As part of the redevelopment of TriTowne Plaza, converting it to the Shoppes and Residences at Renaissance Square, it was announced that the grassy area between the parking lot and Route 70 would be developed into a park. More than a year ago, RD Management, the developers,
released a project plan showing the contours of the park.
I know I know... a park? You consider that a park? I get that. No matter what I write in the rest of this blog, it is still situated between a parking lot and major highway. There is no denying that. But there is some good news to report about the park, so with the caveat of its terrible location acknowledged, on to some new information.
Perhaps I already knew this and forgot, but the 'map' of the park above is a very rough sketch, showing a flat park with a few trails and ponds. But I recently got a look at a more detailed version of the park, and its much more inviting than the original design indicates.
The 2nd map shows that the ground is not flat, but will contain elevations. Trees will be planted, along with some benches, grills, play equipment and even a dog park. Because of the two entrances into the shopping center, the park is naturally divided into three sections. (Hopefully some speed bumps or rumble strips will be added to the parking lot to slow drivers down as the are passing the entrances into the park).
Looking at the three sections, starting from the west (nearest Dunkin)....
This section of the park contains a dog park and a pond. While the dog park has been laid out, it is filled with gravel now, and it is not fenced yet. Outside the dog park is a brick paver patio of a design that is repeated throughout the park.
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| Future dog park |
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| Future dog park |
There will be trees in abundance, but they haven't all been planted yet. On the far side of the dog park is a pond.
And near the dog park is another brick patio, which is shown on the plan with picnic tables.
Because the area is not flat, because hills have been added, there are actually places in the park where you can't see Route 70. Don't get me wrong, you still know its there, but its nicer than viewing the cars driving by. Imagine this elevation once grass is planted.
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| Route 70 is hidden behind the elevation |
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| Center section of park |
Crossing one of the two entrances to the shopping center parking lot, you come to the middle section of the park. While the map shows this section having 2 patios, it actually has 3. One is marked 'BBQ Picnic Terrace', while one of the others surrounds one side of a play area, marked 'Children's Play Equipment w/Seating'. There is also a large grassy area between walkways for children to run around in. While I love the idea of having the big grassy areas for children to just run around in, though its proximity to the highway may not allow parents to fully relax while their children are there.
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| BBQ Picnic Terrace |
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| Play Equipment will be located here |
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| Section of park in front of TD Bank |
The final section of park contains another pond, along with multiple elevations, patios and trees.
Yes, it is still a park on the side of a highway. Prior to this development project, it was grass and trees, which was nice to look at, but never used. While I can't see this park ever becoming a destination, for those living in Renaissance Square, it is a nice use of limited space. For dog owners, its a place (perhaps the only place) to walk your dogs. For families with young children, play equipment within walking distance is always welcome.
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