WCAC

 

Recently the Waltham city council moved closer to approving more than $6 million for Phase II of recreation amenities at the former Fernald property. 

More work deeper into the sprawling property could unlock some of its potential—and address the neglect and decay that have made it a magnet for bad actors.

More Rec Amenities

Phase I of 200 Trapelo, completed earlier this year, includes a playground, mini golf course and open space areas. It has been a hit with families from Waltham and beyond. 

 

Phase II includes an amphitheater and athletic amenities in a separate location, but also accessed via Trapelo Road.

The city council has voted for the first reading of a $6.4 million loan authorization requested by Mayor Jeannette McCarthy.

 

The proposed new amenities, shown in the rendering above, include six pickleball courts, two tennis courts (with pickleball striping), basketball courts, a grass field and Waltham’s first-ever disc golf course.

Back in September, prospective bidders got to walk the site of the proposed new amenities.

 

“Everything is designed to be ADA accessible,” said a project architect leading the site visit. He added that lighting will be installed only within the Phase II work limits.

 

New roads will connect the amenities, and hundreds of parking spaces are planned that will help address the current Phase I shortage. 

 

The amphitheater will be located behind the Administration Building, a former Fernald building that has been identified for exterior renovations.

 

Green Acres, the Lakeville-based company that delivered Phase I and other Waltham park projects, was the successful bidder for Phase II. 

 

Once the funding is approved, the Phase II work can get underway, with a projected completion date of June 30, 2027. 

Further into Fernald

Phase I of 200 Trapelo was built close to Trapelo Road, meaning most of the sprawling property remained largely out of sight—and still off limits to the public.

 

Phase II, by contrast, involves areas further into the former Fernald property that have been neglected for years and damaged by vandals and arsonists. 

 

To address the situation, elected officials are planning to renovate or demolish some of the historic buildings near the proposed new amenities.

 

Exterior renovations are being planned for the Administration Building and Howe Hall (above) near the planned amphitheater and along the road formerly known as Cherry Lane. 

A while back, the council voted to approve $6.4 million for exterior renovations to the two historic buildings. 

 

The high cost, similar to that required for the new recreation amenities, reflects the extent of damage done to the buildings during city ownership—and the high cost of historic preservation work.

The mayor and city council are also working on a $2.1 million plan to demolish two more buildings. 

 

Farrell is located near the proposed athletic areas. It will be demolished, and a parking lot will be built in its place. 

As is the case with many Fernald buildings, it is now in decrepit condition, surrounded by overgrowth.

 

Another nearby building, Wheatley, will be preserved, although the plans have not been made public yet.

 

Withington, the second building set for demolition, is south of the Phase I playground on the top of a hill. The property has declined more since the 2018 photo above was shot.

And what will happen to all the other buildings? Mayor McCarthy explained that they will be surrounded by fencing, with signage reflecting their former uses.

As the process grinds forward, the city is also entertaining proposals for affordable housing in various former Fernald buildings.

Looking Ahead

The City of Waltham acquired the sprawling 190-acre former state school property in 2014 for $3.7 million. 

 

Instead of a comprehensive plan, Mayor Jeannette McCarthy elected for a more piecemeal approach.

 

Phase I was a win, but questions linger about the rest of the property, which endured a troubled history as a school campus for the developmentally disabled under state ownership.

The decline of Fernald’s historic buildings through city neglect and recurring vandalism has frustrated many.

 

Once all the Phase II work is completed, will the city approach state and local historic officials to determine whether demolition is warranted for the remaining historic buildings? 

If vandalism and arson continue, the cost to preserve the historic buildings will only escalate.

 

Whatever the case, there are hopes that opening up the property further, combined with 24-7 security and cameras, will help deter troublemakers and address recurring security concerns.

File photos