$400,000 North End Park Improvement Project Underway

A look at the porch swings that will replace some of the benches on the Greenway

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy (rosekennedygreenway.org) has begun a $400,000 improvement project in the North End Park on the Greenway. This project, driven by significant community input, will include upgrading the garden, replacing benches with “porch swings”, and fixing lights on the Freedom Trail. The new project is generously supported with funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF) and Normandy Real Estate Partners and Harbinger Development. All work is expected to be completed by Independence Day.

Construction starting with the renovation of a major boxwood garden on the Greenway. The Conservancy is completely replanting the westward facing garden that occupies the western third of the park between Hanover and Sudbury Streets to bring four-season interest and address failing plants. The garden design was completed in collaboration with Lynden Miller, famous for her success with the Central Park Conservatory Gardens. The contractor, A. Bonadio & Sons, is erecting the construction fence and beginning removals. A much-anticipated component of the project is the replacement of 21 solid-metal benches that are too hot in the summer and have a chipped, weathered finish; 8 new swinging benches will hang from the pergola structure with views of the North End fountains, the new Boston Public Market, and the Custom House Tower on the skyline. Additionally, repairs throughout the North End Parks will be made, including the Freedom Trail and other lights.

“We are excited to have be able to make the North End Parks more beautiful and welcoming for those who are playing in the fountains, picnicking on the lawns, and enjoying a cannoli at the tables,” said Jesse Brackenbury, Executive Director of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. “We are so appreciative of the support of the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund and Normandy Real Estate Partners and Harbinger Development.”

The Conservancy received a $200,000 matching CFF grant administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Normandy Real Estate Partners and Harbinger Development, the developers of the new Haymarket Hotel Project with up to 225 hotel rooms and 25,000 square feet of retail adjacent to the North End Park, contributed $25,000; other private funds made up the balance of the funding. Project costs include $185,000 for the garden renovation, $90,000 for the bench/swing replacement, $40,000 for lighting repairs, and $85,000 for other repairs.

“We are delighted to help make improvements on such a terrific community asset like the Greenway,” said Mark Roopenian of Normandy Real Estate Partners. “We are excited that visitors to our hotel and retail spaces, as well as nearby residents, will have beautiful gardens to walk through and first-class amenities throughout the park.”

This project has garnered significant community support. The Conservancy held a spring 2014 community meeting that informed the project. Following ongoing discussions with stakeholders and community groups, the project components and timeline were greeted enthusiastically at a February 2015 community meeting. The social media reaction to the plans for the “porch swings” was overwhelming.

“I am delighted that funding from the Commonwealth can leverage private sector support for a terrific set of Greenway improvements,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz. “I look forward to taking a swing on the new benches this summer.”

The Greenway’s North End Park is the front porch for the North End and a destination for visitors. Children play in the fountains, pizzas are enjoyed at the moveable tables and chairs, and sunbathers cover the lawns. Dozens of free fitness classes, the seasonal farmers market, the free Wi-Fi network, and a Little Free Library bring activity to the park. The Freedom Trail runs through the park, and many visit nearby Faneuil Hall. This summer the new Boston Public Market will open adjacent to the renovated boxwood garden.