Open Space and Recreation Plan 2014-2021
Town of Winthrop · from the Town's website · 125 pages · 6.2 MB
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TOWN OF WINTHROP
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN: 2014-2021
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project was accomplished with assistance from the Town of Winthrop residents, Planning
Board, Town Council, and the Town Grants Administrator. The project was conducted by the
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) with funds from the District Local Technical
Assistance (DLTA) program administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and
Community Development. MAPC wishes to express our thanks to the Governor and the
members of the Legislature for their continued support and funding of the DLTA program.
METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL
Officers
President Michelle Ciccolo, Town of Hudson
Vice President Lynn Duncan, City of Salem
Secretary Marilyn Contreas, MA Department of Housing and
Community Development (DHCD)
Treasurer Taber Keally, Town of Milton
Executive Director Marc D. Draisen
Director of Land Use Mark G. Racicot
Project Manager Joan Blaustein
GIS Services Susan Brunton
TOWN OF WINTHROP
Town Administrator
James M. McKenna
Town Grants Manager
Joseph Domelowicz
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I Plan Summary 1
Section II Introduction 3
Section III Community Setting 5
Section IV Environmental Inventory and Analysis 23
Section V Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest 35
Section VI Community Vision 55
Section VII Analysis of Needs 57
Section VIII Goals and Objectives 65
Section IX Seven-Year Action Plan 67
Section X Implementation 81
Section XI Public Comments 83
Section XII References 89
Appendix A Public Meeting Flyers 90
Appendix B Notes from the Public Meetings 93
Appendix C Section 504 Self-Evaluation 96
Appendix D Maps 109
1 Regional Context
2 Environmental Justice Populations
3 Census Tracts
4 Zoning
5 Soils and Geologic Features
6 Unique Features
7 Water Resources
8 Open Space and Recreation Inventory
9 Seven Year Action Plan
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
1 Meetings 4
2 Total Population 9
3 Age Distribution: 2000 and 2010 9
4 Household Characteristics 10
5 Racial Composition of the 2007-2011 Population 11
6 Language Spoken at Home 11
7 Population Density 12
8 Population Projections for Current Trends and MetroFuture 13
9 Population Projections by Age Group: 2010-2030 14
10 Percent of Total Employment by Industry 15
11 2011 Average Employment and Wages by Industry 16
12 Major Employers in Winthrop 16
13 Housing Units: 2010 17
14 Housing Tenure 2010 17
15 Age of the Housing Stock 18
16 Zoning Districts 20
17 Buildout Impacts 21
18 Soils in Winthrop 23
19 2005 Land Use 25
20 Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species 29
21 Historic Resources 30
22 Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities 39
23 Chapter 91 Licenses 51
24 Accomplishments from the 2001 Open Space and Recreation Plan 67
25 Seven-Year Action Plan 71
26 Facilities Inventory/Transition Plan 97
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SECTION I – PLAN SUMMARY
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the 2014-2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan is to provide the Town of Winthrop
with a blueprint for ensuring that current and future residents of the town have ample
opportunities for recreation and access to open space despite financial constraints and dense
development.
COMMUNITY GOALS
The Town of Winthrop has developed nine goals on which the open space and recreation plan is
based.
Goal #1: Protect and enhance the quality and integrity of all conservation land and open space for
public use and enjoyment.
Goal #2: Provide ample recreational opportunities for all residents of the town.
Goal #3: Preserve the scenic quality of the town.
Goal #4: Promote public awareness of conservation and recreation, use of recreation areas and
programs offered.
Goal #5: Coordinate Winthrop’s recreation and open space planning activities with those of
neighboring communities, as well as regional, state and federal activities.
Goal #6: Protect coastal areas.
Goal #7: Protect wildlife and wild plants to preserve the diversity and health of natural community
ecosystems.
Goal #8: Promote cooperation between Town boards with jurisdiction over open space and
recreational areas and work towards implementation of this plan.
Goal #9: Develop a walking and biking network linking public open space, and civic and commercial
resources.
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SECTION II- INTRODUCTION
A. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the 2014-2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan is to provide the Town of Winthrop
with a blueprint for ensuring that current and future residents of the town have ample
opportunities for recreation and access to open space despite financial constraints and dense
development. In addition to the usual goals of an open space and recreation plan, this plan also
considers how Winthrop can encourage day visitors to come to Winthrop as a tool for economic
development. The plan is based on a careful analysis of the town’s remaining open land as well as
redevelopment opportunities and also considers open space and recreation from the perspective of
environmental justice and equity. This reflects a new policy direction of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The plan is comprehensive in its approach and tries to balance the needs of the
community against the fiscal reality of limited funds.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY
Since 2002, EOEEA has been implementing an Environmental Justice Policy to help ensure that all
Massachusetts residents experience equal protection and meaningful involvement with respect to
the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and
policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits. This policy was instituted
recognizing that communities across the Commonwealth, particularly those densely populated
urban neighborhoods in and around the state’s older industrial areas, are facing many
environmental challenges associated with Massachusetts’ industrial legacy. Residents in these
predominantly low-income and minority communities – nearly 29% of the state population – lack
open space and recreational resources and often live side-by-side numerous existing large and small
sources of pollution and old abandoned, contaminated sites, which can pose risks to public health
and the environment.
Critical to advancing environmental justice (EJ) in the Commonwealth is the equitable distribution of
environmental assets such as parks, open space, and recreation. Toward this end, and where
applicable, municipalities shall identify and prioritize open space sites in their Open Space and
Recreation Plans that are socially, recreationally, and ecologically important to EJ populations within
the community.
C. PLANNING PROCESS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
MAPC prepared this plan under the direction of the Town Grants Administrator. The project was
funded under the state’s District Local Technical Assistance program. MAPC held a series of
meetings with various town departments and other interested parties. These meetings are listed in
Table 1 below.
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Table 1
Meetings
Person/Organization Date
First Public meeting June 20, 2013
Conservation Commission September 5, 2013
Harbor Master September 5, 2013
Public meeting on the Harborwalk Project September 5, 2013
Recreation Director September 12, 2013
Second Public Meeting November 21, 2013
Enhanced Outreach and Public Participation
The state considers a community to be an environmental justice community if it meets one or more
of the following criteria: 25% of the households earn 65% or less of the statewide household median
income; or 25% or more of the residents are minority; or 25% or more of the residents are foreign-
born; or 25% or more of the residents are lacking English language proficiency. This is based on the
2010 Census block data and is depicted in Figure 2: Environmental Justice Populations which can be
found in Appendix D. Winthrop meets the criteria for lacking English language proficiency in one
block group representing 5% (876 people) of the population. Table 6 indicates that approximately
1,194 people speak other Indo-European languages at home but this statistic did not provide
enough detail to determine which languages are spoken and whether it would be valuable to
translate public meeting notices into other languages.
The public meeting for input to the plan was held on June 20, 2013. The meeting was publicized
with a notice in the local newspaper, posted in Town Hall and on the town’s web page as well as
distributed through e-mail lists. A flyer announcing the meeting was developed for distribution in a
variety of ways. A copy of this flyer can be found in Appendix A.
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SECTION III- COMMUNITY SETTING
A. REGIONAL CONTEXT
1. Overview of Regional Context – Winthrop is a small community of only 1.64 square miles. It is
located on a peninsula that separates Boston Harbor and Logan Airport to the west from
Massachusetts Bay to the east. Please refer to Figure 1: Regional Context which can be found in
Appendix D. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council ( MAPC ) classifies Winthrop as a Streetcar
Suburb. These communities comprise village and transit-oriented residential neighborhoods with a
mix of single family homes, 2-4 family houses and mid-sized multifamily housing. New growth
generally occurs through limited redevelopment and infill and expansion of existing structures.
More affluent than the Metro Core, the population is moderately diverse and stable, with a growing
share of school-age children.
The center of Winthrop is approximately 4.3 miles from downtown Boston, a drive which generally
takes 15 minutes. Logan Airport lies between Winthrop and Boston and the runways are only 1,000
feet from the southwestern shore of the town. Because it is a peninsula, Winthrop is isolated and
the only links to the mainland are via marsh, beaches and a causeway to Revere to the north and
the Belle Isle Bridge to East Boston.
2. Regional Planning Context
MAPC – Winthrop is one of 101 municipalities that are served by MAPC. Created by an act of the
Legislature in 1963, MAPC serves as a forum for state and local officials to address issues of regional
importance. Council membership consists of community representatives, gubernatorial appointees
and city and state agencies that collaborate in the development of comprehensive plans and
recommendations in areas of population and employment, transportation, economic development,
regional growth and the environment. The Council’s professional planners, GIS specialists,
demographers and others also provide technical assistance to its member communities.
The Inner Core Committee –Winthrop is also a member of the Inner Core Committee (ICC), one of
eight subregions within the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The Inner Core Committee is a
group of twenty municipalities (Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett,
Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Milton, Newton, Quincy, Revere, Saugus, Somerville, Waltham,
Watertown and Winthrop) that meet regularly to discuss issues of common interest. The ICC is an
excellent forum for discussing regional open space issues and opportunities.
MetroFuture – MetroFuture is the official regional plan for Greater Boston, adopted consistent with
the requirements of MGL. The plan includes goals and objectives as well as thirteen detailed
implementation strategies for accomplishing these goals. The plan’s relevant goals include the
protection of 139,000 acres of developable land identified as a high priority by the State Land
Conservation Plan. The plan also envisions at least 1,800 acres of new urban parks and community
gardens. The implementation strategies can be viewed by visiting the web site.
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3. Regional Open Space Resources – There are a number of significant regional open space
resources in and around Winthrop.
Revere Beach Reservation - Revere Beach is owned by the Department of Conservation and
Recreation (DCR) and is the oldest public beach in America. It celebrated its 100 th anniversary in
1996. Today, this beach boasts miles of shoreline which welcomes throngs of visitors every summer.
Along the boulevard there is a bandstand for summer concerts, a bathhouse and many shade
shelters. Revere Beach is very accessible by public transportation which makes it a popular spot for
people from all around metro Boston. Revere Beach is north of Winthrop.
Belle Isle Marsh – The Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, under the jurisdiction of DCR, preserves 152
acres of the 241-acre Belle Isle Marsh, Boston’s last remaining salt marsh. Belle Isle Marsh is
included within the Rumney Marshes Area of Critical Environmental Concern. A unique place to
explore, the reservation exemplifies the type of wetlands that once lined the Massachusetts Bay
shore. Centuries of flourishing plant life have made the marsh more fertile than the richest farm
land. Its protected waters are nurseries to fish and shellfish and are critical habitat to many
saltmarsh plants and wildlife rare to the metropolitan area. In addition to the preservation of the
natural areas of the marsh, the DCR manages 28 acres of landscaped park with pathways, benches
and an observation tower.
Rumney Marsh – Rumney Marsh, is a 600+ acre reservation located within the rich Saugus and
Pines River estuary. This expansive saltmarsh provides habitat for an array of wildlife including
migratory birds and marine life. The reservation also provides recreational opportunities such as
boating, fishing, walking, and bird watching. It is designated as an “Area of Critical Environmental
Concern”. An ACEC is a state-designated critical resource area. The objectives of the ACEC program
are: to identify and designate critical resource areas, to ensure that actions by state agencies
protect and enhance the resources; and to support local and regional actions for the long-term
stewardship of ACECs. The state’s definition of an ACEC is “an area containing concentrations of
highly significant environmental resources that has been formally designated by the
Commonwealth’s Secretary of Environmental Affairs”. ACECs may be nominated by citizens groups,
municipal officials, regional or state agencies or by a legislator. The Rumney Marshes ACEC also
includes the Belle Isle Marsh although the two marshes are not contiguous.
Deer Island – Deer Island is one of 34 islands included within the National Park Services’ Boston
Harbor Islands unit. The Boston Harbor Islands became a unit of the National Park System in
November 1996. The islands are managed through a unique partnership. Deer Island is managed by
the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) which maintains the Deer Island
Wastewater Treatment Facility. The island has a 2.6-mile shoreline path and 2 miles of trails through
the hills of the island. Deer Island’s 60 acres of parkland make it ideal for walking, jogging, biking,
rollerblading, dog walking (on a leash), sightseeing, picnicking, and fishing.
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4. Local and Regional Open Space Initiatives and Plans
Walk Winthrop: A Plan for a More Walkable & Bikeable Town – This report was prepared in 2010
by The Conway School of Landscape Design for the town based on the town’s interest in creating a
more bikeable and walkable community. The report recommended developing a network of
walking and cycling routes throughout the town that would connect commercial districts, municipal
services, natural resources and transportation hubs.
Walk Winthrop: A Greenway Action Plan – In 2011, MAPC prepared a greenway action plan for
Winthrop. The purpose of the plan was to advance the concepts first identified in the Walk
Winthrop plan of 2010. The vision of the Walk Winthrop Greenway is a network of signed and
marked urban trails that connect the town’s natural resources, including its beaches, views, and
parks with transportation systems and civic and business districts. A key tourism potential resides in
the proposed Boston Harbor to Winthrop Loop where one could take the MBTA to Maverick Station,
hop on a bicycle and ride along the East Boston Greenway to Constitution Beach, continue into
Winthrop, head down Winthrop Shore Drive and Yirrell Beach to Point Shirley, circle Deer Island and
return to the ferry terminal to head back to Rowes Wharf in Boston.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Planning - To improve the connectivity of bicycle and pedestrian
facilities, MAPC is undertaking an effort to assist numerous communities within the Sustainable
Communities Consortium with pedestrian and bicycle planning efforts. MAPC is assisting Chelsea,
Everett, Revere, Malden, Saugus and Lynn. Although Winthrop is not directly included in this effort,
the work done in Revere will be of relevance to Winthrop.
Revere Open Space and Recreation Plan – MAPC prepared an Open Space and Recreation Plan for
the City of Revere in 2010. While Winthrop and Revere are adjacent, none of the action
recommendations directly relate to the border that these two communities share.
Boston Open Space and Recreation Plan – The current open space plan for the City of Boston is the
Open Space Plan 2009-2014. This plan is broken down into neighborhoods and there is a separate
section for East Boston, the neighborhood closest to Winthrop which includes Orient Heights. The
East Boston neighborhood plan can be found on the city web site. The Seven Year Action Plan for
East Boston includes a number of recommendations related to the East Boston Greenway and Belle
Isle Marsh which can be considered regional resources that Winthrop residents can use.
A. HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY
Winthrop had a long and varied history as a Native American encampment; a colonial farming
community; an industrial center; a nineteenth-century summer resort; and in the twentieth-century,
a thriving, year-round community (Historical Commission). Throughout its known history, residents
and visitors alike have made abundant use of Winthrop’s scenic and natural resources.
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The town was settled in 1630 by English Puritan colonists as Pullen Poynt. In 1775, residents of what
is now Winthrop, Revere, and Chelsea played a key role in the Battle of Chelsea Creek of the
American Revolutionary War. It was officially incorporated in 1852. It is one of the four
municipalities in Suffolk County. It is located on a peninsula, at the beginning of the North Shore,
with seven miles (11 km) of shoreline that provides views of the ocean to the east and of the Boston
skyline to the west.
Originally part of an area called Winnisimmet by the Native Massachusett tribe, the peninsula was
annexed by Boston in 1632 and within five years became the grazing area for farm animals of the
rapidly growing Boston colony. In 1637 it was divided into 15 parcels of land that were given by
Governor John Winthrop to prominent men in Boston with the stipulation that each must erect a
building on his land within two years. Few, if any, of these men ever lived here, but their farms
prospered. One of these early houses, built initially during the first half of the 17th century, and
rebuilt in 1675, was the home of Governor Winthrop’s youngest son, Deane Winthrop, who lived
there until his death in 1703. This house is still standing and is maintained, for public viewing, by the
Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association.
In 1739, what is now Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop withdrew from Boston due to governmental
control disputes and became the Town of Chelsea. Again the desire for more local control resulted
in Revere and Winthrop seceding from Chelsea in 1846 to become North Chelsea. Shortly
thereafter, in 1852, Winthrop was incorporated as a town in its own right with a Board of Selectmen
and Town Meeting form of government. In 1920, Winthrop was the second town in the
Commonwealth to apply for and receive a Charter for a Representative Town Meeting, which
continued to 2006.
Winthrop adopted a home rule charter in 2005 with a council-manager form of government and is
no longer governed by a representative town meeting. It is now classified as a town with a city form
of government. The new Town Charter, which took effect in 2006, was passed in a special election.
The Board of Selectmen and Town Meeting were abolished, and legislative powers were vested in
an elected Town Council. Executive power, largely ceremonial, resides in the Council President, who
is popularly elected. An appointed Town Manager serves as the head of administrative services.
Deer Island, though within the city limits of Boston, is located in Winthrop Bay. It ceased to be an
island in the 1930s when Shirley Gut, which separated it from Winthrop, was filled in.
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Total population – The most recent (2010) U.S. Census shows a population of 17, 497. This
represents a 4.4 % decrease from 2000.
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Table 2
Total Population
Year Population
1990 18,127
2000 18,303
2010 17,497
Source: U . Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Age Distribution – The median age in 2010 was 43.7 years. Twenty percent of the population was
under 18 years and sixteen percent was 65 years and older.
Table 3
Age Distribution: 2000 and 2010
Age Group 2000
Number
2000
Percentage
2010
Number
2010
Percentage
Under 5 years 906 4.95 886 5.06
5 to 9 years 947 5.17 850 4.85
10 to 14 years 1,020 5.57 871 4.97
15 to 19 years 900 4.92 893 5.10
20 to 24 years 970 5.30 894 5.10
25 to 34 years 2,820 15.41 2,150 12.27
35 to 44 years 3,248 17.75 2,551 14.56
45 to 54 years 2,697 14.74 2,974 16.98
55 to 59 years 1,029 5.62 1,300 7.42
60 to 64 years 742 4.05 1,234 7.04
65 to 74 years 1,443 7.88 1,518 8.67
75 to 84 years 1,140 6.23 987 5.63
85 years and over 441 2.41 409 2.33
Total 18,303 100.00 17,517 100.00
Source: U.S. Census
Household composition – There were 7,783 households in Winthrop in 2010. The average
household size was 2.24 people. Families made up 57 percent of the households in Winthrop. Of
these, 72% were married couple families.
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Table 4: Household Characteristics
Household Type Number
2010
Total households 7,783
Family households (families) 4,431
With own children under 18 years 1,732
Married-couple family 3,194
With own children under 18 years 1,231
Male householder, no wife present, family 350
With own children under 18 years 117
Female householder, no husband present, family 887
With own children under 18 years 384
Non-family households 3,352
Householder living alone 2,680
Male 1,132
65 years and over 292
Female 1,548
65 years and over 680
Households with individuals under 18 years 1,861
Households with individuals 65 years and older 2,235
Average household size 2.24
Average family size 2.93
Source: U.S. Census
Income – According to the 2007-2011 American Community Survey prepared by the U.S. Census
Bureau, the median family income was $81,647. The average family size was 2.93. The median
household income was $61,744 and the per capita income was $36,624. The survey also found that
8.3% of families had incomes below the poverty level.
