Henry Lee, a founding father of Associates of the Public Backyard who’s remembered as “a tireless advocate for our parks,” has died. He was 99.
Lee, who was president emeritus of Associates of the Public Backyard after he was the group’s chief for 41 years, handed away on Monday.
“As we reflect on his remarkable life, we remember Henry as a tireless advocate for our parks, from leading the fight against the massive Park Plaza development proposed in the seventies to working to restore the Common, Garden, and Mall when they were almost beyond saving,” the Associates stated in a press release.
“A civic leader committed to the greater good, he was also a champion of public spaces throughout Boston,” the group added. “Henry’s leadership, diplomacy, kindness, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our City, our organization, and all of our hearts. The foundation he laid for the Friends guides us daily in our mission to ensure that our parks are healthy and accessible to all.”
A staunch advocate for the restoration of sculpture all through town, he additionally helped to revive town’s Artwork Fee within the Nineteen Eighties.
“He loved the Friends and was so proud of how the Public Gardens looks today,” Lee’s son, Henry, stated in a press release. “I believe the Garden is his greatest legacy.”
The Associates of the Public Backyard established “The Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks” in celebration of his 99th birthday.
The fund will present small grants to boost public greenspaces all through town. These grants will help the care of bushes and turf, sculpture upkeep, and particular tasks in neighborhood parks the place the wants are clear however assets are restricted.
“This new fund embodies Henry’s commitment to equity in the quality of our public greenspaces,” the Associates stated when the group introduced the fund. “Grants will be supported by an endowment created by the Friends of the Public Garden, established with a $250,000 commitment from our Board.”
Administered by the Associates, grant selections can be made by a committee that features Associates employees and board, representatives of the Boston Parks and Recreation Division, group volunteers, and the Associates’ arboriculture and sculpture consultants.
“Henry Lee’s legacy is forever woven into the history and future of Friends of the Public Garden,” the Associates stated. “We will honor Henry’s memory by continuing the vital work he started, and we will ensure that his vision for our public spaces remains an enduring testament to his remarkable leadership.
“May you rest peacefully, Henry Lee,” the group added. “Your impact on our organization and the three parks will always inspire us as we strive to uphold your vision for future generations to come.”
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