The renovation of McLaughlin Park began July 1 and is expected to be mostly completed in the fall, according to Boston Parks and Recreation project manager Allison Perlman.
The project has a budget of $430,000. McLaughlin Park is located between Parker Hill and Fisher avenues on top of Parker Hill.
The renovation 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 for the project is Sequoia Construction.
The upper terrace at McLaughlin Park, which is undergoing a renovation. (Gazette Photo by Peter Shanley)