Foss Park ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Friday December 17 at 10:00 a.m. at 49 Fellsway West, at the corner of Broadway and McGrath Highway in Somerville. Department of Conservation and Recreation Acting Commissioner Stephanie Cooper, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, State Representatives Mike Connolly and Christine Barber, State Senator Pat Jehlen, other distinguished guests and members of the public will be in attendance.

The 14-acre Foss Park is in the 26th Middlesex District and adjacent to the 34th Middlesex District. Over the past several years, it has been a top priority for the Somerville State legislative delegation to advocate for improvements to the park. The delegation heard from several constituents, including many parents and coaches, who complained about the “dust bowl” conditions of the field while also calling for permanent field lighting and better drainage. The state’s recently completed Foss Park Field Improvements include a new, multi-use athletic field, field lighting, pathway upgrades, and drainage improvements. Over the course of the project, concerns were also raised about the potential for loss of trees, so the legislative delegation worked to advocate for changes to the design to minimize the impact on trees. Additional trees are also being planted.

In addition, as a condition our support for a new, multi-sport turf field at Foss Park, the delegation simultaneously advocated for DCR to abandon its plans for a turf field at the nearby Draw 7 Park along the Mystic River. This stance allowed for the balance of Somerville’s enormous need for additional recreational and athletic facilities with the need to ensure the most sustainable and resilient approach to open space, particularly along the river. DCR has now confirmed that they will move forward with designs for a natural surface at Draw 7 Park, complete with a living shoreline. Meanwhile, DCR is also working on renovations to the Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck at Foss Park, and the City of Somerville is engaged in discussions with DCR relative to future operations and maintenance of the park.

On behalf of DCR and the City of Somerville and the State legislative delegation all are invited to join attend this ribbon cutting on Friday morning to celebrate the progress we’ve made and discuss the work that remains at Foss Park.