Here is our proposal for a playing field that would harmonize better with the community.
- A single multipurpose field: better buffers for neighboring homes, less noise nuisance and more space for trees
- One user: Less intensive use, creating less traffic, fewer safety concerns, less overall disruption
- Smaller field: Less parking needed, more trees saved
- Natural grass: Cooler, non-toxic, safer for field users and neighbors, superior stormwater absorption and less potential for flooding, runoff into Rock Creek
- Significantly less expensive to build and maintain, including the lower life-cycle costs of natural grass turf
We have suggested two alternative versions, each featuring one natural grass playing field and a smaller parking lot -- with the understanding that there would be no leasing to outside entities. Our alternatives feature 45% less lot coverage than the Maret scheme, while still supporting a regulation-size, multi- sports field for football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey. There would be room to retain many of the trees currently occupying the property. There would be more room to supply additional natural buffers. There would be more room to address issues of sound mitigation, privacy, and visual intrusion, naturally. Environmental degradation would be greatly reduced. Netting would be limited to the playing field itself, not the surrounding entire acreage.
Our vision for compromise between Maret and the neighborhood is one field in a park-like setting, NOT two fields perched high on an artificial plateau requiring 12-foot high retaining walls and additional fencing and 30-foot high netting. This alternative for a sports field sends a message of openness and respect for the setting and the neighbors, and provides a field for over 80% of Maret's senior high sports programs.
Maret's plan, on the left, would cram 2 fields plus parking onto the 5-acre site, pushing the playing fields right to the line of neighboring properties. No other field in the city is so tightly wedged into a residential area. Our alternative plan A is on the right. Note the generous setback from surrounding properties and the smaller parking area.
Maret's plan, on the left; our alternative plan B is shown on the right. This plan moves parking towards the interior of the lot, further removed from Nebraska Ave. Parking located here greatly improves sight lines for traffic on Nebraska Ave. If pervious paving were used in the parking lot, it would allow for underground rainwater storage. That would reduce loads on the stormwater system and provide a reservoir for maintaining natural grass during the growing season.
This image shows our two alternatives side by side, superimposed on Maret's tree inventory. It's easy to see how many trees would be saved by scaling back to a single field. Alternative B shows even less impact on existing trees, and provides an opportunity to plant many new trees, for the all benefits they provide
