For 19 years, Federal Judge A. David Mazzone presided over the federal lawsuit brought by conservationists and others condemning the state of Boston Harbor. His landmark rulings led to a massive public works project to restore the Harbor as a spectacular natural resource. The Boston Harbor clean-up is recognized as one of the nation's greatest environmental success stories - a far cry from the Harbor's notoriety in the 1980s as "the filthiest harbor in America"
The decision by Judge Mazzone was like a pebble dropped into a still pond, setting into motion a ripple-effect of action throughout the Boston Harbor community. The lives he touched, not only with this decision but throughout his distinguished career as a judge, a father and a husband will radiate as an example to citizens for generations.
His disarmingly humble nature, directness, and his intensity of focus are meant to be reflected in the simplicity of the concentric circle concept and design. The low height of the surrounding benches, the main monument and other items in the park will allow the eye to wander toward the horizon and the water. The running path that cuts through the memorial area gives a feeling of inclusion to visitors, inviting them into the circle as the judge had welcomed as friends so many on this island.
The wave in the main monument on the outer ring of ripples contains his portrait. This wave breaks toward the city of Boston and the courthouse he so loved, dwarfed by the harbor behind it. His family has said that Judge Mazzone would have wanted the monument to be about the harbor, not about him. Indeed, the greatest monument to this judge, and justly so, are the waters of Boston Harbor itself.
At the beginning of the project, Judge Mazzone ruled that "the law secures to the people the right to a clean harbor." These words are now inscribed in granite around a bronze pebble and its ripples and will remind those who walk, jog, bike, fish, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the sea at Deer Island - or anywhere around the harbor - of Judge Mazzone's role in the cleanup for generations to come.
This monument was designed by myself and landscape architects Polly Reeve and Peggy Nestler whom, in conjunction with Judge Mazzone's loving family and countless friends, all came together to make this memorial a reality.