTUCK DAM What concerns do you currently have about swimming at the Nonotuck Dam? • Water quality; wonders how safe it is to swim. • Crowded with people from out of town • Huge amounts of trash left behind • Kids jumping from top of dam into water • Huge increase in crowds when COVID happened • Empathy for folks on Cross Street; not what the private property owners expected • Safety concerns; no supervision - seems easier to supervise on CT River • People have gotten hurt and died there in the past PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: NONOTUCK DAM What concerns do you have about the future of Swimming at the Nonotuck Dam? • City sponsored swimming makes them responsible for the swimmers • Latino community of here and Holyoke needs and deserves open space for swimming - they are part of the community • Enormous revitalization potential, existing parking and space underutilized: do not want to miss this opportunity • Would like to harness energy and ideas of young people for what we can do in the future • Dam safety and intakes • Mill owner has expressed a lot of concern and calls cops when ppl jump off the dam; concerned about liability PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: NONOTUCK DAM What do you currently enjoy the most about swimming at Cook’s Dam? • Scenic, quiet during off-season, bucolic • Access to/from Look Park • Fishing • Large rocks to sit on PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: COOK’S DAM What do you want to enjoy about swimming at Cook’s Dam in the future? • Peace and quiet returned to the river PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: COOK’S DAM What concerns do you currently have about swimming at Cook’s Dam? • Lack of infrastructure to support swimming • Trespassing on private property • Trash, alcohol, marijuana, broken glass • Noise at all hours, music, screaming • Impact on residents and abutters • Not “family friendly” • People are drawn here because there is no supervision • Police called frequently June-September • Club members at pool disturbed • Safety of swimming near dam • Parking congestion on narrow streets • Parking illegally in Country Club lot • Country Club fence vandalized every summer • Towing • Camp fires • Erosion to stream bank PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: COOK’S DAM What concerns do you have about the future of swimming at Cook’s Dam? • Spot becoming more popular • Continued policing concerns PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: COOK’S DAM PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: ORANGE DAM What do you currently enjoy the most about swimming at the Orange Dam? • Place to take children and grandchildren • Easy access on foot and from the bike paths • Can walk along the river • Explore • Near public transit • A joy when the site is not overcrowded • Multiple access points PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: ORANGE DAM What do you want to enjoy about swimming at the Orange Dam in the future? • Less crowded • Less noise, litter, fires, fecal matter • Can walk without needing to bring a trash bag • Have a restroom • Have trash cans at the river and at Main Street • Have a river steward for public education • A nearby Valley Bike station • Designated new parking for swimmers • Leeds Elementary School designated as parking for swimming • Adopt a pack in pack out education program, perhaps with trash cans at Leeds Elementary • Bicycle racks • Accessible for all populations, neighbors and those who travel to the site • Monitor water quality • An open minded community that can support diverse users and habits • A community that is not questioning the motives of those unhappy with the use on the site PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: ORANGE DAM What concerns do you currently have about Swimming at the Orange Dam? • Fecal matter • Trash • Noise • Fires • People jumping off the dam • Excessive police enforcement and police presence • Police vehicles on the bike path • Not adequate police and department enforcement of rules PUBLIC FORUM FEEDBACK: ORANGE DAM What concerns do you have about the future of swimming at the orange Dam? • Overuse • Drug use • Fires • Over-loved and overused 2 65 years or older 9755 - 64 years old 87 45 - 54 years old 121 35 - 44 years old 124 25 - 34 years old 58 19 - 24 years old 21 13 - 18 years old 5 12 years old or younger 4 19% 17% 23% 24% 11% 4% 1%1% Chart Title 65 years or older 55 - 64 years old 45 - 54 years old 35 - 44 years old 25 - 34 years old 19 - 24 years old 13 - 18 years old 12 years old or younger 2 65 years or older 9755 - 64 years old 87 45 - 54 years old 121 35 - 44 years old 124 25 - 34 years old 58 19 - 24 years old 21 13 - 18 years old 5 12 years old or younger 4 19% 17% 23% 24% 11% 4% 1%1% Chart Title 65 years or older 55 - 64 years old 45 - 54 years old 35 - 44 years old 25 - 34 years old 19 - 24 years old 13 - 18 years old 12 years old or younger 2. HOW OLD ARE YOU? 1Live in Northampton 437 Work in Northampton 122 Other 60 Attend School in Northampton 19 69% 19% 9%3% What brings you to Northampton? Live in Northampton Work in Northampton Other Attend School in Northampton 1. WHAT BRINGS YOU TO NORTHAMPTON? 1Live in Northampton 437 Work in Northampton 122 Other 60 Attend School in Northampton 19 69% 19% 9%3% What brings you to Northampton? Live in Northampton Work in Northampton Other Attend School in Northampton 1Live in Northampton 437 Work in Northampton 122 Other 60 Attend School in Northampton 19 69% 19% 9%3% What brings you to Northampton? Live in Northampton Work in Northampton Other Attend School in Northampton 3 Yes 399 No 129 76% 24% Chart Title Yes No 3 Yes 394 No 129 75% 25% Chart Title Yes No 3. DO YOU SWIM IN SWIMMING HOLES (STREAMS, RIVERS, PONDS) IN NORTHAMPTON? 3Yes 394 No 129 75% 25% Chart Title Yes No 4. DO YOU BRING CHILDREN TO SWIM IN NORTHAMPTON SWIMMING HOLES? Bring children? 5Yes 199 No 135 60% 40% Chart Title Yes No 5. DO YOU TYPICALLY SWIM ALONE OR WITH OTHERS? 4 Swim with my family 260 Swim with friends 211 Swim alone 62 Swim with my dog 55 44% 36% 11% 9% Chart Title Swim with my family Swim with friends Swim alone Swim with my dog 4 Swim with my family 260 Swim with friends 211 Swim alone 62 Swim with my dog 55 44% 36% 11% 9% Chart Title Swim with my family Swim with friends Swim alone Swim with my dog 6. IF YES, HOW OLD ARE THE CHILDREN? How old are children? 6 Over 12 years old 81 7-12 years old 123 3-6 years old 56 Under 3 years old 21 29% 44% 20% 7% Chart Title Over 12 years old 7-12 years old 3-6 years old Under 3 years old How old are children? 6 Over 12 years old 80 7-12 years old 120 3-6 years old 56 Under 3 years old 21 29% 43% 20% 8% Chart Title Over 12 years old 7-12 years old 3-6 years old Under 3 years old ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS How do you typically travel to your favorite swim hole in Northampton? 7Car 199 Walk/Hike 114 Bike 83 Bus 2 Other 2 50% 28% 21% 1%1% Chart Title Car Walk/Hike Bike Bus Other How do you typically travel to your favorite swim hole in Northampton? 7Car 195 Walk/Hike 114 Bike 82 Bus 2 Other 2 49% 29% 21% 1%1% Chart Title Car Walk/Hike Bike Bus Other 7. HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY TRAVEL TO YOUR FAVORITE SWIM HOLE IN NORTHAMPTON? 8. DO YOU SWIM IN THE MILL RIVER? Swim in the Mill River? 8 Yes 354 No 42 89% 11% Chart Title Yes No 3 Yes 394 No 129 75% 25% Chart Title Yes No 9. WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED PLACE TO SWIM IN THE MILL RIVER? 9 Orange Dam 146 Smith College 121 Nonotuck Dam 87 Maines Field 74 Other 72 Cook Dam 40 27% 23% 16% 14% 13% 7% Chart Title Orange Dam Smith College Nonotuck Dam Maines Field Other Cook Dam 9 Orange Dam 146 Smith College 121 Nonotuck Dam 87 Maines Field 74 Other 72 Cook Dam 40 27% 23% 16% 14% 13% 7% Chart Title Orange Dam Smith College Nonotuck Dam Maines Field Other Cook Dam 10. WHAT WOULD MAKE SWIMMING IN THE MILL RIVER BETTER FOR YOU? 10 Trash/Recycling 293 More places to swim 243 Access to bathrooms 178 Parking 162 Other 128 Easier to access by walking 93 Easier to access by bike 89 Access to changing rooms 70 Easier access from bus stops 38 Wheelchair access 37 22% 18% 13% 12% 10% 7% 7% 5%3%3% Chart Title Trash/Recycling More places to swim Access to bathrooms Parking Other Easier to access by walking Easier to access by bike Access to changing rooms Easier access from bus stops Wheelchair access 10Trash/Recycling 293 More places to swim 243 Access to bathrooms 178 Parking 162 Other 128 Easier to access by walking 93 Easier to access by bike 89 Access to changing rooms 70 Easier access from bus stops 38 Wheelchair access 37 22% 18% 13% 12% 