Public-private partnership yields results at Brookline golf course

With $15,000, five students, two teacher?s assistants and a supportive Board of Selectmen, a private-public project to create an outdoor venue is underway at the Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course.

Brookline Recreation Director Lisa Paradis said the town is partnering with the Massachusetts College of Art and Design to construct a new concession stand and patio at the golf course.

?It?s something we never could have done if we didn?t have the opportunity to work with students designing and building just for the material costs,? Paradis told the Brookline TAB.

Students at the school are designing and building the structure, while the town is footing the $15,000 bill for materials.? The Board of Selectmen approved the project at their July 10 meeting.

MassArt instructor Sam Batchelor, an architect with DesignLAB Architects in Boston, is leading the graduate students in a course called Community Build Studio, where graduate students in the architect program design and build a small structure for a public or non-profit entity.

?This seemed like a pretty good fit. It has sort of a unique set of circumstances in terms of size, funding and desire. We need projects that allow students to create, design, and use creativity. First and foremost, the students are designers and they must execute that skill and put that design into place,? he said.

The students went through a three-week design period, and presented renderings to Paradis and other town officials for review. The material bill is the town?s only cost in the project

?It?s just like any other professional design project, just on a smaller scale,? Batchelor said.

And students are already working hard, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, building the concrete structure, which will be veneered with stones and topped off with a wooden roof.

Batchelor said they have about another four weeks to go until the project is complete.

?It?s going pretty well. You do it every summer and you see some of the challenges. It?s interesting to see the students react and manage the work within the budget,? he said. ?They work hard hours, and in some cases it?s new for them. I think it?s a good couple of lessons.?

Paradis said it?s a well-respected program, and the town?s first partnership with MassART.

Tom Ellis, Head Golf Professional at the course, said the structure will add a lot to the green.

?The project will enhance the daily play and golf experience for all players providing them with another convenient option to purchase a sandwich or beverage during their round,? he said. ?It will also give golf tournaments and leagues an additional place to gather after their rounds.?

Source: http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/news/x1258255381/Public-private-partnership-yields-results-at-Brookline-golf-course

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