State modifies plan for fences on Esplanade fields

(Dina Rudick/Globe Staff)

A Little Leaguer practicing on the field in April.

By Jenna Nierstedt, Globe Correspondent

Amidst fears that proposed 6-foot fences around the Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields would hinder public use of the Esplanade space, the Department of Conservation and Recreation announced today it will implement changes to its plan, according to a letter from DCR commissioner Rick Sullivan.

The changes come after a May 27 public meeting in which nearly 100 attendees proposed various tweaks to the $184,000 fence installation plan, the letter said.

The DCR will continue to move forward with fence installation but will integrate the following recommendations: add two gates to provide pedestrian access to fields away from the Charles River Walkway; offset the 20-foot gate at the rear of the dugouts to create a buffer zone between the field and the Charles River Walkway; create welcoming and informative signage to clearly communicate that fields are open to the public.

The fence project. proposed last year, is part of $4.5 million in safety improvements and maintenance projects along Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road.