What about traffic, parking and lighting? Will it impact neighbors?
The Town conducted a comprehensive traffic study for this project that concluded that the traffic in this area of Wayland is rated D, and the installation of a new field will not worsen the traffic rating. The proposed plan has 63 parking spaces and averages over 300 feet from nearest neighbors. The sports lighting will not reach surrounding roadways.
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Because artificial turf field has a higher capacity for usage, it will naturally see more daily users than a grass field and may have a greater impact on traffic. Although atypical for this type of project, the Town conducted a traffic study, which was later peer reviewed. Anticipated additional traffic as a result of a turf field at Loker will not worsen the traffic rating for this area, which is already rated D.
The Recreation Commission addressed concerns about the adequacy of on-site parking, pedestrian access and the potential for overflow parking in the adjacent neighborhood, as well as the ability of the roadway to handle emergency vehicles. The existing parking infrastructure and access driveway left from Dow Chemical is one of the advantages of the Loker site. Nearest neighbors average over 300 ft away from the project and the site is surrounded by thick vegetation reducing the likelihood of parking in surrounding areas. In addition, the current design includes 63 parking spaces, more than most other recreational facilities in Wayland. The Loker site plans were reviewed and deemed acceptable by Wayland Police Department and Wayland Fire Department as well as the Planning Board as part of the Site Plan Approval process. As there is not an existing network of sidewalks at Commonwealth Road or Rice Road, and existing wetland boundaries flank the entrance driveway, it was deemed ineffective to provide a sidewalk from Commonwealth Road to the parking lot and field. Taking into consideration the traffic demands on Commonwealth Road and the geographic location of the site itself within the Town, it is unlikely that pedestrians would travel to the site and most users are expected to arrive by motor vehicle.
The Loker Field has 63 parking spaces planned, this is more parking than most other recreational facilities in Wayland.
| Alpine Field | Oxbow Field | Cochituate Park | Loker Conservation & Recreation Area | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Regulation Sized Grass Soccer Field 1 Playground 1 Tee Ball Field Castle Hill Trails | 1 Regulation Sized Grass Soccer Field Walking Trails | 2 Softball Diamonds 1 Playground 1 Outdoor Basketball Court | 1 Regulation Sized Field proposed Walking Trail System | |
| Number of Parking Spaces | 23 | 55 | 43 | 63 |
Will the sports lighting impact neighbors?
New technology in sports lighting allows the playing field to be lit for player safety, without spillage or glare reaching the surrounding roadways or residences.
