CHA Memorial Community Center Report 8-23-2023_Final-2-1.pdf

TOWN OF

WILBRAHAM, MA

Memorial Community Center Feasibility Study and Outdoor Recreation Master Plan Report

DRAFT

AUGUST 2023

Completed by:

CHA Consulting, Inc.

One Washington Mall, Suite 1500 Boston, MA 02108

(617) 451-2717

AND

BerryDunn 2211 Congress Street Portland, ME 04102-1955 207.541.2200

TOWN OF WILBRAHAM, MA CHA SPORTS | BerryDunn

MEMORIAL SCHOOL AUGUST 2023

Memorial School Master Plan Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Background Basic Goals and ObjecƟves

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Engagement Summary

1.0 Focus Group and Town Hall Top Comments

2.0 Focus Group and Town Hall Compiled Comments

Social Pinpoint Summary

1.0 Social Pinpoint IntroducƟon

2.0 Survey Results

3.0 Forum Results

SITE ANALYSIS

Site Assessment Architectural/Building Assessment Mechanical Systems Assessment Electrical Assessment

MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Analysis - IntroducƟon

1.0 Demographics

2.0 Similar Provider Review

3.0 Trends Analysis

RECOMMENDATIONS

Site RecommendaƟons Building RecommendaƟons

COSTS AND FUNDING ANALYSIS

OperaƟonal Budget EsƟmates Funding ConsideraƟons

APPENDIX

Appendix A | Concept Plans

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We gratefully acknowledge the residents of the Town of Wilbraham, town staff members, and the many individuals representing a variety of youth sports programs whose participation at various public meetings helped forge this master plan. Their ability to understand Wilbraham’s most critical athletic facility and recreational needs, create solutions that address those needs, and develop realistic strategies for implementing the actual improvements will help yield positive benefits to all future users as key parts of the Memorial School master plan are implemented in the years to come. The recommendations and priorities established within this document address the needs of the Wilbraham community and the needs of various other stakeholders who rely on town recreation facilities for use and enjoyment. Master plan recommendations are intended to be pragmatic and recognize that municipal governments like Wilbraham must continue to provide a high level of service, even in times of financial uncertainty.

Parks and athletic facilities are an important asset to the community as a whole. This study intends to strike the right balance between renovation or new facilities by identifying and recommending facilities to meet the needs of the Town of Wilbraham.

When implemented, the improvements identified within the study will provide enhanced opportunities for public use and enjoyment. Athletic facilities will be more accessible and readily available to the town’s sports leagues, recreational leagues, and residents of the town.

Thanks in particular to the residents of the Town of Wilbraham, particularly those who took the time for personal one-on-one interviews for the project and most notably Bryan Litz, Director of Parks and Recreation and his staff, for their assistance in providing key background data and information for the current and requested use and programs and for their sage advice during the development of all aspects of this plan.

Thank you to the many residents and members of the Wilbraham community who attended the public meetings and expressed their likes, dislikes, and wishes regarding the past, present, and future use of Memorial School and its athletic facilities/property. In addition, our appreciation goes out to the many representatives of other town departments for their critical advice and insight. The recommendations contained in this master plan represent our best professional judgment and expertise, tempered by the unique perspectives of each of the participants in the process.

The CHA and BerryDunn Design Team

July 2023

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Working on behalf of the Wilbraham Parks & Recreation Department (WPRD), CHA and BerryDunn explored options for renovating Memorial School, now known as Memorial Community Center, into a robust, renovated Community Center for use by the Wilbraham and surrounding Community.

The following study provides a comprehensive inventory and analysis of all existing conditions, and a series of recommendations for improving or adding new facilities at the site. We have looked, specifically, at the potential passive and active indoor and outdoor recreation possibilities for renovation and expansion.

Massachusetts communities have moved aggressively to expand their recreation venues due to dramatically increased rates of participation in traditional (softball, basketball, soccer) and emerging (Pickleball, lacrosse and field hockey) sports, and the expanding participation rate of women and girls in general. Wilbraham sees expansion in the number of programs offered and the number of individuals participating.

As demand for available recreational resources increases, so do pressures to establish and maintain venues in good condition; offer a sufficient number of facilities to support the desired level of use; and provide gender equity. This document proposes a preferred master plan that, if implemented, can improve these conditions.

By committing to a master planning process for this property, the Wilbraham community communicates that it seeks a higher level of passive and active recreational performance. Achieving this is accomplished by undertaking an analysis of existing conditions, an assessment of community needs, and the development of a conceptual master plan that identifies critical improvements.

