When all the festivities and celebrations of our 400+ birthday are done, what will remain for the citizens of Beverly to remind them of our special history? The Bev400+ Board of Directors considered several options, and unanimously agreed that revitalizing Independence Park would be the perfect legacy project.
Why?
The Park is the site of several key events in our early history (ie, 1st Navy battle between America’s Hannah and England’s Nautilus ships; the reading of the Declaration of Independence before it was read in Boston). It is also where residents and visitors alike have for years, and still do, come to relax, enjoy the amazing view of the sea and islands, and meet up with friends and families. We aim to make sure the Park can provide similar experiences for the next generation.
What do you mean by “revitalize?”
We plan to accomplish these things:
- make the park ADA accessible (it currently is not)
- consolidate the existing historical items (plaques, cannons) into a cohesive and accessible memorial with new signage that tells the story of why the Park is significant, and describes what you’re looking at when you look out to the water
- take advantage of climate resiliency opportunities
- maintain memorial benches, although some may be relocated within the Park
- minimize impact of the design on abutters’ water views
What we won’t do:
- install playground equipment
- address or touch anything below the lawn (ie, the seawall, access to the beach) because the City has included those components in a much bigger Citywide beach project that is currently underway
Who is involved in this effort?
The project is being led by the Beverly 400+ team, with on-the-ground management by members of the History Subcommittee. Our committed partners include the Mayor’s Office, Department of Public Services, Parks and Recreation Department, the Community Preservation Committee, and Halvorson Design. (add link to https://www.halvorsondesign.com)
Who’s paying for this project?
The first round of funding has been awarded by the Community Preservation Committee in the amount of $125,000. This will enable us to contract with Halvorson Design, a landscape architecture firm which was previously involved with neighbors in 2017 when those neighbors had visions for an upgraded park. For a variety of reasons, that project did not go forward. We’re fortunate to pick up on that earlier work to allow the project to move along quickly. Halvorson will be responsible for a survey, preliminary design, managing community input on design(s), getting all required City approvals, creating the construction documents, estimating construction costs, and creating the documents needed for the City to put the project out for bid.
Phase 2 will be the construction, and responsibility for the project shifts to the City. We will support the City with raising funds from the Community Preservation Committee, and private and public sources.
What’s the timeline?
The Department of Public Services recommends that installation be complete by June 2026, in the middle of our celebration year. To do that, we have tight deadlines for each phase. The tentative schedule is:
January–April ’25 – design, public input, final design, City approvals
May-June ’25 – construction and bid documents
July ’25 – City puts project out to bid
August ’25 – construction starts
June ’26 – construction complete
How can I get involved ?
The most effective way to get involved is to attend the public meetings to review the design(s) and weigh in with your comments. The best way to stay on top of updates and meeting dates is to sign up for the Bev400+ newsletter and to follow Bev400+ on social media.
How do I contact the History Committee if I have questions?
Easy! Email [email protected]