Environmental Justice criteria – The state considers a community to be an environmental justice
community if it meets one or more of the following criteria: 25% of the households earn 65% or less
of the statewide household median income; or 25% or more of the residents are minority; or 25% or
more of the residents are foreign-born; or 25% or more of the residents are lacking English language
proficiency. This is based on the 2010 Census block data. Winthrop meets the criteria for lacking
English language proficiency in one block group representing 5% of the population. The census block
group that meets the environmental justice criteria is shown on Figure 2 in Appendix. Although
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Winthrop only meets one of the criteria for environmental justice, there are other measures of
diversity in Winthrop’s population. Tables 5 and 6 display some information related to diversity in
Winthrop.
Table 5
Racial Composition of the 2007-2011 Population
Race Number Percent
Total Population 17,430 100%
One Race 16,554 95%
White 15,616 89.6%
Black or African American 276 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.1%
Asian 135 0.8%
Asian Indian 51 0.3%
Chinese 27 0.2%
Filipino 0 0.0%
Japanese 0 0.0%
Korean 13 0.1%
Vietnamese 44 0.3%
Other Asian 0 0.0%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 15 0.1%
Some Other Race 499 2.9%
Two or More Races 876 5.0%
Source: U.S. Census; American Community Survey 2007-2011
Table 6
Language Spoken At Home
Language Number Percent
Population 5 years and older 16,488 100%
English only 14,212 86.2%
Language other than English 2,276 13.8%
Speak English less than “very well” 1,186 7.2%
Spanish 611 3.7%
Speak English less than “very well” 309 1.9%
Other Indo-European languages 1,194 7.2%
Speak English less than “very well” 562 3.4%
Asian and Pacific Islander languages 12 0.1%
Speak English less than “very well” 0 0.0%
Other languages 459 2.8%
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Table 6
Language Spoken At Home
Language Number Percent
Speak English less than “very well”
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2007-2011
Population Density – There are seven census tracts in Winthrop including one which represents
Snake Island and one which represents the Winthrop portion of Logan Airport. These are shown on
Figure 3: Census Tracts which can be found in Appendix D. Table 7 includes information on the area,
population and density of each tract. Population densities vary from a low of 7,795 persons per
square mile in the tract which includes Lewis Lake and the golf course to a high of 12,943 persons
per square mile in the Point Shirley neighborhood.
Table 7
Population Density
Census Tract Number/Neighborhood
Tract Area
(Square
miles)
2010
Population
Persons
per
square
mile
180101 (Winthrop Highlands) 0.44 4,776 10,854
180200 (Downtown, Ingleside Park, Belle Isle Marsh) 0.41 4,109 10,021
180301 (Cottage Park, Court Park) 0.27 3,024 11,200
180400 (Metcalf Square, Lewis Lake) 0.22 1,715 7,795
180500 (Point Shirley) 0.30 3,883 12,943
981300 (Small portion in Winthrop: Logan Airport) NA NA NA
990101 (Snake Island) NA NA NA
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Projected Population
In May 2008, MAPC released MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region , a new plan for growth
and development in Metro Boston from now to 2030. In order to support the MetroFuture planning
process, MAPC prepared two sets of population and employment projections: a “current trends”
projection and a “MetroFuture” projection.
The current trends or baseline projection estimates the number of people and jobs likely to exist in
each community if current patterns of growth and development continued to 2030. The
MetroFuture projection estimates the number of people and jobs for each community if the
recommendations contained in the MetroFuture plan are followed. Under MetroFuture, more
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growth is directed to areas that are already developed, such as town centers and urban areas. Table
8 shows the population projections for Winthrop for both the current trends and the MetroFuture
scenario. Winthrop is projected to grow under both scenarios. Under current trends growth from
2010-2030 would be 417 people and under the MetroFuture scenario, growth would be 182 people.
Table 8
Population Projections for
Current Trends and MetroFuture
2010 2010 2020 2020 2030 2030
Current
Trends MetroFuture
Current
Trends MetroFuture
Current
Trends MetroFuture
18,638 18,124 18,888 18,230 19,055 18,306
Source: MAPC Data Center
Another important consideration is the growth or decline in certain age groups. Table 9 shows
population projections by age groups for the period 2010-2030. The projections show an aging
population with the greatest increases in the population aged 55-79. This would indicate a need to
plan for more passive recreational opportunities for older adults.
Recreational Needs by Age Group
Under the age of five, most recreation is done with parental supervision. This recreation tends to be
close to home due to the difficulties of traveling with children. This age group also needs
structured preschool programs that focus on teaching basic skills. For older children, adults seek
places to take their children for walks. Adults with older children also seek out programs for their
children that provide family recreational opportunities.
Adolescents are a difficult age group to serve because they do not like to participate in traditional
programs that are structured or involve adult supervision. They prefer programs where they are
more actively involved in determining the activities. Programs that work well for adolescents
include rock climbing, adventure programs, skateboarding, hiking, band concerts, cook outs, dances
and sports.
The needs of elderly residents are divided between the younger, more active senior citizens and the
frail elderly. The frail elderly generally require therapeutic recreational services. More active
seniors tend to enjoy walking, golf, tennis and swimming.
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The Winthrop Council on Aging – The Winthrop Council on Aging offers a wide variety of
recreational programs at the Senior Center including aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba. In the past
year, the Senior Center built a community garden in the back yard of the center. This is the first
community garden in Winthrop.
The needs of residents with disabilities also vary. Some residents with disabilities can participate in
regular recreational programs without any modifications while others may need some assistance.
The Recreation Director stated that there are two children in wheelchairs who participate in the
after-school programs run by the Recreation Department. He stated that the department does not
run any special programs but makes adjustments to their programs as necessary to handle
individuals with disabilities. Ingleside Park is the best location for wheelchair users. Depending on
the degree of disability, there may also be a need for specific programs geared for that population
but this is not currently the situation in Winthrop. Physical barriers are a key factor and will need to
be evaluated through the American Disabilities Act Section 504 process and eliminated in a
systematic fashion. Programmatic changes may also be necessary, including training staff on how to
work with disabled residents.
Table 9
Population Projections by Age Group: 2010-2030
Age Range 2010 2020 2030
Change
2010-
2020
00-04 884 896 909 +12
05 - 09 880 838 889 - 42
10-14 978 892 905 -86
15 - 19 949 835 763 - 114
20-24 1,109 1,043 921 -66
25 - 29 1,194 1,344 1,187 +150
30-34 1,120 1,280 1,222 +160
35 - 39 1,355 1,285 1,477 - 70
40-44 1,534 1,231 1,412 -303
45 - 49 1,487 1,158 1,082 - 329
50-54 1,479 1,383 1,115 -96
55 - 59 1,154 1,289 986 +135
60-64 926 1,069 952 +143
65 - 69 752 994 1,094 +242
70-74 607 919 1,063 +312
75 - 79 570 687 911 +117
80-85 505 449 687 -56
85+ 642 638 731 - 4
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Table 9
Population Projections by Age Group: 2010-2030
Age Range 2010 2020 2030
Change
2010-
2020
Total
Source: MAPC Data Center. Note: These projections reflect
the Metro Future scenario.
Economic data - The following information is from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community
Survey for 2007-2011.
Table 10
Percent of Total Employment by Industry
Industry Percent of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining 0.0
Construction 6.81
Manufacturing 4.15
Wholesale trade 4.12
Retail trade 7.05
Transportation, warehousing and utilities 7.55
Information 2.23
Finance, real estate, insurance 9.93
Professional, scientific, management, administrative 13.33
Educational services, and health care and social assistance 24.11
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, food service 9.9
Other services except public administration 4.26
Public administration 6.56
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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Table 11
2011 Average Employment and Wages by Industry
Industry # of
Establishments
Average
Monthly
Employment
Average
Weekly
Wage
Total, all industries 306 1,798 $656
Construction 41 134 $792
Manufacturing 3 14 $193
Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing 3 13 $170
Wholesale Trade 9 28 $1,056
Retail Trade 32 186 $445
Finance and Insurance 14 98 $1,253
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 10 16 $582
Professional and Technical 21 38 $1,449
Administrative and Waste Services 9 23 $440
Health Care and Social Assistance 26 192 $500
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 12 75 $317
Accommodation and Food Services 29 239 $259
Other Services, Except Public Administration 71 159 $353
Source: MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Major employers are listed in Table 12. The state collects data on major employers but uses a range
of employees to give an order of magnitude of each employer rather than an exact number, which
can fluctuate. In addition to the employers below, the Town of Winthrop is also a major employer.
Table 12
Major Employers in Winthrop
Name Employees
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority 1,000-4,999
Deer Island Treatment Plant 250 - 499
A T Cummings School 50-99
CVS Pharmacy 50 - 99
Fort Banks Elementary School 50-99
Governor Winthrop Nursing Center 50 - 99
Source: Mass.gov; Division of Labor and Workforce
17
Housing Characteristics
According to the 2010 Census, there were 8,076 housing units in Winthrop. Of these, 51.8 % were
owner-occupied and 41. 8 6% were renter-occupied and 6.5% were vacant.
Table 13
Housing Units: 2010
Units in Structure Number Percent
1 unit detached 2,535 31.39
1 unit attached 195 2.41
2 units 2,335 28.91
3 or 4 units 1,335 16.53
5 to 9 units 403 4.99
10 to 19 units 229 2.84
20 or more units 1,033 12.79
Mobile home 0 0.0
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0.14
Total housing units 8,076 100%
Source: U.S. Census
Table 14
Housing Tenure 2010
Number % Of Total Units
Owner-Occupied 4,307 51.7
Renter - Occupied 3,476 41.80
Vacant Units 537 6.45
Total Occupied Units 7,783
Total Housing Units 8,320
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
18
Table 15
Age of the Housing Stock
Year built Number Percent
Total housing units 8,076 100
Built 2005 or later 83 1.03
Built 2000 to 2004 111 1.37
Built 1990 to 1999 117 1.45
Built 1980 to 1989 311 3.85
Built 1970 to 1979 988 12.23
Built 1960 to 1969 354 4.38
Built 1950 to 1959 800 9.91
Built 1940 to 1949 499 6.18
Built 1939 or earlier 4,813 59.60
Source: US Census Bureau
D. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
Patterns and Trends
Winthrop is a small community of only 1.64 square miles. It is located on a peninsula that separates
Boston Harbor and Logan Airport to the west from Massachusetts Bay to the east. The
Metropolitan Area Planning Council ( MAPC ) classifies Winthrop as a Streetcar Suburb. These
communities comprise village and transit-oriented residential neighborhoods with a mix of single
family homes, 2-4 family houses and mid-sized multifamily housing. New growth generally occurs
through limited redevelopment and infill and expansion of existing structures. More affluent than
the Metro Core, the population is moderately diverse and stable, with a growing share of school-age
children.
The 2005 Open Space Plan noted that Winthrop has the lowest percentage of developable land in
the metropolitan area.
Infrastructure
Transportation – The only state highway serving Winthrop is State Route 145 which connects
Winthrop with Revere. Although it is adjacent to Boston and close to the regional highway network
19
(The Mass Pike, Route 128, I-93, Route 1 and Route 1A) Winthrop is a peninsula and lacks quick
access to the regional highway network.
In 2013 Winthrop began offering ferry service which runs through the middle of October. The boat,
The JS Kennedy departs from the Norman F. Siefert Ferry Terminal at the Winthrop Town Landing
and docks at Rowers Wharf in Boston. The service is offered under a licensing agreement between
Captain Tim Grover and the town. The service can accommodate up to 49 passengers. Although the
service currently primarily serves commuters, the town partnered with the Boston Harbor Island
Alliance to begin weekend service during the summer to Spectacle Island.
Bus service in Winthrop is provided by Paul Revere Bus, under agreement with the MBTA. There are
two routes which operate between Point Shirley and the Orient Heights MBTA station. Route 712
operates from Point Shirley via Winthrop Highlands and Route 713 operates via Winthrop Center.
The principal stops are Point Shirley, Winthrop Beach, Governor’s Park, the Winthrop Police Station
and Orient Heights with other stops available upon request. Service runs from 5:00 AM through
1:30 AM Monday through Friday with more limited service on the weekends.
Water supply – The town obtains its water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
(MWRA). However, the supply side is only one part of the equation. The water division maintains
an extensive distribution system. In the past year the town repaired 25 service leaks and relayed 86
old lead and partial lead services with new copper pipe. They also replaced 17 fire hydrants and
repaired two others. The division also maintains and services valves and meters and responded to
four water main breaks. The division also replaced over 3,000 feet of aged water mains and all
associated valves, hydrants and service lines as part of the completion of the
Nahant/Bellevue/Somerset Road infrastructure project.
Sewer - Winthrop residents are acutely aware of the sewage disposal system servicing the Town. As
a member community, Winthrop is serviced by the MWRA collection system. Disposal of treated
sewerage for the MWRA system is handled at the Deer Island Treatment Plant, which was upgraded
as part of a $3.8 billion program to clean up Boston Harbor. Deer Island comprises 210 acres, two
thirds of which are taken up by the wastewater treatment plant. The rest of Deer Island is used for
recreation totaling about 60 acres of public open space including a trails system. Due to the
proximity of the plant and its impacts on Winthrop, the community has an above average
understanding of the problems associated with large metropolitan disposal systems as well as its
benefits.
Solid waste – The DPW manages the town’s curbside solid waste and recycling contract. The town
recently entered into a new seven - year trash contract with Capital Waste Services. Town trash
pick- up and disposal is limited to 1,2 and 3 family residences only. Trash disposal from 4+ family,
condos, hotels and businesses is the responsibility of the owner. Pick up of bulk items like
appliances require the purchase of a sticker. The town has single-stream curbside recycling as well.
The town collected 86.24 tons of solid waste while the contractor collected 6,227.8 tons.
20
Long-Term Development Patterns – The town’s long-term development is largely a function of the
economy, the zoning bylaw and the amount of remaining, buildable land. The layout of the town
reflects its location as a peninsula and the early influence of the railroads.
Zoning – The Town of Winthrop is divided into eight zoning districts. Residential densities range
from 7,500-20,000 square foot lots. These districts are shown on Figure 4: Zoning which can be
found in Appendix D.
Table 16
Zoning Districts
Abbreviation District Name/Description Minimum Lot
Size
RA Residential A 7,500 - 10,000 sf
RB Residential B 20,000 sf
RC Residential C 20,000 sf
CB Center Business 5,000 sf
BA Business A 7,500 sf
LM Light Manufacturing 43,560 sf
C Conservation District NA
WF Waterfront 20,000 sf
Source: PC/Codebook Town of Winthrop web site
Subdivisions and Development Activity – Because there is virtually no undeveloped land available,
there have been no subdivisions in recent years. In 2012 the Winthrop Planning Board approved
three Special Permits for new development under the Special Development Overly District as
follows:
Adaptive reuse of Winthrop Hospital as a 90 unit assisted living facility (market rate).
Adaptive reuse of Temple Tifereth Israel as affordable, 40 unit elder housing development.
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Adaptive reuse of former Dalrymple School as affordable 27 unit elder housing development.
Buildout – In 2000, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, under contract to the Executive Office
of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) prepared a buildout analysis for every community in the Boston
region. A buildout analysis is a tool to help communities understand the potential impacts of future
growth that might occur given the amount of land remaining and how that land is zoned.
The table below summarizes the results of that buildout analysis. The analysis starts with available
land in each zoning district and makes projections of additional housing units as well as
commercial/industrial space according to each district’s minimum lot size and other regulations.
The projections only account for as of right development and do not include development by special
or comprehensive permit that may increase the amount of development. These buildout
projections were combined with 2000 Census and other data to create a profile of each community
at buildout according to its current zoning. Please note that the buildout analysis is now 13 years
old. These results should be used as a way to generate discussion about zoning and future
development, rather than as hard statistics.
Table 17
Buildout Impacts
Additional residents 190
Additional school children 24
Additional residential units 0
Additional developable land area (acres) 3.07
Additional commercial/industrial buildable floor area (sq. ft.) 0
Additional water demand at buildout (gallons per day) 14,255
Residential 14,255
Commercial and industrial 0
Additional solid waste (tons/year 69
Non - recyclable 69
Recyclable 0
Additional roadway at buildout (miles) 0
Source: MAPC. Data is from 2000.
22
23
SECTION IV- ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
A. GEOLOGY, SOILS AND TOPOGRAPHY
Geology – The surficial geology of Winthrop is shown on Map 5. The geology includes sand and
gravel deposits, till or bedrock, sandy till over sand, end moraine, large sand deposits, fine-grained
deposits and floodplain alluvium.
Winthrop Beach is not a state classified barrier beach. However, it was geologically formed as a
typical barrier beach, as a tombolo spanning between the drumlins at Winthrop Highlands and
Cottage Hill. This is also indicated in the topography, which was originally (before the seawall) a
dune gently sloping west to the salt marsh which is now the area now known as Crystal Lake and the
golf course.
Soils- The soils data layer available from Mass GIS shows that Winthrop includes the following soil
types:
Table 18
Soils in Winthrop
Soil Type Description Suitability for development and
recreation
Beaches Areas of sand and gravel along
the shoreline of Massachusetts.
These areas are subject to wave
action and, in some places, tidal
flooding. They consist of deep
marine deposits of sand
derived from granite. Most
areas of beaches do not have
vegetation.
These areas are in intensive use
for summer bathing and related
kinds of recreation. Beaches
are generally not suitable for
most other uses.
Urban land complex This map unit consists of areas
where 75 percent or more of
the land is covered with
impervious surfaces, such as
buildings, pavement, industrial
parks, and railroad yards.
Nearly all rainfall runs off and a
storm drainage system is
needed to control this
excessive runoff. These areas
would be more suited for
playgrounds than larger parks.
Dumps Not listed in the soil survey. No information available.
Mucky peat This is a very poorly drained,
nearly level soil in tidal marshes
and estuaries on Massachusetts
This soil is very poorly suited to
most uses because of flooding,
wetness, low strength and salt
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Bay. The soil is subject to tidal
flooding twice daily.
content. It is well suited to
habitat for wetland wildlife,
such as fish, shellfish, and
waterfowl.
Udorthents, sandy This map units consists of
nearly level to steep areas
where the original soils have
been removed for use as road
fill, concrete aggregate, or
landfill. Typically, udorthents,
sandy, are the remaining
substratum material from
Canton, Hinckley, Merrimac,
and Windsor soils. Most areas
are stratified sand and gravel to
a depth of 60 inches or more.
These areas have moderate to
very rapid permeability and
little water capacity. These
soils are generally well suited to
use as building sites but are not
suitable for septic systems.
These soils are very droughty
and are poorly suited to use as
sites for lawns, landscaping,
and vegetable gardens. For
parks purposes, these areas
would be difficult to keep
watered and maintained.