Existing condition plans of Memorial School (Community Center) Site

During 2023, representatives of the Town of Wilbraham, WPRD and CHA developed conceptual and final master plans, which were generated in response to the expressed needs and desires of Wilbraham residents and in response with various Town groups and leagues. Two workshops were held with members of the community, along with interviews, focus groups as well as on-line engagement. At these meetings, opinions were voiced on a wide range of topics including:

Funding/budget Not enough gym space, not fully suitable for needs Facilities are aging Not enough room for programs and classes Intergenerational programming desired Key Outcomes Swift action A clear answer on a plan with Memorial School Clear timelines and plans Detailed analysis on cost, what the facility would be best used for, and what it would take to get it into functioning condition Moving the Parks and Recreation department into the space

With input from various park stakeholders and user groups, the designers established a series of concept plans addressing needs and priorities. The final preferred Master Plan, as presented in this document, was presented to the Recreation Committee at a public hearing on Aug 1, 2023. Matching the goals and aspirations of the majority of participants in the planning process, as well as the town Administration’s assessment of park and community needs, these plans could be referred to as the “consensus” plans. It is understood that this Master Plan will be implemented over time and, when improvements are fully realized, will have achieved a number of primary community objectives.

In undertaking this planning process and developing the concept plans, several basic, recurring themes for improvement became apparent. In this section, we summarize these basic themes, which can be implemented as capital improvements are planned and are to be constructed at the Memorial Community Center. All elements should be designed with resiliency and sustainability in mind. Based on the public outreach, discussions with Recreation staff and available space on the site, the follow program was established.

Outdoor:

• Basketball

• Volleyball

• Pickleball – Minimum 6 courts

• Playground(s) - Play pods

• Softball – to replace Soule Road School

Fields

• Fitness trail with stations

• Trail heads

• Skating – synthetic

• Community Gardens

• Bottle filling stations

• Soccer field / Lacrosse Field

Indoor:

• Dance and family programs

• Arts/theater/music spaces

• Camp /Teen Center/youth spaces

• Indoor playground

• Full size gym with various courts overlay including pickleball

• Yoga

• Banquet area

• Wrestling

• General locker rooms – male / female

• Training room – general and for wrestling

• Parks and Rec office

• Meeting rooms / flex space

The preferred master plan included below identifies the proposed configuration of the site.

The preferred Master Plans showing gym addition and new sports field improvements.

SITE

The recommended site improvements include:

Loop pathways Linkages and access to existing trails and Memorial baseball fields Picnic areas/playpods/fitness stations 2 children’s playground 1 Adult size softball field (300 foot outfield) with multi-use field overlay Open play field (phase 2) 8 pickleball courts 1 sand volleyball court 1 synthetic surface skating/hockey rink 1 basketball court Parking areas and access roads Utility upgrades Landscape Enhancements

Description of these improvements are further expanded on in “Recommendations.”

BUILDING

The preferred building renovation master plan (Concept 3) removes the back wing and adds a two-court multipurpose gymnasium to the back. The existing “gymnatorium” renovations would not be needed in this option. This scheme creates a highly flexible, fully functional, community recreation center.

CONCEPT 3 – Preferred Master Plan

The recommended building improvements include:

Lobby reception desk WPRD office Lounge Vending room (no cooking) Renovated existing gym Wresting rooms Sports medicine suite

WPRD storage Locker rooms Six flexible program/meeting rooms Teen center Gym addition – two courts Renovated bathrooms Renovated utilities

The older building is easily renovated to house the various components of the new center. An addition would need to be added to the east in in order to accommodate the request for additional programable gym space with full sized recreational basketball courts. The newer, eastern wing of the school would be removed to allow for the gym addition and additional exterior recreational amenities. The main entrance to the facility would remain with a renovated vestibule and lobby area with a reception desk.

The gym is located to allow for a separate entrance with a small vestibule at the side of the building adjacent to the extended parking area.

The existing circulation and double loaded corridor is highly efficient. The single story avoids exit stairs and elevators. This results in a very cost-effective refurbishment and adaptive reuse. The spaces are properly sized for their new intended uses. The existing gymnasium and stage were maintained for program flexibility.

PROPOSED PHASES

Above: Building Phase 1 Area – Gym and WPRD Office

At right: Site Phase 1 Area – Pickleball courts and parking

Recommended Phase 1 work includes:

Outdoor pickelball courts, parking, gym renovation and WPRD office space. Along with any other building renovation requirements to make it suitable for the Wilbraham Parks & Recreation Department to occupy.

Estimated phase 1 construction costs:

Site = $850,000 Building Renovation = $2,500,000

Phase 1 - Total Estimated Construction = $3,350,000

Recommended Phase 2 work includes:

Demolition of back (west) wing, and rest of existing building renovation of indoor spaces and the remaining outdoor recreational amenities.

Estimated phase 2 construction costs:

Site = $1,500,000 Building Renovation = $6,500,000

Phase 2 - Total Estimated Construction = $8,000,000

Recommended Phase 3 work includes:

The gym addition and secondary lobby and any necessary site work.

Phase 3 - Total Estimated Construction = $7,500,000

*The above estimate costs include “soft costs”. Soft costs equal approximately 25% of the total construction cost and typically include engineering and project management services, public hearings, permits, printing and advertising, etc. and other efforts associated with implementation of a project.

Proposed Phase 3 – Gym addition

Overall Improvement Program – Full Build Out

The following identifies the potential breakdown of costs of the overall proposed improvements. All costs are in current (2023) dollars, have been rounded and are estimated based on the preferred Master Plan designs that has been developed for the community. This estimate is based on the Preferred Master Plan (Concept 3).

