Hammond Pond "Access Enhancements" Proposal

In 2010, the Michael Rudyak Memorial Fund approached DCR "with a vision to improve access to Hammond Pond by funding the installation of a continuous path along the shoreline."

Newton family offers to build a walkway over Hammond Pond (Newton Tab article)

Plans for tribute run adrift (Boston Globe article)

On March 10, 2011, DCR held a public hearing at Newton City Hall to discuss this proposal, and possibilities for "improved ecological function" of the pond.

Public hearing presentation

Residents Offer Questions, Concerns on Possible Hammond Pond Walkway (Newton Patch article)

Nature lovers debate boardwalk proposal for Newton's Hammond Pond (Boston.com article)

A second public meeting was held on July 7, 2011.

DCR presentation

DCR request for public comments

Hammond Pond neighbors worried about impact of proposed walkway (Newton Tab article)

Project Sparks Questions About Improvements to Hammond Pond's Health (Newton Patch article)

A public meeting planned for September was postponed.

The public meeting was held in October.

DCR presentation

New Details Emerge in Hammond Pond Plan (Newton Patch)

Chestnut Hill Association requests that work proceed more slowly

Letter from Alderman Ruthanne Fuller

DCR presented new plans at a meeting in April 2012

DCR Presents Final Design Plans for Hammond Pond Enhancements (Newton Patch)

DCR image of "preferred design"
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An aerial view shows vegetation on the surface of the pond.		A trail passes near the west edge of the pond. Parking lots abut the south edge. The east edge is privately owned.
Images of proposed walkway by Loze Bnick (source)
By summer, much of the pond's surface is covered by vegetation.		Stormwater retention facilities were built at the edge of the DCR parking lot in 2006.
A heron at the pond		The Chestnut Hill Shopping Center parking lot is next to the pond.