Udorthents, wet substratum This map unit consists of filled
areas that were previously tidal
marshes, river flood plains,
bays, harbors and swamps. The
fill consists of rubble, refuse
and mixed soil material.
Permeability is moderate or
slow and available water
capacity is low or moderate.
Runoff is slow and water tends
to pond after heavy rain. If
these areas are to be used as
building sites, extensive onsite
investigation is needed and
pilings are usually necessary for
foundations. Plantings such as
might be found in a park would
require site testing and possibly
soil remediation.
Source: Soil Survey of Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, MA, Peragallo, 1989 NEsoil.com
Topography – Winthrop’s terrain is fairly level except for some slight elevations up to about 50 feet
in the northeastern part of the Town (i.e. Cottage Hill and the Highlands sections). Winthrop has a
tidal shoreline of 8.3 miles that borders the Belle Isle Marsh. On the south, west and east, it is
bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. More information on soils and geologic features are depicted on
Figure 5 which can be found in Appendix D.
Climate – Winthrop’s weather varies sufficiently during the year to include conditions typical of all
four seasons. The mean temperature in January is 28.6 degrees while the mean for July is 73.5
degrees. The normal precipitation is 41.5 inches annually. The area receives an average of 40-60
inches of snow during a typical winter.
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B. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
The most recent year for which land use data is available is 2005. The table below paints a picture
of land use in the Town of Winthrop. Approximately 48% of Winthrop is residential.
Table 19
2005 Land Use
Land Use Type Acres % of Total Acres
Brushland/Successional 6.62 0.45
Cemetery 15.77 1.08
Commercial 71.56 4.91
Forest 2.10 0.14
Forested Wetland 0.23 0.02
Golf Course 52.04 3.57
High Density Residential 340.25 23.35
Industrial 2.19 0.15
Marina 16.91 1.16
Multi-Family Residential 371.95 25.53
Non-Forested Wetland 6.46 0.44
Nursery 0.27 0.02
Open Land 42.14 2.89
Participation Recreation 43.18 2.96
Saltwater Sandy Beach 133.70 9.18
Saltwater Wetland 106.93 7.34
Transportation 199.45 13.69
Urban Public/Institutional 34.96 2.40
Waste Disposal 2.32 0.16
Water 7.87 0.54
1456.89 99.99
As a peninsula with a tidal shore line of 8.3 miles and bounded by the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation,
the last remaining salt marsh in the metropolitan area, Winthrop’s character is determined in a large
part by its surroundings. The Belle Isle reservation preserves 152 of the 241 acre marsh and the
species that live within it. Magnificent views of the marsh, the Atlantic Ocean and the City of Boston
abound from nearly every spot along the shoreline in Winthrop.
26
The cliff on which Fort Heath Park is situated overlooks the Belle Isle Marsh and also offers a
breathtaking view to the north and east. Cottage Hill, site of the landmark red, white and blue
water tower, affords views in all directions. Belle Isle Marsh Reservation is designated as an Area of
Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). This ecological treasure has approximately 1,000 acres of
salt marsh, shallow subtidal channels and tidal flats.
In 1988, a portion of Winthrop was included within the Rumney Marshes Area of Critical
Environmental Concern (ACEC) along with portions of Boston, Lynn, Revere and Saugus.
C. WATER RESOURCES
Winthrop is located within the Mystic River Watershed and within the Boston Harbor Subbasin.
The Mystic River Watershed is a densely populated and very urban watershed with a long history of
industrial development and pollution. Water quality issues stem from a variety of sources including
stormwater runoff, point source pollution, contaminated sediments in the river due to industrial
uses, lack of access to open space as well as invasive species. A large number of community
organizations as well as New England EPA and the Mystic River Watershed Association are actively
working to improve water quality and access to open space.
There are no rivers or streams within the town. The only body of surface water is Lewis Lake. Belle
Isle Inlet to the north forms the boundary between Boston and Winthrop. Therefore, the major
water quality issue in Winthrop is the health of Boston Harbor and its impact on the cleanliness of
the beaches.
Winthrop Beaches - Water quality at Winthrop beaches has improved remarkably due to the clean-
up of Boston Harbor and the changes affected by the operation of the Deer Island Sewage
Treatment Plant. The organization “Save the Harbor/Save the Bay” monitors water quality and
releases a water quality report card on the region’s public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket.
Winthrop Beach scored 100% in 2012. The score means Winthrop Beach is one of the cleanest and
safest to swim at during the summer months. 2012 was a good year for most of the Boston Harbor
region’s public beaches, with more than half earning either an A or an A plus due to dry conditions.
Bacterial pollution is often caused by storm water discharges that accompany summer showers,
squalls and storms, so less rain means cleaner water.
During the summer, the Board of Health takes bathing water samples from the five town beaches
(Donovan’s, Grandview, Halford, Pico, and Yirrill). The samples are analyzed by the MWRA at their
laboratory and the results of the tests are posted on the Town’s website and on Winthrop Cable
Access Television.
Belle Isle Inlet - The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) maintains water quality
monitoring stations throughout the watershed. Site BEI093 is one of the fifteen Mystic Baseline
Monitoring Sites in the Mystic River Watershed. This site is one of five saltwater sites that was
initiated in 2008-2009. Belle Isle was chosen as a site as it carries significant runoff from the City of
27
Revere, City of Boston, Town of Winthrop and Suffolk Downs. The site is important due to the value
of the marsh system and potential degraded shellfish because of water quality issues. The findings
for multiple years reflected the significant inputs of sewage from City of Revere and from Suffolk
Downs. Both of these institutions are now under federal consent decrees that mandate
infrastructure improvements. Suffolk Downs has completed the majority of that work and Revere is
halfway through a 10-12 year effort to improve infrastructure. The key indicator that is measured is
the level of enterococcus found in the monthly water sample. Enterococcus is just one group of
bacteria but is a proxy or representative of the other pathogens that are released in sewage or even
horse manure. Massachusetts has numerical standards for bacteria levels that allows for
enforcement to clean up a site. To meet the standard for primary contact (swimming) the level is
104 CFU/100ml and for secondary contact (boating) that standard is 350 for an individual
sample. With the improvements that Suffolk Downs has made, MyRWA believes that water quality
is improving in Belle Isle Inlet.
Lewis Lake –Lewis Lake receives stormwater runoff from approximately 1/3 of the town. The lake is
only a few inches deep because of siltation from run-off. The upper lake is freshwater and the
lower lake is brackish water and saltwater. The edge of the lake is very weedy with phragmites.
There is a manually operated tidal gate. The lake needs to be dredged or it will eventually fill in and
be unable to hold and absorb stormwater runoff. The lake is currently a breeding ground for
mosquitoes as well. The town is investigating installing a closed drainage pipe in the existing culvert
and swale along Veterans Road as well as installation of an automatic tide gate.
Flood Hazard Areas – Flood hazard areas are described in detail on Page 35.
Wetlands – The major areas of wetlands are all coastal including the tidal flats associated with Belle
Isle Marsh, wetlands along Pleasant Street by the beaches, the tidal flats from Short Beach all along
Winthrop Beach and Yirell Beach and down to Deer Island. There are also tidal wetlands
surrounding Coughlin Park, and essentially along the entire shoreline.
Vernal Pools – Vernal pools are small, shallow ponds that do not support fish and that have annual
or semi-annual periods of dryness. Vernal pools are very important to a variety of wildlife species.
Some amphibians breed exclusively in vernal pools while others spend their entire life cycles in such
pools. The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program has a program by
which vernal pools can be certified. Certified vernal pools are protected if they fall under the
jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations. They are also protected
under other state programs. There are currently no certified vernal pools in Winthrop.
Aquifer recharge areas – Winthrop is a densely developed urban community which relies on water
from the MWRA. There are no aquifer recharge areas in Winthrop.
D. VEGETATION
Vegetation in the town, as in most of the surrounding area, has been extensively altered by human
activity. As a fully developed urban community there is very little that could be considered natural
28
vegetative areas. The vegetation that remains includes street trees, parks and the salt marshes.
Some of the vegetation, such as phragmites surrounding Lewis Lake, is invasive.
Table 19 above shows land use by acre for a number of standard land use categories. The three
categories that relate to vegetation (brushland/successional, forest and forested wetland) amount
to 8.95 acres which is 0.6% of the town’s area.
The DPW has a tree staff which continued to make progress on the backlog of work by removing 30
dead or dangerous trees, 60 stumps and pruning 150 trees. The DPW also planted 60 new trees.
The DPW responded to damage due to Hurricane Irene which felled 15 trees and many more
branches. Despite the difficult economy residents continued to participate in the “resident-
purhase-a-street-tree” program which enabled the town to plant 3 times more trees than were
removed. The town received a 5 th consecutive Tree City designation. The town also maintains a
tree fund which is supported by residents with the mission of purchasing trees to improve
Winthrop’s green infrastructure. This fund received $3,500 in donations during FY 12.
E. FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
Common wildlife such as ducks and geese favor the Lewis Lake area. Belle Isle Marsh is a critical
stopover on the Atlantic Flyway and many birds depend on its existence for successful migration.
Some of the migratory birds seen at Belle Isle March in general include glossy ibis, red-breasted
merganser, greater yellow-legs, black-bellied plover, mallard, snowy egret, great blue heron, loon,
marsh hawk, semipalmated sandpiper and green-winger teal. Other rare species that have been
documented in the Town of Winthrop include the piping plover, upland sandpiper, common tern
and least tern. According to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program “the best
remaining wildlife habitats in town are on the “Boston Harbor Islands: Snake Island has a nice salt
marsh, with adjacent sand bar and mud flats that are used by resident and migrating shorebirds.
Unfortunately, the aggressive invader Common Reed, has taken over portions of the salt marsh and
mud flats and it should be controlled where it is taking over the best remaining biodiversity areas in
Winthrop.”
BioMap 2 – The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game, through the Division of Fisheries and
Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), and the Nature Conservancy’s
Massachusetts Program developed BioMap 2 to protect the state’s biodiversity in the context of
climate change. Protection and stewardship of BioMap 2 Core Habitat and Critical natural
Landscape is considered critical to safeguard the diversity of species. The BioMap 2 report for
Winthrop can be found on the NHESP website at
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/land-protection-and-
management/biomap2/biomap2-town-reports.html .
According to this report there are 284 acres of Core Habitat in Winthrop but only 16 acres are
protected. There are also 76 acres designated as Critical Natural Landscape but only 35 acres are
protected. Table 18 contains a list of the birds that are listed as threatened or endangered or of
29
special concern. The priority natural community that is listed for Winthrop is the Estuarine
Intertidal: Salt Marsh and other BioMap 2 components are coastal adaptation areas and tern
foraging areas. These areas are mapped and described in detail in the BioMap 2 report.
Shellfish – According to the Conservation Commission, there are not a lot of shellfish beds in
Winthrop. The Harbor Master indicated that there are approximately 13 individual shell fish
operators in Winthrop. These operators would take their catch to the Town Landing and meet up
with a truck that operates out of Revere who would transport shell fish to the purification plant in
Newburyport. This past year these operators were not active and there is some concern that clam
beds may have been impacted by a spill of de-icing fluids at the airport.
Mammals - Winthrop has the typical collection of urban mammals such as squirrels, rabbits and
raccoons.
Wildlife Corridors - There are no large swaths of uninterrupted open space which can function as
wildlife corridors because Winthrop’s open spaces are primarily small, urban parks and playgrounds.
For marine life, the ocean and the beaches function as a wildlife corridor.
Rare and Endangered Species – The following table lists all of the rare, threatened and endangered
species that appear in the Natural Heritage Programs’ database for Winthrop.
Table 20
Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species
Common name State rank Most recent
observation
Piping Plover Threatened 2010
Common Tern Special Concern 2007
Least Tern Special Concern 2010
Barn Owl Special Concern NA
Grasshopper Sparrow Special Concern NA
Upland Sandpiper Endangered NA
Seabeach Needlegrass Threatened 1882
Source: MA Natural Heritage Program Website
“Endangered” (E) species are native species which are in danger of extinction throughout all or part
of their range, or which are in danger of extirpation from Massachusetts, as documented by
biological research and inventory.
30
“Threatened” (T) species are native species which are likely to become endangered in the
foreseeable future, or which are declining or rare as determined by biological research and
inventory.
“Special concern” (SC) species are native species which have been documented by biological
research or inventory to have suffered a decline that could threaten the species if allowed to
continue unchecked, or which occur in such small numbers or with such restricted distribution or
specialized habitat requirements that they could easily become threatened within Massachusetts.
F. SCENIC RESOURCES, UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTS AND HISTORICAL AREAS
As a peninsula with a tidal shore line of 8.3 miles and bounded by the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation,
Winthrop’s character is determined in large part by coastal resources and views. Belle Isle Marsh
Reservation is the last remaining salt marsh in the metropolitan area. Magnificent views of the
marsh, the Atlantic Ocean and the City of Boston abound from nearly every spot along the shoreline
in Winthrop.
The cliff on which Fort Heath Park is situated overlooks the Belle Isle Marsh and also offers a
breathtaking view to the north and east. Cottage Hill, site of the “landmark” red, white and blue
water tower, affords views in all directions. Belle Isle Marsh is designated as an Area of Critical
Environmental Concern (ACEC).
Winthrop Beach is not a state classified barrier beach. However, it was geologically formed as a
typical barrier beach, as a tombolo spanning between the drumlins at Winthrop Highlands and
Cottage Hill. This is also indicated in the topography, which was originally (before the seawall) a
dune gently sloping west to the salt marsh which is now the area now known as Lewis Lake and the
golf course.
There are ten entries for Winthrop in the State Register of Historic Places 2012. Some of these
historic resources are related to the Boston Harbor Islands Archaeological District and the
Metropolitan Park System historic resource. Additionally, Winthrop has remnants of historic
railroad lines such as the Crystal Cove jetty.
These areas are depicted on Figure 6: Unique Features, which can be found in Appendix D.
Table 21
Historic Resources
Name Designation # of Properties
Boston Harbor Islands Archaeological
District (Winthrop and 5 other
NRDIS 21
31
Table 21
Historic Resources
Name Designation # of Properties
communities)
First Period Buildings of Eastern MA
Thematic Resource Area (113
properties in 46 towns)
NRTRA 2
Fort Banks Mortar Battery – Kennedy
Drive
NRIND 8
Frost Public Library – 2 Metcalf Sq. NRDIS 1
Metropolitan Park System of Greater
Boston – Multiple Property
Submission
NRMPS NA
Edward B. Newton School – 45
Pauline Street
NRIND 2
U.S. Post Office – Winthrop Main
Branch 3 Metcalf Square
NRDOE, NRDIS 1
Winthrop Center – Metcalf Square
Historic District
NRDIS 143
Winthrop Shore Drive – Metropolitan
Park System of Greater Boston –
Multiple Property Submission
NRMPS, NRDIS 3
Deane Winthrop House – 40 Shirley
St.
NRIND, NRTRA 2
NRDIS: National Register District
NRTRA: National Register Thematic Resource Area
NRIND: National Register Individual Property
NRMPS: National Register Multiple Property Submission
NRDOE: National Register Determination of Eligibility
32
G. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Hazardous Waste Sites – As with most urban communities, Winthrop has a number of hazardous
waste disposal sites. Most of these sites are considered non-priority by DEP and are being cleaned
up by the private sector under Chapter 21E of the Massachusetts General Laws. There are currently
67 sites listed in the states’ database. A database of these sites can be accessed at:
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/SearchableSites/Search.asp . None of these sites directly impact any
of the parks.
Landfills – There are no landfills currently operating in the Town of Winthrop. All solid waste is
collected and taken out of the town.
Erosion – Erosion in the town is primarily due to wave action along the beaches and to a much lesser
extent from new construction activity. There is erosion at Coughlin Park which is causing a walking
path to narrow and poses a hazard for walkers.
Chronic Flooding – In 2012 the Metropolitan Area Planning Council prepared an update of the
natural hazards mitigation plan first completed in 2005. During the planning process, town staff
identified the following flood hazard areas:
1. Yirrel Beach: coastal surge and flooding during storm events.
2. Shirley Street Neighborhood: low-lying street area and adjacent sea wall experience waves
overtopping and flooding during storms. The town has been approved for a $500,000 Pre-
Disaster Mitigation grant but needs to appropriate matching funds to receive the grant. The
grant will allow the installation of new drainage pipes to alleviate the problem of waves
over-topping the sea wall.
3. Lewis Lake: Serves as drainage area for a large part of the downtown. The lake overflows
during storms and causes flooding in adjacent areas. The town is investigating the possibility
of dredging the lake and doing stormwater improvements.
4. Ingleside Park: Backup and flooding due to lack of storm water storage capacity and
undersized drains. Floods during high tides coinciding with high precipitation of greater than
one inch.
5. Lower Nahant Avenue: coastal surge, high tide and high precipitation all cause backup in
undersize drain lines and flooding within the adjacent neighborhoods.
6. Woodside seawall and headwall on Boston Harbor: coastal surge flooding during storms.
7. Somerset seawall and headwall on Boston Harbor: coastal surge flooding during storms.
8. Sargent Street seawall and headwall on Boston Harbor: coastal surge flooding during storms.
33
9. Cottage Park seawall and headwall on Boston Harbor: coastal surge flooding during storms.
10. Coughlin Park: coastal erosion and flooding during higher northwest winds and coastal
storms.
11. Bayou Street neighborhood: flooding due to undersized drainage line that backs up in high
precipitation storms.
Sedimentation – Sedimentation is primarily caused by road runoff and construction related earth
disturbances. These can be minimized by adherence to environmental regulations. Sedimentation
is a major concern at Lewis Lake because the lake receives run-off from roughly one-third of the
town.
Development impacts – There is very little developable land remaining in Winthrop so development
impacts are limited to redevelopment projects where the original development has already resulted
in land disturbance. Redevelopment of sites is done under existing environmental regulations which
means that the newer development has to adhere to higher standards than that which it is
replacing. Existing development patterns also pose an environmental challenge. Stormwater runoff
due to high levels of impervious surface is one such challenge. Lewis Lake receives stormwater
runoff from approximately 1/3 of the town. The lake is only a few inches deep because of siltation
from run-off. The lake needs to be dredged or it will eventually fill in and be unable to hold and
absorb stormwater runoff.
Ground and surface water pollution (point and non-point) – The Mystic River Watershed Association
(MyRWA) maintains water quality monitoring stations throughout the watershed. Site BEI093 is
one of the fifteen Mystic Baseline Monitoring Sites in the Mystic River Watershed. This site is one of
five saltwater sites that was initiated in 2008-2009. Belle Isle was chosen as a site as it carries
significant runoff from the City of Revere, City of Boston, Town of Winthrop and Suffolk Downs. The
site is important due to the value of the marsh system and potential degraded shellfish because of
water quality issues. The findings for multiple years reflected the significant inputs of sewage from
City of Revere and from Suffolk Downs. Both of these institutions are now under federal consent
decrees that mandate infrastructure improvements. Suffolk Downs has completed the majority of
that work and Revere is halfway through a 10-12 year effort to improve infrastructure. The key
indicator that is measured is the level of enterococcus found in the monthly water
sample. Enterococcus is just one group of bacteria but is a proxy or representative of the other
pathogens that are released in sewage or even horse manure. Massachusetts has numerical
standards for bacteria levels that allows for enforcement to clean up a site. To meet the standard
for primary contact (swimming) the level is 104 CFU/100ml and for secondary contact (boating) that
standard is 350 for an individual sample. With the improvements that Suffolk Downs has made,
MyRWA believes that water quality is improving in Belle Isle Inlet.
