  |    |
        |
 |
 | ||
| |||
 |  | |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
| ||
|  | |
| ||
 |  | |
| · | News Releases |
| · | Multimedia Centre |
| · | Virtual Press Kits |
| · | Fact Sheets |
| · | FAQ |
| · | Contact the Newsroom |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
|  | |
| ||
|
Mayor Menino Cuts Ribbon for New Edward Everett Schoolyard in Dorchester BOSTON, MA – Mayor Thomas M. Menino today cut the ribbon for the Edward Everett Schoolyard at 71 Pleasant Street in Dorchester. The schoolyard was recently renovated through the Boston Schoolyard Initiative. The project includes a new play structure, an automatic irrigation system to keep the newly planted green areas watered, outdoor garden boxes, and an outdoor sitting area for reading. Old cornices were preserved and used as decoration incorporated into the outdoor seating area. The front yard features a new curved wall that will house a planter and hold mosaic art panels designed by the school children, new plantings, and new archways. A planning scheme includes climbing plants that will cover the sidewalls. “I've always been an outspoken advocate of partnerships," said Mayor Menino. "And this schoolyard truly is a terrific example of the great things that can be accomplished when people work together. I want to thank the corporate sponsors for recognizing the importance of this project and giving us the financial support to expand our effort. It's collaboration and dedication that bring us here today, and I'm proud to say that this schoolyard has never looked better." Mayor Menino was joined by Everett School Principal Kathleen Flannery, City Councilor Maureen Feeney, “Principal for the day” and State Representative Martin Walsh, corporate partner Manulife Financial’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of U.S. College Savings Bill Burrow, parent organizer Alicia Zipp, faculty, staff, students, and neighborhood residents. "Manulife USA is proud of our relationship with Edward Everett Elementary School and our participation in the Schoolyard Initiative," said John D. DesPrez III, Chairman and President, Manulife USA. "Throughout our seven-year affiliation with the Everett, it has been our privilege to serve as their partner, not only financially, but also through the dedication of our numerous employee volunteers whose efforts directly support the needs of students and teachers at this school. One of the most tangible results of this partnership is evident in this beautiful new schoolyard, and we hope that it opens up a world of learning, discovery, and fun to Everett students for many generations to come." Funding for this project was provided by the City of Boston ($170,000 in capital funds), Manulife Financial ($100,000), George B. Henderson Foundation ($36,000), and Clapp family and additional private donors ($30,000). The Menino Administration has committed $13 million in capital funds to the Boston Schoolyard Initiative since its inception in 1996. The Public Facilities Department’s Capital Construction Division, in cooperation with Boston Public Schools, manages design and construction of all of the schoolyard projects. A total of 64 schoolyards have been selected for the Schoolyard Initiative through an annual request for proposals. Fifty-five schoolyards are now complete. CONTACT: DeWayne Lehman 617 635-4802 |
|
