Amesbury Sports Park

You may be aware of the article published in both the Lawrence Eagle Tribune and the Newburyport Daily News over the weekend regarding the Amesbury Sports Park.

Here is some additional information.

A couple of weeks ago I was informed that the so called Spartan Race, that had recently taken place at the park, had resulted in potentially serious damage to protected wetlands. Possible trespassing over many privately owned parcels, city owned property, and a capped landfill owned by Waste Management were also reported

I immediately launched an investigation, to be spearheaded by our local conservation agent. Over the ensuing two weeks, city employees physically walked the land and discovered that trails had been cut into an area covering many acres of land owned not only by the Sports Park but as well as that of many abutters. The trails were described to me as being beautifully done, 10-12 feet wide and covered with an unknown material that smoothed and somewhat hardened their surface. Many trees were cut and the trails went through protected wetlands. Additionally there was evidence of trenches, holes, and additional features that had been dug into the land along the trail, some apparently filled with water.

As a result of these and other alarming initial discoveries, the Massachusetts DEP was called in to assist in the investigation.

Over the ensuing week, and after a thorough and careful investigation that included mapping the disturbed areas against DEP maps which indicate protected wetlands and property boundaries, and walking the entire trail, it was evident that Sports Park management was egregiously in violation of wetlands statues and had also significantly disturbed and modified several parcels of private and city owned properties without permission, permits, or any notification whatsoever.

Based on the opinion of our conservation agent and in concurrence with the DEP agent, I fully supported the immediate issuance of a cease and desist order, to be sent to the management of the park in order that future events would not take place unless and until all violations are stopped and appropriate remediation has taken place. The order was sent Friday August 29^th.

This was a difficult decision for all involved for a number of reasons. First, the events themselves bring thousands of people into Amesbury and are a potential stimulant to the local economy. Secondly, Sports Park management has worked with the city over the years and has been generous in their support of local non profits and our city in general. Finally, it is only with great reluctance that we would put a business already struggling and operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy provisions in a position that could further add to their financial difficulties.

However, they left us no choice. This was not a mere bending of the rules. They obliterated the rules. Their actions indicated a complete and utter disregard for private landowners’ rights, environmental rules and regulations, and rules governing the private use of public property. This is, frankly, unacceptable.

Sports Park management was given a chance to offer their side of the story. My office contacted them early last week with a detailed description of the allegations, asking for a response. None was received.

Moving forward, it’s logical to ask about what can be done to prevent such violations in the future. Frankly, I’m not sure anything could have been done to prevent this particular occurrence. The Sports Park people surely knew they were trampling multiple rules and regulations but they proceeded anyway. I cannot know their motivations with certainty, but whatever the reasons, they decided that the approach they took was their best option.

Permitting requirements for events are already in place but perhaps we can review and tighten our local ordinances. We can also make sure the penalties are sufficient to create the incentive to play by the rules. If the City Council wishes to offer legislation, I’m happy to consider it.

 

Ken