To the editor:
Next Monday voters in West Newbury will be asked to support the construction of a small off-street parking area to enable better access to Riverbend. This is the second largest parcel of town-owned conservation land, 68 acres, purchased by the town in 1997 for $500,000. It is located over the hill between Page School and the Merrimack River. During the past 12 years people have been able to hike in, or ride in on horseback, via a trail near the water tank at Page School or from Way to the River or from River Road. Volunteers have been the mainstay in keeping a skeleton trail system open and the riverbank trail clear of flood debris.
Why build a parking lot? The land was purchased in part with a $274,400 grant from the state of Massachusetts. Part of the Riverbend Management Plan included the construction of a parking lot to provide public access to this property. This parking lot was never constructed even though the town originally allocated $10,000 for this purpose. Better parking will enable people who are less physically fit, young children and parents with strollers to enjoy the scenic and level trail along the abandoned portion of River Road. Boaters with non-motorized craft will be better able to use the small launch area. Birders and naturalists will benefit from better access to a rare freshwater tidal marsh and a mixed hardwood hillside rich in wildlife.
Why now? The town's open space properties with adequate access, like Pipestave and Millpond, are well utilized — and well-loved. Under-used properties are those with inadequate access and where townspeople have a poor understanding of what is available. The Board of Selectmen appointed a Riverbend working group a year ago to review the management plan and building the parking lot is one of their recommendations. Constructing the parking lot will also bring the town into compliance with the original grant conditions. Because West Newbury has been the beneficiary of a number of these open space grants, we should keep in good standing with the state so we can continue to take advantage of this program.
Why so much money? The proposed parking accommodation is a small gravel lot for four cars; however, the access road from Way to the River needs a fair amount of work to provide seasonal access to the area. The road and parking area estimated $37,000 cost is separated as follows: gravel, $12,000; machine time $7,000; tree work $1,000; pave road, $12,000; gate and signage $2,500; and engineering, $2,500.
The funds for this item will come from the town's free cash account — money we have saved. It does not compete with operating costs for other services. It is a one-time charge and a permanent benefit to everyone. Please vote to support Warrant Article 8.
Felicity Beech
Riverbend Working Group
West Newbury
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