Watertown TAB & Press, MA
June 20 2008

Koutoujian: Turnpike approves Armenian Heritage Park plans for Rose
Kennedy Greenway

By Office of Rep. Peter Koutoujian
Fri Jun 20, 2008, 04:00 PM EDT

WATERTOWN – Rep. Peter Koutoujian and the Armenian Heritage Foundation
(AHF) announced that plans to develop a park on the Rose Fitzgerald
Kennedy Greenway have been formally approved by the Massachusetts
Turnpike Authority Board. The park proposal presented by the AHF will
now proceed with final design and construction. The public process and
approval is the result of an eight year campaign to design a park to
commemorate immigrant groups who migrated to the Boston area as well
as acknowledge those ancestors who sought refuge from the Armenian
Genocide.

`As a member of the Armenian-American community, I am truly honored to
be a part of this historic endeavor,’ said State Representative Peter
Koutoujian, who was the original proponent of the park. `My
grandparents came to America from Armenia in search of a better
life. This park will serve as a beautiful dedication to their
experience and the experiences of all immigrants who helped to make
the city of Boston – – and our nation great.’ `For eight years, we
have worked to make this moment a reality. This park would not have
been possible without the support of the Armenian-American community,
the residents of the North End, and the leadership of Governor Deval
Patrick,’ said James Kalustian of the Armenian Heritage
Foundation. `Thanks to years of hard work and commitment from our
community, this park and its significance was realized and fully
supported by the Patrick Administration.’

The Armenian Heritage Park, a gift to the City of Boston and the
Commonwealth from Massachusetts Armenian-Americans, is for all to
enjoy. The Park is consistent with key themes of the Greenway: to
acknowledge the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants
worldwide, and to celebrate those who have migrated to Massachusetts
shores and contributed to the richness of American life and
culture. The Park includes lawns, fountains, shade trees and benches
to engage and delight children and adults.

Armenian Heritage Park will be constructed at no expense to the
taxpayer, and cared for and maintained in perpetuity.