Strategic Planning and Program Development

• As part of the National Park Service brownfield redevelopment pilot program entitled “Groundwork,” Community Partners conducted a feasibility study for the creation of a “Groundwork Somerville” program responsible for reuse of former brownfields in the city. This work, funded by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, involved a community needs assessment, identification of areas requiring physical improvement, organizational, financial, and management analysis. Community Partners undertook a neighborhood analysis and feasibility study resulting in the mission and structure of Groundwork Somerville, identification of key sites and projects for this new organization, and an implementation and funding plan.
  
  
• The Dedham Historical Society faced serious space shortages in their historic structure that had serious implications for their future operations, programming, and collections. Community Partners’ strategic plan offered recommendations regarding reuse of the Society’s historic headquarters and offered recommendations for the next ten years of their organization.
  
  
• The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum saw a major redevelopment of their museum building located on a prominent setting with grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. This project was an impetus for a long-range plan strategic plan by Community Partners, followed by our Master Plan to accommodate decisions made as a result of the strategic plan.
  
  
• The Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund in New York recognized that mayors, public officials, neighborhood leaders, and other community-based organizations could play a pivotal role in the revitalization of urban parks around the country. Community Partners’ strategic plan for this new national initiative resulted in the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund’s Urban Parks Institute with significant funding and technical assistance. A second phase of project, in conjunction with Project for Public Spaces, included development of a series of regional workshops for leaders in the public and private sectors about urban parks and their impact on communities.
  
  
• Community Partners developed the program plan for creation of new statewide program in design. “DesignWorks”, an innovative partnership between State Arts Council of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Main Street Program offers technical assistance and design guidance for commercial revitalization in Oklahoma’s communities.

Groundwork Somerville

Dedham Historical Society