Accessibility improvements ahead for Bayview Park in Onset

Mar 8, 2022

Improvements are ahead for Bayview Park in Onset, with work set to begin this fall. 

Jaime Rebhan-Buckminster of the Community Opportunities Group, which manages certain grant funds for the town, presented some initial information about the project to the Select Board on March 8.

While the park provides shade and striking views of the bay, Buckminster-Rebhan said it’s not accessible due to the steep hills, poor-quality walkways throughout the park and a failing sidewalk along Onset Avenue.

The paver stone paths and sidewalks will be replaced with wider concrete walkways, she said, which are less attractive, but more durable, cost-effective and safe. 

Making the gazebo accessible is also a priority. Rebhan-Buckminster said that a landscaped ramp and modified slope are being considered.

An arborist has visited the site and evaluated the existing trees, Rebhan-Buckminster said. A few trees in poor condition and a stump will need to be removed, but some will be replaced with lower-growth trees. The arborist also plans to teach the town’s municipal maintenance department how to prune and maintain the trees.

The entrances to the park will be improved, she said. 

Most of the repairs won’t begin until the fall, but the failing railing along the Onset Avenue sidewalk will be repaired before summer, Rebhan-Buckminster said.

Some of the work will be completed by municipal maintenance, and some Chapter 90 state funds will be combined with roughly $280,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds will cover the rest of the work.