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Contact: Lydia Agro,Communications Director, 617-988-4109
Location: Ellen McCormack Development
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Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Housing Authority Administrator/CEO Sandra Henriquez dedicated a new and exciting educational pathway at the Mary Ellen McCormack public housing development in South Boston. The Planet Walk, focusing on astronomy, was constructed using a $200,000 grant from the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund.
The intent of the Planet Walk is to create a stimulating learning experience for the general public as well as the residents of the development. Located in a formerly undeveloped courtyard, the Planet Walk will serve as a link between two other public spaces within the development: Veterans’ Park and Henry Sterling Square.
“This project is an exceptional example of our continuing efforts to leverage alternative funding sources to benefit the residents of our great city,” said Menino. “This is especially important in this difficult economic climate.”
The final project includes two asphalt walkways, which follow curvilinear paths between nine dome-shaped concrete structures ¾ representing all of the planets in the solar system. At the beginning of the walkway to the park there is a large interactive sundial, and along the pathway is seating and informational plaques.
“We hope the Planet Walk will spark an interest in science and astronomy in many of the children and young adults who have a chance to explore it. This is a very exciting project and we should all thank the Browne Fund for its tremendous generosity,” commended Henriquez.
Cer-Trom Construction served as the general contractor for the project and Moriece and Gary Landscape Architects served as the architects for the project. Bill Guthro of Distinctive Concrete provided the finish and coloring for the concrete planets.
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