34
Forestry issues – There are no significant forested areas in the town and forestry issues are limited
to maintaining the town’s street trees. The state’s 2005 land use data layer (Table 19) shows only
2.1 acres of forested land in Winthrop.
Invasive Species - The major invasive species in Winthrop is phragmites. Phragmites is a perennial
grass found throughout the state. It grows in upland and wetland habitats and can overwhelm
wetlands by forming huge, dense stands. The edges of Lewis Lake are overgrown with phragmites
and the Conservation Commission is investigating ways to manage this problem. The Common Reed
has taken over portions of the salt marsh and mud flats and needs to be controlled.
Environmental equity - Environmental justice populations are depicted on Figure 2 which can be
found in Appendix D. It shows the census block groups that meet the criteria for percentage
foreign-born. This information is super-imposed on the map of parks and open space so that the
reader can easily see which neighborhoods lack open spaces and parks. Within this environmental
justice area are the open spaces of the Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle Marsh Reservation and the
Fort Banks School and Playground. Immediately adjacent to the neighborhood is the Crest Avenue
Playground. Due to the lack of available land it is unlikely that any additional open space and
recreational resources could be developed in this immediate area. However, due to the small size of
the town, this neighborhood has relatively easy access to other parks and open spaces in town.
35
SECTION V- OPEN SPACE, CONSERVATION AND RECREATION LANDS
The first step in being able to make decisions about future needs for open space and recreation is to
have an accurate accounting of existing lands. Table 20 is an inventory of all conservation, open
space and recreation lands, both publicly and privately owned. Information on ownership,
management responsibility, level of protection and a brief description of the property are part of
this inventory. The areas shown in Table 20 are depicted on Figure 8 which can be found in
Appendix D.
What is Open Space?
Open space has many different definitions and can mean different things to different people. What
is considered open space in a suburban or rural community can be very different from what is
considered open space in an urban community. The Open Space and Recreation Planners
Workbook defines open space as “conservation land, forested land, recreation land, agricultural
land, corridor parks and amenities such as small parks, green buffers along roadways or any open
area that is owned by an agency or organization dedicated to conservation”. A broader definition of
open space can and should include undeveloped land with conservation or recreation potential.
Another very important way of looking at and defining open space relates to its status as protected
or unprotected. The definition of open space used in this plan is the broader definition.
Open space and parks are critical to the quality of life in a community and provide a wide range of
benefits. Access to parks can contribute to public health, enhanced property values, and improved
environmental quality including air quality, water quality and the mitigation of urban heat island
effects. Public health benefits include reducing the incidence of childhood obesity by providing safe
places for kids to be active. They can also serve as important meeting places for neighbors to get to
know one another.
How the Inventory and Map was Developed – In 1993 Mass GIS began the process of mapping and
inventorying all protected open space and outdoor recreation sites in the state. Volunteers in each
community were asked to draw parcels onto a base map and provide attribute information on these
sites. Because this was a volunteer effort the resulting data were variable in their accuracy and
completeness.
As a first step, MAPC reviewed the mapped data from Mass GIS as well as the attribute data. In
order to improve the accuracy of the mapped parcels and to update the map with parcels added
since 1993, MAPC obtained a full tax assessment parcel database from the town and built the map
up from that database. The tax parcels that were relevant to the open space and recreation
inventory were overlaid on an orthophotograph so that parcel boundaries could be adjusted to
36
reflect the actual area devoted to a particular park and not just the acreage of a particular parcel.
Information on zoning was obtained from the parcel database as well.
The information in Table 20 was taken from a variety of sources: conversations with town staff, the
Mass GIS database, the tax assessment parcel database and field observations. Town staff reviewed
the information for accuracy but no additional research into the legal record of ownership or review
of deeds was undertaken.
Levels of Protection
For planning purposes, it is important to be aware of the degree of protection for each parcel.
Knowing the level of protection (or lack thereof) will point out how easily some properties we
assume to be open space can be developed. This knowledge will help in identifying those open
space and recreation areas that need additional effort for their preservation and protection.
In order for the inventory to be included as an update to the Mass GIS database, the following
designations regarding level of protection will be used.
Protected in Perpetuity – Mass GIS considers a parcel to be protected “In Perpetuity” if it is
recorded in a deed or other official document. Land is considered protected in perpetuity if it is
owned by the conservation commission, if it is subject to a conservation restriction in perpetuity, if
it is owned by one of the state’s conservation agencies (thereby covered by Article 97); if it is owned
by a non-profit land trust or if the municipality received federal or state assistance for the purchase
or improvement of the property. Land that is dedicated to park and recreation purposes is also
protected under Article 97. Private land is considered protected if it has a deed restriction in
perpetuity or a conservation restriction has been placed on it. The Division of Conservation Services
“Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook” also includes in this category land that is owned
by the Parks and Recreation Department.
According to the Mass GIS open space database, most of the properties in Winthrop are listed as
being protected in perpetuity but there is no definitive information available on their legal status.
Therefore, the action plan recommends that additional research be done to determine the legal
status of these properties.
Temporary Protection – The Mass GIS definition is land that is legally protected for less than
perpetuity (i.e. short term conservation restriction) or temporarily protected through an existing
functional use. These lands could be developed for other uses when their temporary protection
expires or when their functional use is no longer necessary. In general, this includes all land owned
by other municipal departments or commissions including school properties and lands managed by
the town for non-recreational purposes.
Limited – The Mass GIS definition of limited protection includes land that is protected by legal
mechanisms other than those listed above or protected through functional or traditional uses.
These lands might be protected by a requirement of a majority municipal vote for any change in
37
status. This designation also includes lands that are likely to remain open space for other reasons
(e.g. cemeteries and municipal golf course).
None – This category includes land that is totally unprotected by any legal or functional means. This
land is usually privately owned and could be sold without restriction at any time for another use.
Overview of Open Space
There are many ways to categorize open space; by protection status, by ownership and by type. This
information is all included in Table 20. This brief overview looks at the type of open space and
recreation available in Winthrop.
Coastal Resources – Because Winthrop is a coastal community, the marshes and beaches are a
primary conservation and recreation resource. The 45.7 acre Belle Isle Marsh is a prominent feature
and is owned partly by the Town and partly by DCR. There are five town beaches totaling 7.5 acres
and one beach owned by DCR which is 23.5 acres for a total of 31 acres of beach property. Other
coastal resources include Snake Island, Fishermen’s Bend, the Public Landing and Crystal Cove jetty.
Parks, Playgrounds and Specialized Facilities – This category includes city-wide parks such as
Ingleside Park as well as neighborhood playgrounds and more specialized facilities such as
basketball courts, the ice rink and the golf course. These facilities total 81.5 acres.
School Facilities – School-based recreational facilities accounts for an additional 23.9 acres.
Roadway-related open land – In a densely developed community such as Winthrop, the small open
spaces found in traffic circles and median strips, add green space which is visually pleasing to the
community. These small parcels amount to 1.7 acres.
Private Recreation – Winthrop is home to two private yacht clubs: the Cottage Park Yacht Club and
the Winthrop Yacht Club.
Chapters 61, 61A and 61B - There are no lands enrolled in these tax assessment programs in
Winthrop because the town is densely built-out and has no active farms or forested areas. The one
golf course is municipally owned but is leased to a private operator.
Agricultural Preservation Restrictions – There are no agricultural preservation restrictions in
Winthrop because there are no active farms.
Conservation Restrictions – A portion of Coughlin Park is under a conservation restriction.
Other Conservation and Recreation Lands – The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)
maintains the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Facility which is in Boston, just south of the
Winthrop border. The island has a 2.6-mile shoreline path and 2 miles of trails through the hills of
the island. Deer Island’s 60 acres of parkland make it ideal for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading,
38
dog walking (on a leash), sightseeing, picnicking, and fishing and is heavily used by Winthrop
residents.
39
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Beaches
Point Shirley
Beach
Point
Shirley Town BOS 5.3
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes
No
additional
rec.
facilities
needed.
Clean up of Boston
Harbor has helped. Good
Yirrell Beach
Nerious St.
at Brewster
Ave. Town BOS 1
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes
No
additional
rec.
facilities
needed.
Newly renovated
and handicapped
accessible. Good
Halford Beach Sewall Ave. Town BOS 0.3
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes
No
additional
rec.
facilities
needed. Small rocky beach. Good
1 Zoning information was taken from a map titled “Street and Zoning Plan – Town of Winthrop Revised December 2006. Although Town Property is not a
zoning district it is shown as a separate category on this map.
2 Most of the properties in Winthrop are listed as being Protected in Perpetuity but there is no definitive information available on their legal status. Therefore, the
action plan recommends that additional research should be done to determine the legal status of these properties.
3 A “Yes” in this column indicates that the property is legally accessible to the public. Physical access may be limited by topography or other environmental
constraints or lack of parking or signage. This table does not include an assessment of accessibility issues as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. These
issues are covered in Table 24.
40
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Pico
Playground
and Beach
Corinha
Beach Road Town
Town
Councl
Rec. 0.6
Recently
funded
through
town and
fundraising
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Already
fully
developed
as a park.
Neighborhood
playground and
beach. Good
Donovan's
Beach
Circuit
Road Town
Town
Councl 0.3
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes
No
additional
rec.
facilities
needed.
Small
neighborhood
beach. Good
Winthrop
Shore Drive
Beach and
Cliffwalk
Winthrop
Shore Drive
and Trident
Avenue DCR DCR 23.5
DCR is
completing
this project
now Res. A Perp. Yes
No
additional
rec.
facilities
needed.
Largest beach in
Winthrop. Control
by DCR- due for
$7M renovation. Good
Other Coastal Resources
Snake Island
Off of the
Inner
Harbor Town
Cons.
Comm 8
Town and
Federal
Cons.
Property Perp. Yes
Passive
rec. only
Small island off
shore in Inner
Harbor. Natural state
Fishermen's
Bend
Sunnyside
and
Corinha. Town
Cons.
Comm 1.19
Town
Budget
Cons.
Property Perp. Yes
Passive
rec. only
Combination
marsh and other
land recently
acquired by Town. Good
41
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Public Landing
Shirley
Street Town
Town
Councl 4.3
Town
Budget and
State
Division of
Fisheries
and
Wildlife
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Fishing,
boating,
passive
rec. No
additional
rec.
facilities
needed.
Publicly owned
boat landing with
benches and scenic
view. Good
Crystal Cove
Jetty
Washingto
n Avenue
at Shirley
St. Town
Town
Councl 0.7
Seaport
Advisory
Council,
DCR,
MassWorks
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Plan for
primarily
passive
rec.
facilities.
Old Narrow Gauge
Railroad Bed.
Planning is
currently
underway for
improvements. Fair
Belle Isle
Marsh
Belle Isle
Marsh DCR DCR 1.8
Some
funding has
been
provided in
the FY’15
Transporta
tion Bond
Bill, may
pursue
higher ed.
investment
Cons.
Property Perp. Yes
Passive
only;
some
potential
for trails.
ACEC- Tidal marsh-
last urban estuary
in Metro Boston
area. Natural state
Belle Isle Belle Isle DCR DCR 23.4 DCR, CZM, Cons. Perp. Yes Passive Conservation and Natural state
42
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Marsh Marsh EOEA only;
some
potential
for trails.
passive recreation.
Belle Isle
Marsh
Belle Isle
Marsh Town Town 20.5
Funding
has been
provided in
the FY’15
Bond Bill Cons. Perp. Yes
Passive
only;
some
potential
for trails. Natural state
Parks, Playgrounds and Special Facilities
Coughlin
Playground
Bay View
Avenue Town BOS 9.8
EEA, Our
Backyards
Grant and
local funds
through
Town
Council
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Rec.
facilities
need to
be
upgraded.
In need of
rehabilitation.
Erosion at waters’
edge path. Poor
Coughlin Park
(Restricted)
Bay View
Avenue Town
Cons.
Comm. 1.2
DCR Rec.
Trails
program,
MWRA
mitigation
payments
Town
Property Perp. No
Passive
rec. trail
use. Restricted access. Poor
Ingleside Park
Walden St.
@ Lincoln
St. Town
BOS &
Rec. 11.2
PARC,
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes.
Already
fully
developed
Large park with
ball field and
playground. Good
43
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
as a park.
Massa
Playground
Hillside
Avenue
and Beacon
Street Town
BOS &
Rec. 0.6
USH
PARC
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Already
fully
developed
as a park.
Small playground
and tot lot recently
renovated. Good
Crest Avenue
Playground
Crest
Avenue
and
Highland Town
BOS &
Rec. 1.3
DCR
mitigation
for
Winthrop
Beach
project
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Already
fully
developed
as a park. Small playground. Good
Pond Street
Playground
Highland
Avenue Town
BOS &
Rec. 1.0
Town
Budget and
local
donations
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Facilities
to be
upgraded
in 2014.
Park & basketball
court. Slated for
renovations in
2014. Poor
Daw
Playground
Veterans
Road and
Cutler
(Lewis
Lake) Town
BOS &
Rec. 1.0
Town
Budget,
and local
donations
Cons.
Property Perp. Yes
Already
fully
developed
as a park. Small playground. Good
44
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Walden Street
Basketball
Courts Walden St. Town
BOS &
Rec. 0.4
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Already
fully
developed
as a park.
Basketball courts
with lights &
bleachers. Good
Winthrop Golf
Club
453 Main
St. Town BOS 48.0
Golf Club
through
lease
agreement
with town
Cons.
Property Perp.
Members
only
Already
fully
developed
as a golf
course.
Private golf course
on land leased
from Town. Good
Larsen Skating
Rink
45 Pauline
Street Town Town 1.4
Local
fundraising
, Town
Budget,
and
possible
corporate
funding
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Town is
phasing in
new rec.
uses.
Skating rink and
indoor rec. center. Good
Fort Heath
Park
Highland
Ave.and
Pond St. Town BOS 3.6
Town
Budget &
EOEA
Cons.
Property Perp. Yes
Potential
for trails,
additional
seating. Passive park. Good
Little League
Field
Veterans
Road at
Shirley
Street Town BOS 2.0
Possible
PARC grant
application
Cons.
Property Perp. Yes
Already
fully
developed
as a sports
field. Baseball field. Good
45
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
School Facilities
Fort Banks
School
Playground
Kennedy
Drive Town
BOS &
Rec. 9.3
School
Budget and
PTA
fundraising
Town
Property ? Yes
Possible
dog park
or trails.
Large multi-use
area. Good
Veterans Field
Cross
Street @
Franklin St. Town
School
Dept. 7.4
New
School
Building
Project
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Additional
facilities
would
need to
be
studied.
Adjacent to high
school - multi uses. Good
Miller's Field
Cross
Street @
Main St. Town
School
Dept. 5.3
Possible
PARC grant
application
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Primary
use is for
football
but area
in need of
upgrades.
Athletic fields and
track and field Poor
Cummings
School Park Hermon St. Town
School
Dept. 1.9
New
School
Building
Project
Town
Property Perp. Yes.
Used for
active rec.
Small area
would not
allow
additional
uses.
Small school
playground in need
of renovation. Poor
46
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Roadway Related Green Spaces
Egleton Park
Egleton
Park at
Bartlett Rd. Town BOS 0.2
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes None
Green space on
cul-de-sac. Good
Beach Road Beach Road Town DPW 0.1
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes None Traffic island. Good
Summit
Avenue Green
Summit
Ave. Town BOS 0.8
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes. None
Center strip in
road. Good
Thornton Park
Thornton
Park
(grassy
area) Town BOS 0.3
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes
Passive
rec.
Grassy median
with trees, a path
and a few benches.
Flat. Good
Woodside
Park
Cottage
Park Road
at Bartlett Town DPW 0.1
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes. None
Grassy median
strip. Good
Lewis Terrace
Lewis
Terrace Town BOS 0.2
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes. None
Small green space
in median of road. Good
Total
Roadway
Open Space 1.7
47
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Other Municipal Properties
Water Tower
Faunbar
Ave. Town BOS 0.6
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. No None Town Stand Pipe Good
Terrace
Avenue
Gardens
Terrace
Avenue Town BOS 0.3
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp.
Limited to
members.
Passive
rec.
Embankment on
west side of
Cottage Hill
drumlin. Good
Belle Isle
Cemetery
Annex
Kennedy
Drive Town
Cem.
Dept. 27.9
Town
Budget
and
Bond
Bill
Town
Property Limited Yes
Passive
rec. with
potential
for trails. Cemetery. Good
Lewis Lake
Washingto
n Ave. at
Veterans
Road Town
BOS &
Cons. 24.7
Town
Budget,
Major
Bond
Issue or
State
Infrastr
ucture
grant Res. A Perp. Yes
Passive
recreation
and no
potential
for active
rec.
Tidal inlet abutting
golf course. Good
Railroad ROW
off Sea View
Avenue
Seaview
Ave. @
Winthrop
St. Town BOS 1.5
Town
Budget,
DCR
Rec. Limited No
Potential
for
passive
rec.
Old Narrow Gauge
Railroad bed. Fair
48
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Trails
Progra
m
Fort Banks
bunkers
Kennedy
Drive Town Town <acre
Town
Budget,
MPPF,
or
grants
Town
Property Perp.
Yes but
not
developed
access
Historic
use
Sealed WW II era
fortification-
potential for
recreation/historic
al uses. Good
French Square
Woodside
@
Jefferson Town BOS 0.1
Town
Budget,
local
fundrais
ing
Center
Bus. Perp. Yes
Not
appropria
te for
additional
dev.
Small revitalized
park in center of
business district. Good
Main
Winthrop
Cemetery
Cross St. @
River road Town
Cemet
ery
Dept. 12.1
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes Passive Cemetery. Good
Winthrop
Common/Met
calf Square
Hermon
Street
@Pauline Town BOS 0.1
Town
Budget Res. A Perp. Yes Passive
Small green space
across from Town
Hall. Good
Brookfield
Brookfield
@
Wheelock
Street Town BOS 1.8
Town
Budget
Town
Property Perp. Yes Yes
Enclosed drainage
ditch adjacent to
Ingleside Park. Good
49
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Land with conservation/recreation potential
George Street
Parcel
George
Street Town Town <1
Town
Budget Res. A
Potential
for a
pocket
park.
Parking lot with
recreation
potential for
pocket park. Good
Harborside
Realty Ch.91
49 Main
Street Private Private NA Private WD Limited
Yes per
Chapter
91. Passive
Required to
construct and
maintain publicly
accessible wharf,
pathways, benches
and one publicly
accessible
restroom with
signage indicating
public facilities. NA
Pleasant Court
18 Amelia
Ave. DiFlumeri Private 1.4 NA Bus. None None Passive
Underdeveloped
natural site
adjacent to the
Belle Isle March.
Owner has sought
zoning change to
subdivide land for
residential dev. NA
Morton Street One Seal Bonacorso Private 1.9 NA Light None None Passive Undeveloped filled NA
50
Table 22
Inventory of Conservation and Recreation Facilities
Name of Site Address Owner Mgt. Acres
Funds
Used/Type
of Grant Zoning 1
Degree 2
of Prot.
Public
Access 3
Rec.
Potential
Current
Use/General
Description Condition
Harbor Rd. man. area adjacent to
Belle Isle Marsh.
Currently used for
open storage.
Owner has
proposed rezoning
for residential use.
State has
considered
purchase.
Banks Street
Banks
Street Duval Private 1.2 NA
Light
man. None None Passive
Partially developed
area adjacent to
Belle Isle March. NA
51
52
Chapter 91 Licenses – Chapter 91 is the legislation known as the Public Waterfront Act. The
purpose of these regulations is:
To ensure tidelands are utilized for water-dependent uses or otherwise serve a proper public
purpose
To protect public health, safety & general welfare
To revitalize urban waterfront properties
To promote public use and enjoyment of the water
The following activities require a Chapter 91 license:
Construction, maintenance, reconstruction of unauthorized fill or structures
Existing or proposed use
Existing or proposed structure or fill
Change in Use or Structural Alteration
Permit for dredge, beach nourishment and lowering of Great Pond water level
Chapter 91 licenses are a good way to ensure public access to tidal areas and to obtain public open
space amenities. Table 21 lists the Chapter 91 licenses in Winthrop that involve public access.
These licenses differ in the type of public access that is required. Those that are deemed to be on
Commonwealth Tidelands have the following language included:
“The licensee shall not restrict the public’s right to use and to pass freely for any lawful
purpose, upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark. Said lands are held in trust by the
Commonwealth for the benefit of the public.”
Licenses given where private tidelands are involved include the following language:
“The licensee shall allow the public to use and to pass freely upon the area of the subject
property lying between high and low water marks for the purpose of fishing, fowling and
navigation.”
In the case of non water-dependent uses, Chapter 91 requires public access and each license
spells out what is required.
Table 23
Chapter 91 Licenses
Licensee License # Location Public Access and Amenities
DiCenso 10047 Court Road Private tidelands: Must allow public right of passage
on area below high water mark.
Winthrop
Yacht Club 10158
Shirley
Street
Private tidelands: Must allow public right of passage
on area lying between high and low water marks.
53
Table 23
Chapter 91 Licenses
Licensee License # Location Public Access and Amenities
Ricupero 12538 Pleasant St.
Private and Commonwealth tidelands: Must allow
public right of passage below high water mark.
Vigliotta 12539 Pleasant St.
Private and Commonwealth tidelands: Must allow
public right of passage below high water mark.
Pleasant Park
Yacht Club 12532 Pleasant St.
Private tidelands: Must allow public right of passage
on area below high water mark.
Town of
Winthrop 12842
Town
Landing-
Shirley St.
Commonwealth Tidelands: The public has the right
to use and to pass freely for any lawful purpose,
upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark.
Dept. of
Conservation
and
Recreation 11732
Winthrop
Shore Drive
north of
Locust St.
Private and Commonwealth tidelands: Must allow
public right of passage below high water mark.
Court Road
Condo Trust 12218 Court Road
Private tidelands: Must allow public right of passage
on area lying between high and low water marks.
Town of
Winthrop 12561
Town
Landing-
Shirley St.
Commonwealth Tidelands: The public has the right
to use and to pass freely for any lawful purpose,
upon lands lying seaward of the low water mark.
Biggio 10344
Cottage Park
Yacht Club
Private tidelands: Must allow public right of passage
on area below high water mark.
Town of
Winthrop 10460
Town
Landing
Private and Commonwealth tidelands: Must allow
public right of passage below high water mark.
Harborside
Realty LLC 13341 Main Street
Required to construct and maintain publicly
accessible wharf, pathways, benches and one
publicly accessible restroom with signage indicating
public facilities.
Source: Department of Environmental Protection
Lands of Conservation and Recreation Interest – There is an additional 4.5 acres of land that have
been identified as lands of conservation and recreation interest where future parks or open space
preservation is a possibility.
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Parks and Recreation Department – The Parks and Recreation Department is run by a director,
assistant director and a program coordinator. It sponsors a full range of programs for children,
teens and adults. Special events include an Easter egg hunt and day trips to Foxwoods Casino.
Adult programs include dog training classes and a financial aid seminar for parents. The department
runs a cheerleading camp, summer day camp, baseball league, basketball, a running club, floor
hockey and lacrosse. The department also provides guitar lessons and CPR training. In addition,
there is an after school program for children in grades K-6. The program takes place at the
Recreation Dept in the rear of the middle school. Transportation is provided from the Fort Banks
and Cummings school to the site. With the recent purchase of a rubberized floor that can be laid
down over the ice rink surface the Recreation Department will be able to utilize the rink as an
indoor venue for programs during the off-season. Some recreation programs are also run out of the
EB Newton Cultural Center.
Environmental Justice and the Distribution of Parks and Open Spaces
Environmental justice populations are depicted on Figure 2 which can be found in Appendix D. It
shows the census block groups that meet the criteria for percentage foreign-born. This information
is super-imposed on the map of parks and open space so that the reader can easily see which
neighborhoods lack open spaces and parks. Within this environmental justice area are the open
spaces of the Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle Marsh Reservation and the Fort Banks School and
Playground. Immediately adjacent to the neighborhood is the Crest Avenue Playground. Due to the
lack of available land it is unlikely that any additional open space and recreational resources could
be developed in this immediate area. However, due to the small size of the town, this
neighborhood has relatively easy access to other parks and open spaces in town.
Handicapped Accessibility
Accessibility Requirements - The Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook states that all
municipal property and programs must be accessible to people with disabilities. Furthermore, all
municipal park and conservation areas and programs must be evaluated as part of the process of
preparing an open space and recreation plan. This section gives an overview of accessibility issues
in Winthrop. The complete facilities inventory and transition plan is contained in Appendix C.
Town of Winthrop Commission on Disabilities – The Commission was created in 1987 with the goal
of being a resource on matters affecting persons with disabilities. The Commission works with the
Mass. Architectural Access Board on issues related to building access. The Commission is funded
through handicapped parking fines. In the recent past, some of this funding went to purchase two
adaptive swings for the disabled which are located at Ingleside Park and Daw Playground.
Physical facilities – It can be difficult to determine what standards apply because the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Access Board (AAB) and DCR all have different
standards. Many of the playgrounds and tot lots utilize a wood chip surface. Wood chips are
55
considered acceptable by the ADA and AAB but they are not ideal for a number of reasons and must
be maintained. Proper maintenance in the form of leveling and smoothing is required to maintain
the proper ground height at access transfer platforms. People with small children also noted that
toddlers and young children are prone to putting the wood chips in their mouths and that sharp
objects and other foreign material can become trapped under the chips and thereby, posing a safety
hazard. Most of the wood chip surfaces are completely surrounded by raised or sunken railroad ties
which are a barrier to pushing a wheelchair onto the surface. It is unfortunately not possible to
overlay rubber mats over wood chips because the resulting surface is bumpy.
Program evaluation– The Recreation Director stated that the town does not have any special
programs for children with disabilities but that specific programs are adjusted as needed to
accommodate special needs. There are two children who use wheelchairs and participate in the
after-school program run by the Recreation Department. He further stated that Ingleside Park is the
park that is most desirable for wheelchair users.
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SECTION VI – COMMUNITY VISION
A. Description of Process
The community vision and associated goals and objectives were developed after reviewing previous
plans and studies, meetings with town staff and after consideration of comments received at the
June public meeting. Although turnout at the public meeting was low, useful information was
provided by the residents who attended.
B. Statement of Open Space and Recreation Goals
The Town of Winthrop is committed to ensuring that current and future residents of the town have
ample opportunities for recreation and access to open space despite financial constraints, dense
development and changing demographics. The town will continue to take steps to improve and
enhance its existing parks and to add facilities to meet specific needs in a fiscally responsible
manner. Improving recreational opportunities to ensure the health of its citizens will be a guiding
principle.
TOWN OF WINTHROP OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN 2013-2020 GOALS
Goal #1: Protect and enhance the quality and integrity of all conservation land and open space for
public use and enjoyment.
Goal #2: Provide ample recreational opportunities for all residents of the town.
Goal #3: Preserve the scenic quality of the town.
Goal #4: Promote public awareness of conservation and recreation, use of recreation areas and
programs offered.
Goal #5: Coordinate Winthrop’s recreation and open space planning activities with those of
neighboring communities, as well as regional, state and federal activities.
Goal #6: Protect coastal areas.
Goal #7: Protect wildlife and wild plants to preserve the diversity and health of natural community
ecosystems.
Goal #8: Promote cooperation between Town boards with jurisdiction over open space and
recreational areas and work towards implementation of this plan.
Goal #9: Develop a walking and biking network linking public open space, and civic and commercial
resources.
57
58
SECTION VII – ANALYSIS OF NEEDS
A. OVERVIEW OF NEEDS ANALYSIS
The identification of community needs and subsequently, potential action items for the Seven-Year
Action Plan, was accomplished in three ways:
Review of previous planning studies
Meetings with town staff and community organizations
Two public meetings: June 20, 2013 and November 21, 2013
A list of all the meetings conducted during the course of this planning project can be found on page
4.
B. REVIEW OF PLANNING STUDIES
There are several planning studies and reports that have been done recently that were reviewed to
help identify community needs and to develop the Seven-Year Action Plan. These include the
following:
Town of Winthrop Open Space and Recreation Plan January 2005 – This plan expired in
2010 but it contains a wealth of information on open space and recreation and was the basis
for the new plan update.
Walk Winthrop: A Plan for a More Walkable & Bikeable Town – This report was prepared
in 2010 by The Conway School of Landscape Design for the town based on the town’s
interest in creating a more bikeable and walkable community. The report recommended
developing a network of walking and cycling routes throughout the town that would connect
commercial districts, municipal services, natural resources and transportation hubs.
Walk Winthrop: A Greenway Action Plan – In 2011, MAPC prepared a greenway action plan
for Winthrop. The purpose of the plan was to advance the concepts first identified in the
Walk Winthrop plan of 2010. The vision of the Walk Winthrop Greenway is a network of
signed and marked urban trails that connect the town’s natural resources, including its
beaches, views, and parks with transportation systems and civic and business districts. A key
tourism potential resides in the proposed Boston Harbor to Winthrop Loop where one could
take the MBTA to Maverick Station, hop on a bicycle and ride along the East Boston
Greenway to Constitution Beach, continue into Winthrop, head down Winthrop Shore Drive
and Yirrell Beach to Point Shirley, circle Deer Island and return to the ferry terminal to head
back to Rowes Wharf in Boston.
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C. SUMMARY OF RESOURCE PROTECTION NEEDS
Although Winthrop is a densely developed community there are still a fair number of resource
protection needs. One of the most important is sea level rise due to climate change. While this is
an important issue it is also a longer-range issue and one which is not easily addressed through an
open space and recreation plan. Beach re-sanding is another issue which is currently being
addressed but is an on-going concern. Sedimentation has led to reduced water depth at Lewis Lake.
The lake needs to be dredged to maintain its depth and ability to store water. The lake is also
overgrown with phragmites which needs to be controlled. Residents would like to see more
attention paid to tree planting. There are numerous areas of chronic flooding throughout the town
and erosion at Coughlin Park.
D. SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY’S NEEDS
The residents who attended the two public meetings identified a number of improvements they
would like to see including community gardens, more walking paths and bike trails and the creation
of a dog park. Improving Miller Field was a major concern as well as the need for additional playing
fields. There was interest in a community sailing program and the construction of an indoor
swimming pool. Residents thought that Halford Beach needed improvements and that Yrillel Beach
needed additional parking and a permanent restroom facility.
The needs of elderly residents are divided between the younger, more active senior citizens and the
frail elderly. The frail elderly generally require therapeutic recreational services. More active
seniors tend to enjoy walking, golf, tennis and swimming. The Winthrop Council on Aging offers a
wide variety of recreational programs at the Senior Center including aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and
Zumba. In the past year, the Senior Center built a community garden in the back yard of the center.
This is the first community garden in Winthrop.
The needs of residents with disabilities also vary. Some residents with disabilities can participate in
regular recreational programs without any modifications while others may need some assistance.
The Recreation Director stated that there are two children in wheelchairs who participate in the
after-school programs run by the Recreation Department. He stated that the department does not
run any special programs but makes adjustments to their programs as necessary to handle
individuals with disabilities. Ingleside Park is the best location for wheelchair users. Depending on
the degree of disability, there may also be a need for specific programs geared for that population
but this is not currently the situation in Winthrop. Physical barriers are a key factor and will need to
be evaluated through the American Disabilities Act Section 504 process and eliminated in a
systematic fashion. Programmatic changes may also be necessary, including training staff on how to
work with disabled residents.
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E. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC MEETING
A public meeting was held at the Gorman-Fort Banks Elementary School on June 20, 2013. A
summary of the comments can be found in Appendix A. The major needs identified were:
Manage encroachment at Fishermen’s Bend and the land along Washington Street adjacent
to the marsh.
Expand the community gardens program beyond just the garden at the Senior Center.
Increase bike and trail connectivity especially for families with children.
Activate ferry terminal with more things to attract visitors and residents.
Bring the Community Preservation Act back for a vote.
The beaches need to be re-sanded.
Halford Beach is in need of improvements
Increase parking and install a permanent restroom at Yrillel Beach.
Establish a community sailing program
Indoor swimming pool.
Establish a dog park.
Improve Miller Field.
Additional comments were received from the public at the November 21, 2013 meeting at which
the draft Seven Year Action Plan was presented.
The town should consider creating a walking path from the parking lot at the end of
Winthrop Street through Governors’ Park to the Gorman/Fort Banks School.
There is a need for additional playing fields.
Improve the Larson Rink and upgrade the locker rooms.
Preserve the gymnasium in the Middle School next to the Larson Rink and turn into an
athletic center.
The concept of additional parking at Yrillel Beach may not be well-received by abutters but
may be necessary because people are parking at the town landing to use the beach.
The residents of the town need to carefully consider how much tourism/day visitation they
want; it might impact residents who like the town the way it is.
At this meeting, residents were asked to identify additional action recommendations and to “vote”
for their priorities among all the action recommendations presented. Although this identification of
priorities was limited to those in attendance they are included in Table 24 as a reflection of what
interested residents feel should be given a higher priority.
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F. MANAGEMENT NEEDS
The Department of Public Works (DPW) plays a major role in providing support for open space and
recreation resources in the town. The recently completed Nahant, Bellevue, Somerset Roadway and
Infrastructure project included restoration of two shoreline public access ways at Halford Beach and
at Somerset Extension. The DPW collects trash from Yirrell and Winthrop Shore beaches, Snake
Island and Belle Ile Marsh. They also maintain and plant street trees.
There is a Parks and Grounds division of the DPW. The parks and grounds division faces serious
labor needs. The current staffing for all of the building grounds, cemeteries, parks, beaches and
public ways is approximately 150 person hours per week spread over twelve parks as well as other
town buildings. The DPW is committed to working closely with the Parks and Recreation
Department to improve efficiencies wherever possible. The DPW has a bench and trash barrel
sponsorship program which has successfully enhanced many of the town’s public spaces.
G. NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION STANDARDS
The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) has developed the most widely used
standards for park and recreation land. The often cited standard was that a local park system
should, at a minimum, be composed of a “core” system of parklands with a total of 6.25 to 10.5
acres of developed, “close-to-home” open space per 1,000 population. The local park system
should include mini-parks, neighborhood parks and larger community parks. Based on this
standard, Winthrop should have between 109-183 acres of developed open space for parks and
recreation areas. Winthrop’s total dedicated acreage for public active and passive parks and school
facilities is approximately 166 acres, which is within the range of the national standards. While DCR
owns a considerable amount of this land, only a portion of it is available for active recreation since
much of it is marsh and has limited opportunities for active recreation.
These standards are frequently updated as approaches to park planning change. The NRPA is in the
process of converting to an online database that will provide guidance on the issue of standards but
this database is not yet available. Regardless of the standards, land acquisition and park
development is hindered by budgetary constraints and by the fact that the town is densely
developed with very little vacant land. The town is therefore not in a position to plan based on
national standards.
H. SCORP RELATIONSHIP
The SCORP (Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan) is the state’s equivalent of a
municipal open space plan. SCORP plans are developed by individual states to be eligible for federal
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants. The current plan was prepared in 2012 by the
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. During the planning process, the state
conducted public meetings as well as an internet survey and phone survey. There was a special
effort made to survey youth as well as adults. The plan has four major goals:
62
1. Increase the availability of all types of trails for recreation.
2. Increase the availability of water-based recreation.
3. Invest in recreation and conservation areas that are close to home for short visits.
4. Invest in racially, economically, and age diverse neighborhoods given their projected
increase in participation in outdoor recreation.
The research done for the plan found that the major obstacle residents face in their participation in
outdoor recreation was lack of time and other commitments. This is an important finding that
points to the need to have close-to-home facilities. Other key findings include:
Running, walking and jogging are the top activities reported by adults and youth.
Gardening, road biking and hiking were mentioned by more than 20% of all respondents to
the survey.
Swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, and several winter sports are ranked higher in the youth
survey than in the adult survey, whereas gardening, golf, and bird and wildlife watching are
ranked higher in the adult survey.
38% of survey respondents reported that they expected an increase in outdoor recreation
activity in the next five years.
Of particular relevance to the Winthrop plan is the finding that nearly 73% of residents spent at
least a day at the Massachusetts coast in the past year and more than one-third spent more than a
week at the coast. The plan also highlighted the importance of tourism to the Massachusetts
economy which is in line with the goals of the Winthrop plan for advancing economic development
through increased visitation to Winthrop’s parks and open spaces.
I. OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION AS A CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Town of Winthrop has expressed an interest in using open space and recreation as a catalyst for
spurring economic development. The marketing of Winthrop’s open spaces and beaches to visitors
from outside the town could provide additional customers for existing businesses and if successful,
could also provide a customer base for additional recreation- oriented businesses and services.
While this is not usually a component of an open space and recreation plan, many communities
understand that there can be a stronger link between open space and recreation and the economic
vitality of the community.
There are three main components to spurring economic development through open space
development. The first is to make use of the Winthrop Greenway walking trail to encourage more
foot traffic for local businesses. The second component would be to capitalize on transient boaters
who might be enticed to spend on goods and services as they dock at the Town Landing. The third
would be to actively market the town’s open space resources to day visitors who might visit for a
day.
