New field possibility

Looks like a nice small field. Kinda reminds me of the CATO field in Durham, just less water.

I happened to stop by Shepley Hill Landfill on my bike ride today. I was surprised to see that the Quinapoxet Model Flying Club (QMFC) now has access to the field. 

If I'm remembering correctly, the field has been recently mown, I wonder if that is their doing. 
 
 
 
  


The field is about 1100 feet by over 2000 feet (it narrows considerably to the north, so how far you want to count that end of the field is a matter of opinion). Here's QFMC's Google Maps link to the field:
www.google.com/maps/place/29+Cook+St,+De...IKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Do we think we can co-exist with QFMC's use of the field, or do we need exclusive use? 

If QFMC is paying toward mowing the field, would CMASS be willing to contribute (assume we are granted access)?

Can someone dig up the CMASS section charter, NAR insurance policy, and evidence of insurance, and get copies to me? I'll go talk to Devens about CMASS access, unless we think we need exclusive use of the field. In that case, I think we should approach QMFC first, to at least let them know we are trying to get access to the field, and see if we can work out an amicable sharing agreement. 

I recall the NAR web site used to have a safety presentation, I'll want to gather that and other info on the hobby to show the Devens administrator, along with the insurance stuff. 

Does anyone happen to have info on the number of ARC teams in central and eastern Mass? I can go dig it up on the ARC web site, but if someone happens to have the list handy, that would be something else to bring along for a presentation.

The QMFC note about the field on the AMA web site says that "ground penetration is not allowed" because it is a capped landfill. There's clearly some wiggle room, because they've installed a pole with a wind-sock. But this will have to be a topic we bring up with Devens. Are we prepared to construct free-standing launch pads if we can't put poles in the ground?

I'm retired and live near Devens, so I'm pretty flexible in terms of when I could meet with the administrator. Are there any club officers or other club members who would like to assist in approaching Devens?

What do the officers think about this? Give me some feedback and guidance, and I'll start working on it.

Best regards,
Steve

I'll be on the Zoom meeting tomorrow, perhaps we can discuss it then.

I can see that you have done a lot of work on this and I appreciate your effort. It would be nice to have another field, especially for people that live in the western part of the state. We would not be able to hold a club launch while the RC people are using the field. Considering that the field is on a landfill, does that pose any danger to people? What about a rocket going ballistic? What about parking? I'm not trying to be negative, just things to think about. Looking at the 2025 Acton schedule. we have a six week gap between May 31st and July 12th. Thanks for all the work you have done on this.

We have a good relationship with the CRRC people and their officers. There is a good chance that they would let us have exclusive use of the field for at least one weekend day next year.

One of the hurdles is the parking situation, but it is solvable.
Is there a parking lot that a business would let us use? We could drive to the field, unload, drive to the parking lot. For Amesbury, people used to volunteer to be a shuttle driver.

Just thinking about the canopies. Would we be able to stake them down? If not, you can buy weights with slots designed for canopies.