Site - Total Estimated Construction = $1,600,000- $2,300,00

Estimated Building Construction Costs:

Moderate/Light Renovation Area = 31,105 square feet 31,105 SF x $200 - $275 = $6,221,000 - $8,553,875

Heavy Renovation (2-level corner conversion) = 1,145 square feet 1,145 SF x $300 - $375 = $343,500 - $429,375

Demolition Area = 15,990 square feet 15,990 SF x $50 - $75 = $799,500 - $1,199,250

New Construction = 16,620 square feet 16,620 SF x $400 - $450 = $6,648,000 - $7,479,000

Total Building Construction = $14,012,000 - $17,661,500

Costs are further summarized and outlined in the “Recommendations” section.

This report represents the culmination of the master planning process. The document contains narrative and graphic depictions of the proposed concepts and the Preferred Master Plan with relevant sections dedicated to identifying the full extent of potential improvements and implementation strategies. The overarching goal was to improve facilities and programming opportunities, foster community interaction, improve facility aesthetics, and improve environmental stewardship.

Implementation of the improvements outlined in this master plan will require significant effort.

It is important to note that this Master Plan is a guidebook with general recommendations that are not “cast in stone”. It is fully intended and anticipated that, as particular projects are implemented, the general recommendations contained in this report will be followed; importantly, they will be refined or adjusted in order to meet actual building and site conditions and funding availability.

INTRODUCTION

Background

The Wilbraham Parks and Recreation Department (WPRD) retained CHA Consulting, Inc (CHA) in the Winter of 2023 for the purpose of developing a Feasibility Study and Comprehensive Recreation and Athletic Facilities Master Plan for Memorial School located at 310 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095, an existing 50,000 sq. ft. former elementary school building owned by the Town of Wilbraham and currently used as a recreation center.

The Town of Wilbraham, located in a suburban setting east of Springfield, MA with an area of approximately 22 square miles, and a population of just over 14,000 residents, is developing a feasibility study and comprehensive master plan for Memorial School encompassing using the building for a community center (including relocating the Wilbraham Parks & Recreation office to the school) and the outdoor area of Memorial School to house Pickleball Courts, year round synthetic ice rink, a dog park and biking trails. This list of proposed uses is not all inclusive.

In 2010 the Memorial Elementary School (Memorial School) closed its doors as an elementary school due to declining enrollment. In 2017 the Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District (HWRSD) ended its lease and handed control of the 50,000 sq. ft. building over to the Town of Wilbraham. The Memorial School is located in the center of town, is home to two youth baseball fields, a playground, several acres of outdoor space and trails. The inside of the building is currently utilized for recreational activities by the Town of Wilbraham Parks & Recreation Department (WPRD), storage by the HWRSD and several other assorted Town activities (vaccine clinics, police and fire trainings, etc.)

The Memorial School building is one of the largest square -foot community owned buildings. The Town of Wilbraham conducted a Capital Needs Assessment in 2021 of all Town buildings including Memorial School. The assessment was done by SBI Consulting. The summary Capital Needs Assessment for Memorial School is included in this master plan report in Appendix A. Over the years, Wilbraham residents and the local governing body have proposed various ideas for the use of the former school building but no idea has made it beyond the discussion stage until now.

The Town of Wilbraham is embarking on this forward-thinking venture as it seeks to determine the types of community services, sports, and recreation facilities needed for the Memorial School site based on current and future anticipated usage. During the study, the existing facility was analyzed to determine the nature of the existing conditions, limitations, opportunities, and potential to support additional use. These two tasks require integration into a comprehensive master plan containing recommendations for improvements to the project site. Helping to inform all recommendations included town agencies, user groups, key stakeholders, and residents. These critical entities were reached through a well-crafted engagement and input process. The articulated needs, goals, and aspirations of these groups will form the essence of the master plan. Once the master plan is reviewed and accepted by the town departments and other bodies as appropriate, it will serve as a roadmap for future improvement and capital budget requests.

It is important to note that community or recreation needs relate not just to the sports/athletic programs that make use of them, but also to less formal recreational pursuits by individuals not aligned with a specific organization, like the neighborhood kids who seek a pickup game of football, baseball, or soccer or the parents who would like to stroll in the park with their children or play frisbee. In addition, we must consider that recreation is multi-generational, and the final master plan will identify strategies for improving recreational opportunities for those of all ages.

As demand for available recreational resources increases, pressures mount to establish and maintain playing venues in good condition and to offer a sufficient number of facilities to support the desired level of use and provide gender equity. This master plan proposes a preferred master plan at Memorial School, and if implemented, can improve these conditions.

To begin the project successfully, CHA held a kickoff meeting with the Town of Wilbraham Representatives and key stakeholders to review the project scope, schedule, and budget and establish clear communication lines for all parties. Furthermore, to maintain effective communication, progress meetings were held with the town in addition to everyday communication.

