The Future Of Ninigret Park Can Be Bright While Remaining Dark!
At a meeting on September 14, 2023, of the Charlestown Parks and Recreation Commission subcommittee tasked with planning the future of Ninigret Park, the public was asked about their views. Many want our dark skies protected. They spoke of the “value,” both aesthetic and economic, of this unique asset that residents cherish, that draws seasonal residents and visitors to Charlestown, and that presents an untapped economic opportunity.
They noted that the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center draws large numbers of visitors from all over the region, year-round, and that the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge sees significant numbers of residents and tourists (plus an amazing variety of migrating and nesting birds and wildlife).
Finally, they emphasized that the results of the town’s recent Community Survey should be given great weight.
One key finding in the Community Survey is, “Most residents did not want to see commercial additions to Ninigret Park; 69% somewhat or strongly prefer just maintaining it and 66% were open to some (non-commercial) improvements.” Another key finding regarding possible additions to Ninigret Park is, “The strongest opposition was to the addition of a football field, more large festivals, concession stands, or a large band shell.” You can see the Town-wide Survey Results at the Town of Charlestown web page.
Yet, it was clear at the meeting that the performance venue and other features proposed in the draft of a master plan in 2014 (not approved by the Town Council) are currently on the table. It was also clear that the consultant hired to assist in drafting the new master plan (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin) is to use the 2014 draft as the template for the 2023 master plan.
So, what was proposed in the 2014 draft?
- A Performance Venue, Camping, and Lighting—A 19-acre performance area is to be located in an undeveloped area; an 8-acre camping area is to be located north of Little Nini Pond; and lighting will be placed throughout the Park.
- Parking—Cars, and buses, are to be parked in parking lots and in among the existing recreational facilities in Ninigret Park.
- Attendees–The baseline is 8,000 people, a number that can be waived for larger, one-time events. Although the consultant in 2014 (Weston & Sampson) estimated an average of 4 people per car, the baseline number was arrived at by assuming 3,860 potential parking spaces and an estimated 2.8 people per car. The map showing the estimated parking in Ninigret Park is entitled, “Maximum Potential Parking Ninigret Park.” (See the minutes of the June 24, 2014, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission.)
Currently, Charlestown hosts two large events (the Charlestown Seafood Festival and Rhythm & Roots) in Ninigret Park. The promoters of these events, and attendees, are very happy where they are. Why move them?
I urge the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider what residents and taxpayers said they want—and don’t want—for their town park and to think more broadly about what would benefit all the citizens of our town.
Bonnie Van Slyke, the author of this post, was a member of the Charlestown Town Council from 2014 to 2022. She was the Town Council Liaison to the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Senior Citizens Commission. She is a former officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center, a former Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Harvard, MA and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Harvard Conservation Trust. Bonnie is a freelance copy editor, technical writer, and publications specialist. Bonnie writes occasionally about governance issues in Charlestown.
The banner image is a view of the Milky Way over Ninigret Park by Scott MacNeill.
October 1, 2023 @ 3:13 pm
The current majority of the town council and their allies on the Park and Recreation are “hell bent on election” to build in unneeded facilities in Ninigret Park. Costing our tax money to build arenas, lights and other items the majority of Charlestown does not want, need or is necessary for the enjoyment of Ninigret Park. They don’t care about “dark skies,” they want to ruin this beautiful natural resource that benefits all of Charlestown. They want to fill the park with monuments to their foolishness. The current group has not stopped trying to do the above for a number of years now. Remember the proposal to put up lights for 6 football games per year? Remember the town administrator beholden to this same crowd, years ago, hiding the fact that erecting lights would jeopardize our use and ownership of Ninigret. The famous letter hidden away in the Administrators’ desk. The NFWS stating we risked losing this park if we erected lights. When will they give up this nonsense and spend time and effort on the things that are important to the people of Charlestown? Poverty, true affordable housing, potable water. With all the blessings of this beautiful place with its hills, open space and ponds and ocean we have plenty of opportunity for recreation. Let it be.
October 1, 2023 @ 2:49 pm
So confused….isn’t Ninigret park considered a National WILDLIFE REFUGE? I know that is on the federal side, but are their any protections or previous/ existing laws banning lighting and widespread development of the town park areas?
October 1, 2023 @ 4:18 pm
Because the US Navy no longer needed the Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field in Charlestown, the federal government was tasked with disposing of the property. In 1979, Charlestown’s portion of the property was awarded to be used in accordance with what the Town of Charlestown said it would do with the property when it applied and in a manner that is consistent with the wildlife refuge.
October 1, 2023 @ 12:28 pm
It is unbelievable the arrogance of 4 members of the sitting Town Council consider disregarding town wide majority. Majority, 69%, of Ninigret Park users per our survey do not want commercial development.
What can be TC President Carney’s motivation t
actively promote large commercial events?
She personally campaigned for large scale food truck events throughout the summer. Her personal plan for Ninigret Park ignores the constituents she pledged to serve.
What’s next Ms. Carney, 8000 people events during our already busy season?
There’s room for improvements to Ninigret Park but at a Charlestown scale.
One of C’town’s most loved aspects is its small town feel and character. A treasure which could be lost.
October 1, 2023 @ 4:02 pm
One would expect that the wishes of the residents of Charlestown expressed in a very recent survey—which had a high degree of certainty (95%) and tiny margin of error (2.1%)—will be honored as the new master plan is developed. The wishes of Charlestown residents, are clear. Only 8% wanted more large festivals similar in size to Rhythm & Roots and the Seafood Festival. Over 50% of Charlestown residents said that they did not want a “band shell” for up to 3,000 attendees, and a significant number were not supportive of a band shell that would host even 1,000 people. In fact, a mere 11% said a band shell for 1,000 would be “ideal for me.” The next meeting of the subcommittee is October 17 at 5pm in the Town Hall. The Subcommittee plans to FINALIZE its new master plan by December of this year.
March 1, 2024 @ 10:11 am
We are currently living in New Hampshire but due to our frequent travel to the area to visit family members we have been able to enjoy multiple visits to Frosty Drew. If the plan for the additional lighting goes through spoiling the night sky our visits will stop and force us to change plans for a bequest to this great facility.
October 1, 2023 @ 12:08 pm
Thanks Bonnie for a clear summary of this issue.