Turner’s Pond Accessibility Project

Milton, Massachusetts

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Turner’s Pond, an open body of water just over 11 acres and encircled by an unpaved walking path is a remarkable natural resource within a well developed residential area in the Town of Milton. The pond is a heavily used natural area for walkers, fishermen, and children walking to an adjacent elementary school. The pathway around the pond is enjoyed by many but was not handicap accessible due to uneven surfaces and poor drainage.

The purpose of the project was to develop a Handicap Access Plan and implementation strategy for Turner’s Pond. The solution was a four foot wide path of two differing surfaces. Half the path is crushed stone to withstand periodic flooding and the other half is soil stabilizer for greater stability and accessibility.

The project included working with the Park Department and a Citizen’s Advisory Committee, developing a questionnaire, presenting the plan in public meetings, to Selectmen, and to Town Meeting, and developing grant proposals to a local foundation and to the DCR Greenways and Trails Program. PPA also prepared final design, Notice of Intent, bid documents, and provided construction phase support services.