Chestnut Hill Association: Address Hammond Pond Health Before Adding Access [Video]

Citing the health of the pond as its main concern, the Chestnut Hill Association is asking officials to slow the planning process for , and to consider alternatives.

The project was sparked by the family of the late Michael Rudyak, who wish to create the walkway to memorialize the former builder and Hammond Pond enthusiast. The family has given a $22,500 grant toward the project, an amount The Department of Conservation and Recreation has agreed to match.

The proposed project would involve creating a floating boardwalk over Hammond Pond that would connect to a hiking loop, including improvements and extension of the existing path along the pond and the parking lot. The project would be completed in three phases.

However, Gloria Mastrocola Gavris, president of the Chestnut Hill Association, said the association is asking that the process be slowed down, as members would like to see a more substantive plan developed to address the health of the pond and water quality.

“The health of the pond is very much at stake,” Gavris said. “It’s a dying pond.”

At a July 7 public meeting on the walkway project, with attendees noting that the work may need to be done to aid the environmental health of the pond.

At an Oct. 24 meeting, including efforts to rake lily pads to control growth and repair rain gardens. Rudyak’s son also said at the meeting the hope is to improve the pond, not change it.

But the Chestnut Hill Association has other concerns, with Gavris calling the walkway an “attractive nuisance” because of potential safety hazards. With no lighting or railings, the walkway could be a danger at night, she said, while attracting shoppers and movie-goers from the nearby plazas.

Gavris also said she wonders about long-term maintenance of the pond, walkway and hiking loop, and whether shrinking state budgets could one day mean DCR wouldn’t have the funds to maintain the expanded area.

Earlier this month, Gavris submitted a letter to the DCR on behalf of the Chestnut Hill Association, expressing "disappointment" with the Oct. 24 presentation and listing concerns from the association members. To view the letter, click the .pdf above.

Instead of a floating walkway, the association envisions a fishing pier or gazebo and park benches as suitable alternative memorials to Rudyak, Gavris said.

 “We feel that something is happening — we just want it smaller in scope,” she said. “It (the walkway) would be taking away the serenity, quiet and reflective-nature of the pond.” 

DCR is accepting public comments on the plan leading up to the permitting process. Comments can be submitted via email to dcrupdates@state.ma.us or by phone at 617-626-4974.