There’s no doubt that the Neck and Chandler Hovey Park are among Marblehead’s most cherished natural resources — and, this week 40 years ago a “vital erosion-prevention project” was poised to go forward after two years worth of hurdles.
The $76,900 project called for extensive wall work with low retaining walls to be constructed in certain park areas and larger, more protective, “rip-rap” sloping walls to be built at key outside, exposed areas of the site, comprising roughly 40% of the project.
Park Superintendent Tom Hammond said the “basic aim” of the project was to stabilize the park’s land against erosion as a way to preserve it for “future generations of Marbleheaders and visitors to enjoy.”
At this time 40 years ago, Recreation and Park officials were set to go before the Conservation Commission for an October hearing required under the Wetlands Act. There, officials were expected to be able to secure the go-ahead to begin the construction of the protective walls to fend off weather and high seas from eating away at the site at the rate of roughly 3 to 4 feet per year.
Hammond said the town received the appropriation for the work two years prior, but it had been stalled due to what he dubbed “engineering hang-ups.” With Town Engineer Doug Saul now signing off on the engineering, officials were given the go ahead to proceed.
The project was expected to get underway by late fall, with work continuing throughout the winter and into spring. With the park consistently crowded during the summertime, construction was impossible during that period.
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