Shiverick’s Pond Environmental Baseline Study
Location: 80 Katharine Lee Bates Road
Applicant: Conservation Commission and The 300 Committee
Allocation: $10,000
Year/Article: November 2015, A42
Shiverick’s Pond, designated a “Great Pond” by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is close to Main Street in downtown Falmouth and also abuts Lawrence Junior High School. For some time The 300 Committee had envisioned taking steps to include the pond in the walkable area of the downtown, beginning with a beautification and land management project including installation of a public access pathway around the pond, educational signage, an ADA-accessible fishing pier, benches, and possibly restoration of a sailing program for young people. To that end, in February 2015, The 300 Committee purchased a .67-acre property on Shiverick's Pond from the Bank of America for permanent open space conservation, passive recreation, and public access. The 300 Committee then began collaborating with Town Management to develop a master plan to enhance public access to and enjoyment of the Shiverick’s Pond area.
The first step was to develop baseline environmental data and determine feasibility of various improvements around the pond to improve visibility and public access and enjoyment. In 2015 the Conservation Commission requested and was appropriated $10,000 from the CPFund to hire a consultant to conduct such a study. The 300 Committee intends to work closely with Town Management and the Selectmen as the study progresses and will encourage participation from additional stakeholders during the master planning phase. The initial study will be completed in 2016.