FINAL CPC FY18 Recommendation Blessing of the Bay — File 205506

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE FY18 FUNDING RECOMMENDATION FOR BLESSING OF THE BAY PARK REVITALIZATION PHASE 2, MYSTIC RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION AND MASS. DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION This project will complete 100% design and construction documents for the Blessing of the Bay Park revitalization, building off schematic designs and community engagement from Phase 1, which was partially funded by the CPA. ELIGIBILITY Open space/recreation land: This project will rehabilitate and restore open space and outdoor recreation land. RECOMMENDED FUNDING- PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION On March 28, 2018 by a vote of 6-0 the Community Preservation Committee recommended appropriating $155,339 for this project, $150,000 from the open space/recreational land reserve budget and $5,339 from the undesignated reserve budget, to the control of the Mystic River Watershed Association for the overall purposes summarized in this document. Project Budget Expenses Amount Study $0 Soft costs $275,820.20 Construction $0 Total $275,820.20 Sources CPA recreation land funds- requested $174,305 MyRWA general funds $3,515.20 DCR/Recreational Trails Program (pending) $78,000 Solomon Foundation $20,000 Total $275,820.20 JOSEPH A. CURTATONE MAYOR CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

ALIGNMENT WITH FY18 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN The Community Preservation Plan prioritizes expanding access to and use of the Mystic River and Alewife Brook corridors and improving the health of the wetlands and shores of the City’s water resources. The Plan also prioritizes rehabilitating existing recreational land according to need. According to the 2015 inventory of Somerville’s open space, the park is in poor condition. The park is near the Mystic Housing developments. 96% of residents in these households earn $45,000 or less a year and 64% earn less than $20,000. FUNDING CONDITIONS 1. The Grantee agrees to work collaboratively on project with the City's Parks and Open Space Office. MEASURES OF SUCCESS The goals of this project are to: • Complete 100% design and construction documents for Blessing of the Bay park • Initiate permitting process • Create a database of at least 300 individuals who have engaged with the project; at least 100 people from the Mystic Housing and Ten Hills neighborhood • Host at least three events with the help of Groundwork Somerville; create a draft park stewardship program • Build a stronger relationship between DCR, City of Somerville, and local non-profits • Catalyze a larger vision and investment in the Mystic River parklands and paths Success will be measured through: • Counting and collecting contact information from community members that participate in surveys, design workshops, conversations, and events • Track number of invasive removal events completed by the Green Team and work completed • Ensure the design has 100% sustainable practices based on ‘SITES’ rating • Demonstrate approval by all key stakeholders and a majority of community members • Strengthen the public-private partnership with 3-5 stakeholders to identify sources for future funding The full proposal is available at: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/community- preservation-act/2018-cpa-projects