Project Information - Jenney Park

This page intends to share additional information about the complex project currently underway at Jenney Pond Park. Below are frequently asked questions (FAQ), as well as conceptual drawings of what the completed project will look like - as provided to the Town by engineering consultant, SLR.

FAQ’s – Jenney Pond Dam Repairs, Nature-Like Fishway and Trail Improvements Project

What is this project?

The project has multiple components, which include:

• Repairs to the Jenney Pond Dam to bring it into compliance with Dam Safety regulations
• The construction of a nature-like fishway which will improve upstream and downstream fish passage for river herring and American eels, as well as provide additional spillway capacity to pass large storm flows around the dam structure
• Improvements to the roadway, underground utilities, sidewalks, trails, lighting, site amenities and landscaping from the Grist Mill to Brewster Gardens

How long will the project take?

This project is expected to take approximately 15 months to complete as it is both large and complex, with a myriad of local, state, and federal permit requirements. One such requirement is the time of year when certain work can be performed in and around Town Brook. Keeping the businesses and park open are also major goals that impact when and how work can be performed.

Are the businesses still open during construction? 

Yes, businesses will remain open during the construction, and supporting them during this time is very important and very much appreciated.

Why do the dam repairs need to be done?

Jenney Pond Dam is a Town-owned dam regulated by the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety. Several deficiencies have been identified in the inspection reports of the dam, including the need to stabilize retaining walls, resolve seepage issues, improve spillway operations and safety measures, and relocate utilities within the dam.

Why does Jenney Pond need to be drawn down so low? 

While work is underway on the dam, the impoundment (water body behind the dam) needs to be lowered to reduce pressure on the dam structure as required by the Chapter 253 Dam Safety Permit.

What is a Nature-Like Fishway?

A nature-like fishway is a highly engineered fishway using natural stones, grades and resting pools, and slopes to allow diadromous fish (American Eel, Alewife, and Blueback Herring) to migrate upstream and downstream in Town Brook. Annual herring run sizes in Town Brook range from 120,000 to 210,000, depending upon the year. The Town Brook herring run is an important historic feature of the Town and culturally important to both the Wampanoag Tribe and the original Pilgrim settlers.

Why does the trail along Town Brook need to be closed? 

During construction, it is not safe for people to walk along the trail. The operation of heavy equipment, uneven surfaces, and utility work poses safety concerns for both the public and the construction crews.

What measures are being taken for historic and archaeological resources? 

The project was reviewed by the Town of Plymouth Historic District Commission and the Massachusetts Historic Commission. Since federal funding and permits are involved, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is part of the project review. The Town and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is the lead federal agency, are working with the Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. (PAL) to oversee compliance with the historic and archaeological resources. PAL has worked on previous projects along Town Brook and has extensive knowledge and experience in the Town of Plymouth.

What is this project costing? 

Like the previous restoration projects at Town Brook, there is a mix of local, state, and federal funding. The dam repairs will cost $6.7 million and are the responsibility of the Town. The nature-like fishway and associated work are being funded by a federal grant from NOAA for $8.9 million, and the landscaping, lighting, site amenities, and trail improvements will cost $1.5 million and come from the Community Preservation Act.

What other work has been done on Town Brook?

Plymouth began the restoration efforts on Town Brook in 2002 with the first dam removal project in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Billington Street Dam). Since that time, the dams at Off Billington Street, Plymco, Holmes Dam (Newfield Street), and Water Street have all been removed. In addition, park improvements at Brewster Gardens, Holmes Playground, Jenney Pond Park (dredging and footbridge replacement), along with trail improvements, utility upgrades, and stormwater projects have all been completed within the last 23 years.

Who is working on this particular project? 

The project is managed by the Town of Plymouth's Department of Energy and Environment (DEE). The engineering work is being done by SLR International (Cheshire, CT), and the construction is being led by SumCo Eco-Contracting (Wakefield, MA). NOAA is the lead federal partner and has been working with the Town on restoring Town Brook since 2002.