The CHA Team clearly understands recent trends and national and regional athletic field/facility design standards and corresponding code and ADA requirements. During the study, the CHA team assisted with critical capital improvement decisions. With establishing a trends and a needs-based approach, we assisted the town with confirming and prioritizing all improvements. This yielded a guideline for establishing high-performing facilities that serve the active and passive recreation needs of residents and, importantly, the capacity of the Town to maintain and operate the facility given anticipated manpower, equipment, and funding levels. As part of the study, we completed the following:

▪ Examined the demand (current and future) for the facility

▪ Inventoried and evaluated existing facilities' use and conditions

▪ Ascertained the appropriateness of existing facilities (based on location, size vs. regulation, neighborhood concerns, parking issues, regulatory issues, etc.)

▪ Determined if there is excess capacity and/or predicted if there will be unmet future demand and if the existing capacity is appropriately located

▪ Identified any required facilities/components that are or will be needed

▪ Developed a strategic plan for at least the next ten years

▪ Developed costs (including design, permitting, administrative, and construction) for anticipated facility improvements

A robust combination of fieldwork, public outreach sessions (with key stakeholder groups and the public), virtual input strategies, and a comprehensive compilation of data that supports both short-term and long-term needs was conducted. To establish a needs-based list of priorities for operational and capital improvements within the Memorial School campus, we evaluated the following items:

• facility conditions

• types of activities making use of the facilities

• ages of users

• number of users

• number of teams/groups

• seasons of use

• anticipated growth usage

• desired uses

Basic Goals and Objectives

This plan will be a working document to guide the community in planning for the future and developing the proposed projects at the Memorial School. It will also aid the Town in setting and making proposals for future development. The study includes an existing facility assessment, market analysis, programming analysis, site analysis, green design considerations, needs analysis, financial and/or facility management analysis, economic impact projections, total project cost and/or phased capital development program, financial options and summary of findings and recommendations.

The basic goals of the master planning process in relation to the Memorial School property included the following:

Engage representatives of recreation and park programs in an organized and thought-provoking dialogue to develop a series of concepts for the appropriate refurbishment, redevelopment and/or expansion of the Memorial School property.

Analyze current indoor and outdoor town sports programming offerings and participation, identify shortages and limitations, gender and sport inequities and develop a strategy for providing new and refurbished facilities to specifically meet the burgeoning needs of various user groups, leagues, and activities.

Providing universal, barrier-free access to all facilities and features located within the property.

Improvements will provide new opportunities for all park patrons, especially for the disabled and elderly within the community.

Proposing new amenities and facilities that are well-designed and self-sustainable; that are durable, long lasting, easily maintained with limited resources, economically feasible and that may be implemented by using a combination of capital improvement funds, grants and in-kind/volunteer services and donations.

Developing plans that provide upgraded ancillary facilities such as drives, parking areas, pedestrian connections to facilities within the property and appropriate linkages to adjacent facilities.

The project team and the town had a goal of being deeply committed to engaging the community. We believed the project must be presented to the community in the appropriate format and venues to gain input. Part of the effort was to develop solid working relationships with local agencies, governments/departments, and residents and gain valuable and practical insight regarding current community service offerings and needs.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

To make sure that the residents of Wilbraham had ample opportunity to be heard and be part of the planning process, the CHA team facilitated a comprehensive systematic community engagement process that included:

Focus Groups and Stakeholder meetings

Public meetings

Social Pinpoint, Town Website and 0ther outreach methods, such as a communications infrastructure

Engagement Summary

We met with more than 60 people including Town Park and Recreation Department Staff, Town Official and Department Staff, and Stakeholders including members of Friends of Recreation, Open Space and Recreation, and Recreation Commission members during our focus group meeting. Approximately 30 people attended the public Town Hall.

1.0 Focus Group and Town Hall Top Comments

The following are the top comments, in no particular order, received during the focus group and Town Hall sessions.

Key Issues

Funding/budget

Not enough gym space

Not everyone in Town is aware that a senior center is being built

Facilities are aging

Not enough room for programs and classes

Key Outcomes

Swift action

A clear answer on a plan with Memorial

Clear timelines and plans

Detailed analysis on cost, what the facility would be best used for, and what it would take to get it into functioning condition

Moving the Parks and Recreation department into the space

Collective Vision of the Memorial School Community Center

Make the space usable by the Wilbraham community as the priority

Bring the community together in the Community Center

Intergenerational opportunities

Available meeting space with parking

Continue doing what we’re doing and listen to the community feedback and demands

Vision for the renovation of the school

Move the Parks and Recreation offices into the renovated space

Include other municipal offices within the facility and make it a hub

Make the best use of the space and footprint

Include outdoor activities

Explore revenue generating opportunities (merch, leasing space, programs)

New Amenities

Exterior and interior pickleball courts

Indoor and outdoor playgrounds

Wrestling space

A basic swimming pool

Outdoor fitness center

New Recreational Activities

Intergenerational programming

Non-sport programming

Facility rentals

Fitness activities (Outdoor fitness, pickleball)

Summer camp & before/after school daycare

Key Stakeholders and Community Partners for development of the Memorial School Community Center

Local businesses

Other town departments

Community members

Town committees (Financial, Capital Planning, Friends of Recreation)

Key Priorities

Financial concerns

Environmental concerns

Intergenerational inclusion

Safety

Available special event space

2.0 Focus Group and Town Hall Compiled Comments

The following is a listing of the comments received during the focus groups and interviews.

