Description
The Friends preserve, protect and enhance the three parks by performing vital tree care, planting trees, restoring statues, replacing benches and advocating for appropriate use. The Parks Department does all that it can to maintain these properties but will never have the resources to meet their full needs or to bring about dramatic quality improvements and enhancements.
The Friends also sponsor special educational programs and events for the community, like the Annual Duckling Day parade on Mother's Day, Making History on the Common and a Summer Party.
A recent project of the Friends was the renovation of the Brewer Fountain Plaza and surrounding parkland on Boston Common. The Friends renovated the fountain's setting from the crest of the hill below the State House to Tremont Street. A special granite plaza now surrounds the fountain. The area has 10% more green with 43 new trees and improved grass areas. From April to October, the plaza is adorned with tables and chairs, umbrellas, a "reading room", a piano at lunchtime, and improved food options for visitors.
We have created a fountain setting which is a popular destination for people wanting to meet for lunch or just to retreat from the busy streets of Boston
during the day and evening, protected from the street by lush tree plantings. Adding to that is the beautiful view of the State House which combines to change this place, once avoided, into one of the most memorable and popular outdoor gathering places in Boston.
