Bellevue Hill Water Tower access Saturday, May 5, 10am-1pm
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Bellevue Hill Standpipe, Saturday, May 5, 2018 10am-1pm.
Stony Brook State Reservation, Bellevue Hill Road (off of West Roxbury Parkway), West Roxbury
Bellevue Hill Standpipe, Saturday, May 5, 2018 10am-1pm. Doors Open.
The Bellevue Hill Standpipe was built by the Metropolitan Water Board in 1914-15, one of three vertical “reservoirs” designed to increase capacity for drinking water in the Boston area (the others are Forbes Hill and Arlington). Located atop the highest point in Boston, the 114'w x 47'h granite Tower replaced a smaller 1888 tower, both of which were designed to offer scenic views. Water was pumped from Fisher Hill Reservoir, via a 20-inch main, to the Hyde Park Pumping Station and then up to Bellevue Hill where it was distributed, via gravity, to the surrounding communities. This program is offered in partnership with the Metropolitan Water Resources Authority. Limited parking will be available at the top of the hill during this event. All ages are welcome, but the climb to the top is steep and may not be suitable for very small children. Dogs on leash allowed. Rain cancels.
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DCR Celebrates National Preservation Month Celebrating 125 years of Stewardship
Programs happening May, 2018
One hundred and twenty-five years ago, DCR’s foundation began with the creation of a regional system of parks to preserve our natural resources for the public as the city of Boston continued to expand. The first of its kind in the country, the Metropolitan Park System was formed on June 3, 1893 with Beaver Brook Reservation in Belmont and Waltham as the first park acquired for all the people of the Commonwealth to enjoy recreation and green space. DCR’s diverse portfolio solidifies its stewardship and leadership in conservation and recreation for the Commonwealth. The month of May is designated as National Preservation Month, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites visitors to celebrate 125 years of stewardship and enjoy programs that highlight DCR’s efforts to preserve the Commonwealth’s history.
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The Bulletin Page 11
Bellevue Hill continued from page 1
DCR Representative Wendy Pearl
also reminded the neighborhood that on
Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
there will be a tour of the Bellevue Hill
Water Tower, which was placed there in
the early part of the 20th century.
“In your neighborhood, you really
have a piece of architectural history and
a symbol of a really rich period of Boston
history,” she said.
Pearl said they will open up the tower
for a tour and explanation of the tower’s
importance in the history of Boston Water.
She said it could also be a way to
reconnect with the neighborhood.
“We don’t get many people to go up
there, but it is quite an event,” said BHNA
member Ginny Gass. “Last year, there
were four or five young gentlemen who
came to the tower in West Roxbury because
they grew up here and had never
climbed the tower. They were picking out
their former schools and where they lived
and it was just really fun to see. Only
thing is, there are quite a few stairs.”
Pearl said they work with the city
every year on this and she’s glad they
can share the history of West Roxbury
and Boston every May.
“The reason we open the tower is that
May is preservation month and during
the month of May, the City of Boston and
DCR like to highlight places that have
been preserved actively,” she said. “DCR
and other organizations and nonprofits
and the like have been working actively
to preserve these places. Preservation is
all around us and because of that history
is all around us.”
In other business, resident and member
Michelle Clarke said on May 19 they
will be hosting a cleanup for the Bellevue
Hill Tower area and they need volunteers.
“Spread the word, we only had a
couple of volunteers last year,” she said.
“In years past, we’ve had 20 to 25 folks
and we could really use some help along
LaGrange Street... There’s usually some
free t-shirts available and we’re expecting
all the supplies from the city. It’s from
9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 19.
Please, please, please, we need some help
and Nancy will provide doughnuts.”