Town of Concord, MA Gerow Recreation Area

In 2018, the property, which consists of wooded cleared land, including a small house, was purchased by the town for public recreation. Town leaders engaged the community to envision a park that meets local needs. The vision for the Gerow Recreation Area included a large pavilion, accessible walking trails, benches, restrooms, and parking. Adjacent to the nearly completed Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, the park offers bucolic pond views and a forested amble through white pines, pitch pines, and mixed oaks.

GPI crafted a comprehensive master plan for the Gerow Recreation Area. This involved a meticulous review of existing conditions, surveys, data collection, and conceptual design alternatives. Engaging with the community through meetings, GPI incorporated feedback into a plan that harmonizes with the environment and seamlessly integrates recreational activities. The plan encompasses parking, connections to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, bike facilities, a restroom, an accessible canoe/kayak launch, a playground, pavilion, boardwalk, fishing pier, and wooded trails. Public outreach efforts included site walks and conceptual alternatives meetings. The final plan and cost estimate underwent approval. GPI also facilitated the consolidation and subdivision of project properties, resulting in a dedicated park area and an affordable housing lot. The team coordinated with the town and MassDOT for a driveway reconfiguration. Construction documents for phase one were prepared, securing local conservation commission permits, which include measures for invasive plant treatment and mitigation plantings within resource buffers.