Lower Atkinson Common Master Plan

Improvements at Lower Atkinson Common in Newburyport, MA are well underway with a project addressing long-standing challenges in parking and safety while incorporating critical climate resiliency measures, improved drainage and enhancements to its tree canopy. This beloved park, home to the Pioneer League and cherished by local families, is already benefiting from these improvements. The new off-street parking lot is nearly complete, and a newly constructed stormwater wetland is in place to manage runoff sustainably. Lower Atkinson Common is treasured for its wide range of amenities that cater to the community's needs, including a universally accessible playground, three baseball diamonds, a basketball court, and a clubhouse. These features make the park a vibrant and welcoming space for all, supporting both active recreation for users of all abilities and community connection.

The centerpiece of this project is a comprehensive overhaul of the park's parking and traffic infrastructure, which will improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. With its previous parking spaces unable to meet the demands of busy baseball seasons and community events, the redesign increases parking capacity from 55 to 72 spaces, including 4 handicap accessible spaces, with an additional queueing area for seven cars and one bus. Key improvements include:

• Elimination of angled street parking along Merrimac Street, reducing risks associated with cars backing into a busy thoroughfare.
• An expanded asphalt lot near the clubhouse, providing 24 spaces.
• An expanded gravel parking lot behind Founders Field with 48 spaces.
• Safer pedestrian access, with new sidewalks extending along Merrimac Street and connecting key areas of the park.

The project’s design reflects a thoughtful balance, with the paved parking area kept as small as possible to minimize environmental impact, while the majority of the parking remains gravel. Gravel surfaces allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and helping to prevent flooding and erosion, while paved areas increase runoff, which can overwhelm drainage systems and carry pollutants.

As part of Newburyport's goal to integrate climate resiliency into every project, the Lower Atkinson Common improvements include ecological enhancements, most notably the new stormwater wetland, located behind the gravel lot. This completed wetland has been planted with native species such as Lowbush Blueberry, Summersweet, Sweetfern, and Cardinal Flower, promoting biodiversity and supporting pollinators.

Tree canopy improvements are another standout feature of the project. Over 30 new trees will be planted throughout the park, including Red Oak, White Oak, Red Maple, Tulip Tree, and River Birch. These trees will provide shade, reduce urban hot spots, and create vital habitat for wildlife, enhancing the park’s overall environmental health and visual appeal once complete. Street trees will also be planted in the parking lot’s planting islands to mitigate the heat island effect. These features, combined with the project’s commitment to a reduced paved footprint, underline the city’s dedication to sustainability.

The redesign also includes thoughtful additions like bike racks, better pathways, and landscape buffers to protect the park’s edges and enhance its beauty. These updates aim to create a space that accommodates growing demand while enhancing walkability, improving pedestrian and vehicle safety, and maintaining harmony with the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Lower Atkinson Common project balances practicality with sustainability. By addressing pressing parking and safety needs, the city ensures the park remains a safe and accessible hub for recreation and community gatherings. Simultaneously, investments in climate resilience and ecological health make the park a forward-looking space that future generations can enjoy.

With the parking lot complete, the stormwater wetland constructed, and over 30 trees, native shrubs and perennials soon to grace the park, Lower Atkinson Common is transforming into a safer, greener, and more inviting place for all!