by J.E. Ingoldsby, ASLA
The Cooke Memorial Park Drainage Basin is both a functional and aesthetic fixture at the base of Cherry Street and Pilgrim Avenue in Fairhaven. Over the past three years the Drainage Basin is methodically being transformed with the assistance of J.E. Ingoldsby, ASLA, the Poverty Point neighbors, the town of Fairhaven DPW, and with Fairhaven Cultural Council grants. The basin and basin surround have been weeded and loamed and Japanese perennial plants and Japanese flowering cherry trees added to reflect the nearness of the Whitfield-Manjiro House on Cherry Street and Friendship Society — Crossing Oceans, Connecting Cultures.
The extended three-month drought of 2020 has shown the need for low maintenance, xeric plantings suitable for the location. In 2021, we supplemented the earlier earthwork with Fairhaven DPW screened loam and planting of sand plain plant materials suitable for sandy soil and coastal conditions in full sun.
Beach plums, bayberry bushes, dwarf beach roses, sweet fern, and sea lavender were added to the plant palette. In autumn additional Narcissus and Scilla will be planted to brighten the park in April. A commitment from the town of Fairhaven and from the neighbors will allow this project to blossom to its full potential. This will take an investment of time and money. To fully fund this Poverty Point project tax deductible donations can be made to the: Town of Fairhaven — DPW Gift Account — Cooke Memorial Park Fund, and mailed to: Fairhaven Department of Public Works, 5 Arsene St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
Further work in 2021, includes transforming the Cooke Memorial Basin interior into a Japanese style dry garden with beach stone edging and sea shell floor, which will reflect its coastal location, yet allow for full percolation of flood waters.
There is a proposal in review to install a nineteenth century sailing ship anchor within the center of the basin. The anchor would reference Captain Whitfield with an interpretive plaque. Historical Commission member, Gary Lavalette is leading this effort .
The Cooke Memorial Park Basin, once neglected is being reclaimed and adopted by our Poverty Point friends and neighbors and the Town of Fairhaven DPW and Fairhaven Cultural Council.
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Click here to download the entire 5/27/21 issue: 05-27-21 HuttlestonMP