SBRC Greenlodge-Oakdale Elementary Building Project Update
The School Building Rehabilitation Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 was a joint meeting of the SBRC and the Dedham Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss the landscaping and field designs proposed for the Greenlodge-Oakdale Elementary Building Project. Parks and Rec Director Robert Stanley, as well as Commission members Lisa Farnham, Lisa Moran, and Jonathan Briggs were in attendance.
Reviewing Design Concepts for Landscaping and Recreation Field Space
Landscape architects Tighe & Bond prepared conceptual designs meant to spur imagination and discussion regarding the use of open space around the proposed site of the new Greenlodge-Oakdale elementary school building on the current Oakdale property. The discussion began with a brief overview of the current site use and conditions. Spatial diagrams for variations on three concepts were then presented, showing proposed design elements and how they’d be used around the site. These elements included 125 parking spaces, with various options for combinations of outdoor classrooms, rain gardens, basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields and other multi-use fields. The design concepts also included preliminary concepts for student drop off lanes and greenspace.
After much discussion and feedback, the designers will be revising and revisiting the most commonly preferred concepts (Design options 2A & 2B), making adjustments based on feedback from the collective committees. Concept 2A currently includes a baseball diamond with a soccer field; a more generous drop-off space where students can drop off to plaza space, as well as a drop off exit on Madison street. Concept 2B currently includes a t-ball field instead of a full baseball diamond, allows space for a basketball court to be tucked in the rear, and includes a drop off exit on Madison street.
School Building Design Updates: Food Services Consultant Feedback
Jonathan Levi and Associates, the project architects, reviewed input provided by a Food service consultant on the new school building kitchen space. The kitchen will be full service and all-electric, allowing for full breakfast, full lunch, and after school food to be served. Additionally, based on the input provided, the building plan design will be increasing the kitchen size by approximately 10% to ensure it will truly have full service capabilities.
Community Outreach
SBRC Chairperson John Tocci and Dedham Public Schools Superintendent Nan Murphy have been meeting and/or are scheduled to meet with all school Parent Teacher Organizations at their most recently scheduled meetings. These visits provide an opportunity to share a project update, answer parent questions and offer insight into the anticipated educator and student experience at the new school.
Next Community-Outreach Meetings with SBRC Attendance:
- November 14, 2023 - Avery PTO Meeting
- November 15, 2023 - School Committee Meeting
- December 13, 2023 - Planning Board
- December 14, 2023 - Select Board
Next SBRC Meetings:
- November 20, 2023 - 6:30pm at Dedham Town Hall
- December 4, 2023 - 6:30pm at Dedham Town Hall
- December 11, 2023 - 6:30pm at Dedham Town Hall
- December 19, 2023 - 6:30pm at Dedham Town Hall
|