10% 7% 7% 5%3%3% Chart Title Trash/Recycling More places to swim Access to bathrooms Parking Other Easier to access by walking Easier to access by bike Access to changing rooms Easier access from bus stops Wheelchair access 11 Unsure of water quality 362 Harm to stream bank & wildlife 221 Too crowded 170 Affects on neighbors 145 Not accessible 89 Not safe 75 Other 64 No concerns 46 31% 19%15% 12% 8% 6% 5%4% Chart Title Unsure of water quality Harm to stream bank & wildlife Too crowded Affects on neighbors Not accessible Not safe Other No concerns 11 Unsure of water quality 362 Harm to stream bank & wildlife 221 Too crowded 170 Affects on neighbors 145 Not accessible 89 Not safe 75 Other 64 No concerns 46 31% 19%15% 12% 8% 6% 5%4% Chart Title Unsure of water quality Harm to stream bank & wildlife Too crowded Affects on neighbors Not accessible Not safe Other No concerns 11. WHAT CONCERNS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT SWIMMING IN THE MILL RIVER? 3 Yes 394 No 129 75% 25% Chart Title Yes No 12. DO YOU SWIM IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER? 12 Swim in CT? Yes 198 No 332 37% 63% Chart Title Yes No ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS 13. WHAT WOULD MAKE SWIMMING IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER BETTER FOR YOU? 13 More places to swim 270Trash/recycling 173Access to bathrooms 162 Parking 157 Other 127 Easier to access by walking 111 Easier to access by bike 101 Access to changing rooms 72 Easier access from bus stops 38 Wheelchair access 32 22% 14% 13%13% 10% 9% 8% 6%3%2% Chart Title More places to swim Trash/recycling Access to bathrooms Parking Other Easier to access by walking Easier to access by bike Access to changing rooms Easier access from bus stops Wheelchair access 13More places to swim 270 Trash/recycling 173 Access to bathrooms 162 Parking 157 Other 127 Easier to access by walking 111 Easier to access by bike 101 Access to changing rooms 72 Easier access from bus stops 38 Wheelchair access 32 22% 14% 13%13% 10% 9% 8% 6%3%2% Chart Title More places to swim Trash/recycling Access to bathrooms Parking Other Easier to access by walking Easier to access by bike Access to changing rooms Easier access from bus stops Wheelchair access 14. WHAT CONCERNS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT SWIMMING THE CONNECTICUT RIVER? 14 Concerns about CT Unsure of water quality 348 Not safe 164 Harm to stream bank and wildlife 139 Not accessible 133 Too crowded 71 Other 67 No concerns 53 Affects on neighbors 50 34% 16%14% 13% 7% 6% 5%5% Chart Title Unsure of water quality Not safe Harm to stream bank and wildlife Not accessible Too crowded Other No concerns Affects on neighbors 14 Concerns about CT Unsure of water quality 348 Not safe 164 Harm to stream bank and wildlife 139 Not accessible 133 Too crowded 71 Other 67 No concerns 53 Affects on neighbors 50 34% 16%14% 13% 7% 6% 5%5% Chart Title Unsure of water quality Not safe Harm to stream bank and wildlife Not accessible Too crowded Other No concerns Affects on neighbors ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS THE BIG PICTURE TRASH, RECYCLING, RESTROOMSA LOCAL COALITION SITE RECOMMENDATIONS CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY: WAYFINDING PLAN COMMUNITY FEEDBACK INFLUENCING DESIGN • Safety concerns • Clear way-finding • Beach, swimming, and boating accessibility • Posted signs indicating use guidelines River Run Condos CONNECTICUT RIVER Northampton Rowing Beach Connecticut River Greenway Elwell Connecticut River Greenway GATEWAY SIGN GATEWAY SIGN VEHICULAR / PEDESTRIAN SIGN SWIMMING AND BOATING GUIDELINES SIGN CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY WAYFINDING PLAN The first option is intended to provide ADA access to the beach with temporary, minimal structures. This concept provides clear ADA parking and ADA access to the beach along with amenities that community members requested including toilets, water fountain, and changing rooms. A no-wake zone is identified to improve boater awareness and safety of swimmers. A temporary dock and sand mat connect swimmers from the ADA ramp to the beach. Composting toilets are recommended to minimize disturbance to the site and to prevent the City from incurring the cost of adding sewer line utilities that are not currently present on site. Additional amenities