BSLA Fieldbook Issue 8 | Page 101

“ Today , we are undoing those mistakes of the past , with the gorgeous revitalization of Baxter Park at Assembly Square the first step in reconnecting Somerville with its riverfront , an achievement for which we owe thanks to the Department of Conservation and Recreation and our partners at Federal Realty . Assembly Square is Somerville ’ s newest neighborhood , but the opening of Baxter Park was really a rebirth — a recapturing of our waterfront and our history . It ’ s the riverfront park our community has always deserved . Six acres of waterfront green space , a new dock , and accessible walk and bike pathways along the Mystic , crowned by an amphitheater — perfect for a community as devoted to the arts as Somerville .
Mayor Joseph A . Curtatone quote from The Somerville Times ( 08 / 2014 )
“ Baxter State Park has transformed the Mystic River in Somerville from an overgrown stretch of uninviting shoreline into a vibrant riverfront park . The park is now used by runners , walkers , picnickers and children wanting to play as well as residents and visitors of our new Assembly Row neighborhood who can now all enjoy the wide open river view . Equally important , the pedestrian bridge under Rte . 28 to the Ten Hills neighborhood is a vital connection in the city ’ s network of green spaces . With the thoughtful redesign of Baxter , the parks along the Mystic River have become an invaluable asset in Somerville ’ s park system .”
Mayor Joseph A . Curatone ( 2016 )
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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