Copley Square Park to partially reopen on New Year’s Day (original) (raw)

A small portion of Copley Square Park reopened to the public on New Year’s Day, marking the first time it will be accessible to pedestrians in over a year, officials said.

Boston parks officials announced on Tuesday that improvements to the “northeast triangle” of the park, which sits between Trinity Church and Boylston Street, have been completed. The rest of Copley Square, which has been closed for renovations since July 2023, is expected to open within the next few months.

“Copley Square is one of the most iconic parks in Boston, offering vibrancy and open space in an area that welcomes visitors and residents alike,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “We’re excited to ring in the New Year by opening a newly renovated piece of this historic park, with the rest of the park’s reopening to follow soon after.”

The newly completed section represents just a small area of the park, though the plaza opposite the Boston Public Library is set to be reopened by February, officials said. Construction on the rest of Copley Square — the fountain and lawn areas closer to Trinity Church, as well as the sidewalks — is scheduled for completion after the 2025 Boston Marathon in April.

Plans for the renovation of Copley Square.City of Boston

The Tortoise and Hare statues have also been reinstalled, officials said, in the area that will be opened on New Year’s Day.

“We look forward to unveiling the fully renovated park this spring,” interim Boston Parks commissioner Liza Meyer said in the statement. “These improvements, from the revitalized fountain to the expanded tree canopy and flexible event spaces, reflect the community’s vision and we can’t wait to share the finished project.”

A rendering of the proposed redesign of Copley Square. Sasaki

The $18.9 million construction project will bring a new design for the square’s fountain, as well as a new “raised grove” to supplement the existing tree canopy, officials said. Other renovations include updated pathways, benches, and tables.

Officials have said that the new design will make the square better suited for large events like watch parties and the Boston Marathon, which finishes nearby.

Copley Square is traditionally the center of Boston’s First Night celebrations on New Year’s Eve, which typically include live music, ice sculptures, and a parade. Last year, the festivities moved to City Hall Plaza, where they were held Tuesday evening, due to the renovations.

With the northeast triangle portion of Copley Square Park now open, construction continues elsewhere. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff

Camilo Fonseca can be reached at camilo.fonseca@globe.com. Follow him on X @fonseca_esq and on Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports.