Park priority projects
Sharl Heller, Massachusetts Forest & Park Friends Network | Wicked Local | March 19, 2022
Understanding that DCR properties are facing a billion-dollar maintenance backlog, the Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network – an organization comprised mainly of Friends groups who support state parks and recreation sites – asked the public for their list of park priority projects.
Not wanting to focus on the negative though, the Friend’s survey also included a request to recall, in specific terms, any especially enjoyable moments they had enjoyed in a Massachusetts State Park.
The response was amazing.
— “I enjoy many parks around central and eastern MA with my dogs, husband, siblings, nieces and nephews,” one response began. “The outdoors are crucial to our well-being. We frequent the Blue Hills, the Fells, Callahan State Park, Mt Pisgah in Berlin, Hale, Noanet, the Midstate Trail, and Mt Wachusett among others.”
It was clear that many residents use the parks in multiple ways, like hiking, biking, riding, swimming, kayaking and more.
— “I have loved riding my horses with friends in the Blue Hills,” one survey respondent wrote. “Taking my kids out onto the DCR property is a great way to spend time outside.”
— “Kayaking on Williamsville pond, Burnshirt Road, Hubbardston, paddling and observing the wildlife, cranes, red-winged blackbirds and sometimes, river otters.”
In times of personal crises, or national emergencies, DCR properties are restorative.
— “Going through cancer treatment was tough,” one woman recounted simply. “My husband would take me for rides to different places. Often I sat in the car or did short walks. But enough to clear my head.”
One visit is never enough: many of those who use the parks develop a relationship with their favorite spots.
— “Hiking, cross-country skiing, bike riding on the trails in the Douglas State Park and Wallum Lake State Park is great,” a respondent commented. “The improvements made to the trails over the past few years by DCR and volunteer groups have made for an enjoyable experience, especially during COVID.”
It is said over and over but deserves repeating: DCR properties are one of those rare places that have appeal for the whole family.
— “Family swim time,” one person noted simply. Another elaborated.
— “Fishing expeditions with my grandsons, year-round. I enjoy watching the neighborhood kids ice skating I. Winter and canoeing or kayaking in summer.”
The maintenance needs are obvious: but so are those sites where, somehow, staff and volunteers do a remarkable job.
— “I discovered Lake Dennison three years ago. I’m in love!! Clean and just a beautiful spot.”
— “Hiking, wildlife watching, bird watching, wildflowers at Upton State Forest. I have also enjoyed seeing and learning about the historic resources including the CCC Camp and the evidence of early settlement throughout the forest. At River Bend Farm I have enjoyed hiking along the canal and visiting the museum in the Visitors Center. “
There are many recreational and entertainment venues that promise remarkable experiences. But parks and forest areas more often deliver!
— “We saw a beautiful bobcat in Petersham Forest,” one respondent noted. Another found family history…
— “Brimfield State Forest. During 1933-1935, my father and uncle served in CCC. It was awesome to find the exact spot they help build from the photo albums they created.”
— “Seeing a praying mantis!”
— “I closely observed a mockingbird choosing a nest site last week in North Point Park.”
Some were dedicated to one park, or part of the state.
— Cape Cod, any beach,” one swimmer noted.
— “I particularly enjoy the historic displays, videos and programming that is shared at Heritage State Park in Fall River – I also love the interpreters who are on site to answer questions! I enjoy hiking in the Freetown-Fall River State Forest- I really like seeing the historical areas like stone lined springs, and Profile Rock, etc.”
— “I make a few trips each year to Horseneck Beach and I appreciate the bike path the most, as well as the outdoor showers and bathroom facilities.”
— “I love camping at Scusset Beach to fish Cape Cod Canal for Bluefish and Striped Bass,” a fishermen said.
— “Hiking with my dog and riding my horse with friends in the Douglas State Forest and on the Southern New England Trunkline Trails. So nice to enjoy the serenity of nature and the natural setting of woodland trails meandering alongside ponds and streams. It’s a way to get away from the busy roads and lifestyles and let go of stress,” a nearby resident exclaimed breathlessly. “I’m there daily for recreation and fitness – these parks are an important reason I chose Douglas for my residence. “
Others range far and wide across the Bay State.
— “I enjoy the Alewife Reservation which is very near my house. It’s great for birdwatching, biking, walking. I also love the Harbor Islands, The Fells. Last summer I visited Halibut Point which was beautiful.”
— “Sunrise runs at Borderland SP are a highlight of my life. Camping at Myles Standish, Otter River, Massasoit, Lake Dennison, Mohawk Trail, etc. are always a highlight of every summer. “
— “I walk most days at the Eel River Preserve,” a Plymouthean noted. “Just xc skied at Myles Standish SF. Go there as much as I can when there is snow. Biked there this year too. Biked at Burrage in Hanson recently. Have visited…Borderland, Massasoit, the one in Abington, Wampatuck, Bay Farm, Crane WMA, Rocky Gutter, Worlds End Forefathers, Pilgrim Memorial, Frazier Memorial, Freetown, Bay Farm… probably more.”
Some have specific goals in mind. Other seek a specific state of mind.
— “I have camped at a DCR property two times a year for three weeks in the summer every year for the past 42 years,” a real friend of the forest noted. “I am a life-long visitor and lover of my state forest.”
— “Peace and solitude,” another simply stated.
— “I love going to Ellisville Harbor State Park and seeing the seals. “
— “Hiking the numerous foot trails, getting exercise, natural stimulation and staying young.”
Reading their comments it is obvious that there is a kind of “word of foot” that happens between hikers and bikers and frequenters of these properties. One visitor tells another, who brings another along, who posts a picture and so – good news or bad – the word gets out.
What is perhaps most remarkable is that, despite their neglect by the state people keep going, keep volunteering, keep hoping that their representatives will realize that funds allocated to parks and recreation is smart investment in our future well-being.
The Massachusetts Forest and Park Friends Network is submitting their full survey to the state legislature, urging them to allocate $100 million of ARPA (American Recovery Plan Act) funds – the amount that the governor originally requested for the DCR before our legislators reduced it to a paltry $15 million.
For more information visit www.DCRFriendsNetwork.org. To take the survey yourself, visit: https://bit.ly/3vJvVLF.
Sharl Heller, facilitator, Massachusetts Forest & Park Friends Network, Plymouth
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