Changes are coming to Roberts Field, at least a portion of it, according to Bill Askenburg, founder of the 2-year-old organization, Friends of Roberts Field.

As part of a plan to enhance the trail system in and around Friendship Park, Askenburg, husband of Selectman Janet Askenburg, said a so-called “pollinator park” will soon be planted with a specific list of blooming and fruiting shrubs. Askenburg made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen at the board’s meeting on June 15. “It’s part of an overall plan to improve the trails in the woods, build bridges and footpaths and add benches,” said Askenburg. The plan also includes planting shade trees at the ponds’ edges, and adding benches in a mowed grassy meadow and picnic tables.

He said two Eagle Scout projects have created the bridges; a volunteer has built a map kiosk. There will be bat and bee houses as well. “It’s a labor of love,” said Askenburg. “It’s taken a long time, but it’s also been a lot of fun. It will improve the neighborhood.” The new park will lie at the corner of Old Westford Road and Westford Street, adjacent to the fire station. Askenburg said the pollinator park will not interfere with the soccer and baseball fields that are now at Roberts Field.

But the two ponds and wetlands will be cleared of the invasive species and planted with an eye to creating a pastoral experience for hikers or outdoor lovers. He said wetlands scientist Cori Rose drew up a list of about 50 specific plants for the park. Askenburg said anyone from the community with a bush or shrub that is on the list can donate it to pollinator park. Selectman Askenburg was not in attendance at the meeting, according to Town Manager Paul Cohen.

“So far, day lilies are in, and we have cut back the nonnative invasives,” said Askenburg. “We are getting a handle on the poison ivy, and are about to start the garden beds.” “Everything we are doing is wildlife-friendly,” said Askenburg. He said there are owls, hawks, snakes, frogs and turtles in the ponds that he hopes will find a spiffed-up environment. “We want to get access to see all of that,” he said.

The board approved a memorial donation of $500 toward the effort. Next up for Askenburg is to ask for a Community Action Grant for about $1,500 to help pay for the field improvements. The total cost is estimated at $2,800, he said.

By Betsy Levinson
chelmsford@wickedlocal.com
Chelmsford Independent

CHELMSFORD