MANAGEMENT PLAN
The focus of the
Management
Plan is to restore the splendid features of the original Olmstead design
and bring them up to date so they are appropriate for the next turn of the century.
The Plan calls for restoration of the fountain; thinning, removal and replacement of trees; and
creation of commemorative gardens. The gardens would recognize the contributions of the original
Native American settlers of this area and the life of Senator Paul Tsongas, whose tireless
dedication to Lowell made it possible for this park to be restored.
In addition, because of its proximity to the Concord River, the park would be linked to a
regional trail system "Greenway" and "Blueway" through construction of a stairway to the river.
The Plan also calls for the construction of a play fort structure for children; the restoration
of a Spring House which would hold a water fountain; and a Pergola, which was included in the
original plans but never built.
Trees and
ornamental
plantings would include primarily native species, including Red and
Scarlet Oak, Sweetgum, Tupelo, River Birch and Tulip Tree. A perennial border consisting of
native azaleas, Anthony Waterer Spirea and antique roses is also proposed.
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CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
At
the turn of the
century,
Frederick Law Olmstead and others regarded parks as a respite from the
industrialized city. The rejuvenation of Rogers Fort Hill Park is consistent not only with this
philosophy but also with Lowell's present day "Flowering City" initiative. Throughout its history,
the city has welcomed and encouraged citizen participation in improving parks and green spaces.
Budgetary constraints have reduced park staffing from a full-time crew of 13 at the turn
of the century to one person today. Thus, the only way this plan is going to succeed is by
citizens becoming involved. As more people visit the park and use it as it was intended to
be used, the chances for success increase.
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CONTACTS
You can contact the Belvidere Neighborhood Association (BNA) Beautification Committee via email or write to P.O. Box 1044, Lowell, MA 01853.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Management
East Coast Outdoor Guide
Information on Massachusetts Parks by Region
L.L. Bean's Park Search Descriptions of Federal and State parks in
Massachusetts
Gardening tips, resources and virtual tours.
Over 3,300 links to botany, gardening and conservation sites for professionals and hobbyists.
Flowering plants academic reference materials
New England Wildflower Society special events and courses
CompuServe's Gardening Forum
Gardening and landscape architecture software
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CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS PAGE
Writing, research and turn-of-the-century photo were contributed by Ellen Coppinger. Ellen is a resident of
Belvidere, a member of the BNA, a landscape architect and a student at the Radcliffe Seminars. She created the Management
Plan for the rejuvenation of Rogers Fort Hill Park as her thesis project.
The beautiful woodland photographs were contributed by Gary Bahnick. Gary is a
graphic artist from Naperville, Illinois.
Park and gardening links were provided by Bonnie Nowik-Cohen of Mashpee, MA.
The tree and flower images were taken from web pages sponsored by the University of Massachusetts and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Marcia Cohen is the author of this page.
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From 1714 to 1886,
the land was privately owned until it was deeded as a park to the City of
Lowell. In the fall of 1885, work was begun by the landscape gardener,
Ernest Bowditch of Boston, to convert what was a working farm into a park.
Starting in 1904, Frederick Law Olmstead’s firm designed and developed the Park’s major features:
walks and drives, a fountain and plantings, some of which survive to this day.
In the early
twentieth century, the park was the focal point for many activities,
including winter carnivals and a zoo. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts,
the park slipped into a period of serious decline from 1960-1980. In 1989-1990,
the Fort Hill Park Betterment Association reversed this trend.
In
1995, the Belvidere Neighborhood Association Beautification Committee
"adopted" the park as a project. Today, plans are under way for management, restoration
and fundraising as a cooperative effort between the City of Lowell and its citizens.
Overlooking the
Concord River, the Park
consists of 34 acres, 11 of which are mowed. The remaining 23 acres are wooded,
in various stages of regeneration. The park is viewed by many as two separate parcels, with
the Urban Wilderness area leading to the summit as distinct from the mowed areas adjacent
to the neighborhood. Before the trees at the summit grew in, it was possible to appreciate
magnificent views both of the city below and the mountains of New Hampshire on the horizon.