We are proud to announce that the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department has selected a contractor to develop the new park, with construction scheduled to begin in May or June!

We have made significant progress over the past months designing a park that our neighbors and passersby will be proud of.

The Childe Hassam Board of Directors has been working closely with an engineering/design professional in developing the layout of the park, including two pieces of art. One will be a large granite piece with a bronze relief of Mr. Hassam's self-portrait along with a brief biographical sketch. The other will be a piece named "Ad Astra", by Kahlil Gibran, a well known sculptor, late of the South End. This, also, will sit on a granite pedestal.

The improvements will include:

• Brick plaza and a granite curbing
• Decorative metal picket fence
• Park benches
• Drainage
• Lighting
• Landscape plantings and irrigation
• New trees

It appears that our fundraising efforts were successful, however, this could change based on the construction bidding. We are most appreciative for the many donations we received.

The park's design and contents have been approved by the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the Art Commission and Landmarks Commission.

Ground breaking and construction is due to commence in early spring 2013.