How long have you been a resident of the Town of Wilbraham?

0 2 4 6 8 10

Not a resident but use programs/facilities

20+ years

10-19 years

5-9 years

5 years

What do you want to see?

What are the key issues or values in the community that should be considered while developing the master plan for the Memorial School Community Center?

Budget concerns for staffing and resources

Recreation Department has enormous value in the Town

Staff, Director, and commission has done an outstanding job of expanding programs and facilities

Currently building a new Senior Center

Concern from seniors with increasing taxes

Student population dropping – maybe 20% in last ten years

School buildings are aging and in need of attention

Wilbraham is a green community, energy efficient, can apply for grants (solar, redoing windows)

Need this facility, need gym space, need classroom space, need the program space

The community wants this facility to continue to operate

Towns struggle with leadership change, make sure we aren’t hoarding properties – what can we unload/sell

What is the best use of all Town properties

Lack of things for kids to do, especially kids not playing organized sports, need place for kids to do yoga, pickleball…

A spot for youth

Need inventory of all IT assets in the facility, technical inventory, technology costs need to be considered as part of the project

Funding/budget**

Taxes

Private public funding

Revenue generation

Proper resources to maintain what is built

What is the need?

Concerned with age of facility

Expense of renovations

Not enough gym space

Not enough workout rooms

This should have been a senior center

Impact on surrounding neighborhoods with increased usage

What are the required physical repairs needed

What revenue options exist

Make a useable space

Make a municipal campus

Opportunities for grant funding

Possibly leasing space

Gym space a critical issue*

Building is centralized to the community – good location

Pickleball court noise concerns

Provide amenities for a wide variety of users, all ages

Cost

Entrance road needs to be paved, widened, lighted, sidewalk

Generate income, many professionals are looking for temporary office space

What three things would you like to see as an outcome of this planning process?

Detailed analysis (capital needs) associated with getting the building up to an acceptable condition for operations

Would like to see a balance analysis for best use of the facility and the property

Time and attention addressing concern – if Memorial wasn’t good enough for the seniors, how is it good enough for Community Center

Move Park and Recreation department here

Renovate the gymnasium space so it could be used more

Make use of the outdoor space – baseball/softball and pickleball courts, synthetic ice

Long term revenue generator – people will pay for their own service

Multipurpose flexible

Long term maintenance costs

Maintenance costs budget needs to come from the top leadership

Need to maintain what we build

Need a plan B if the community doesn’t support the plan, need phased approached

Community space

Need inventory of all IT assets in the facility, technical inventory, technology costs need to be considered as part of the project

Stable power, generator

Consolidate IT spaces in the facility

Adequate electrical service, HVAC

Clear answer – what do we do to Memorial*

Swift action, do something*

Assessment, clear understanding of what is needed to make facility operational for years to come

How could facility be configured to house Rec Dept

New ideas or issues that need to be addressed

Develop a plan that provides a good useable space for the Town

Met the needs of the Recreation Department – trust the process

Estimate of construction and operating costs

Funding sources

Impact if designated historical

Determine best use of facility and property, consider all uses

New basketball courts

Recreation Department office space

Outdoor facilities

Building saved/preserved

Not be a point of contention within the Town

Uses other than sports

What should the collective vision of the Memorial School Community Center be and how can the Park and Recreation Department help achieve that collective vision?

A Community Center*

Intergenerational opportunities*

Need available meeting space with parking*

Safe spaces

A community center for the town – all ages, intergenerational programming, the P&R Dept needs to continue to do what they are doing based on feedback and demands*

Sustainability

Wilbraham usage – the priority**

Needs should be determined by the community

Emergency facility, warming center, dispensary

Accessible to all, lively, well used, opened substantial hours

Not age restricted open to entire community

If it is a recreation center – will provide services to everyone in the community – all ages and all interests, all inclusive

A Community Center should be an all-in-one facility, offices, recreation amenities, banquet hall, outdoor space

Multiuse facility, available for all walks of life to use the facility simultaneously

Activate the kitchen

Operate dusk to dawn – open throughout the day

Recreation opportunities, crafts, meeting space

Before/after school daycare

Outreach, networking, funding, garner community support

Utilize all of the space

Multi-functional/multi-generational space – generate income, more than just athletics/sports, add arts, dance, etc.

What is your vision for renovation of the school, use the entire building, a portion?

What would you like to see done with it?

Find effective way to upgrade and increase efficiencies – currently a single zone heating system

Phase in use if needed

Maybe mothball a part of the facility

Possibly use the majority of facility if other town departments here – good idea – become a hub of activity, could sell other properties

Park & Rec offices here*

Maximize the use of potential spaces

Consolidate here – a municipal location – Rec and other offices

Maybe lease space – make money

Mass municipal law – if more than 30% of building renovated, the remainder must be brought up to code

Rear portion only used for storage – remove this

Change heating system to gas

Smaller more manageable building

Knock down back wing

Expand gym space

Renovation is a good idea, use the whole building

Renovate the entire building all at once

Use the gymnasium, need a larger gymnasium – up to 8th grade

Outside playground

Outdoor activities

Determine best use of facility and property, consider all uses

The back wing is useless, should be removed, allow for outdoor amenities

In addition to being a community center, be a community resource. Would love to see it used also as office space for other uses – rental spaces (temporary office spaces), great building – need to utilize, has great character, we can recycle/upcycle the building, bring it back to life

What new recreational amenities would you like to see available?

