CITY BREAKS GROUND AT CHUCKIE HARRIS PARK
Bill Roche joined members of the Harris family - the park is named for
son/brother Chuckie Harris - staff from the Office of Strategic Planning and
Community Development, Ground View Landscape Architects, and more than 50 East
Somerville residents and community members for the groundbreaking on Cross
Street on Friday, July 13th.
The park, named for a young Somerville resident who lost his life in an
accident in 1970, currently consists of a concrete lot, but will incorporate
design elements for residents of all ages when complete. From months of community input, final design
plans include a water feature which doubles as a movie screen, innovative play
structures for all ages, cafe seating areas, community gardens, integrated
lighting and 80 new trees. It is slated to open in spring 2013.
"Residents of East Somerville have long awaited the
renovation of this parcel of land on Cross Street, and I know everyone looks
forward to the addition of a dynamic, green playspace that incorporates
elements for kids and adults of all ages," Mayor Curtatone said. "I want to thank Ground View Architects,
Alderman Roche, and members of the East Somerville community for all of your
input into the redesign of Chuckie Harris Park, and I look forward to our grand
opening and ribbon cutting next spring."
"This groundbreaking was the
culmination of many positive meetings involving direct abutters, neighborhood
families, elder representatives from the neighborhood, and community organizations
like Teen Empowerment. In fact one of
the meetings was dedicated to involving neighborhood young children in
designing their own park. This park was
truly a product that resulted from direct neighborhood involvement," said
Alderman Roche. "The groundbreaking was
a proud event, bringing the Harris family together with the community to keep
Chuckie's memory alive through the renovation of this park in his name."
For more information on the project, click here.
Members of the Harris family, with Mayor
Curatone and Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche, at the site of the future Chuckie
Harris Park.
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone (far left) and Ward 1
Alderman Bill Roche (back, middle) joined members of the East Somerville
Community, stakeholders and City staff for the groundbreaking ceremony at
Chuckie Harris Park.
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