Round Hill to become Saugus park

SAUGUS – The empty plot of land next to the Saugus Public Safety building on Round Hill Street is mostly overgrown and covered with litter.But next to the site sits historic Round Hill itself, a 150-foot tall mound covered with trees and boulders that offers a wide view east down the Saugus River.For the Saugus Historical Commission, this roughly 8,000-square-foot-site is the perfect spot for a new park.?It?s a chance for us to do two things,” said Historical Commission member Stephen Rich. “Clean up and maintain the area as a very passive section. And to educate the visitors to the fact that this is very historic area in the town of Saugus. The Indians were so predominant in this area.”The commission submitted a letter to the Board of Selectmen earlier this month requesting $75,000 from the Wheelabrator settlement to pay for the park, which Rich called a “definite environmental improvement.”?I don?t think we?re going to get that much, but anything is better than nothing,” said Rich. “It?s hard to get a handle on because a lot of it will be donations.”Rich said the park will feature granite benches, a granite obelisk with the words “Round Hill” inscribed on it and ornamental fencing to separate the area from the police parking lot. Rich said he also hopes to add up to three new parking spots to the police lot, along with a hiking trail to the summit.?In the early spring and late fall, there?s not as much foliage and you have a tremendous view up there as the Indians did,” said Rich. “The Historical Commission, in conjunction with the Alternative Energy Committee, is planning to hold fundraisers for the effort, and Rich said he plans to talk to local businesses to see if they can donate granite and other materials.Renewable energy is also a major facet of the project, as granite bollards, or pillars, with recessed solar lighting, are also planned for the site.?All of that illumination is going to face east so the abutters won?t see this,” said Rich. “It?s not going to stand out for the abutters. It?s going to blend right into the environment. This is one of the first chances the town can implement the greening of Saugus.”Round Hill was long used by Native Americans in the area as far back as 5,000 years ago, according to a report from the commission. The site was first purchased by Saugus in 1910, and over the years, artifacts such as arrowheads and stone tools have been found on Round Hill.Round Hill is also the major feature on the Saugus town seal.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].