Meeting space

Multipurpose rooms

Storage space (football equipment)

Optimize available space

Exterior pickleball courts**

Interior pickleball courts**

Renovation of gym

Baseball softball diamonds grades K-2 T-ball, move fields from Soule Rd school

Teen center

Yoga studio to rent

Basketball courts

Lacrosse

Event space

Indoor playground**

Outdoor playground*

Giant conference room

Need both rectangular and diamond fields

Need multipurpose field

Outdoor fitness center*

Trails with stations

Recreation Department, Dance/Fitness spaces for businesses, location for Broadband Service Center

Fitness Center – weights, cardio

Need long range vision to meet needs of the entire community

What can we do that will have the biggest impact with the least cost

Rentable event space

A basic swimming pool*

Banquet room

Synthetic ice rink – both indoor and outdoor

Add fitness center – weights/cardio

Outdoor fitness areas, dog accessible

Locker room

Wrestling space*

Add another multipurpose gym

Better internet access

Improved HVAC

Outdoor fields (45 ft softball/baseball)

Pickleball courts*

Outdoor Pickleball courts* minimum of six

What new recreational activities would you like to see available?

Intergenerational programming **

Non-sport programming**

STEM, STEAM

Other sport programming

Pre K – grade 8

Teen programs

Special events – rentals – birthday parties

Facility rentals*

Adult and youth whole body wellness

Volleyball

Fitness activities

Outdoor fitness

Pickleball

Vocational programs

Summer camp

Before/after school daycare

What key partners and stakeholders in the community can assist with the development of the Memorial School Community Center?

Friends of Recreation

Capital Planning Committee

Financial Committee

Volunteers

Selectman’s office

DPW

Other Town departments

Residents

Soccer City

Local businesses

Wilbraham Monson Academy – maybe looking to develop a hockey rink

Wilbraham Children’s Museum

IT

TV Broadcasting

Green Communities Program – energy efficiencies upgrades

Friendly’s Corporate

Private partnerships – medical/therapy/dance groups

Veterans Service Office

State government (IT and Broadcast)

The entire community – need to “sell” this

What priorities need to be considered, while developing the Memorial School Community Center?

Environmental concerns*

Financial concerns**

Intergenerational**

Sustainability

Plan for infrastructure necessary

Community service component for youth – volunteerism

Available special event space – WCM*

Technical infrastructure

Proper data room

Properly funded

Stop using oil, use electric and gas

Make a green building

No islands in parking lot – snow plowing

Appropriate staff resources

Will need to expand staff

Roof, the windows, HVAC system

Don’t go green

Surrounding neighbors

Traffic

Phasing of the project

Maintain architectural look

Spatial concerns, maximize space

Don’t lose existing fields

Safety*

Gymnasium, pickleball (outdoor), office space

Don’t remove the stage, add a butler building with a gym

Anything else you would like us to know?

Need to build support - time and attention addressing concern – if Memorial wasn’t good enough for the seniors, how is it good enough for Community Center

People have different visions

Excited for a decision to be made – building is on life support

No islands in parking lot – snow plowing

Need details about the physical conditions of the facility, a check on the previous study

Have the Pine school gym and community rooms been considered, possibly under used currently

Concern with radio frequencies

Keep the wrestling room (HVAC)

Is there a plan to an archaeological assessment of the site

Pay attention to zoning issues

A great project for the Town – need space, will benefit the community

There will be a lot of heated discussion

What are the strengths of the Department related to recreation facilities/activities that should continue over the next 5 years?

Recreation Department has enormous value in the Town

Staff, Director, and commission has done an outstanding job of expanding programs and facilities

Department is committed and dedicated, wanting to progress, be better

Damn solid program – Bryan, Friends of Rec and Commission

Use of grants to build things

Fantastic program, well led, envied by other communities

Easy to work with

They do a great job, they offer a lot

Conversely, what are the weaknesses related to recreation facilities/activities that need to be addressed?

When Spec Pond was being envisioned, projections for financial implications may have been off

– staffing and programmatic resources

Small department

Disconnect at times with residents that don’t have kids

Need more communication

Political challenges with BOS

General comments

Doing her best to keep an open mind, concerned that some residents believe that the Memorial site should have been a senior center.

