The oldest city park in the United States, used as a cow pasture until the 19th century, is slated for a major upgrade.
Matt Hickman reports on a recently revealed draft master plan for a renovation of Boston Common.
The draft master plan proposes a large number of enhancements, including "an enlarged and enhanced Visitor Information Center, athletic areas with improved flexibility and accessibility, a dog run, and numerous revamps to the Frog Pond, a large water feature that serves as an ice-skating rink in the winter, a splash pad in the summer, and a reflecting pool during the spring and fall," according to Hickman.
"While Boston Common has gone through numerous changes over its nearly 400-year history, the $28 million makeover outlined in the Boston Common Master Plan involves some of the most significant and sought-after alterations and upgrades to the park in decades," explains Hickman.
The draft master plan was revealed in mid-September, earning initial praise from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, after an initial announcement in the summer of 2019. The master plan is expected to cost $28 million, with funding available from the sale of the old Winthrop Square Garage in Boston’s Financial District, reports Hickman. The $28 million outlined in the plan includes $5 million for maintenance once the project is complete.
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