Peace Park Progress – Piecemeal but Promising

For two years, the Peace Park Working Committee, which includes CPS representatives, has kept pressure on MassDOT to fulfill its authorization of the Peace Park remodeling of the former Lowney Way tot lot between Prospect and Mt. Vernon Streets. In partnership with the Charlestown Coalition’s leadership, we have finally had a breakthrough.

City departments will oversee the construction and, when complete, Boston Parks will own the property. This breakthrough guarantees the Community Preservation Fund’s $500,000 grant to the park. Massport’s inaction seriously jeopardized the grant until earlier this summer. Once all the usual details are resolved, project bidding should happen over the winter with a spring construction start.

Kyle Zich, Landscape Architects of Roslindale recently finished draft construction drawings, refining the firm’s 2021 design and earlier community member input. The two-year stalemate means higher material and labor costs, but KZLA masterfully has kept the graceful practical design. New trees, shrubs, grass, and perennial plantings complement several seating and gathering areas. An irrigation system, trash receptacles, decorative iron fence along the streets, and wood fencing on the lot lines will ensure the Park’s maintainable plantings.

Review by City departments is underway, getting clearances for limited soil contamination (well known to long-term neighbors whose backyards got pelted with lead fumes and poor bridge repainting over the decades), etc.

This summer’s heat and rain thwarted volunteer group efforts to keep the weeds at bay, but flowering plants do peek through. The Working Committee plans to attack the massive weed growth before park events.

The Coalition’s 15th Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Park on Saturday, September 30, at 6:30 pm to remember those Charlestown has lost to substance use and overdose and in support of those still struggling.