Edward L. Leathers Community Park is Somerville’s latest achievement in green space development. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

Park transformation wins landscape design award
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By Elizabeth Sheeran

What was once an unsightly vacant lot is now an award-winning neighborhood green space.

The Boston Society of Landscape Architects recently bestowed a Merit Award in the Parks and Recreation Facilities category on Edward L. Leathers Community Park, a welcome urban oasis along Walnut Street between Medford and Pearl Streets. It’s the third straight year such an honor has been earned by a park in the city of Somerville, which shares the award with landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand.

“We are extremely proud of our parks and open spaces in Somerville, particularly when we are able to work with talented and creative partners like Reed Hilderbrand to transform vacant parcels into useable green space for our residents,” said Mayor Joseph Curtatone. “In the most densely populated community in New England, green space is a valuable commodity, and we are honored to be recognized for the innovative and sustainable design of Ed Leathers Park.”

The park, named for a local World War II veteran, was lauded for more than just the visual impact of its dramatic makeover in 2008, which was funded by a state Urban Self Help Grant. The overhaul used sustainable landscaping that requires a minimal amount of mowing or reseeding. Natural meadow plantings border the rail line that runs along one edge of the park, and perennial native plants like bird-friendly blueberry bushes line the main walkway.

And this urban refuge now offers something for almost everyone within less than an acre: open green space, an off-leash dog area, a walking and biking path, plenty of seating shaded by over sixty new trees, and a raised embankment along the rail corridor that can serve alternatively as a viewing platform or outdoor stage, or a pint-sized sledding hill in the winter.

“It’s a very simple design, but it addresses all the things that the community had in mind,” said City Parks Director Arn Franzen of the consensus that eventually emerged about what to do with the former site of the Kemp Nut Factory. He said neighbors didn’t want recreational structures like tennis or basketball courts. “People came back to us with a unified voice saying, ‘we just want a green space we can go to,’ so we took it from there,” said Franzen.

Residents say the park redesign has transformed the space from an eyesore to a focal point for neighborhood activity. “There’s such a mix of people who are using it,” said neighbor Seana Morris, who was enjoying the park with her canine companion Quincy on a recent afternoon. “I know so many people now that I wouldn’t have met if the park wasn’t here. It’s a great gathering place.”

Morris, who owns a dog walking business, said the park was a big plus when she bought a home next door three years ago. “I love it. I’m out here all day all the time. It’s a terrific space.”