Shadley Associates is working with the Town of Marshfield and a team of subconsultants on the design, permitting and construction of the South River Park Expansion, a .59-acre addition to the existing 1.65-acre public park completed by Shadley Associates in 2012. The property west of the existing South River Park was formerly used for commercial and retail purposes until the Town acquired the property. Upon further site investigation, the soils were found to be contaminated, requiring the installation of a clean cap to safely provide public access to the site.
The proposed improvements were carefully designed to accommodate the requirements for capping the site while preserving existing vegetation along the banks of the South River. Extensive native plantings and strategically placed landscape boulders along the edge of the clean cap define the space and seamlessly blend the park expansion with the existing park and surrounding landscape. A new irrigation system will support the long-term health and establishment of the plant material. Improvements within the expanded park include a network of accessible walkways, a salvaged granite block seatwall, benches, and a circular plaza with permeable pavers and seating. The park is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in fall 2026.