Dewey Square Park Update

Following the Occupy Boston encampment on Dewey Square Park, the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Conservancy took quick action to restore the park to make it attractive, accessible and enjoyable by all. We respect the expression of freedom of speech about public issues of the day that took place in the park and it has become part of the history of the young Greenway.

The immediate remediation work at Dewey Square Park will conclude today, and the remainder of the restoration work will wait for warmer spring temperatures. We look forward to reopening the park soon, following the Boston Police Department’s decision to remove the barriers. Visitors are encouraged to use the paths through the park as the lawn will be roped off to allow the new sod to take root.

Dewey Square Park earlier this week

The restoration cost to date is $32,500; while spring will bring further costs and improvements, updated projections are $37,000 to $40,000. Reducing the expense from early estimates, cost savings came in large part from 1) repairing, rather than replacing the road and paths; 2) restoring rather than replacing many yards of soil across the site. The Dewey Square Park, like all of the Greenway, is maintained organically. We welcome your donations to support this effort.

Last week the sod was completed, dead trees removed and replaced with new trees, and improvements made to drainage and irrigation. Seasonal plantings and decorations were added to the storage boxes, and some trees are wrapped for winter lights. As we enter the peak holiday season, we hope that you will stop by to see the revitalized park, get a hot drink from our food vendors on the plaza, and shop for veggies at the Farmers Market (Tuesdays/Thursdays through December 22).

Dewey Square Park summer 2011