Dear Friends,
Have you SEEN Albemarle lately? Because there is a LOT to see! We’ve got 7 things in particular:
1. Feats of Climate Engineering:https://friendsofalbemarle.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/albemarlengineering
Work is underway to mitigate the effects of climate change by accommodating flooding under the field at Albemarle. It’s a fascinating feat of engineering that models the way for how we can adapt…and it’s pretty cool to watch the progress.
In fact, Albemarle is now officially a case study for watershed resiliency!
ICYMI, here we are at the groundbreaking: https://friendsofalbemarle.wordpress.com/2025/02/14/exciting-groundbreaking and here is a link to the overall renovation plan: https://www.newtonma.gov/Home/Components/News/News/680/15
2. Back-In Parking Still Working:https://friendsofalbemarle.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/back-in-parking-worked-all-fall-winter-and-into-spring
Yes, we’re still pointing it out, because…remember all the doubts when the program first rolled out? We’ve learned quite a bit, including that people CAN change, and that safety CAN be prioritized over convenience, and that, well, back-in parking DOES work! We should make it permanent—and maybe try it in other parts of Newton. (!)
3. Cheesecake Brook Getting Revitalized
Webinar: https://www.crwa.org/events/rediscovering-revitalizing-cheesecake-brook
Rediscovering and Revitalizing Cheesecake Brook – with Max Rome, of the Charles River Watershed Association
Thursday, 05/22/2025
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FRvyWu6YSjupb0Odgnel1w#/registration
4. Field House Fielding Compliments: https://friendsofalbemarle.wordpress.com/2025/05/14/field-house-fielding-compliments
I biked by the Field House this morning and did a double take at the chic new windows! What!!! Newton Building Commissioner Josh Morse says, “New roof, restroom upgrades, flooring, ceiling, lighting, masonry repairs…” This is a very happy surprise! Thank you to Josh Morse and all in Newton who are making these improvements happen.
5. Murals in Motion!
Your very own FOA board members are part of the adjudication committee to choose a mural artist who will create inviting art for four panels on the sides of the Gath Pool bathhouse under the direction and funding of Newton Community Pride. All we can say right now about the submissions is that the pool of talent (hee hee) is exceptional and we’re VERY excited.
6. Crashes Still Happening:https://friendsofalbemarle.wordpress.com/2025/04/09/crash-today
Yes, the park is safer with additional traffic infrastructure, but we’re still seeing out-of-control drivers threaten the safety of everyone at Albemarle.
7. And the Friends of Albemarle Annual Meeting is on the books:https://friendsofalbemarle.wordpress.com/2025/05/12/annual-meeting-date
Sunday, June 8 from 11-12 at the newly sleek chic boutique Field House. (We’ve Keeled and Reeled over the Field House…OK, I’ll stop.)
Join us!
And please help out by forwarding this and encouraging others to join….it’s still free and still easy!
Update: Jenn Martin, Newton’s Director of Transportation Planning, shares that she is coordinating the re-installation of the speed cushions around work on the gas mains at Albemarle, so please know that attention is being paid to managing speed at Albemarle.
Enjoy this glorious community and springtime,
Cedar
Friends of Albemarle 