[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7dscbjdpts]
The Friends of Christopher Columbus Park presented at the October 23, 2013 Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Planning Advisory Committee Meeting, hosted by the Boston Redevelopment Authority at City Hall. Speaking on behalf of the FOCCP’s 300+ members was President Joanne Hayes-Rines.
FOCCP is an all-volunteer non-profit organization in the North End / Waterfront whose mission is to support the restoration, protection, preservation, care, enhancement, improvement and maintenance of the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. FOCCP works closely with the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department.
Ms. Hayes-Rines described how the Friends group was formed in 2001 coincident with a major renovation of Christopher Columbus Park. She reviewed recent projects including new trees, pruning and the horticulture of the Rose Kennedy rose garden as well as the crescent area. Popular events run by FOCCP include Summer movies as well as the annual Independence Day and Columbus Day celebrations. The tot lot is very well used and maintained largely through cleanups sponsored by the Friends group.
The highlight of the park is trellis and the iconic blue lights that are funded by FOCCP to shine during the holidays and into the winter months. FOCCP is investigating replacing the lights with LED elements and raising the funds for the display.
A major capital project in progress is the “Urban Oasis” budgeted for $225,000 to improve the circle crossroads area of the park near the Marriott. The improvement includes shading, lighting and seating.
FOCCP raises funds for the park through membership fees, corporate sponsors, programs and events such as an annual Monte Carlo night.
More information about the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park can be found at www.FOCCP.org.
See more posts on the Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan.
A wonderful presentation for a Wonderful Park!