Harvard Reparations to Aid Funding Of Cambridge Playground Renovation

Harvard is giving the City of Cambridge $100,000 as well as architectural assistance to renovate the Corporal Burns Playground which the University damaged during the construction of Peabody Terrace and Mather House.

The final plan for the playground renovation passed the Cambridge City Council Monday night. Construction will be delayed about eight weeks as final specifications are drawn up and bids made, Donald C. Moulton, assistant to the vice-president for Government and Community Affairs, said last week.

The present plans-drawn up by the University Planning Office-were determined by popular sentiment expressed at public hearings held by a special Sub-Committee of the City Council appointed early this year by Mayor Barbara Ackermann.

The City Council two years ago voted down a suggestion by Saundra Graham, now a Councillor, that low-income housing be erected on the sight. Local residents, led by Mary Conway, had objected vehemently to elimination of the playground.

The playground area is the only river-front property owned by the City.

The renovated playground will have two basketball courts, two volleyball courts, an arts - and - crafts shelter, a playground for very small children and a grassy area. Twenty-one new trees will be planted.

The playground "should be in use this summer," Moulton said.