Working Members Help Upgrade Landscaping at Water Tower Park

by Mary Pomichter, for the Shuttle

November 1, 2024

The Water Tower Advisory Council is a volunteer group that provides support to Water Tower Recreation Center in Chestnut Hill. The council’s most recent project focused on improving the park area surrounding the historic water tower at the intersection of Ardleigh Street and East Southampton Avenue.

Upgrades to the park include new lighting that illuminates the tower for the first time since it was built in 1859. Pathway lights and lampposts have been installed that illuminate the paths around the park, along with a new bench and an illustrated sign that tells the story of the tower over the years.

The council also wanted to improve the landscape of the park, which was somewhat neglected in the past. We’ve gotten help from the community and especially Weavers Way to plan and implement improvements to our green spaces. Our goal has been to complete a major cleanup, then add perennial gardens in various spots.

Working members from the Co-op have been a huge help in making this plan a success. They have spent many hours cleaning up debris and removing invasive weeds and trees. They have also been reliable and knowledgeable gardeners and have provided labor and a wealth of knowledge about which plants and flowers will flourish.

Thanks to a grant from the Co-op’s Environment Committee, we were able to purchase flowers and mulch. Now there are three gardens that add color and beauty where there was none. An unsightly
area has now become an inviting destination for the community to enjoy. The council is so grateful for the Co-op’s support. The funds we received have been helpful, and the assistance of Weavers Way working members has been priceless! We plan to continue efforts to beautify and improve the park for years to come.

Mary Pomichter is a member of the Water Tower Advisory Council.