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Boston Globe

They paved paradise …

Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up Yes, Copley Square Park was indeed in need of renovation — its brick walkways were cracked and uneven and its fountain dysfunctional. But even with its flaws, it provided a comfortable setting for twice-weekly farmers markets during the growing season, First Night celebrations, occasional political demonstrations, Boston Marathon events, and a gathering spot for warm-weather lunches. Advertisement It also provided a picture-perfect setting, a front lawn for the stunning Trinity Church. The sections still closed off and under renovation — Advertisement When the park partially reopened in time to accommodate some Marathon-related activities last month, Boston Inviting it isn't — certainly not now. There is, of course, the usual tugging and pulling of local forces over the use of public spaces. Meg Mainer-Cohen, president of the Back Bay Association, which represents the business community in the area, Martyn Roetter, chair of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay, said the group had advocated a less costly repair, adding, 'Our impression was that Sasaki (the new park's designer) and the city were pushing to turn Copley Square into a venue like a smaller version of City Hall Plaza.' Well, if that was the aim, mission accomplished. Not that green space is incompatible with hosting public events. The Esplanade, where it's not unknown for a half million people to gather on the Fourth of July, and Boston Common, host to many a rally and protest, are certainly testament to that. In fact, the city did what appears to be a good job of seeking Advertisement The resulting principles governing its design, according to the survey, were to 'comfortably accommodate everyday passive and social visits to the heart of Back Bay' and 'provide a flexible platform for active programming, including a diversity of events, big and small.' They certainly aren't mutually exclusive — but the result thus far leans heavily toward the latter. A barren landscape in the heart of the city, fringed with bits of green at its perimeters, isn't what those surveyed asked for. And it isn't anyone's definition of a park. Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us