Spot Pond's future pondered
Published on April 1st, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - A glimpse of the past provided the backdrop for Thursday night's discussion among Spot Pond Committee members regarding what the future could hold for the pond and its surroundings, an area described by committee member Charles Houghton as "the most picturesque area in eastern Massachusetts."
During Thursday night's meeting, the committee viewed a video on the history of Spot Pond, furnished by the Historical Society. In addition to relaying interesting facts and anecdotes about the area and of the varied pond-related recreational activities Stoneham residents enjoyed a century ago, the video also confirmed that Spot Pond is considered an area of historical significance.
As such, Committee Chairman Steve Sylvester advised that grant money might be available for areas of historical value and that investigation of such could financially benefit future improvements to the area.
Committee member Marc Grimaldi proposed that the Committee develop a "collective idea" for Stoneham's desires for Spot Pond's future to present to the MDC, which has ultimate decision making power regarding any changes to the site.
"Stoneham is really changing," stated Grimaldi who added that the committee must consider "how is Spot Pond going to be an asset to the town?"
Grimaldi suggested that possibilities for the area could range from a sanctuary-like area, similar to that at Walden Pond in Concord, to a more developed, recreational site, such as Lake Quannapowitt in neighboring Wakefield.
Leaning more toward the sanctuary idea, Grimaldi stated he would like to see the pond offer an "educational area" to the community, where people "can be more in touch with nature."
Other committee members offered their ideas as well. Nick Capuano stated that a cross-country path would be an asset to Stoneham student athletes who could enjoy hosting home competitions. He also stated that he would like to see the area offer "many and varied uses with low impact to the environment."
David Armato said that he would like to see the area's hiking tails maintained as well as use of the pond allowed and a park ranger program implemented. He also suggested that activities at the pond might be incorporated with those of the Friends of the Fells, a group popular for its community hiking programs.
"A wide open area, a place to go for free...when you want to get out of your backyard," was Anthony Kennedy's suggestion for a Spot Pond recreational area.
Rosemary Geary advised that fishing in the pond as well as a hard-top path that would allow access for carriages and rollerbladers were just a couple of improvements she would like to see. She envisioned Spot Pond as a place where families could go to and not necessarily be engaged in the same activity.
Mary Sullivan Smith stated that she would like to see the pond area "enjoyed in a low impact way," with pedestrian and cycling activities. She suggested plant markers through the trails so that enjoyment of the site could be an educational experience as well.
Charles Houghton was in favor of fishing in the pond and even suggested that the MDC might consider offering boat rentals. He stated that the MDC "is somewhat committed to the bike path idea" around the pond, while the MWRA remains "adamant about keeping people out of the water," and will likely maintain a no-swimming policy in the pond.
He also suggested that fencing should remain all around the pond and that, without it, there would be "too much encroachment and too much access."
Houghton described the beauty of Spot Pond as a site that "puts Quannapowitt to shame," referring to Wakefield's popular lake area.
Val Iula stated he was "amazed that we all agree" on characteristics of the site deemed most important, including the designation of the site as a family gathering spot, inclusion of paths for walking and hiking, as well as maintaining the area's cleanliness and accessibility while keeping it as an asset to the community.
Sylvester concurred with all of the suggestions and further stated that of most importance, was to maintain Spot Pond's quality.
"Without that, no one will want to go near it," Sylvester stated and called the committee the "watchdog" for the site.
The issue of parking arose with concern voiced over accessibility to the site. According to Houghton, nearby Stone Zoo, which sports a large parking area, "has not been to receptive" to requests, in the past, for use of its lot. He stated, however, that the issue should be discussed with the new zoo management.
The Committee received information regarding MDC Commissioner David Balfour's intent to form a committee comprised of representatives from towns surrounding Spot Pond as part of the agency's program for the area.
Sylvester stated he would try to find out more about the forming of this committee, which would include Stoneham representation.
"The longer he waits to put this committee together, the longer he takes to reveal his master plan," stated Sylvester, who reiterated the committee's responsibility of putting pressure on the MDC to assure that things are moving along for Spot Pond.
The Committee's next meeting will be held on April l6 with an impressive guest list which includes Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, State Representative Paul Casey and MWRA representative Gretchen Roorvach.
The Spot Pond Committee hopes to tour the site in the interval, a task that Sylvester stated it would find "awe-inspiring."
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