Wayland Eyes Field, Bus Parking For Former Route 20 Landfill

WAYLAND — A town visioning committee is recommending that the former Route 20 South Landfill be reused primarily for athletic fields and open recreation space, according to its final report submitted to the Select Board.

The Route 20 South Landfill Visioning Committee was formed in 2020 to evaluate long-term uses for the capped landfill and make recommendations on its future. Two parcels of land totaling almost 17 acres make up the landfill on Boston Post Road, according to the town. The landfill was permanently capped in 1980.

The committee, made up of Acima Cherian, Tom Fay, Erin Gibbons, Cliff Lewis, Ira Montague, Mark Norton, and Mike Spelman, shared its final report with the Select Board last month.

After reviewing 17 possible uses, the committee outlined a three-part plan centered on recreation and municipal needs. The proposal includes a rectangular grass playing field designed to support youth and adult sports, improve public health, and provide flexible community space. The field would not include lighting, according to the report.

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In addition, the committee recommended constructing a school bus parking lot with the potential for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as a public works materials center for storage and operational staging. The latter could reduce town operating costs by an estimated $75,000 annually.

Other ideas, including solar canopies, a dog park, restrooms, and a small amphitheater, were considered but ultimately not prioritized.

"By prioritizing protection of the landfill cap while advancing a coordinated plan for a grass-playing field, school bus parking with potential EV charging, and a Public Works materials center, the town can transform a legacy infrastructure site into a productive, forward-looking community resource."

The Select Board voted on Mar. 30 to formally disband the visioning committee following submission of its final recommendations.

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