Members of the Harris family, with Mayor Curatone and Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche, at the site of the future Chuckie Harris Park. – Photo by Jackie Rossetti

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche joined members of the Harris family – the park is named for son/brother Chuckie Harris – staff from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Ground View Landscape Architects, and more than 50 East Somerville residents and community members for the groundbreaking on Cross Street on Friday, July 13. The park, named for a young Somerville resident who lost his life in an accident in 1970, currently consists of a concrete lot, but will incorporate design elements for residents of all ages when complete.  From months of community input, final design plans include a water feature which doubles as a movie screen, innovative play structures for all ages, cafe seating areas, community gardens, integrated lighting and 80 new trees.  It is slated to open in spring 2013.

“Residents of East Somerville have long awaited the renovation of this parcel of land on Cross Street, and I know everyone looks forward to the addition of a dynamic, green playspace that incorporates elements for kids and adults of all ages,” Mayor Curtatone said.  “I want to thank Ground View Architects, Alderman Roche, and members of the East Somerville community for all of your input into the redesign of Chuckie Harris Park, and I look forward to our grand opening and ribbon cutting next spring.”

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone (far left) and Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche (back, middle) joined members of the East Somerville Community, stakeholders and City staff for the groundbreaking ceremony at Chuckie Harris Park. – Photo by Jackie Rossetti

“This groundbreaking was the culmination of many positive meetings involving direct abutters, neighborhood families, elder representatives from the neighborhood, and community organizations like Teen Empowerment.  In fact one of the meetings was dedicated to involving neighborhood young children in designing their own park.   This park was truly a product that resulted from direct neighborhood involvement,” said Alderman Roche.  “The groundbreaking was a proud event, bringing the Harris family together with the community to keep Chuckie’s memory alive through the renovation of this park in his name.”

For more information on the project, visit www.somervillema.gov.