The Tree Guy

Randy Nelson is the Forester for the city of Stoughton. He has been really fantastic in explaining things about trees. Things we didn't consider. Things we didn't know.
As a result it seems like Lowell park will be a more costly option. Not only because we would have to build a shelter from scratch. Not only because we would have to clear the woods because the trees are not an ideal species and pose a risk of falling over. Not only because we require poured in place rubber surfacing and the trees have sucker roots that could potentially ruin the rubber surface in a number of years.
It is all of those things...
The trees are not ideal because they are soft wood and can potentially shed dead branches. Plus they are eighty feet tall, some of them and once the area is thinned out and we try to keep some, we lose the current "windbreak" situation that exists and those trees are likely to topple.
If we cleared them all, there wouldn't be any shade left, at all.
Plus, there is the whole root problem.

We explored East-side park at Lynn and Park Streets,which was always our plan B, and it turns out it is more optimal than 1st suspected. It just required a second look, a different angle, and a tree guy.

We really need to thank Tom Lynch, Sean Brusager, and Randy Nelson for all of the time and energy they have spent so far helping us with this project. We wouldn't be anywhere if it wasn't for them. So if you call the Park Department, the Maintenance Department or Forestry. Say THANK YOU! Because they are really exceptional people and we really appreciate them. You should too. They work unbelievably hard!

This picture is East-Side Park at Lynn and Park Streets
There is an existing shelter that the Lion's Club generously built years ago that would require updating and expansion. That is outlined in Green.
The proposed walkway in yellow will be lined with trees that people can sponsor and place "in memory of...." , as well as flower gardens they can sponsor.
The proposed playground in blue will have beautiful old growth oaks framing it and newer trees creating some great south shade and east/west as well.
The red area will be parking and will only require the removal of one tree that is already dead and an ash tree that will probably go anyway.

The ground is much more level than originally thought , and the shade better as well. the park has the potential for more growth too.
Either way we hope to move forward and the path of least resistance (nature wise)  and where we will get more bang for our buck is ideal.