In the middle of Medford, there is a quiet area with a garden and fountain that honors the four people who died during and right after the Boston Marathon bombings, and aims to inspire humanity.
The Krystle Campbell Peace Garden is a tribute to one of Medford’s own who died in the tragic event that affected Greater Boston, but also made the area strong.
For the past few years, the garden has been inactive in the busy Medford Square, near the Senior Center and Interstate 93. The fountain is dry, and city councilors are working to fix the issue soon.
City Councilor George Scarpelli expressed disappointment and frustration with the lack of transparent communication from the city regarding the garden's condition.
Last Monday was the eleventh anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing, where Krystle Campbell and two others were killed, and many more were injured. Two police officers also died in the aftermath.
Krystle Campbell, who graduated from Medford High School in 2001 and studied sociology at UMass Boston, died at 29 years old.
The Mayor’s Office explained that the water was turned off during the pandemic, but technical issues with a flooded sump pump prevented it from being turned back on.
A trust funded by donations is responsible for maintaining and repairing the garden, according to Steve Smirti, the director of communications.
The city sought bids for the repairs, but they were more expensive than expected. Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn allocated $68,000 in federal pandemic relief funds to help with the costs, but the trust declined to proceed with the repairs.
The city took on the responsibility of fixing the fountain after the trust refused to fund the repairs, and it should be operational next week.
A representative for the trust declined to comment on the issue.
Councilor Scarpelli raised the issue during a council meeting, and other councilors agreed that the repairs to the garden and fountain were urgent.
Councilor Justin Tseng remembered how the city united to create the space, with former Mayor Mike McGlynn leading the efforts to raise over $1 million for its construction.
Tseng emphasized the importance of accountability and the clear rules in place for such situations, and expressed disappointment in the city's response.
The garden features a mile marker walk representing the eight cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route, as well as notable landmarks like Heartbreak Hill. It also includes a large compass with a water fountain in the middle, surrounded by memorial plaques honoring Campbell, Richard, Lu, and Collier.
The main water jet represents the human spirit and our desire for world peace, as explained on a sign at the garden. The four shorter water jets around it are placed in line with the compass points, with each one symbolizing one of the people we lost.
In September 2016, residents and community members gathered for the official dedication of the garden. However, because it is in poor condition, organizations have chosen other locations for events in recent years, according to Scarpelli.
“Regrettably, even after many years, the marathon memorial fountain is still not functional,” said resident Andrew Castagnetti to the councilors. “This is typical of Medford. It’s a real shame.”
