Update 2 December 2006:

Passer-by stop to watch the activity in the Nunziato OLRA, Saturday morning after the installation of the new surface, while park users take a picture to remember a happy moment.

Update 30 November 2006:

The DPW is completing the installation of the stone dust at the Nunziato OLRA today! In addition to leveling the terrain as much as possible, they have also installed drains and "dry wells" under the surface at the Summer Street side of the area which will catch run-off and dissipate excess water underground. The DPW employees expect that the area will reopen this afternoon!

The Somerville Department of Public Works has begun preparing the Nunziato Off-Leash Recreational Area for the installation of stone dust. More pictures are available on flickr.com.

Several truckloads of dirt have been removed from the area to provide a more level surface, which, in turn, will provide better drainage and help keep the stone dust in place. Tomorrow the stone dust will be delivered. The Department of Public Works plans to spread the stone dust on Wednesday and roll it on Thursday.

With a surface of decomposed granite, park users and neighbors will enjoy a cleaner park. The OLRA should no longer turn into a mud pit when it rains, and, unlike the mulch which formerly bordered the area, stone dust neither retains the smell of urine nor provides an environment for bacteria to grow.

Maintenance of the Nunziato OLRA is funded through contributions to Somerville Unleashed, the City of Somerville's revolving fund for off-leash recreational areas. In this season of giving, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Somerville Unleashed!

Thank you to the men and women in the Department of Public Works for improvements to the Nunziato OLRA.