include picnic tables and benches. While these recommendations reflect feedback from community members, it is Beach Barrett BrookConnecticut River Greenway CONNECTICUT RIVER EZ TRAIL® 26 Call 800-654-8168 or visit www.ez-dock.com 27 EZ Trail is a smart way to create accessible ramps and pathways in your woodland or wetland or any place you need a safe and durable traversing platform. Our system is less invasive, and the large interconnecting, modular sections are simple to install. You can easily add sections as needed or reconfigure your walkway any time you like. EZ Trail features a versatile and expandable floating design that is suitable for land and water and can be easily moved (unlike fixed walkways, ramps, piers or docks). ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Treated wood products can be dangerous to wildlife habitats because they deteriorate, break apart and leave debris in the water, but EZ Dock uses only safe, nontoxic materials. The uniquely engineered sections provide stable flotation, and the trail can be suspended above vegetation during periods of low water, keeping it from harming the habitat. The system is less invasive because it doesn’t require a permanent foundation, allowing healthy plant growth underneath. FEATURES/BENEFITS: • Easy to install without heavy equipment • Versatile, expandable, floating design • Suitable for land and water • Can be moved more easily than fixed walkways, ramps, piers or docks • Reduces invasive digging because it doesn’t require a permanent foundation • Constructed from durable, low- maintenance, nontoxic materials • Attractive color choices remain cool in sunlight and blend well with natural surroundings FEATURES/BENEFITS: • Allows sunlight to shine under elevated sections to promote healthy plant growth • Can be suspended on supports above vegetation • Meets ADA guidelines for universal accessibility • Lasts longer than treated wood walkways or platforms • Provides long-term value for your investment MODIFY EXISTING DOCK TO CONNECT TO ACCESSIBLE ROUTE ADA PARKING SIGNAGE TEMPORARY FLOATING DOCK P R O P O S E D N O W A K E ZONE SAND MAT COMPOSTING TOILETS & CHANGING STRUCTURE Parking CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY: OPTION 1 Beach Barrett BrookADA PARKING SIGNAGE TEMPORARY FLOATING DOCK SAND MAT P R O P O S E D N O W A K E ZONE CONNECTICUT RIVER ACCESSIBLE BOAT LAUNCH COMPOSTING TOILETS & CHANGING STRUCTURE Parking CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY: OPTION 2 Beach Barrett BrookConnecticut River Greenway ADA PARKING SIGNAGE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE BOARDWALK CONNECTICUT RIVER P R O P O S E D N O W A K E ZONE ACCESSIBLE BOAT LAUNCH COMPOSTING TOILETS & CHANGING STRUCTURE Parking CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY: OPTION 3 Beach Barrett BrookConnecticut River Greenway ADA PARKING SIGNAGE CONNECTICUT RIVER P R O P O S E D N O W A K E ZONE ACCESSIBLE BOAT LAUNCH & DOCK SAND MAT TEMPORARY FLOATING DOCK COMPOSTING TOILETS & CHANGING STRUCTURE Parking CONNECTICUT RIVER GREENWAY: OPTION 4 Maines Field Ri v e r s i d e D r i v e 200’ BUFFER100’ BUFFERMI L L R I V E R Parking Parking Volleyball Volleyball ADA PARKING SIGNAGE ACCESSIBLE WALK TO TOILETS COMPOSTING TOILETS & CHANGING STRUCTURE STREAM BANK RESTORATION MAINES FIELD: DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK INFLUENCING DESIGN • Safety concerns • Over-use • Flooding • Accessible bathrooms and changing rooms • Posted signs indicating use guidelines Northampton Country Club Look Park Saw Mill Hills Greenway- Roberts Hill Area Main StreetOld Shepard RoadArches Street MILL RIVERPROPERTY OWNED BY NATIONAL GRID POSSIBLE FUTURE ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITY ESTABLISH TRAILS ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY ADD TRAIL HEAD SIGNAGE ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY UPPER COOK’S DAM: DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK INFLUENCING DESIGN • Safety concerns • Over-use • Posted signs indicating use guidelines SWIMMING GUIDELINES SIGN PICNIC TABLES COMPOSTING TOILETS & CHANGING STRUCTURE NEW SWIM ACCESS POINTS ORANGE DAM: DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK INFLUENCING DESIGN • Safety concerns • Over-use • Posted signs indicating use guidelines QUESTIONS & COMMENTS