Unique New “POPS” Pocket Park Created via a Public-Private Initiative Offers Ample Lawn, Seating, and Hammock Posts

All are invited to join Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 2 City Councilor J.T. Scott to celebrate the official opening and dedication of the city’s newest park, Martha Perry Lowe Park. The ribbon cutting for this unique pocket-park – with not just seating but hammock posts – will take place on Monday, October 30, from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Martha Perry Lowe Park (111 Lake Street). The park is the result of Somerville’s zoning initiative to require that public open space be created as part of qualifying private development. 

Known as Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS), this public-private approach to open space creation is baked into the city’s zoning code. It offers a creative solution for advancing Somerville’s goals to add more parks and plazas to the city’s densely built landscape. POPS make use of private property, funding, and resources to create new open space that is fully open to the public. The city’s Public Space and Urban Forestry Division is currently developing additional policies as well to ensure that POPS in Somerville are clearly public. Martha Perry Lowe Park, for example, will have new required POPS signage to ensure the public knows they are welcome. 

“Working with private projects to create public spaces expands our ability to provide our community with the green spaces that make urban life healthier and better, but it’s so important to do this right,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “I want to thank our Public Space and Urban Forestry staff and the team at 346 Union for working to ensure that the park is welcoming and clearly public. Too many POPS end up as so-called Latte Parks that look private or as if you have to purchase an expensive coffee to have access. I look forward to all community members who pass by knowing they are invited into this new, small oasis built for all.”

Martha Perry Lowe Park is a “pocket park” that will provide approximately 7,000 square feet of new green space in the heart of the Union Square neighborhood. The park was designed and constructed by 346 Union Development as part of the city’s requirements that new condo developments include a park for public use. Community feedback helped inform the park’s design to include ample lawn space and amenities including seating areas, shade trees, and hammock posts. 

Permeable surfaces are also integrated into the design allowing the park to support improved stormwater management and reduce flooding. The Somerville Public Library will be adding hammocks to their Library for Things for free use to support access to this amenity.

Following a brief speaking program featuring Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Scott, and the park’s developer, a ribbon cutting will take place, and attendees will have the opportunity to explore the new park.

The ribbon cutting will also be recorded and made available for later viewing by the city’s GovTV team. Watch on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 and 613. Videos generally post within two business days of recording.   

To learn more, please contact Cortney Kirk, Senior Planner / OSPCD Public Space and Urban by emailing Ckirk@somervillema.gov or calling (617) 625-6600 x2544.