Crossroads Circle will be refurbished with grants. Presently the fund has more than $50,000 and the project has been estimated at $80,000.
Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) are undertaking a major task to improve the Crossroads Circle into a mini park with benches, trees, stone walk and some sort of irrigation system.
FOCCP have already secured $30,000 from two sources and plans to raise another $50,000 needed to complete the project that will enhance the park.
“Thus far, The Blossom Fund has donated $10,000 and the City of Boston Beautify Boston Program gave a $20,000 grant,†according to FOCCP President Joanna Hayes-Rines. “We have also received great help from the City that paid for a physical survey,†she added.
“FOCCP also has a dedicated project manager and a design architectural firm on board. A basic design will be reportedly completed by the end of the year,†Rines said.
FOCCP visions the area to become a destination in and of itself…â€Meet me at Columbus Park at the Oasis,†theme.
Design will be free form, irregular shape with no hard angles, serpentine paths diverting main pedestrian traffic around the area, inclusion of a focal point in the center or at one end of the mini park and a plinth for possible future sculpture.
Type, height, color and seasonal consideration for plantings in the area will be planned.
FOCCP would like to have multi-season color/texture shrubs and trees, some easy care, long blooming perennials, mounded plants so that they are at sight line when seated, layered plantings with descending heights and interesting ground cover.
A water bottle filling station or one with sculptural quality instead of purely functional is being considered.
The neighborhood group fundraising will include the sales of benches on the park.