Soaking in the Murals

As co-founder and president of Friends of Albemarle, a nonprofit for an urban park, I often reflect that the pay is zero but the reward is community, so it’s a pretty good gig. One benefit: Being part of the Spark Newton mural selection committee and advocating for the mural art of Amanda Bradley Hill. IContinue reading “Soaking in the Murals”

Another accident at Albemarle

Word spread of another crash at Albemarle tonight. No details, but speculation that someone was trying to take a left onto Crafts off northbound Albemarle, which is always a risky move. Someone not familiar with the area might not be aware of the danger of this intersection. As we know, this intersection gets high useContinue reading “Another accident at Albemarle”

Construction: views of Albemarle along Crafts Street

A literal snapshot in time of the ever-changing landscape of the Albemarle fields, paths, wetlands and flood mitigation project which is in the middle of Phase 1. With 12 months to go, the North field (seen here) is still expected to be playable by mid-September.

Goodbye to Luis

We’re so grateful to Luis Perez Demorizi, who worked closely with us in his role as Director of Parks and Open Space in Newton, for his hard work, energy and dedication to Albemarle and the massive rebuild currently underway. His collaborative spirit, tenacity, and relationships with contractors, community and city officials were major elements ofContinue reading “Goodbye to Luis”

Back-In Parking Summer Success Edition

Dual Bluefish swim meets with dozens of families from other towns? Days at the field, Camp drop-off, Construction inspections, Hot summer days, Summer morning coffee chats at the newly beautified Field House? Back in parking, back in parking, back in parking! Even when people don’t know Newton, they know how back in park. Backing INContinue reading “Back-In Parking Summer Success Edition”

How drainage will work at Albemarle

Luis Perez Demorizi, Newton’s Director of Parks and Open Space, describes in the video above how the new flood mitigation system will work at Albemarle. In a big rainstorm, the water rushing downhill from Crafts St and Avery Woods will be caught and held in a basin under the field, where it will percolate straightContinue reading “How drainage will work at Albemarle”

Field Notes: Friends of Albemarle Spring 2025 Newsletter

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 weContinue reading “Field Notes: Friends of Albemarle Spring 2025 Newsletter”

Field House Fielding Compliments

Well, just take a GANDER at this chic stop on the Albemarle tour!! The new windows are an eyeful from the street, and Newton Building Commissioner Josh Morse says that improvements also include the restrooms (yes!!), masonry, lighting, ceiling, flooring, roof… Wow! Build a good field and a good Field House will come! I’m prettyContinue reading “Field House Fielding Compliments”