Greenway Conservancy Receives $1.4 Million Gift from the Lynch Foundation to Fund North End Gardens and Park Improvements

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy today announced a $1.4 million grant from The Lynch Foundation. In recognition of this support, a completely renovated garden space will honor Carolyn Lynch, an avid gardener, who passed away in 2015. The robustly planted boxwood garden, located adjacent to the North End, will offer four-season interest, and will be complemented by comfortable park furnishings. The gift, one of the largest ever received by the non-profit Greenway Conservancy, will also permanently endow care of the named space.

“We are excited to make The Greenway 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 incredibly generous support of The Lynch Foundation.”

The renovation of the southern boxwood gardens will create a signature space at the north end of The Greenway. The prominent boxwood gardens, located between North and Hanover streets, are just steps from Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, and the Boston Public Market. The new garden design draws from work done in collaboration with celebrated garden designer Lynden Miller and features flowers and plants that Carolyn loved in her gardens in Marblehead, in Ireland, and elsewhere. Visitors will be able to stroll the garden paths and relax at newly-added outdoor furniture. Families will be able to picnic under new umbrellas next to the gardens as children play in the nearby fountain.

“Our family is so pleased and proud to support the outstanding work of the Conservancy as we honor Carolyn with this unique garden on The Greenway,” said Peter Lynch, President of The Lynch Foundation. “We look forward to beginning work on this re-designed garden space that residents and visitors will enjoy for decades to come.”

A similar garden space, one block north on The Greenway, was renovated in 2015 to much acclaim. Both boxwood gardens required renovation due to issues dating from the original construction of the park. The 2015 renovation of the northern boxwood gardens garnered significant community support and contributed to the vibrancy of this portion of the park. The Greenway’s parks in the North End are the front porch for the community and a popular 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 park’s free Wi-Fi network, and a Little Free Library bring activity to The Greenway in the North End.

“With this generous grant the Greenway Conservancy will be able to make a major investment in some of The Greenway’s most active parks,” said State Representative Aaron Michlewitz. “This will further show to residents and visitors alike the tremendous asset the City has in The Greenway” Design documents will be finalized this fall, with procurement of a contractor over the winter. Plant removals and installation is expected to occur in Spring 2018, with a completion in Summer 2018.

The Lynch Foundation has previously supported the Greenway Conservancy’s public art and educational programs. Since 2005, the non-profit Conservancy has raised more than $35M in philanthropy and other private funds for the public park.

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