Community Corner

Medford to Build $1 Million Peace Garden for Marathon Bombing Victims

The memorial garden will be next to the Medford Senior Center.

Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn announced Friday that the city plans to build a $1 million peace garden in memory of the Boston Marathon bombing victims, including Medford native Krystle Campbell.

"This entire community sees the Campbell family as their family," McGlynn said at a press conference at Hyatt Place in Medford.

Campbell, a 2001 Medford High graduate who lived in Arlington, was one of three people killed at the marathon; 8-year-old Martin Richard, of Dorchester, and Boston University student Lingzi Lu also died in the bombing.

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In addition, the garden will honor MIT police officer Sean Collier, who was allegedly killed by the marathon bombing suspects.

The garden will be next to the Medford Senior Center, at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Clippership Drive near Medford Square.

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A pathway with bronze plaques, identifying many of the marathon’s markers, including Heartbreak Hill and Cleveland Circle, will lead to the garden, which will represent the finish line.

The garden will have a central seating area focused on four fountains for the four victims. A fifth fountain in the middle will represent the world and honor everyone who was injured at the marathon.

Four plaques in memory of the victims will be laid out as the four points on a compass. The park will also have additional seating, a flagpole and plantings, including Campbell’s favorite flower, the sunflower.

The theme of the garden will be to inspire humanity, diversity and inclusion.

McGlynn said the city received a $475,000 federal grant for the garden earlier this week. The city has an application in for a $200,000 state grant and is expecting to receive donations and in-kind services, he said.

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Krystle Campbell’s Family Makes Statement as Anniversary Approaches >>


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