Memorial Park Project Moves Forward

An ongoing redesign project at took a major step forward Thursday afternoon when workers installed a wrought-iron fence and put in plantings along the park's border with the 's new downtown parking lot.

Plants and Pleasantrees owner Dave Carvill called the shots Thursday as a crew of workers carefully put in the liriopes, sweet-ferns and assorted shrubs that will adorn the park for years to come.

The Marblehead Tree Department planted a variety of trees around the park earlier this week and Carvill had been responsible for treating and preparing the soil prior to their arrival.

The , funded in part by a $40,000 donation from the Harold B. and Elizabeth L. Shattuck Memorial Fund, will also include the installation of decorative light fixtures and a wrought-iron fence around the park's perimeter.

According to the Recreation and Parks Commission, the fencing is meant to deter local residents from creating a pathway by cutting through the park.

"What (the fence) will do is create a physical buffer between the parking area and Memorial Park," commission member Derek Norcross said at an organizational meeting last year, adding that he considers the park to be the "most sacred and solemn park in town."

Carvill said he expected the majority of the planting would be done by the end of the day today. So, if you find yourself in the area, consider stopping by to check it out.