The Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD) has released the final design for the McLaughlin Park renovation project that contains many of the changes discussed during several community meetings, but also adds several tweaks, such as a low wall along Parker Hill Avenue. Work will begin this summer.
The renovation of McLaughlin Park, which is located between Parker Hill and Fisher avenues on top of Parker Hill, has a budget of $430,000.
The final design will create a loop path on the upper terrace; add new seating along that path; repair Ben’s Circular Tower, as well as the stone stairs leading to it; add new stairs from the lower to upper terrace; install an overlook area with seats in the southeastern portion of the upper terrace; and build a low wall along the park’s edge with Parker Hill Avenue, which will replace the current guardrail.
Ben’s Circular Tower is a memorial for Ben Beland, according to the Boston Art Commission website. Beland, who died of cancer, was a child from Mission Hill who enjoyed playing at the park. The tower, which has large stones arranged in a circle and is designed to look like a castle, was created by artist Mags Harries.
The contractor is Sequoia Construction, according to Parks Department project manager Allison Perlman. She said the work will close only a portion of the park.