0.02-acre plot near Shawmut Station seeks new garden caretakers
Residents aim to clear weeds and replace broken fencing at the Clementine Park site, which may require soil testing due to its history as a dry cleaner.
By Ricardo Alvarez ·
Residents near Shawmut Station are calling for volunteers to clear weeds and restore the Clementine Park garden at the corner of Centre Street. The group aims to return the space to its former condition as a welcoming, flowering corner of the neighborhood.
The lot covers 0.02 acre. Sarah Weinstein, who coordinates the Shawmut Gardens, told the St. Mark’s Area Civic Association that the space was once a commercial building, possibly a dry cleaner. A neighbor with an interest in design originally laid out the garden. Weinstein said the original organizers have since retired from the project, allowing weeds to take over the area.
The space has deteriorated over the years. It previously featured a memorial for the late Dorchester state representative and municipal court Judge Paul Murphy. A harvest mural that frames the garden suffered graffiti vandalism last year. Neighbors cleaned the mural and painted over the damage.
Michael Folan, the Civic President, stated the lot is non-buildable. He noted that the site could be contaminated by its former use as a dry cleaner. Because of this potential contamination, the land is reserved for flowers, shrubs, and other plantings. Folan said the civic group placed the Judge Murphy memorial there years ago and intends to maintain it.
In addition to the overgrowth, Weinstein identified the fence as needing repair or replacement. Folan said he has committed to coordinating cleanup efforts. He hopes other volunteers will take charge of the planting work to ensure the garden stays green.
Those interested in helping with the Clementine Garden can email the St. Mark’s Area Civic Association at smacadot@gmail.com or contact Weinstein directly at sarahweinst@gmail.com.
