“Right now, the city doesn’t offer a lot in terms of [promoting] tourism,’’ said Quincy planning director Dennis Harrington. “We as a Planning Department see the need to make sure the visitors who end up in Quincy Center have resources, such as maps and information on the sites here.’’
That was the impetus behind the online map, which was created by Planning Department employees. According to Harrington, the next step is to change the city itself.
“The National Parks visitor center was a temporary accommodation, which has been around for years,’’ he said. “We need a new visitor center, but [first] we’re going to move forward with a great piece of public space.’’
The city has begun planning the Adams Green - a sprawling park space in front of City Hall that will connect many of the historic places, creating walkways and park benches where pedestrians currently dodge traffic.
The $15 million to $16 million project, which is part of the sweeping revitalization of Quincy Center, will be funded through a variety of grants and will be the glue that binds many of these separate locales.
“The Adams Green will affect tourism greatly,’’ Harrington said. “We’re going to create a gateway from the T station to a marvelous place of open space, a focal point for downtown, and the space will be the entrance to the mercantile district; another side will be an entrance to the public library at Coddington Street.’’
There is also an effort to restore the sites around the city. The mayor’s office is working to spruce up the weathered exterior and interior of Old City Hall, and the city has hired an architectural firm to collect data and report on the condition of the Hancock Cemetery.
All this is being done as the cupola, weathervane, and bell of the Church of the Presidents across the street is being renovated, with the help of Community Preservation Act funds and money raised by the church.
The hope is not only to preserve history but bolster the city’s assets before the revitalization attracts even more visitors.