Memorial school was built as a memorial to war veterans

What’s important is the infrastructure for the facilities already exists, need to include all exterior elements, sidewalks, parking, landscaping, drainage, storm water management, detention basin, entrance road

How can WCM use space for events

Moving IT, TV Broadcasting – not easy – would need further discussion, very costly, they will push back strongly if asked to move here

Building is on life support

Glad Senior Center is elsewhere

Use building – Recreation Department, Dance/Fitness spaces for businesses, location for Broadband Service Center

Pay attention to zoning

Big supported

The outside is important

This is a no-brainer, we need it

Toured building last summer, love the building, why is it so underutilized by the Town, would love to see it used also as office space for other uses – rental spaces (temporary office spaces), great building – need to utilize, has great character, we can recycle/upcycle this building, bring it back to life

Summary

We met with more than 60 people including Town Park and Recreation Department Staff, Town Official and Departmental Staff, and Stakeholders including members of Friends of Recreation, Open Space and Recreation, and Recreation Commission members. These groups made clear that they want to use the existing space to create a single community center where offices, programs both indoor and outdoor, and intergenerational community members can gather and utilize the space. They trust that the leadership within the Town will make the correct, decisive, and swift actions to get the space where the community wants it to be. While there are concerns with funding, the community would still like to see some new amenities added as well as available space to be included in the design. Participants wanted to see trailheads, loop trails, basketball/pickleball courts as well as fitness equipment and more designated gym space.

Overall, the community provided valuable feedback which will guide the next steps in our process.

Participants stated clearly that it is important to choose a plan and truly stick to it while making the end goals clear to the community.

Social Pinpoint Summary

1.0 Social Pinpoint Introduction

As part of the engagement for the Wilbraham, MA, feasibility study, a Social Pinpoint site was created. Social Pinpoint is an online engagement tool BerryDunn uses to gather community input. With assistance from the Town staff, BerryDunn customized the Social Pinpoint site for this project, including a photo gallery of Memorial School, a survey, a forum, project updates, project documents (engagement summary, stakeholder open house, site renderings, and proposed plans), and a frequently asked questions section.

The site opened for comment on March 7, 2023, and closed for comment on June 30, 2023.

The site attracted 1276 unique users and 397 unique stakeholders who completed 392 surveys and left 19 comments. The difference between a unique user and a unique stakeholder is that a unique stakeholder weighed in on the project by either commenting or completing the survey.

This section of the report summarizes the feedback obtained for this project via Social Pinpoint.

2.0 Survey Results

The Memorial School Survey included eight questions summarized here.

Question #1

Are you familiar with Memorial School?

A total of 392 people responded to this question with 380 (96.9%) indicating that they are familiar with the school and 12 indicating that they are not.

Figure 1: Are you familiar with Memorial School

Yes, 380

No, 12

Yes No

Question #2

Renovations at Memorial School will require a capital expenditure by the Town of Wilbraham, are you in support of this?

A total of 385 people responded to this question with 339 (88%) indicating yes, they are in support of a capital expenditure to make renovations and 46 (12%) indicating that they do not support a capital expenditure.

Figure 2: Do you support a capital expenditure to renovate Memorial School

Question #3

If the indoor and outdoor spaces were renovated with amenities to meet you or your family’s needs, how much would you be willing to pay in taxes to support?

Four responses were provided for this question including $3/month, $5/month, $7/month, or $10/month. A total of 385 people responded to this question. The results are depicted in Figure

3. There were 113 (29.4%) people who indicated they would spend $5/month and the same amount indicated that they would spend $10/month. A total of 106 (27.5%) people indicated that they would spend $3/month, and 26 people (6.7%) indicated they would spend $7/month.

Yes, 339

No, 46

Figure 3: How much tax support would you be willing to provide for renovations?

Question #4

Would you like to see Memorial School renovated to become an indoor recreation space for the community with outdoor amenities as well?

A total of 388 people responded to this question with 352 (90.7%) indicating that they would like to see Memorial School renovated with new indoor spaces and outdoor amenities. A total of 36 people (9.3%) indicated that they were not interested in renovations at Memorial School. Figure 4 depicts these results.

Figure 4: Would you like to see Memorial School renovated?

$5/month, 113

$10/month, 113

$3/month, 106

$7/month, 26

$5/month $10/month $3/month $7/month

Yes, 352

No, 36

Question #5

What programming would you like to see happen at Memorial School? (check all that apply)

For this question, 13 program options were provided and respondents also had an option to write in additional suggestions. A total of 380 people responded to this question with the results depicted in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Desired Programming at Memorial School

There was also an option for respondents to suggest additional programs they would like to see at Memorial School:

Senior programs and dedicated facility space Preschool/child care programs Sports programming: adult volleyball, basketball, pickleball (indoors and outdoors), open gym, indoor batting cages Inclusion and special needs programs Multi-generational activities New playground Teen programming/mentoring

Youth Sports, 322

Outdoor Recreation, Youth Fitness, 283

Family/Community Programs, 270

Adult Sports, 267

Adult Fitness, 260

Summer Camps, 260

Arts, Theater, and Music, 244

Winter Break Camps, Special Events, 222

STEM, 192

Aquatics, 133 Senior Programs, 111

Some comments expressed opposing views, with a few respondents suggesting tearing down the building and selling the land, bringing back a school in this location, and not investing in additional programming or taking on new expenses

Question #6

The gym is currently a shared space with a stage and a small basketball court. Would you like to see this space become? (check all that apply)

