Picture the majestic swan boats gliding across the Public Garden lagoon. That idyllic scene almost vanished. In the 1970s neglect threatened Boston’s beloved green spaces. The Friends of the Public Garden rose to the challenge.
The Friends of the Public Garden a non-profit organization formed in 1970. It was born from a shared concern. Bostonians saw their cherished Common Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall falling into disrepair. A schoolteacher Henry Lee led the charge. He hosted the first meeting in his own home. Thirty people attended. Their goal was clear. They would raise money to counter the city’s lack of funding. This lack of funds caused vandalism and neglect to blossom.
The Friends of the Public Garden’s early success was remarkable. Membership soared from 30 to over 500 in just one year. Their first major battle was against the Park Plaza Urban Renewal Project. This proposed building towers over 400 feet high. The towers would have cast shadows on the parks. Plant life would have suffered. Visitors would have been deterred. The Friends fought relentlessly. They successfully prevented construction. They continue to fight against projects that threaten these precious green spaces.
The Friends of the Public Garden tackle many issues. They raise funds for various care needs. People can donate specifically for tree care or sculpture restoration. Tree care includes planting pruning cataloging and treating diseases. Sculpture care includes cleaning and major restorations. A significant threat is Dutch Elm Disease. The Friends test trees inject treatments and trap elm bark beetles that spread the disease. Sadly infected trees must be removed to prevent further spread.
Major restorations have been undertaken. The Robert Gould Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial was the first. The Friends raised money to restore it. They added the names of the soldiers to the back of the statue. The George Robert White Memorial Fountain was another major project completed in 2016. Water had stopped flowing in the 1980s. The restoration involved repairing the fountain and its piping. Water now flows again.
The Friends of the Public Garden also host annual fundraising events. Duckling Day held every Mother’s Day is a highlight. This event was inspired by the Make Way for Ducklings statue. It’s been a beloved tradition for over 30 years. The celebration includes parades face painting and puppet shows. Thousands attend each year including city officials.
The Friends of the Public Garden is more than an organization. It’s a testament to community dedication. It safeguards these vibrant green spaces for generations to come. They ensure that the beauty and tranquility of the Boston Common the Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall will be enjoyed by all.