Fens

How we got the Fens

adamg — Sun, 29 May 2011 12:31:45 +0000

Justin Martin, recounts how Frederick Law Olmsted created the Back Bay Fens out of what had become a misbegotten salt marsh.

Earlier:
Charlesgate: Then and now.

Fens get flamey again

adamg — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 02:04:30 +0000

Local 718 tweets "an extensive brush fire" behind 59 Fenway shortly after 9 p.m. tonight.

The flasher of the Fens is back

adamg — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 02:22:15 +0000

Mike Mennonno reports that, in addition to the unfurling fern fronds, the guy who likes to show off his junk is back at the Victory Gardens.

Tim, the President of the garden society, says he's an older guy, been doing it for years.

"Yeah," he shuddered. "And sometimes he wears a thong."

Special bonus: 911 dispatchers refuse to send any cops over when people use the special city batphone with the blue strobe to complain about the guy because they insist on a street address, but nobody can give one to them because this city-installed phone is, you know, in the middle of the Fens.

There's another abandoned park restroom Boston wants to lease out

adamg — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:54:37 +0000

This time, in the Fens. The Fenway News reports Boston is seeking ideas for what to do with "the Duck House," an old restroom building on Agassiz Road that's gone unused since a fire in 1986:

... The Parks Department is seeking expressions of interest that provide for a public benefit and complement park management and programming. If a compatible use can be identified, the Department could grant a lease to a tenant who would restore the building for this use, provide public benefit, and enhance the Back Bay Fens. The Department would consider a long lease term; however, if the term is longer than three years, legislation will be required to enact such an agreement. ...

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Mike Ross: Cops in Fens going after vandals and slobs, not gays

adamg — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:39:08 +0000

City Councilor Mike Ross answers the Bay Windows article alleging harassment of gay cruisers in the reeds:

... I want to be clear that nothing is more important than protecting the rights of a group that, in the past, has been targeted for discrimination. The clearing of the tall reeds, or phragmites, and the increased police patrols around the Fenway Gardens is not so much a civil rights issue as it is an issue that goes to the core of what makes Boston vibrant, attractive, and accessible to all. Community gardens are important gems within a neighborhood, attracting positive outdoor activity within an urban environment and encouraging families -- both gay and straight -- to enjoy our green spaces. Residents feel unsafe in their own gardens. They have found condoms, needles, and garbage, and are afraid to bring their children to the Fens. Residents have a legitimate complaint. ...

Why more cops in the Fens doesn't mean a crackdown on gays

adamg — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:29:39 +0000

Last week, Bay Windows wrote: Boston P.D. cracking down on cruising in the Fens.

Mike Mennonno, himself gay, doesn't think so, because gays looking for some anonymous fun aren't the target of the police. He praises the BPD for attempting to crack down on vandals who have been rampaging through the Victory Gardens - where he has a plot:

... And the truth is, there are people who enjoy other aspects of the park, and they, too, need protection. Scream "police state!" all you want, we have more septuagenarians gardening in the Fens than you can shake a stick at. Shouldn't they be able to take a lively part in their community without fear of violence? ...