Grafton Common entrance destroyed in overnight accident

Photo submitted by Paul Scarlett

Less than 24 hours after its lantern was installed, the archway at the east entrance to Grafton Common was destroyed in a car accident overnight.

“They have knocked down the archway, which had just had the lantern attached to it yesterday, took out a granite post, destroyed a brand new trash barrel and left a puddle of oil on the new brick,” said Paul Scarlett of the Historic District Commission, which commissioned the new archways as part of the $297,119 historical restoration project.

The west entrance faces the intersection of Upton Street, Worcester Street and South Street. The annual display of scarecrows is now in place there.

“Earlier this summer someone crashed through the fence on the other side of this gate taking out another granite post, a section of fence and a beautiful mature cherry tree,” Scarlett said.

In addition to the new lit arches, the Grafton Common restoration 

has already added brick walkways, new benches, and grass, as well as removing and replacing unhealthy trees. The bandstand/gazebo will also undergo a renovation, adding an accessible ramp.

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