Ken Kelly Park - (Formerly known as 217 Somerville Avenue Pocket Park)

Construction at Ken Kelly Park is moving ahead at a remarkable pace, and the City is thrilled to bring a beautiful new green space to the neighborhood this summer! Recent work has included the successful installation of key utilities, including both water and electrical systems. The majority of the hardscape elements have also been completed, providing a solid framework for the rest of the park’s features. Additionally, work on the signature stone wall is well underway and continuing to take shape.

Still to come are several important finishing touches. These include the installation of fencing, railings, and planter rail systems, as well as the park’s exciting new water features. Landscaping will begin soon, with plantings, irrigation systems, and other site features rounding out the final phase of construction.

As part of the landscape design process, City staff—along with landscape architects from Crowley Cottrell—recently visited a local nursery to hand-select and tag the trees that will be planted on-site. These carefully chosen trees will add beauty, shade, and ecological value to the park for years to come.

We look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy all that Ken Kelly Park will offer very soon!

Within the next two weeks the contractors will be working within the road to connect to park to the water main. Once excavated, this work should take two to three days to fully complete and inspections. Traffic through Rossmore St. will remain during this work, but some additional parking may be taken for the duration of the work to ensure vehicular traffic can pass.

Thank you for your patients on this work!

This park has been named in honor of Kenneth "Ken" Kelly, a beloved restaurateur, business entrepreneur, community leader, friend, husband, and father. Ken quickly became an anchor in the community, opening landmark establishments like PJ Ryan's, The Independent, and three others, which have since become staples in Somerville’s vibrant landscape. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Ken was honored with the Somerville Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. His legacy is one of service, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community.

https://www.wbur.org/the-remembrance-project/2016/06/28/the-remembrance-project-ken-kelly

Join us for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Pocket Park at 217 Somerville Avenue! This exciting project, located in the eastern part of Union Square, is aimed at creating much-needed open space in our densely built-up area.

Mayor Ballantyne and Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott invite you to join this event. Mark your calendar for July 22nd at 11:00 AM and come celebrate the beginning of this new green space with us!

The landscape architectural design includes the construction of a new park on a vacant lot that was used for parking consisting of asphalt drive and an area of crushed stone. The project consists of selective demolition and removals, exterior signage, site furnishings, exterior lighting, bituminous concrete paving, permeable pavers, grading, fencing, masonry and CMU walls, water features, tree removals, plantings, and irrigation.

Please join Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott and City Staff for the third community meeting about the design of the new park at 217 Somerville Ave.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Nov 30, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: 217 Somerville Ave Pocket Park Community Meeting #3

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ucT_NCiRQ_OxyLU4KW5wIA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Please join Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott and City Staff for the second community meeting about the design of the new park at 217 Somerville Ave.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Nov 8, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: 217 Somerville Ave Pocket Park Community Meeting #2

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_44x2xbbvSriIdFSNG1uK-w

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.