Committee Discusses Local Parks and Playgrounds Needing Repairs

Much needed repairs to Copps Hill Terrace located between Commercial and Charter Streets was one of several topics addressed at last week’s NEWRA Parks and Open Spaces Committee monthly meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center.

Reportedly, the Terrace, listed on the National Register, is in need of wall repairs, tree pruning and lighting. In addition, the area needs to be signed to prevent Segway usage.

The committee also noted that the Terrace has become a place for alcohol drinking and drug use.

Some of the other needed repairs discussed included the Greenway benches, drainage problems in the Prado and repairs to the Rachele Revere Park in North Square.

Saint John School uses the park for recess, local children play games in the park and local residents use it to relax, enjoy the sun or read the newspaper.

Local artist Nathon Swain updated the committee on his proposal to place wall art on the first and second levels of DeFilippo Playground (Gassy) on Prince and Snow Hill Streets.

Private funds will be used to produce the artwork once the community supports it and the City approves. Fundraiser will be held to produce the four to five thousand dollars needed for the project.

Once the historic part is completed, the NEWRA, North End/Waterfront Parks and Open Spaces Map and Guide will go into the final stages of production.

The group also discussed the collaboration with other neighborhood organizations by assigning work leaders or work groups to work and communicate with each other.

RUFF President Leslie Horn told the group that members are still posting signs throughout the neighborhood reminding dog owners of their duties and responsibilities as North End residents and conducting monthly parks and playground clean-ups.

The next clean-up will be held on Sunday, December 16 at 11am starting at the Prado. Currently there will be no committee monthly meeting in January.