FOCCP Seeks Better Crossroads Circle

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…”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.