King Oak Hill Park

A cooperative project between the Town of Weymouth and the Massachusetts PARC Program
King Oak Hill Park
King Oak Hill Park
Find park dedication photos here.
 

In December 2016, the Town received $400,000 in grant funding through the Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) program for park improvements to the King Oak Hill property, also known as the Emery Estate. The Town Council voted unanimously to accept the grant and approved $1.7 million in borrowing for the project cost. Proposed improvements at King Oak Hill included parking to accommodate public use, safe vehicle and pedestrian access from Emery Lane, a pavilion and restroom building to support outdoor events, and a loop walking path to highlight the property’s isolation and open space.

The Emery Estate is a 24-acre property located on King Oak Hill in East Weymouth. The property was owned by the Emery family and operated as a single-family home (and at times, a working farm) for nearly 100 years. The Town purchased the property in 2011 with $1.9 million in Community Preservation funds. The land is largely untouched open space and is equivalent in area to about 18 football fields.

king oak hill parkDesign and Construction    

In January 2017, the Town hired Shadley Associates of Lexington to design King Oak Hill Park as an accessible public space for passive recreation and programed outdoor events. Two public meetings were held on the design of the park, and a third meeting was held prior to construction to help residents become fully acquainted with the project scope and anticipated work schedule.

The site plan for King Oak Hill Park separates the park's vehicular and pedestrian elements, and includes the following park improvements:

  • Resurfacing of Emery Lane
  • Sidewalks and curbing
  • Park gate and raised crosswalk
  • 54 parking spaces (reduced from 90)
  • Drop-off area with bicycle and handicapped parking 
  • Drainage swale and stormwater infiltration area
  • Pipe connection to underground drainage system
  • 1,500-SF outdoor open pavilion
  • 500-SF restroom building  
  • Interpretive panel and wayfinding signage
  • Loop walking path with benches (100% accessible)

In October 2017, the Town awarded a general construction contract to MDR Construction Company of Tewksbury. Construction began in October 2017. 

The park was dedicated on October 22, 2018. 

PARC Program

The PARC program was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. These grants can be used to acquire parkland, build a new park, or renovate an existing park. Any municipality with an unexpired Open Space and Recreation Plan is eligible to apply for the program. PARC grants are paid as reimbursement grants for work completed.

The PARC program was identified as a potential funding source for King Oak Hill Park in the spring of 2016. Conceptual design plans for the new public space were prepared by the Town's Engineering Division in partnership with Planning and Recreation staff. These plans were presented to residents at a public informational meeting in June 2016. The Town's PARC grant was submitted in July 2016.

Related Documents/Links