63
Specific recommendations for economic development have been included under Goal 9 in the Seven
Year Action Plan.
1. Use open space and recreation to increase foot traffic for local businesses
Local businesses depend on foot traffic and because of Winthrop’s small size, it is likely that most
businesses in the Shirley Street area have a stable but static customer base. Any new visitors to
Winthrop can potentially add to their income. The Shirley Street commercial district has a healthy
mix of retail and service establishments. Some of these such as restaurants, convenience stores,
and marine services are more likely to be used by visitors than others. A business directory at key
locations such as the Town Landing would help visitors find businesses they may want to patronize.
One thing that is missing from the retail mix in the Shirley Street business district is a place to buy
fresh food and produce.
a) Develop a business directory at the Town Landing – This would provide information on businesses
within walking distance of the Town Landing to ensure that visitors can find the goods and services
that they need.
b) Encourage retailers who carry groceries to stock fresh food and produce – For day visitors who
want to picnic during the course of their stay in Winthrop this would fill in a gap in the range of
foods available for purchase.
c) Improve the streetscape on Shirley Street – Basic improvements such as tree planting, flower
planters and improved sidewalks would make it more enticing for pedestrians to walk down Shirley
Street.
2. Improve resources for transient boaters
The Harbor Master identified a number of issues related to elevating the status of Winthrop as a
viable harbor for transient boaters. Marketing is one issue and providing a higher level of facilities
and services is another.
Improving services and facilities – This is the first step towards attracting more transient boaters.
Without an appropriate level of services and facilities, it will be hard to attract more boaters.
Shirley Street and Washington Streets are the marine center of Winthrop with a marine hardware
store and two businesses offering fuel.
Most of the moorings are permanent. The town maintains transient slips for up to 5 boats. These
slips have water and electric. There are also three moorings available for short term rental. These
require an anchor, ring and a dinghy to get to land. Larger yachts require higher amp service so
service would need to be upgraded in order to attract these types of yachts.
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a) Pursue grants to expand commercial dockage and increase capacity for transient boaters – The
grants administrator has begun to seek out such grants.
Information and marketing – It is important to ensure that visitors have up-to-date information on
what Winthrop has to offer as a harbor and as a community. This includes waterway guides, phone
apps, the town’s website and social media. Research shows that boaters travel to destinations that
have restaurants, gift shops but that a critical mass of destinations is needed to lure boaters. The
eventual location of a casino in the Boston area represents another opportunity to enhance
Winthrop Harbor as a destination.
a) Ensure that Winthrop data is included in the popular “Navionics” phone application and waterway
guide – Navionics is one of the most widely-used waterway guide that also includes a phone
application. The app includes points of interest for each harbor. Winthrop should work to be sure
that it is well-represented in this information source.
b) Keep the town’s web site up-to-date - Information on moorings, boater services and local
attractions needs to be well-presented on the town’s web site as this is another likely source for
potential out-of-town visitors.
c) Create a Facebook page for Winthrop Harbor - This can be another source for information but
more importantly, for marketing the harbor and local events and spreading the word about local
attractions.
3. Market the town’s open space and recreation resources to day visitors
Establish a visitor gateway at the Town landing – This gateway would serve as a jumping off
point for a number of Winthrop’s key open space and recreational resources that would
appeal to day visitors including Yrillel Beach, Winthrop Shore Reservation, Crystal Cove Jetty,
Coughlin Playground, Massa Playground, Lewis Lake and the facilities at Deer Island. The
Town Landing already serves as a point of entry for the ferry and recreational boaters and
provides basic services such as restrooms, showers, a water fountain, picnic tables and
information related to boating. For those who are not coming by boat, there is also ample
parking. Building on this base could involve the following enhancements:
Information kiosk to orient visitors.
Bicycle rentals or bike share kiosk.
Public art related to the ocean.
Signage to direct visitors to different parks and open spaces. Signage could also include
approximate walking times to various locations as well as a directory of local businesses.
65
Local businesses would be encouraged to help fund improvements to this gateway. In
addition to a bike rental/share station, the use of the Peter Pan bus and the addition of a
visitor trolley or other forms of transportation like pedicabs, would provide additional ways
to get around. In order to attract day visitors, the weekend ferry schedule would need to be
enhanced.
Market special events to the region, not just Winthrop residents- Special events such as
concerts, music or food festivals, heritage days, walking tours, etc. can draw people to
communities they might not have otherwise visited. Events that are of general interest
rather than strictly local, can be easier to publicize in the newspapers. While such events
require a real commitment of time and money on the part of the organizers, they can bring
people into the downtown and can increase business for restaurants and local shops. Start
by marketing existing events such as Old Fashioned Family Day at the Beach and the Fourth
of July fireworks. Marketing can be done through traditional methods such as print media
and radio but should be expanded to include social media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) and
smartphone apps.
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SECTION VIII- GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
These goals and objectives were developed after reviewing previous plans and studies, meetings
with town staff and comments received at the public meeting held on June 20, 2013.
Goal #1: Protect and enhance the quality and integrity of all conservation land and open space for
public use and enjoyment.
Objective 1.1: Ensure that all conservation and open land is maintained according to a land
management plan.
Objective 1.2: Provide adequate facilities for the public in order to ensure that the open
spaces can be used without negative impacts.
Goal #2: Provide ample recreational opportunities for all residents of the town.
Objective 2.1: Ensure that recreational opportunities exist for all age groups.
Objective 2.2: Ensure that all facilities are accessible to individuals with physical and
cognitive disabilities.
Goal #3: Preserve the scenic quality of the town.
Objective 3.1: Ensure that new development is compatible with existing buildings and
neighborhoods.
Objective 3.2: Ensure that coastal resources are maintained.
Goal #4: Promote public awareness of conservation and recreation, use of recreation areas and
programs offered.
Objective 4.1: Use the town’s website and social media to educate the public about available
resources and programs.
Objective 4.2: Improve mapping and signage so that all residents and visitors can easily find
the town’s open spaces.
Objective 4.3: Link visitors with the town’s commercial businesses.
Goal #5: Coordinate Winthrop’s recreation and open space planning activities with those of
neighboring communities, as well as regional, state and federal activities.
Objective 5.1: Continue to participate in the Inner Core Committee subregion of MAPC.
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Objective 5.2: Continue to work on regional greenway and trails initiatives.
Goal #6: Protect coastal areas.
Objective 6.1: Stay abreast of the latest information on planning for sea level rise.
Objective 6.2: Take advantage of programs for strengthening sea walls and for natural beach
protection.
Goal #7: Protect wildlife and wild plants to preserve the diversity and health of natural community
ecosystems.
Objective 7.1: Reduce the prevalence of invasive species throughout town.
Objective 7.2: Take measures to protect coastal ecosystems such as salt marshes.
Goal #8: Promote cooperation between Town boards with jurisdiction over open space and
recreational areas and work towards implementation of this plan.
Objective 8.1: Determine if there are any gaps or overlaps in jurisdiction and reduce these.
Objective 8.2: Develop a mechanism to oversee implementation of the plan.
Goal #9: Develop a walking and biking network linking public open space, and civic and commercial
resources.
Objective 9.1: Implement the recommendations of the Walk Winthrop study.
Objective 9.2: Use walking and biking trails as a way to link open space with town businesses
as a tool for economic development.
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SECTION IX –SEVEN YEAR ACTION PLAN
The Seven Year Action Plan is the most important section in any open space and recreation plan.
The following recommendations are meant to bridge the gap between the existing open space and
recreation resources identified in Section 5, the goals and objectives identified in Section 8 and the
needs and desires of the residents of Winthrop as detailed in Section 7. The designation of a target
year is meant as a guide only. It is more important to be flexible and take advantage of
opportunities as they arise. Many items will need to occur over several years. In each case, a
primary responsible party or parties is identified. Figure 9 is a map illustrating the action plan
recommendations and can be found in Appendix D.
The Seven-Year Action Plan was developed by first reviewing the action plan from the 2005 Plan. All
completed actions were removed from the list unless they are on-going. The remaining action items
were reviewed by various town departments to determine if they were still desirable and new ones
were added. Additional action items were added based on citizen input from the public meeting.
A. ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2005-2010 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN
The Town of Winthrop made considerable progress on the items identified in The Five Year Action
Plan. These are highlighted in Table 22 below.
Table 24
Accomplishments from the 2005-2010 Open Space and Recreation Plan
Action Item Status
Establish a Park Facilities Improvement Program. Planned improvements have been on-going.
Keep findings of ADA Transition Plan up-to-date. On-going.
Investigate funding mechanisms to acquire
undeveloped privately owned properties for
preservation.
This is an on-going need since Winthrop failed to
pass the Community Preservation Act in 2001.
Develop plans and investigate funding sources
for a Harborwalk to include Shirley Street
Trestle.
Project is in the design phase.
Initiate planning on the construction of a nature
walk around the perimeter of Belle Isle Marsh
abutting the cemetery.
Planning is on-going.
Initiate beach maintenance program. Beach maintenance is on-going.
Continue working with the Winthrop
Beautification Committee, Chamber of
Commerce clean up committee and other town
groups.
On-going.
69
Table 24
Accomplishments from the 2005-2010 Open Space and Recreation Plan
Action Item Status
Review findings of Coastal Access Study and
begin application for additional funds from DEM
next year.
On-going.
Continue planning for an in-line skating park and
dog park.
On-going.
Commence improvements and upgrades at
Massa Playground.
Improvements were completed in 2007.
Begin planning for improvements to Daw and
Pico Playgrounds.
Improvements completed.
Rebuild basketball court at Crest Avenue
Playground.
Completed.
Develop program of park improvements and
restoration.
Several park improvement projects have been
completed and plans are underway for
additional projects at Coughlin and Pond Street.
B. ON-GOING INITIATIVES
There are a number of on-going initiatives which need to be mentioned and described. The
completion of these projects will be referenced in the Seven Year Action Plan table but details are
provided in this section.
Fishermen’s Bend Trail Project – The Town of Winthrop has received a grant from the Department of
Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Recreational Trails Program. The grant will be used to make
improvements at the Fishermen’s Bend Trail, located off of Sunnyside Avenue and Corinha Beach
Road behind Pleasant Street . The Fishermen’s Bend Path is used somewhat but it has become
overgrown and beaten down and the DCR funds will help the town purchase supplies such as stone
dust for the path, the equipment needed to clear the trails, and signage for the paths. The lot on
Sunnyside Avenue opens up to the street and will be developed as a trail head with bike racks and
trash receptacles.
Improvements to the Edward Rowe Snow Path – Improvements to this path will also be paid for out
of the DCR Recreational Trails grant. This path connects the end of the Shore Drive rotary around
Cottage Hill to Yirrell Beach.
Harbor Management Committee Public Access Plan – The Town Manager’s office has been working
with the Harbor Management Committee on a Public Access plan to restore stairways and public
70
access to the waterfront. The most recent success of this effort was the restoration of the seawall at
235 Court Road.
Ingleside Park Improvements - The DPW will install rubber surfaces at the two playgrounds in
Ingleside Park and is undertaking substantial drainage improvements.
C. THE 2013-2020 SEVEN YEAR ACTION PLAN
Organization of the Action Plan – Table 24 is a complete listing of all the action plan items in the
format required by the Division of Conservation Services. The action items are grouped under the
goal which they most directly contribute to. In many cases, an action item will contribute to more
than one goal but will be listed only once.
Priority Action Items
The nine goals were not ranked in priority order by the town but were selected because they all
contribute to the vision for open space and recreation that the town has articulated. Priorities for
the various action items were identified by a preference polling exercise conducted at the second
public meeting. Those action items that received the highest number of “votes” during this
exercise can be considered priorities. These are listed below along with the number of “votes” they
received in parentheses.
Create a connection between the terminus of the Kilmartin pathway at Belle Isle Marsh and
town land near Gorman Elementary School. (10)
Upgrade Miller Field with a turf field and new, lighted track. (6)
Create a walking path from the parking lot at the end of Winthrop Street through Governors’
Park to the Gorman/Fort Banks School. (5)
Complete the Fishermen’s Bend trail project . (4)
Expand recreational programs at the beaches including swimming and kayaking. (4)
Complete the Fishermen’s Bend trail project . (4)
Continue to collaborate with Boston and Revere on regional trails. (3)
Investigate the feasibility of locating a bike share Hubway station in Winthrop Town Center
and the Winthrop Ferry terminal. (3)
Note on funding sources: The entries in the column “funding sources” are intended to give the
reader some ideas on possible funding sources. Each grant program has its own eligibility
requirements and it is generally difficult to determine if an action is fundable until the project is
more clearly defined. The table also cannot take into account new grant programs or funding
sources that might become available over the seven years of the plan.
PARC stands for the Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities
Program formerly known as the Urban Self-Help Program.
71
LWCF stands for Land and Water Conservation Fund
GC stands for the Gateway Cities Initiative.
CDBG stands for Community Development Block Grants.
LAND stands for Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity, (formerly known as the Self-Help
Program).
TE stands for the Transportation Enhancements Program.
RTGP stands for the Recreational Trails Grant Program.
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Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
Goal #1: Protect and enhance the quality and integrity of all conservation land and open space for public use and enjoyment.
Develop the underutilized
space between the street
and the sea wall at Yrillel
Beach to provide beach
parking. (2 ) 1
Rec. Dept,
Cons., DPW
Town
Develop a parking area at
the rear of Coughlin
Playground using pervious
pavement to protect the
environment.
Rec. Dept,
Cons., DPW
Town
Develop a permanent
restroom facility at Yrillel
Beach. (2)
Rec. Dept,
Cons., DPW
Town
Research the legal protection
status of all parks and
Town Counsel Town
1 A number in parentheses indicates the number of “votes” that an action recommendation received during the preference polling conducted at the November 21
public meeting.
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Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
conservation lands to
determine if they are
permanently protected.
Continue to evaluate
locations for a dog park. (1)
Rec. dept,
DPW
Town
Goal #2: Provide ample recreational opportunities for all residents of the town.
Expand recreational
programs at the beaches
including swimming and
kayaking. (4)
Rec. Dept. Town
Investigate the possibility of
having lifeguards at Yrillel
Beach.
Rec. Dept.,
Cons.
Town
Undertake renovations at
Coughlin Playground.
Rec. Dept. Private,
state,
town
Undertake renovations at
Pond Street Playground.
Rec. Dept. Private,
state,
town
Complete planned Rec. Dept. Town
74
Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
improvements (rubber
playground surfaces and
drainage upgrades) at
Ingleside Park.
DPW
Upgrade Miller Field with a
turf field and new, lighted
track. (6)
School Dept,
Rec. Dept.
State,
local
Complete the
design/permitting of the
Harborwalk on the Crystal
Cove Jetty. (2)
Town
administrator
Local,
state
Develop additional playing
fields. (1)
Rec. Dept. Local,
state
Upgrade the locker rooms at
the Larson Rink and preserve
the Middle School
gymnasium as an athletic
center . (2)
Rec. Dept. Local,
state
Goal #3: Preserve the scenic quality of the town.
Continue tree maintenance
and planting program . (2)
DPW Town and
private
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Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
donations
Ensure that design of the
Harborwalk at Crystal Cove
Jetty maximizes
opportunities for scenic
views . (1)
Town,
consultant
State,
local
Goal #4: Promote public awareness of conservation and recreation, use of recreation areas and programs offered.
Conduct an educational
campaign regarding the
benefits of adopting the
Community Preservation Act.
Cons. Comm,
Rec. Dept.
Town
Use social media to publicize
recreation opportunities and
open space areas . (1)
Cons. Comm,
Rec. Dept.
Town
Upgrade the conservation
and recreation pages on the
town’s website.
Cons. Comm,
Rec. Dept.
Town
Work with MAPC to include
Winthrop information in the
Boston Green map. (1)
Grants
administrator
Town
76
Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
application.
Goal #5: Coordinate Winthrop’s recreation and open space planning activities with those of neighboring communities, as well as
regional, state and federal activities.
Continue to collaborate with
Boston and Revere on
regional trails. (3)
Grants
administrator
Town
Continue to participate in
the Inner Core Committee.
MAPC rep. Town
Goal #6: Protect coastal areas.
Develop and implement a
management plan for the
tidal pool at the base of
Cottage Hill.
Cons. Comm. Town
Evaluate ways to halt the
erosion of the walking path
at Coughlin Playground.
Cons. Comm . Town
Continue to implement the
recommendations of the
Harbor Mgt.
Committee;
Town,
state
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Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
Harbor Management
Committee’s Public Access
Plan to restore stairways and
public access to the
waterfront . (2)
DPW
Complete the Fishermen’s
Bend trail project . (4)
Cons. Comm.
DPW
RTGP
(State)
Town
Work with DCR to ensure
completion of the Winthrop
Beach re-nourishment
project.
DCR State
Goal #7: Protect wildlife and wild plants to preserve the diversity and health of natural community ecosystems.
Dredge Lewis Lake to
improve the storage capacity
of the lake and aid in
mosquito control .(1)
Cons. Comm. Local and
state
Develop and implement a
plan for reducing phragmites
at Lewis Lake. (1)
Cons. Comm. Town
Identify unprotected parcels Cons. Comm. Town
78
Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
of BioMap 2 Core Habitat
and Critical natural
Landscape for protection
efforts.
Protect additional acres of
BioMap 2 core habitat and
critical natural landscapes.
Cons. Comm. Town,
state,
federal.
Goal #8: Promote cooperation between Town boards with jurisdiction over open space and recreational areas and work towards
implementation of this plan.
Convene a quarterly meeting
of all town departments,
boards and commissions to
discuss progress on projects.
(1)
Town
Administrator
Town
Initiate update of plan in
Year 6.
Town
Administrator
Town
Goal #9: Develop a walking and biking network linking public open space, and civic and commercial resources. 1
Complete improvements to Cons. State and
1 This goal includes recommendations related to fostering economic development through promotion of open space resources.
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Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
the Edward Rowe Snow
Path. (2)
Comm/Grants
Administrator
town
Create a connection
between the terminus of the
Kilmartin pathway at Belle
Isle Marsh and town land
near Gorman Elementary
School. (10)
Cons.
Comm/DCR/Gr
ants
Administrator
Town
Stripe a bike lane on
Veterans Road . (1)
DPW Town
Investigate the feasibility of
locating a bike share Hubway
station in Winthrop Town
Center and the Winthrop
Ferry terminal. (3)
Town
Administrator
Town
Create a walking path from
the parking lot at the end of
Winthrop Street through
Governors’ Park to the
Gorman/Fort Banks School.
(5)
Town
Administrator,
DPW
Town
Begin the process of Town Town,
80
Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
identifying funds for a bike
share system including
private donations and public
revenue sources. (1)
administrator private
sources
Work with MAPC, the City of
Boston, and Alta Bike Share
to implement Hubway.
Town
administrator,
MAPC
Public and
private
Complete the missing
segments of the Ocean
Route portion of the regional
greenway. 1
Grants
administrator,
DPW
Town
Recommendations related to economic development
Develop a business directory
at the Town Landing.
