Gloucester, Ma.
There is much exciting work in progress along Stacy Boulevard including welcome tributes to women. Incremental aesthetic improvements, public access, ease of movement, and celebration of culture require many hands and deliver a huge impact. Here is a brief description of the special current projects and some people involved.
Two revitalized and enhanced gardens beyond the tennis courts will emphasize generations of care
“Remarkable support comes from volunteer expertise like award winning designer Ann Geraldi Johnson and Susan Kelly and the Generous Gardeners who have stepped up as the city’s groundskeepers on the boulevard.” Mike Hale, Director of Public Works
The Elizabeth Gordon Smith (Betty Smith) garden was cleared and the small Picture garden past the boulevard tennis courts was unearthed. Because Gloucester garden groups pre-date 1900, it’s especially moving to see the work in progess shoring up inspiring legacy connections. Incredible volunteers past and present serve the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW). Stacy Boulevard & Stage Fort Park advocates like Betty Smith, Louise Loud & the Gloucester Civic & Garden Council tended and protected Gloucester’s natural beauty — the very same grounds that are so lovingly served now by dynamos like Ann Gilardi Johnson and Susan Kelly & the Generous Gardeners. Plaques for Lucy Brown Davis, tribute by her sister Catalina Davis, and for Lucy P. Rogers ” president of the Gloucester’s Woman’s Club 1927-29″ are nearby.
photos: Betty Smith garden IN PROGRESS February (overgrowth and clearing underway–poison ivy was found) vs. March and can’t wait to experience the AFTER!
Ann’s rendering high resolution
Triton tribute plaque / painted sign transcription:
THE SCULPTURE- Triton was the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He was thought to be able to control the sea’s wild movement by blowing his conch shell.
THE SCULPTOR- Walker Hancock a sculptor of international reputation and a long time resident of Gloucester
THE PARK- The Gloucester Civic & Garden Council created this park to honor Betty Smith its founder, a woman who has dedicated more than thirty years of her life to preserving the natural beauty of Gloucester.
We hope this small island of beauty will inspire visitors to cherish and create their own beauty wherever they go.
Louise S. Loud tribute, President of the Gloucester Civic & Garden Ccouncil 1986-1994 “Without her determination and diligent oversight this park would not have come to be. Let the jagged contours of this stone represent her stern desire to have this park lovingly maintained by any or all who value its beauty.”
REPAIRS TO BOULEVARD TENNIS COURTS COMING SOON
Upon re-opening, the Boulevard tennis courts will be dedicated to Gloucester resident Avis R. Murray, “member of the USTA Hall of Fame and tennis professional on Cape Ann for 47 years”. Read more about the Avis R. Murray Boulevard Courts effort: Avis Murray Blvd Courts CPA_30Nov18. The project was made possible with support from private and public funding including CPA, JJ Bell and others.
BLYNMAN BRIDGE UNDERWAY
Early Sunday morning, March 24, 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) is busy reinforcing steel underneath Blyman Bridge and constructing a new sidewalk.
RAILING REPLACED – spring and summer
Long time goal achieved: Under the direction of DPW, the city is extending railing replacement along the “Stacy Esplanade” beyond the Fisherman at the Wheel for the entirety of its Eastern half, heading towards the direction of the new Beauport Hotel! It will be replaced in sections.
transcription for George O. Stacy tribute, bronze tablet inlaid boulder Stacy Boulevard:
STACY ESPLANADE
is the result of a wish conceived by
his parents and fulfilled by their son
George O. Stacy
keenly alive to the beauty of
GLOUCESTER HARBOR
he desired to bring to its shores a
corresponding beauty
This tablet is a loving tribute
from his friends of
The Hawthorne Inn
1930
