Park News

Volunteers rebuild trail, spruce up park

On Saturday, October 24, more than two dozen hearty volunteers installed five water bars to help stabilize the steep trail that leads uphill from the wetland area. Professional trail manager Pete Brandenberg, an Arlington resident and frequent park user, directed the work. DPW employees Edward Banty and Mark McKeown used town equipment to clear logs from other paths. A second team collected many pounds of broken glass from popular party areas in the woods. Many FoMRP board members worked on the project and handed out refreshments and prizes. We all owe a giant vote of thanks to everyone who pitched in to create a safer, more attractive park.

New boardwalk near vernal pool

A short section of the middle footpath turns into a muddy wallow every Winter. A removable boardwalk that bridges the wet spot was designed by FoMRP board members Tom Gonsiorowski and Greg Blass and built by Tom. On October 25 it was installed by Tom, Melissa Carr, Biff Maier, and Ben Reeve. It will be stored during the Summer, when Recreation Department vans are driven on the path.

Spooky Parade a success

The largest Spooky Parade ever took place in the Park just after dark on October 24th. More than 100 children thrilled to scary boaters on Hills Pond and to an assortment of ghoulish figures on the shores. A lighted parade of children circled the Pond before heading to the Arlington Childrens Center for donuts and cider. FoMRP contributed to decorations and refreshments.

Expert to examine park trees

An expert forester from the New England Forestry Foundation will be visiting soon to assess the general health and biological diversity of the parks trees. His report will suggest what the town and FoMRP might do to keep wooded areas beautiful and interesting for future generations.

The Pickle Report on Hills Pond

Local scientist John Pickle, with help from several young assistants, is now testing the water in Hills Pond every two weeks. The initial test for fecal coliform showed bacteria both in the wetland area and the body of the pond; repeat results will be posted soon.

Fall clean-up, path maintenance and prize drawing

Saturday, October 24, path crew at 10:00 AM, clean-up crew at 1:00 PM

Bring your work gloves and join one of two crews. One group will start in the morning and work with a trail maintenance expert to improve the steep, badly eroded path that rises from the wetlands area to the top of the hill. Trail workers should bring tools such as shovels, pick-axes, and heavy rakes. Experienced chain saw users would be much appreciated. The clean-up team will remove glass and other debris. Trash bags will be provided. Everyone who helps with clean up or trail maintenance is eligible for a special prize drawing.

FoMRP sponsors annual Spooky Parade

Saturday, October 24, 5:00 PM

For several years, a group of creative volunteers have organized a Halloween Spooky Parade for Arlington children. This year, FoMRP thanks them by underwriting decorations and sound effects needed to transform the park into a Halloween fun-house for children. Wear costumes and gather at 5:00 PM for a candlelit parade around Hill’s Pond, then over to Parmenter School for cider and doughnuts. All are welcome!

The Pickle Report on Hill’s Pond

Local scientist John Pickle, aided by student volunteers, is now monitoring the pond water for oxygen level, chemicals, and bacteria. Results and information about water quality will be posted on the bulletin boards. Children of all ages who are interested in helping out should call John at 646-0643, or look for him on Sundays at the pond.

Visual reminders about dogs, wetlands

On September 12 and 13, eight new signs were installed in the park. These signs remind dog owners of their legal responsibilities regarding leash and pooper-scooper laws, as well as the basic need to be considerate of other park users. Animal control officers continue to patrol regularly. Two additional signs remind anglers and nature lovers that the wetlands is off limits to people and dogs, who disturb nesting birds and roil the ecosystem by tromping around in the wetland.

What kind of tree is that?

FoMRP is planning for new descriptive labels for trees and plants in the park. If you are interested in helping with this project, please call Sybil Carey at 643-1873.

Path repair and lights for skating

Members of FoMRP have been talking with Arlington’s Department of Public Works about the repair of the washed-out road in the upper woods. We have also requested lights for winter skating. Help us by making a call to the DPW, too.

Paths and roads

Heavy rains in the late Spring caused widespread erosion and flooding. The most serious damage occurred on the road leading from the South field to the picnic area in the woods. The Department of Public Works has patched the road, and Town Engineer Richard Bento promises to carry out more substantial repairs soon. The culvert under the road needs to be replaced and the surface regraded. The Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park (FoMRP) continues to work with the town to improve poorly graded paths that allow run-off to degrade water quality.

Water testing

FoMRP has purchased equipment which will be used to monitor the water quality of Hills Pond. Initial test results will be posted on the bulletin boards. Science-minded young people who want to participate in the monitoring project should call John Pickle at 646-0643.

Crackdown on dog owners

Uncivil behavior by dog owners and their pets has caused park users to file numerous complaints with the town. As a result, Arlingtons Animal Control Officers have stepped up their patrols in the area and are reminding people of leash and pooper-scooper laws. This month eight new signs reminding dog owners of their responsibilities will be posted in prominent locations around the park.

Wetlands

The earthen dam that retains water in the wetland area, where particulate matter settles before the water seeps into the pond, has taken a beating from high water and from fisherman who insist on frequenting it. When humans or dogs enter the wetlands, they disturb the nesting area of songbirds, waterfowl, frogs and turtles. New signs urging people to stay out of the wetlands will be posted this month.

Fire safety

So far, the park has escaped serious fire damage this summer. The danger was reduced by the Arlington Fire Department, which arranged for removal of the wood piles left by a Spring class clean-up project. Anyone who encounters a fire in the park even a small one can protect our beautiful woods by calling it in immediately.

Special 1998 tee shirts

The 1998 Menotomy Rocks Park tee shirts are available at Divinitys Splendour-Glow at Broadway Plaza and at Bella Cosa in the Heights. They can also be obtained from Judy Weinberg at 646-0643.