Chamber of
Commerce,
Town
Administrator
Private
Improve the streetscape on
Shirley Street.
DPW, Town
Administrator
Public and
private
Ensure that Winthrop data is Harbor Master Town and
1 For more information on the Ocean Route please refer to pages 10-12 of the report titled “Walk Winthrop: A Greenway Action Plan” prepared by MAPC.
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Table 25
Seven-Year Action Plan
Action Responsibility Funding Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7
included in the Navionics
Waterway Guide and phone
app.
private
Keep the town’s web site up-
to-date.
Town
Administrator
Town
Create a Facebook page for
Winthrop Harbor.
Town
Administrator
Town
Establish a visitor gateway at
the Town Landing. (1)
Town
Administrator,
Chamber of
Commerce
Town and
private
Market special events
regionally.
Chamber of
Commerce,
Town
Town and
private
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SECTION X – IMPLEMENTATION
The purpose of this section is to make decision-makers and town residents aware of the many
different ways to preserve and/or acquire open space and recreation land. Some of the methods
and programs have already been utilized by the town. Other methods have not been employed but
could be in the future.
A. STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAMS
Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity - The LAND Program (formerly the Self-Help Program) was
established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions acquiring land for natural resource
and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Lands acquired may include wildlife, habitat, trails, unique
natural, historic or cultural resources, water resources, forest, and farm land. Compatible passive
outdoor recreational uses such as hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, bird observation and
the like are encouraged. Access by the general public is required. This state program pays for the
acquisition of land, or a partial interest (such as a conservation restriction), and associated
acquisition costs such as appraisal reports and closing costs.
Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program
The PARC Program (formerly the Urban Self - Help Program) was established in 1977 to assist cities
and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. Any town
with a populati on of 35,000 or more year - round residents, or any city regardless of size, that has an
authorized park /recreation commission is eligible to participate in the program. Communities that
do not meet the population criteria listed above may still qualify und er the "small town," "regional,"
or "statewide" project provisions of the program.
Only projects that are to be developed for suitable outdoor recreation purposes, whether active or
passive in nature, shall be considered for funding. Grants are available f or the acquisition of land
and the construction, or renovation of park and outdoor recreation facilities, such as swimming
pools, zoos, athletic play fields, playgrounds and game courts. Access by the general public is
required.
Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund – This is a federal program administered by the State
Division of Conservation Services for the acquisition and development or renovation of park,
recreation and conservation land. The Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (P.L. 88-578)
provides up to 50% of the total project cost for the acquisition, development and renovation of
park, recreation or conservation areas. Municipalities, special districts and state agencies are eligible
to apply. Nearly 4000 acres have been acquired and hundreds of parks renovated using the $95.6
million that Massachusetts has received from the state side portion of the federal program since
1965. DCS administers the state side Land & Water Conservation Fund program in Massachusetts.
Access by the general public is required.
83
Recreational Trails Grant 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 (FHWA). Funds are disbursed
to each state to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-
motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. In Massachusetts, funds are administered by the
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in partnership with the Massachusetts
Recreational Trails Advisory Board. Winthrop is currently using this grant source to complete two
trails projects.
Community Preservation Act- The idea of a real estate transfer tax was signed into law on
September 14, 2000 as the Community Peservation Act (CPA) . The CPA is a tool for communities to
preserve open space, historic sites, and affordable housing. The Community Preservation Act is
statewide enabling legislation that allows cities and towns to exercise control over local planning
decisions by providing a new funding source which can be used to address three core community
concerns:
Acquisition and preservation of open space
Creation and support of affordable housing
Acquisition and preservation of historic buildings and landscapes
A minimum of 10% of the annual revenues of the fund must be used for each three core community
concerns. The remaining 70% can be allocated for any combination of the allowed uses. This gives
each community the opportunity to determine its priorities, plan for its future, and have the funds
to make those plans happen. More information on the CPA can be found at
http://www.communitypreservation.org
Winthrop placed adoption of the CPA on the ballot in 2001 but it failed to pass at Town Meeting.
84
SECTION XI – PUBLIC COMMENTS
85
Planning Board letter
86
Board of Selectmen letter
87
Regional Planning Agency letter
88
Conservation Commission letter
89
90
SECTION XII – REFERENCES
Town of Winthrop, Annual Town Report 2012
Town of Winthrop Hazard Mitigation Plan 2012 Update prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council, March 2012.
Walk Winthrop: A Greenway Action Plan prepared for the Town of Winthrop by MAPC November
2011.
Walk Winthrop: A Plan for a More Walkable and Bikeable Town prepared by the Conway School of
Landscape Design, Winter 2010.
Winthrop Harbor Assessment and Plan prepared by the Cecil Group, April 2005.
Town of Winthrop Open Space and Recreation Plan January 2005 prepared by McGregor &
Associates.
91
APPENDIX A: PUBLIC MEETING FLYERS
92
Please Join Us for a Discussion on Open Space and
Recreation in Winthrop
Thursday, June 20, 2013 7:00-9:00 PM
Gorman-Fort Banks Elementary School
101 Kennedy Drive Winthrop, MA
The Town of Winthrop is in the process of preparing a new open space and recreation plan. The
Town wants to hear your views on:
Goals for open space and recreation for the next seven years
Connecting points of interest with trails and paths
Conservation and open lands
Parks, playing fields and playgrounds
Beaches and boating
This meeting is being sponsored by the Town of Winthrop and the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council (MAPC). For more information on this meeting or if you need any special accommodations
such as language interpretation, assistive listening devices or meeting materials in alternate formats or
other assistance during the meeting, please contact Joan Blaustein, MAPC, at (617) 933-0755 or
jblaustein@mapc.org . We would appreciate notice at least one week in advance.
93
Please Join Us to Discuss the new Open Space and
Recreation Plan for Winthrop
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7:00-9:00 PM
Gorman-Fort Banks Elementary School ??
101 Kennedy Drive Winthrop, MA ??
The Town of Winthrop has been working on a new open space and recreation plan. The plan is
now in draft form and the Town wants to share the draft recommendations with residents. Please
join us to discuss recommendations relating to:
Connecting points of interest with trails and paths
Conservation and open lands
Parks, playing fields and playgrounds
Beaches and boating
Promoting economic development and tourism by promoting open space resources
This meeting is being sponsored by the Town of Winthrop and the Metropolitan Area Planning
Council (MAPC). For more information on this meeting or if you need any special accommodations
such as language interpretation, assistive listening devices or meeting materials in alternate formats or
other assistance during the meeting, please contact Joan Blaustein, MAPC, at (617) 933-0755 or
jblaustein@mapc.org . We would appreciate notice at least one week in advance.
94
APPENDIX B: NOTES FROM THE PUBLIC MEETINGS
Notes from the June 20, 2013 Public Meeting
OSRP Goals
#2 and #4 could be merged.
Less is more – consider merging and creating broader goals.
Add #11.
In plan, include information to educate about regulations (citizens)
In plan, recommendations of better signage and signs indicating what the regulations are (on
a map).
Maintain resources to promote visitorship (vs. tourism) (building on assets of Winthrop
Beach and Ferry terminal)
Expand #3 – include urban gardening initiative, support larger urban agricultural movement.
Conservation and Open Lands
Fishermen’s Bend often squeezed by encroachment. Needs a good map and signage.
Need real surveying work to be done.
Washington Street near the marsh – also subject to encroachment.
Belle Isle – (see map)
Signage for education as well
Community gardens
Trails and Connected Open Space
Increasing bike and trail connectivity especially for families with children.
Activate ferry terminal with more things to attract visitors and residents.
Add bike rental to ferry terminal. Maybe pedicabs? Including Hubway or similar like Salem
Cycle program.
Explore other models including kayaks and canoe rentals. Ownership of land may restrict
what is possible.
Pleasant, Washington Street, Shore Drive, Revere and Main – connectivity by means of a bike
lane? Pauline as cut-through?
Bike lane from Washington Street to Shore Drive to Revere Street to encourage bike to
school.
Community Preservation Act – bring back for vote?
Water-Based Recreation
Resanding beaches.
95
Increasing accessibility to Pico Beach – handicapped access.
Halford Beach – improvements
Yirrell Beach – more parking and a permanent restroom needed.
Winter Hill Art Association – installations in parks. Kinetic sculpture/solar energy?
Good marketing of events like Family Fun Day – can draw people from outside of Winthrop.
Community sailing program
Promoting fishing.
Parks, Playgrounds and Playing Fields
Community gardens – more.
Senior Center gardens – no access for public plots available to town residents.
o Near Crest Avenue playground.
o Identify suitable sites including roof of new high school.
Need information on regulations/parameters for whether gardens are allowed on municipal
properties including parks.
Major projects for composting and gardening in the schools?
Idea of parks with different options and for diverse ages.
Fitness park, water park, “natural” park (no equipment).
Fundraise for installing more rubber (versus mulch) in the parks. Would contribute to
making parks more accessible.
Plan for funding park maintenance including school parks.
Indoor swimming pool.
Dog park.
New athletic complex would be nice but not eligible under school improvement plan.
Multipurpose field
Improve Miller Field.
Could attract outside users to generate revenue.
Replace bocce court.
Pond Street park – more natural? Garden?
Notes from the November 19, 2013 Public Meeting
The town should consider creating a walking path from the parking lot at the end of
Winthrop Street through Governors’ Park to the Gorman/Fort Banks School.
There is a need for additional playing fields.
Improve the Larson Rink and upgrade the locker rooms.
Preserve the gymnasium in the Middle School next to the Larson Rink and turn into an
athletic center.
96
The concept of additional parking at Yrillel Beach may not be well-received by abutters but
may be necessary because people are parking at the town landing to use the beach.
The residents of the town need to carefully consider how much tourism/day visitation they
want; it might impact residents who like the town the way it is.
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Appendix C
Section 504 Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan
Part I: Administrative Requirements
1. Designation of an ADA Coordinator – Attach official designation of employee responsible for ADA
coordination with name and position title, and signed by the chief municipal officer.
2. Grievance Procedures – This is a procedure for the general public to follow in the event that a
complaint must be made.
3. Public Notification Requirements - Employees and the public must be notified that the community
does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Notification must be in a format that is accessible
such as large print, simple language and in an auditory form. An “EOE” clause must also be included
in any recruitment materials for publications. Please submit copies of these documents and
evidence that notices were also made for the visual and learning impaired.
4. Participation of individuals with disabilities or organizations representing persons with disabilities
Part II: Program Accessibility – Part II, the Program Accessibility, is an inventory and transition plan
that includes the buildings, recreation facilities and equipment (swimming areas, tot lots, etc.),
programs and services under the jurisdiction of the conservation commission or recreation
department. This also includes lessees or concessionaires.
Facility Inventory – Complete a separate inventory for each facility under the jurisdiction of the
recreation department or conservation commission. The Facility Inventory is included in Table 26.
Transition Plan – The Transition Plan can be found in Table 26.
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Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
Donovan Beach Benches without
sides or backs; two
stairway entrances;
two ramps with
handrails; one bike
rack. No parking.
Ramps 3.8%-8%
slope. Ramp width is
45 inches.
Sand. There is a slight
lip where the
sidewalk meets
the ramp on both
sides as well as
where the ramp
meets the sand.
No designated
parking lot.
Nearest curb cut
is a private
driveway. No
accessible path of
travel across the
sand.
Add/replace current
benches with benches
that have sides and backs.
Eliminate the lip between
the sidewalk and the
ramp.
Install an accessible path
of travel to the water.
2018 DPW
Ingleside Park
Gazebo There is a ramp
leading to the gazebo
on one side but there
is a lip at the end of
the ramp.
NA Lip at ends of the
ramp.
Eliminate the lip between
the ramp and gazebo.
2015 DPW
Tot lot Neither entrance has
a gate. Entrances are
48 inches wide. Two
bucket swings with
no sides or backs.
Equipment is rusty.
There are three
benches; no sides.
Some shade trees.
Shredded
rubber tires.
Uneven lip at
entrance to the
tot lot. Shredded
tire surface may
be hard to
navigate in a
wheel chair.
Eliminate the lip at the
entrance to the tot lot.
Upgrade rubber surface
with more firm material.
Add one handicapped
accessible swing.
2015 DPW
Playground Neither entrance has Shredded None. Replace one or more 2015 DPW
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Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
a gate. Entrances are
48” wide. There are 3
sling swings; one is
handicapped
accessible. The
transfer platform is
10” high but rusty
with bolts missing.
There are two
benches with backs
but no sides and one
bench with no back.
rubber tires. benches with a bench
with a back and a side.
Upgrade rubber surface
with a more firm
material.
Other facilities There are five picnic
tables and one is
wheelchair accessible
on a level path but
there is no shade.
Some of the tables
are up the hill and
one needs repair
because of exposed
metal supports.
The entrance to
Ingleside Park is
between two widely
spaced stone pillars.
There are benches
with backs but no
arms. The path into
and through the park
has a variable width
and parts of the path
NA None. Lower the latches to the
tennis courts (52 inches is
too high).
Replace some of the
benches with benches
that have sides and backs.
2015 DPW
100
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
are dirt/mud. Path is
generally 41 inches
wide and mostly
level. There are two
tennis courts with a
gated entrance. The
latch opens with a
closed fist. There is
no dedicated parking
lot. There is a paved
square with hockey
goals and two gated
entrances but no
latches on the gates.
There is also a
baseball field.
Walden Street
basketball courts
Bike rack; 20 striped
parking space in
parking lot; two
handicapped spaces.
4 hoops, lighting, 8
benches with no
backs or sides. There
is a ramp leading to
and from the courts
from the school with
a slope of 5% or less.
Ramp has handrails
at 18 inches high and
32 inches high.
Asphalt. HP parking signs
are faded and the
stencil on the
ground is also
faded. The
bottom of the HP
parking signs is
46 inches high.
Replace HP parking
signs.
Re-paint the stencil on
the ground.
2014 DPW
Coughlin 5 off street parking Rubber tiles; No accessible Re-paint the HP stencil 2015 DPW
101
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
Playground spaces including 1
HP space. Bike rack;
wooden benches in
disrepair. 8 swings;
none are accessible.
Transfer platform is
10 inches high but
rusty and peeling.
Two rusty teeter-
totters. Wide
entrances without
gates. 1 tennis court.
Two basketball
hoops. 5 picnic tables
in disrepair. Baseball
field. Dirt path at far
end of park.
very bumpy. path of travel
throughout the
park. HP space;
sign is too low
and stencil is
faded. No
accessible swing.
on the ground and raise
the sign.
Replace benches with
ones with backs and
sides.
Install one accessible
swing.
Replace the uneven
rubber tiles with a firmer
surface.
Replace rusty equipment.
Town landing Large parking lot
with 6 HP spaces.
Three picnic tables
that are accessible.
Six benches with
backs and sides
overlooking Boston.
Ferry service.
NA None None NA NA
Massa Playground Lighting, bike racks,
nicely landscaped. 4
basketball hoops;
hopscotch courts.
Two picnic tables
including one
Rubber Lips between
sidewalk and
park entrances.
Regrade/repave lips
between sidewalk and
park.
2016 DPW
102
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
accessible table on
asphalt. Tot lot has
four swings but none
handicapped
accessible. Three
play structures at tot
lot. Benches have
sides and backs.
Playground for older
kids has 10 inch high
transfer platforms.
Entrances to the park
don’t have gates and
are wide enough but
there are some lips at
the transition areas.
Pico Park Basketball hoop;
shelter with one
bench, hockey court,
one teeter-totter, two
play structures,
landscaping, swings.
No designated
parking.
Woodchips. There is a drop
from the path to
the wood chips
that a wheelchair
would not be able
to negotiate.
Create a ramp from the
path into the woodchip
playing surface.
Add one accessible
swing.
2014 DPW
Yrillel Beach 2 HP parking spaces
but otherwise on-
street parking only.
Bike racks in the
sand.
Sandy beach. No accessible
path of travel
onto the beach;
stairs only.
Create a ramp to access
the beach and an
accessible path of travel
(rubber mat?) to the
waters edge.
2016 DPW
103
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
Pond Street Off-street gravel/dirt
parking lot but not
striped so unclear
how many spaces;
none HP. Four
basketball hoops;
bike rack; two
benches with arms
and backs facing
basketball court.
Grassy area. Sand
box. 6 sling swings
over sand. Two
wooden benches in
poor condition. One
bouncy horse with a
broken handle. Old
style metal jungle
gym, slide, teeter-
totter. 6 more swings
of assorted types.
Picnic table in poor
shape. No accessible
path of travel from
street.
Sand Equipment is out
of date and in
poor repair. Lot
is flat but there is
no accessible
path of travel.
This park is slated for
improvements at which time the
entire park will be redesigned.
2014-2016 DPW
Crest Avenue
Park
Two HP spaces in the
adjacent municipal
parking lot that has
about 40 spaces.
Bike rack; Wooden
benches with backs
but no side. Both
Wood chips. The wood chip
surface is
depressed with
concrete pavers
around it.
Install a ramp to make
the transition from the
path to the wood chip
playing surface.
2016 DPW
104
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
transfer platforms on
playground
equipment are at 10
inches high. Level,
paved paths are wide
and tree-lined. Gate
to playground is hard
to open but there is
no latch; 38 inch
wide opening.
Adjacent to the
playground is a
grassy area with
trees, benches and a
landscaped flagpole,
Norman Daw
Playground
Swings (including
one handicapped
swing), playground
equipment, benches,
bike racks, metal
slide and teeter totter,
off-street angled
parking. No gates
but fence openings
are sufficiently wide
for a wheelchair.
Grass None Pave two handicapped
spaces closest to one of
the fence openings.
2018 DPW
Larson Rink Locker rooms, skate
shop concession,
snack bar concession
and ice rink. Rink
parking lot has two
During the
off season,
new rubber
mats cover
the rink
None of the four
locker rooms is
accessible. The
hooks on the
walls are 48
The locker rooms and
restrooms should be re-
done and made fully
accessible. As an interim
measure some of the
2018 DPW
105
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
HP spaces. surface for
indoor
recreational
use.
inches high and
the storage
cubbies are 68”
high. The
bathrooms are
not accessible.
There is a high
threshold
blocking access
to the shower
area.
hooks on the wall and the
storage cubbies should
be lowered.
The town should review
the terms of its contract
with the two concessions
to ensure that they
include appropriate
language regarding
accessibility.
Point Shirley
Beach
On-street parking
only.
NA Stairs over the
sea wall not
accessible to
people with
mobility
problems.
Investigate the
possibility of
creating a ramp over
the sea wall.
2017 DPW
Fishermen’s Bend Parking spaces,
gravel paths.
NA Paths may be
difficult for a
wheelchair to
negotiate.
Ensure that paths are
tightly packed and
maintained.
2014 Cons.
Comm/DPW
Halford Beach Local neighborhood
beach; no
improvements.
