Good Time land to become expanded park in East Somerville?

Land swap would expand park

Hidden oasis to gain access, improvements

Ellin Reisner, shown near the Winter Hill Yacht Club, says Draw 7 Park is one of the largest pieces of open space in Somerville. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)

By Danielle Dreilinger Globe Correspondent / September 14, 2008

With demolition of the Good Time Emporium set to start as early as Friday, the undeveloped part of Assembly Square looks ever more derelict. But follow Foley Street's cracked pavement past the cab company and construction fencing, and there's a small oasis of green.

A home-rule petition signed last month as part of the Assembly Square development promises to expand and rejuvenate a little-known park on the Mystic River.

The expansion will follow a planned land swap between the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the developer, Federal Realty Investment Trust. Currently the conservation department manages Draw 7 Park southeast of Foley Street and a thin strip of riverside land with a bike path heading northwest to Route 28. The swap will enlarge the northwestern part.

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