Chatham Garden Club To Refurbish Chase Park Flagpole Garden

CHATHAM – A flagpole and raised garden form the centerpiece of Chase Park, an oasis of open space just a block from the busy downtown business district. But neglect and time have taken a toll on what was meant to be a focal point of the park; the stones are crumbling and there is no longer a garden to speak of surrounding the flagpole.

 The Chatham Garden Club is raising money to remedy the situation.

 The club is raising money toward the cost of refurbishing the flagpole garden, member Lucia Quinn told the select board Sept. 15, with the goal of once again making it the centerpiece of the park.

 The flagpole garden was donated to the park by Kathy Heberton about 30 years ago in memory of her husband, Robert M. Heberton. For many years, a garden flourished around the flagpole, but at some point the plantings were removed and replaced by small stones, which are now covered in weeds. The rocks of the wall enclosing the garden are falling away.

 The club is proposing reconstructing the garden within the original footprint, Quinn said. The wall will be rebuilt, increased in height and topped by flagstones to make it more convenient for sitting. The town’s public works department will paint and repair the flagpole, the memorial plaque will be refurbished, and the garden club will design, install and maintain new plantings. Steps will lead up to the flagpole to prevent trampling of the plants and preserve the wall’s stability.

 “We’ll focus on drought- and deer-resistent plants, native plants and pollinators,” she said. 

 The garden club has confirmed $20,000 in donations toward the estimated $25,000 to $30,000 cost, Quinn said. Another dozen donors have been identified, she added. The garden club will contribute plants to the project. She sought the select board’s approval to begin community outreach and fundraising; the board supported the effort unanimously.

 “This is an excellent remedial project,” said board member Dean Nicastro, who lives in the neighborhood. “I think it’ll look very nice.” He added that he was pleased that the project was going to be privately funded.

 The nonprofit garden club currently maintains 10 town gardens at the town offices, Sears Park and other locations, including the Cross Street entrance to Chase Park, Quinn said. The club has about 160 members, she added.