NA
This is an
unimproved
beach that serves
the immediate
neighborhood. None NA NA
Miller Field Historically this field
has been utilized as
Natural turf
infield and
These facilities
have been
The entire facility needs to be
upgraded, and the town is
2015 Town Council
and School
106
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
athletic track and
fields for high school
sports programs
paved track
around
outside of
field, with
field events
facilities
adjacent to
the playing
surface
unimproved for
several decades.
The field, track
and other
athletics related
facilities are in
need of major
repair and the
stands, restroom
facilities and
snack stand are
also in need of
replacement
determining how best to
undertake this project in
phases. The town would like
to undertake immediate
improvement of the playing
fields by replacing them with
an artificial turf playing
surface to serve all local
athletics group, and replace
the now abandoned track with
a competition certified track
facility that would allow the
town to host outdoor track
meets
Department
Fort Heath Park Parking lot and paved
paths leading to an
overlook. Passive
recreation only.
NA None None NA NA
Belle Isle Marsh
Reservation
None. NA Area is
undeveloped
marsh land.
None required.
Lewis Lake Unimproved dirt
walking paths around
the lake.
NA None
specifically;
paths could be
difficult to
negotiate in a
wheelchair.
None required.
Metcalf Square The commons in
front of the town hall
NA The benches are
located on
Remove the concrete pads or
relocate the benches.
2014 DPW
107
Table 26
Facility Inventory/Transition Plan
Facility Inventory Transition Plan
Name of Park Facilities Playing
Surface
Physical
Obstacles
Recommended Improvements Year Responsible
Party
and library has a
paved path and
several benches.
concrete pads
that cannot be
accessed from a
wheelchair or by
persons with
other mobility
impairments.
Town of Winthrop Open Space & Recreation Plan 2005-2010
ADA GRIEVANCE POLICY —'TOWN OF WINTHROP
The Winthrop Board of Selectmen have adopted and instituted this grievance policy in order to fulfill
the community’s obligations under Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. This pol-
icy establishes a process that is open to any individual who wishes to file a complaint alleging dis-
crimination on the basis of disability in employment practices and policies, or the provision of ser-
vices, programs, activities, or public events, by the Town of Winthrop.
The Making of a Complaint
Complaints against the Town or any of its officers, employees, agents or service contractors, should be
submitted in writing. Alternative means of filing a complaint, including but not limited to a confiden-
tial interview, a tape recorded description of the complaint, or an affidavit prepared on behalf of an
aggrieved party are available to persons with disabilities upon request.
Complaints shall be filed by the aggrieved party and/or his or her representative within 60 calendar
days of an alleged violation, and they shall be directed to the attention of:
Mr. Lawrence S. Holmes
ADA Coordinator
Town Hall
1 Metcalf Square
Winthrop, MA 02152
How the Complaint Will Be Handled
Within 15 calendar days after receiving a complaint, the ADA Coordinator will meet with the ag-
grieved individual to discuss the complaint and possible ways of resolving it, including mediation ser-
vices. During this meeting, the ADA Coordinator will attempt to obtain sufficient information to an-
swer the complaint as provided below if mediation is declined by either the aggrieved party of the in-
dividual(s) against whom a complaint has been made. This is to ensure that handling the complaint is
not unduly delayed.
The decision to utilize mediation will first be made by the aggrieved party, who may accept or reject
the same within 5 calendar days of meeting with the ADA Coordinator. It is the Coordinator’s respon-
sibility to then notify the Town officer, employee, agent, or services contractor of both the complaint
and the aggrieved party’s request for mediation. The Town officer, employee, agent or services con-
tractor will then have 5S calendar days from the date of notification by the ADA Coordinator to decide
whether to participate in mediation. The ADA Coordinator will arrange for qualified mediation ser-
vices when both parties agree to utilize this mechanism for complaint resolution.
If either the aggrieved party or the individual(s) against whom a complaint has been made declines
mediation, then the complaint will be handled through the following process. This process remains
available if mediation is attempted and fails to produce a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is
not mandatory and the decision to forego it will not in any way influence how the ADA Compliance
Coordinator evaluates and decides to resolve the complaint.
No later than 30 calendar days after receipt of the initial complaint (or after receipt of notification that
mediation failed to produce a mutually acceptable resolution), the ADA Compliance Coordinator will
respond to the aggrieved party in writing or, where appropriate, in an accessible format requested by
that party. The ADA Compliance Coordinator’s response will offer one or more options to resolve the
complaint and explain how and why those options were chosen.
Town of Winthrop Open Space and Recreation Plan
January 2005
108
Appeal of the ADA Comp hance Coordinator's Response
If the ADA Compliance Coordinator’s response does not satisfactorily answer the complaint, the ag-
grieved party and/or representative may appeal the decision to the Board of Selectmen or their author-
ized designee, within 15 calendar days after receiving the ADA Coordinator’s response.
Within 15 calendar days after receiving the appeal, the Board of Selectmen or their designee, will
meet with the aggrieved party to hear the complaint and consider ways of resolving it. No later than
15 days after this meeting, the Board of Selectmen, or their designee, will make a written response to
the aggrieved party. They will make their response in an accessible format where appropriate.
Records of all written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator and any subsequent appeals shall
be retained by the Town of Winthrop for at least three years from the date of the last action on a com-
plaint.
OLOT-SOOT UPId UONRaIDayY 2 aoeds udadg doryjUrAA JO UMOL,
Town of Winthrop Open Space and Recreation Plan
January 2005
109
Town of Winthrop Open Space & Recreation Plan 2005-2010
‘Town of Winthrop — Board of Selectmen
Policy of Nondiscrimination Against Persons With Disabilities
The Town of Winthrop does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission
to, access to or operations of its programs, services or activities. The Town of Win-
throp does not discriminate on the basis of disability in their hiring or employment
practices.
This Notice is intended to meet a requirement of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990.
Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be
conveyed to the Town of Winthrop’s ADA Coordinator.
Mr. Lawrence S. Holmes
ADA Coordinator
Town Hall
1 Metcalf Square
Winthrop, MA 02152
617-846-3065
Individuals who need auxiliary aids in order to effectively communicate and participate in programs
and services of the Town of Winthrop are welcome to make their needs known by contacting the ADA
Coordinator.
‘This notice is available in large print, on audiotape and in Braille from the ADA Coordinator.
Town of Winthrop Open Space and Recreation Plan
January 2005
110
111
Appendix D Maps
1 Regional Context
2 Environmental Justice Populations
3 Census Tracts
4 Zoning
5 Soils and Geologic Features
6 Unique Features
7 Water Resources
8 Open Space and Recreation Inventory
9 Seven Year Action Plan
wetdew
R-
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 1: Regional Context
‘Open Space / Recreation
Permanently Protected Open Space
HD Al open space
BTA Subway Line
ne
Bvoronn onEEN
‘ORANGE
reo
suver
D MBIA Stotions
Roads
Interstate
{D4 Belle Isle Marsh —— US. Highway
Reservation —— State Route
ete: 12/11/2013
Date Sources
Porcel: Town of Winthrop MaGiS
Roods ond Tram Tracks. MeHDOT, ManGIS
Wetland MADEP
Metropolitan Aree Plonning Caunell(MAPC)
Boston “
carne) Oe
oe
x 0 1,000
A mmm feet
&MAPC SOYEARS
112
113
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 2: Environmental Justice Populations
Environmental Justice Populations
2 Schools
= Town Hall
HE Foreign tom
Open Space
[0 own Owned
HEI 002 ones
= = = mpl tmdery [—] coma Bk Gps (2010)
Pree
wo 1,000
mmm feet
KMAPC 5O\FA05
ote: 12/11/2013
Dota Source:
Parca: Town of Winthrop MossGiS
Roads ond Train Tracks: MextDOT, MassGIS
Wetlonde:MADEP
‘Merrepoliten Aree Planning Councl(MAPC)
114
N
2 Schools
= Town Hall
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 3:Census Tracts
Open Space
([[1 census tracts (2010) —— Roads
=== Mounici
1D Name
1 Main Winthrop Cemetery
2 Cemetery
3 Belle lle Marsh Reservation
4 Winthrop Shore Reservation
5 Winthrop Shore Reservation
6 Belle Isle Marth Reservation
7 Norman F. Daw Playground
8 Larson Rink
9 Thorton Park
10 Metcalf Square
1 Lewis Lake
12 Crystal Cove Jetty
13 Crest Ave Playground
14 Point Shitley Beach
15 Cummings School
16 Ingleside Pork
17 Summit Ave Park
18 Beach Rood
19 Miller Feld
20 Herold French Square
21 Fort Banks Playground
22 Egleton Park
23 Belle lle Marsh Reservation
24 Lewis Terrace
25 Terrace Avenue Gardens
26 Donovan Beach
2 Veterans Field
28 Railroad Right-of-Way
29° Public Lending
30 Walden St Baskeboll Courts
31 Snoke Island
32 Pico Playground & Beach
33 Lite League Field
34 Water Tower
35 Winthrop Golf Club,
36 Coughlin Pork - Restricted,
37 Yerell Beoch
38 Coughlin Park
39 Woodside Park
40 Pond St Playground
41 Fort Heath Park
42 Motta Playground
43 Brook Field
44 Halford Beach
45 Fisherman's Bend
° 1,000
=m Feet
(7) town Owned
ipal Boundary [MBI ocr Owned
Parcels
Owner
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
pcr
pcr
ocr
ocr
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop
Date: 12/11/2013
Date Sources
Parcel: Town of Winthrop MaxsGIS
Roads ond Trai Tracks: MextDOT, MaxsGIS
Wetlonde:MADEP
Metrepoliten Aree Planning Counc (MAPC)
Revere
:
wae:
Paina
Se ane i
LEED
en
MM
ae
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan
Update
Figure 4: Zoning
Zoning by General Use
Residential
HE commercial
HEE industrict
Conservation
HE other
2 Schools
= Town Hall
Roads
‘Municipal Boundary
Parcels
Water
‘Open Space
MA Towns (polygons)
a) 1,000
=m Feet
S&MAPC SOVEARS
Date: 12/11/2013
Dota Sourcot:
Zoning: MessGIs (1999)
Porcol: Town of Winthrop MorGIs
Roads ond Train Tracks. MexsDOT, MassGiS
WetlondMADEP
Metropoliten Azea Planning Counll(MAPC)
115
Winthrop,MA
Open SpacePlan Update
Figure 5: Soils and Geological Features
Open Space / Recreation
| Open Space
Soils (SSURGO)
Beaches
Fine Sandy Loam
| Urban Land Complex
me -..
a
Ey Udorthents, sandy
| | Udorthents, wet substratum
i Schools
a Town Hall
Roads
Interstate
U.S. Highway
State Route
Non-numbered route
Dove 4/15/2014
N
° 1,000 Dore Sources
Forel: town of Wetrop Maui
=m Feet Roads and Wain Tacks MenDOT, MonsGIS
Sits Usted Stes Department of Agredtre (USDA)
‘Netw esowons Coverveton Service INRCE)
*&MAPC 50 Merropsitan Ares Plerning Cova (MARC)
116
TERRACE
AVENUE pti
GARDENS
117
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 5: Soils and Geological Features
Open Space / Recreation
HE =v ones
(EI <8 Ovned
Surficial Geology
Sond and Gravel
Till or Bedrock
Sond Til over Sand
HEE cd moraine
Large Sond Deposit
TD Fne-Groined Deposit
HI Foodpin atv
Roads
— Interstate
— US. Highway
—— State Route
Non-numbered route
x Dore: 12/12/2013
° 1,000 Dove doorens
reek: Town of Winthrop ts
=—mcmreet foat ond ram oss Mono, MowOis
Wield MADEP
=MAPC SOYEARS -erepalten Aree Planning Coun (MAPC)
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 6: Unique Features
2 Schools
= Town Hall
Parcels
—— Roads
= -- Municipal Boundary
(HS Open space
(OS Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
OG Metcalf Square Historic District
Hil
suggliieal
i
ii
= ag ge ae
FET EERE oe
oa] } 0) 2/9/18) 315
A
Parcel: Town of Winthrop MaxsGIS
Rood ond Tran Tracks: Mes:DOT, MessGIS,
‘Wetlands MADEP
Date: 12/12/2013
Dota Sources:
° 1,000
=m Feet
&MAPC 501/485
‘meropaltan Aree Planning Covnel (MAPC)
118
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 7: Water Resources
i ia cs
[i ocrome
[J noms
nsersote
= Us Highway
——— state
ote: 12/12/2013
ote Sources:
Force: Town of Winthrop MaxsGiS
Reads end Trin Tredks: MessDOT, MexsGiS,
‘Wetland: MADEP
‘Meropoltan Area Planning Counel (AFC)
N
i) 1,000
= mm feet
pct Se ON Es
119
120
Winthrop,MA
Open Space Plan Update
Figure 8: Open Space and Recreation Inventory
Open Space
+ Schools ~—— Roads () town Owned
= Town Hall - ~~ Municipal Boundary [REEEN) DCR Owned
Parcels
1D Name Owner
1 Moin Winthrop Cemetery Town of Winthrop
Town of Winthrop:
r
Larson Rink Town of Winthrop
‘Thorton Park ‘Town of Winthrop
Metcalf Square Town of Winthrop
Lewis Lake: Town of Winthrop
Cry Cove Joy Town of Winthrop
Crest Ave Playground Town of Winthrop:
Point Shirley Beach ‘Town of Winthrop
‘Cummings School Town of Winthrop
Ingleside Park Town of Winthrop
Summ Ave Prk “Town of Winthrop
Beach Rood “Town of Winthrop
Miller Field Town of Winthrop
20. Herod French Squcre “Town of Winhvop
For Banks Playground Town of Winthrop
22 Eton Pork Town of Winhvop
23. Belle le Month Reservation Town of Winthrop
24 Levis Terace Town of Winhvop
25 Terrace Avenve Gardens Town of Winvop
26 Donovan Beach Town of Winthrop
7 feterans Field ‘Town of Winthrop
28 Rottood Right-of-Way Town of Winthrop
(29 Public Landing Town of Winthrop:
30 Walden St Baskeball Courts Town of Winthrop
‘Snake Island Town of Winthrop
32 Pico Playground & Beach Town of Winthrop
33° tle League Field Town of Winthrop
(34 Water Tower Town of Winthrop
(35 Winthrop Golf Club Town of Winthrop:
36 Coughlin Park - Restricted Town of Winthrop
(37 Yirrell Beach Town of Winthrop
38 Coughlin Park Town of Winthrop
39 Woodside Pork Town of Winthrop
40 Pond St Playground Town of Winthrop
Fort Heath Park Town of Winthrop
42 Massa Playground Town of Winthrop
43 Brook Field Town of Winthrop
44 — Holford Beach Town of Winthrop
45 Fisherman's Bend Town of Winthrop
om 12/12/2013
° 1,000 oar a0
=m feet Town of WinthropManGIS:
oar on ten heats RonDOT Monk
= MAPC SO}FARS evento ie Ping Coma MAC)
land near Fort Banks/ Gorman Elementary School
Connect the Kilmartin Pathway to open
Winthrop,MA
Figure 9: Seven Year Action Plan
\ Schools owen Proposed Path Open Space
|Renovate Pond St. Playground = Town Hall Ocean Route (1) town Owned
—$ prude Existing trail/path [BBY ocr Owned
== Municipal Boundary "=" Future trail/path Core Habitats
Stripe a bike lane on Veterans Rd. = On road /sidewalk Parcels
|Upgrade Miller Field with a 1D Nome =]
turf field and a lighted track 1__Maln Winthrop Cemetery _Tewn of Wintrop
——— 2 Cometery Town of Winthrop
2 Belle hle Marsh Reservation DCR
4 Winthrop Shore Reservation DCR
5 Winthrop Shore Reservation OCR
[Complete Winthrop Beach 7 Neeen ew Pygoend Tors a Whoo
re-nourishment project 8 Lorton Rink Town of Winthrop
/ 9 Thorton Park Town of Winthrop:
/ 10 Metcalf Squore Town of Winthrop
: 11 Lewis Lake Town of Winthrop
Poveciga Lewis Lake 12 Ceystal Cove Jety Town of Winthrop
\ Peni eae ae seriaess 13 Crest Ave Playground Town of Winthrop
ais Ie Lietak ‘14 Point Shirley Beach Town of Winthrop
Upgtede leche rooms erick ] 15 Coming Soo! Town of Winrep
‘and preserve Middle School gym) | ie woemie ak Town of Winkvor
j 17 Smit Ave Pork Town of Winthrop
Improve the streetscape 18 Beach Rood Town of Winthrop
Shirley Street 19 Miler Fiekd Town of Winthrop
> 20. Harold French Square Town of Winthrop
21 Fort Bnks Playground Town of Winthrop
_ oo 22. Egleton Pork Town of Winthrop
ee ~ % 23 Belle Isle Marsh Reservation Town of Winthrop:
Complete deslgn'and permitting of AVR management plan 24 awl Teroce Town of Wineop
Harborwalk at Crystal Cove Jetty Alas for tidal pool 25 Terroce Avenve Gardens Town of Winthrop
Herborwalk ct Crytl Cove Jty_| Vp 26 Donovan Beach Town of Winthrop
Gas \ = acme Sages
& 28 Roirood Righ-of- Woy Town of Winthrop
/ ‘ 29 PubicLondng Town of Winthrop
Develop a visitor gateway with business directory —— 30 _(Wekion S SexkxbcliCowns__fown of Wrttrop.
31 Snoke llond Town of Winthrop
end bike share station ot Town Landing pee rey — eae
R y Complete improvements to 23 Litle League Field Town of Winthrop
Edward Rowe Snow Path 4 Woter Tower Town of Winthrop
= 35 Winthrop Golf Chb Town of Winthrop
36 Covghin Pork- Rested Town of Winton
: 7 Yerell Booch Town of Wintvop
Develop erosion control plan | 38 Coughlin Pork Town of Winthrop
- 29 Woodside Park Town of Winthrop:
F 40 Pond St Playground Town of Winthvop
‘Develop parking area and 41 Fort Heath Perk Town of Winthrop
Develop parking area permanent restroom facility. 42 Monta Playground Town of Winthrop
‘and renovate Coughlin Playground Provide lifeguards at Yirrell Beach. 43 Brook Field Town of Winthrop
ee ee i 44 Haord Beach Town of Winthrop
4S Fieverman's Bend Town of Winthrop
No 1,000 ete: 12/12/2013
= Dote Sources:
A =m feet Parcels: Town of Winthrop MossGIS:
Rods ond fron rocks MoxDOT, MonGis
Wetlonde:MADEP
Metrepoliten Aree Plonning Council (MAPC)
MAPC 50¥:
121related records
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- Flooding & resilienceTown of WinthropResilient Winthrop: coastal infrastructure and climate change, 2017
- Flooding & resilienceTown of WinthropMVP action grant applications: Ingleside Park and Morton Street, 2018
- Flooding & resilienceTown of WinthropCoughlin Park coastal resilience feasibility study, 2016
- MeetingConservation CommissionConservation Commission Regular Meeting, September 7, 2022