Conservation commission approves negative determination for proposed Lions Park sensory garden

The Woburn Conservation Commission closed a public hearing March 21 on a proposed sensory garden at Lions Park (Horn Pond) and moved to issue a formal negative 3 determination of applicability for the project.

John Serson, who identified himself as vice president of the presenting Alliance, described a sensory garden funded in part by a grant from the Cummings Foundation intended to broaden access for people with visual, cognitive or mobility impairments. He told the commission the design emphasizes tactile and auditory experiences as well as plantings, and that the Alliance expects to begin work as soon as contractors and permissions are in place.

Commissioners questioned details about erosion controls, invasive-species removal, irrigation updates and long-term maintenance. Demetra Tsekares, the landscaper who spoke at the hearing, said temporary waddles would be used during installation and that invasive shrubs such as burning bush, buckthorn and Asian bittersweet would be dug out or treated with targeted cut-and-paint applications rather than broad herbicide spraying. "If we use any herbicide, it'll be dabbing," Tsekares said.

Serson said the Alliance will work with the Lions club to maintain the site for at least the near term and plans two maintenance checks per year (spring and fall) for pruning and vigilance against invasives. He described a planting goal of roughly 70–80% native species and said the group would avoid plants known to become invasive locally.

Commissioners also pressed the team on irrigation routing and path materials. The presenter confirmed a city-maintained irrigation system serves the green space and said the Alliance has funds to expand routing to newly planted beds if necessary. Short gravel paths and retained macadam were described as part of the sensory design to vary underfoot textures without cutting across vernal-pool depressions.

After discussion, a commissioner moved "that we issue a negative 3 determination of applicability for the project." The motion received a second and the commission proceeded with the vote. Staff noted there is a 10-business-day appeal period from the date of issuance (anticipated the following day).

The commission’s action closes the public hearing phase and allows the project to proceed subject to the typical appeal window and any subsequent permits or conditions the Alliance may need to satisfy.