A total of 373 people responded to this question. Out of the 373 responses, 217 (58.2%) indicated a desire for the space to become a full gym, 133 (35.6%) of respondents would like to keep the space as is (a shared space including a gym and a stage), and 41 expressed their preference for the space to be a full theater. The results for this question are depicted in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Desired use of shared Gym Space

There was also an option for respondents to provide additional suggestions on use of the shared space and those include:

Senior center (2 mentions) Make into a full gym and create a theater elsewhere in the building Full gym and theater combination (2 mentions) Upgrade space/renovations (2 mentions) Return facility to school (1 mention) Sell building for private development (1 mention)

Full Gym Space, 217

Keep as is, 133

Full Theater Space, 41

Full Gym Space Keep as is Full Theater Space

Question #7

Memorial School sits on approximately 40 acres and is currently home to two youth baseball fields, a playground, and hiking/biking trails. Are there other outdoor recreational amenities you would like to see? (check all that apply)

Respondents were provided nine responses to select and there was also an option to write in additional suggestions. A total of 362 people responded to this question. The top amenity desired are outdoor basketball courts (193), followed by water refill stations (190), playgrounds (186), and tennis courts. All the results are depicted in Figure 7.

Figure 7: Outdoor amenities people would like to see at Memorial School

Other suggestions listed include:

Pickleball Courts (33 mentions) Softball Fields (5 mentions) Hiking/Biking Trails (5 mentions) Senior Center (3 mentions)

Several other amenities were mentioned once or twice, including outdoor skating rink, community pool, splash pad, walking paths, dog park, turf practice field, volleyball courts, skate park, lacrosse fields, paved track/walkways, disc golf, and nature walks/tours.

Outdoor Basketball Court, 193

Water Refill Stations, More Playgrounds, 186Tennis Court, 131

Soccer Field, 124

Community Gardens, Bike Racks, 117

More Baseball Fields, Football Field, 40

Question #8

Memorial School is a 50,000 square foot building that previously housed elementary students. Are there particular indoor recreational amenities you would like to see?

(Check all that apply)

A total of 327 people responded to this question. The most desired indoor recreational amenities respondents would like to see are water refill stations (196), followed by multipurpose rental space (185), a yoga studio (170), and concessions (116). The results for this question are depicted in Figure 8.

Figure 8: Desired indoor recreational amenities at Memorial School

There was also an option for respondents to provide additional suggestions regarding desired indoor recreational amenities and those include:

Pickleball courts (9 mentions) Senior center (4 mentions) Indoor batting cages/baseball training (3 mentions) Indoor pool (2 mentions)

Water Refill Stations, Multipurpose Rental Space, 185

Yoga Studio, 170

Concessions, 116

Several other amenities were mentioned once or twice, including indoor walking/jogging track, ping pong/pool tables, Pilates, indoor golf net/hitting area/simulator, art/cooking classes, volleyball, community rooms for meetings/events, fitness areas for various classes, adult learning classes, safe space for after-school programs, spectator space in the wrestling room, and classrooms/meeting spaces for clubs/groups.

3.0 Forum Results

The forum question on the Social Pinpoint site asked people to share any additional thoughts regarding this potential project. A total of 19 people made comments.

Twelve of the respondents support the notion of completing more renovations on this site to enhance indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Town. Pickleball was mentioned again (twice) as a community need, and one person suggested space be carved out in a new recreation center for teens. Other comments included:

Renovation funds should go to the schools to offset their deficit A vocational school should be created on this site This site would have made a great senior center The land should be sold or leased (and not turned into public recreation space)

SITE ANALYSIS

Site Assessment

3.1 – Overall Site

The Memorial School is located in the center of town at 310 Main Street and is home to two youth baseball fields, a playground, an open play field several acres of outdoor space and trails. The inside of the building is currently utilized for recreational activities by the Town of Wilbraham Parks & Recreation Department (WPRD), storage by the HWRSD and several other assorted Town activities (vaccine clinics, police, and fire trainings, etc.). The property is into two of two sections, the Memorial School Site and the Memorial Field site creating the appearance that they are two separate facilities. There is a steep slope between the two areas and and a vegetated wetland and stream at the base of the slope. Each area has it’s own access and there is not formal pedestrian connection between the two sites. There is an informal path/trail between the two sites, however it is currently obstructed by the wetlands. It also has steep slopes making it difficult to traverse by all abilities.

Fig. 1 – Project Site – Memorial School and Memorial Fields

3.2 Access and Parking

There is parking in the front of the building and the back of the building. There is one main access drive with an asphalt walkway along the southern curb from Main Street with a convenient drop off loop in the front of the school.

The front parking lot has about 26 parking spaces including 2 handicapped spaces. There is a collector walk along the east side of the parking lot to bring pedestrians to the front entrance and is used for drop off. There is a fire lane in front of the building. There are two travel lanes, one to the east of the spaces and one to the west. This does not allow for the most efficient use of the parking lot.

There is a large, 62 space parking area in the back of the facility that is minimally used. It appears that it is just used for the trail heads along the back of the site. The driveway and parking lot pavement is in fair to poor condition, while functional, it will have a short life expectancy if the facility is used more frequently and would need to be…