Planning and Design
While construction on this project began recently, the planning process started long before any equipment arrived on site.
The locations for the new tree planting sites had been identified by Town of Randolph officials prior to the start of construction. Before work began, our team participated in numerous site walks with town representatives to review each location, discuss logistics, and ensure that every planting site would be successful both during construction and for years to come.
As with any project involving excavation in a developed downtown area, underground utilities were a major consideration. Each site was properly marked and cleared through Dig Safe before excavation began, helping ensure the safety of workers, residents, and existing infrastructure. These investigations allowed the project team to move forward confidently while minimizing the risk of conflicts below ground.
Tree selection was another critical component of the planning process. Peter Butler of Strategic Vegetation Management brought extensive arboricultural expertise to the project and took a hands-on approach to selecting the trees that would ultimately be planted throughout Randolph. Rather than simply choosing trees from a catalog, Peter carefully observed and evaluated potential specimens at the nursery beginning in the fall prior to installation. This allowed him to hand-select species and individual trees that would be well-suited to the growing conditions, appearance, and long-term goals of the project.
A tremendous amount of coordination also took place behind the scenes to ensure the project would run smoothly for residents and businesses. Much of that effort was led by Randolph Deputy Tree Warden Jeffrey Thayer, whose vision helped bring this project to life. Jeffrey has been advocating for a downtown tree planting initiative for approximately three years, working diligently to move the concept from an idea to a reality. Alongside Jeffrey's efforts, Jon Kaplan continued to play an active role throughout the planning process and beyond. After assisting with the successful grant applications, Jon worked closely with Town staff, including Mark Rosalbo, to help administer the grants and support the development of the Request for Proposals (RFP) used to solicit bids for the project. His experience with public-sector grant administration and procurement processes provided valuable guidance throughout the early stages of implementation and helped ensure the project moved forward successfully.
Throughout the planning and construction phases, Jeffrey served as a key liaison between the project team, local businesses, and the public. He coordinated scheduling with business owners, arranged access to water sources needed for tree establishment, communicated with pedestrians, and answered countless questions from community members interested in the project. His dedication extended far beyond planning and coordination—he has been present every day of construction, stepping in wherever help was needed and contributing directly to the success of the project.
The planning phase demonstrated what can be accomplished when local government, industry professionals, and community members work together toward a common goal. The time invested in preparation, communication, and thoughtful decision-making laid the foundation for a project that will benefit Randolph for generations to come.
