Grafton Common makeover begins with tree removal Thursday
Grafton Common is going to lose a few more trees.
Grafton’s most iconic feature begins its makeover on Thursday, October 8, when the Common will close 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for tree removal.
This isn’t necessarily a cosmetic fix — the Common lost a few trees over the winter, namely the tall pine that served as a Christmas tree during Grafton Celebrates the Holidays and a giant oak which suffered from rot.
The Common will also be closed Monday, October 12-October 18 for preliminary work on the Grafton Common upgrade project. The overall project, passed by Town Meeting last year, includes:
- Replacing the asphalt pathways with brick
- Moving utilities underground and removing an unattractive pole and junction box
- Expanding the brick area in the center of the Common to create a half circle
- Removing the old, haphazardly placed benches and replacing with an increased number of historic-style benches
- Installing lighted metal archways at each entrance to the Common, a former key feature
- Repairing and repainting the bandstand and fence railings
- Replacing the invasive Norway maples with more accurate species, such as red maples
- Adding additional trees to replace those that are missing.
