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Friends group outlines Marshall Square Park improvements; council signals support
Summary
Friends of Marshall Square Park presented plans to add granite steps, restore circular planting beds, remove two trees that obscure a Civil War monument, and install a ground plaque; council and tree commission expressed support and requested compensatory plantings.
The Friends of Marshall Square Park presented a master-plan project to enhance the southwest corner of Marshall Square Park, increase visibility of the borough’s Civil War monument, and reintroduce historic planting circles.
Anne, the group’s consulting landscape architect, described proposed granite risers with grass treads to form an expanded brick landing from the adjacent sidewalks and a sequence of low, 5-inch steps intended to be easily mowable and accessible. She said the design is meant to “pay homage” to the park’s 1938 layout while keeping the new elements low and maintainable.
The group also proposed removing a dawn redwood and a spruce that currently obscure the monument. The tree commission signaled preliminary support for the removals and asked that Friends of Marshall Square Park provide compensatory trees; Friends agreed to work with the borough arborist to determine number and size of replacements. A volunteer from the group also offered to plant and maintain perennial beds in the reestablished circles.
Jeff and other Friends members said the project team will provide renderings and a detailed plan set and will coordinate with borough staff on tree-removal permits and compensatory planting. Council noted the plan aligns with the park master plan and indicated support; the presentation and discussion were recorded as approved 3-0 for the recommendation to pursue the project and bring formal proposals back to council.
Next steps: Friends will refine design renderings, coordinate compensatory tree counts with the borough arborist, and return with permit-ready plans and a proposed schedule (the group indicated a 2025 timeline for the monument-focused work).
