Greetings,
We hope you had a terrific summer and are ready for what is sure to be a spectacular fall. Thanks to all of you who joined us for our Summer Party and came out to support our treasured greenspaces!
The past few months have been a busy time as people flocked to our parks to take full advantage of these wonderful outdoor spaces. We also took full advantage of the favorable weather to care for trees, turf, and sculpture, and move forward with special projects. If you missed it, you may be interested to read the Boston Globe article, They get the gunk off Boston's outdoor treasures. Yes, Friends, you are the "they" who make it possible for the "gunk" to come off!
This year's harsh winter delayed our restoration work on the George Robert White Memorial fountain in the Garden, and construction is now slated to begin in spring of 2016. We are eager to bring the water back to this historic fountain and will keep you updated on timing.
We continue to advocate against overuse of our parks and use that damages them, in particular the Boston Common. This weekend (September 26 and 27), the Boston Freedom Rally (also known as Hempfest) will return to the Common. We heard your concerns loud and clear about the poor condition the Common was left in following this event in previous years, and your safety concerns while visiting this neighborhood park, especially with your families, during the event. Thanks to the over 50 of you who wrote letters of concern to Parks Commissioner Chris Cook. Please continue to send us your feedback, share it with the Commissioner, and report it to the Mayor's hotline or through the City's new 311 system, which also offers a smartphone app. Visit www.cityofboston.gov/311 to learn more.
We look forward to seeing all who can come to our annual Members Reception on October 7 th at the Four Seasons Hotel where we have a wonderful presentation planned for you, "Digging In: Beyond the Roots of Urban Tree Care." That evening we will also kick-off an online art auction featuring pieces made from Boston Common elm wood.
Again, thanks to all of you, whose support makes it possible for us to care for our wonderful parks.
Sincerely,
Anne Brooke, Chair
Elizabeth Vizza, Executive Director
