House bill would allow park expansion at Natick depot

NATICK — The plan to use part of the National Guard Depot as a town park came a step closer to becoming a reality yesterday after the House passed a bill giving Natick access to three acres of the land on Speen Street.

The legislation would provide a 30-year lease from the Department of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) to the town, and would allow the expansion of John J. Lane Park. The legislation will now go to the Senate for consideration.

State Rep. David Linsky, D-Natick, has long pushed for such an agreement.

"I have listened to so many Natick residents voice their support for expanding the park in their neighborhood," Linsky said. "Passing this bill has remained one of my top legislative priorities and I was grateful to work with my colleagues in the House this year to make the town's vision for the park expansion an reality."

The depot is owned by the Massachusetts National Guard and controlled by DCAM. The land sits along Speen Street north of Rte. 135 and near Lake Cochituate in western Natick, which Linsky said could use more recreation space.

"West Natick has had more than its fair share of development over the past few years, and its residents deserve some open space," Linsky said.

Deputy Town Administrator Michael Young said the land would provide the opportunity to bring new activities and facilities to the park.

"There is interest to try and expand the park and add some athletic facilities and try to extend a path to Lake Cochituate," Young said.

Areas for activities such as volleyball and horseshoes could be included, as well as a picnic area, playgrounds and an overnight camping area, according to Linsky's office. Permanent restroom facilities would also be built.

The driveway into the park might be moved from its present spot to one across from Belmore Road, and a new 64-car parking lot would be built, Linsky's office said.

While the announcement comes as a positive step, Young said there is still work to be done before the park expansion will occur.

"The town is not signing a lease or starting work, but it is one of a series of steps in a process that would get us there," Young said.