THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2024 Page 15 Liberty Park reopened and rededicated to Lt. John Jones By Tara Vocino L iberty Pocket Park, which is located at the intersection of Hywood Street and Breedens Lane, celebrated its grand reopening on Monday afternoon. The pocket park is within walking distance of residents, designed by neighbors, handicapped accessible, and is for all abilities. Mayor Patrick Keefe hosted the grand opening and dedication of Lt. John Jones Memorial Park in North Revere. The City of Revere is introducing this new public space, which features ADA-accessible safety surfaces, new play structures with sensory amenities and a new pickleball court. The park’s renovation is a testament to Revere’s commitment to inclusivity, making it a place for people of all ages and abilities to gather and enjoy various activities. The park, formerly known as Liberty Park, was renamed following a motion brought by Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley and Ward 6 Councillor Christopher Giannino to honor lifelong North Revere resident Lt. John Jones. The park designation honors Lt. Jones’ career as one of the fi rst black police offi cers for the city of Somerville, his service to the United States of America as an Air Force Veteran and his contributions to the Revere community. Open Space and Environmental Planner Elle Baker opened the ceremony during Monday’s rededication at Lt. John Jones Park. Ward 6 Councillor Christopher Giannino said the renaming is very fitting — wishing the park much success. Daughter Joyann Jones-Shaughnessy cut the ribbon. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Mayor Patrick Keefe said the Jones family is well known and “is North Revere.” Son J.J. Jones expressed his appreciation to the City Council for unanimously approving the motion to rename the park after his father, Lt. John Jones. Playground equipment was renovated. Lt. John Jones’ family members, shown from left to right: son Jason Jones, daughter Joyanne JonesShaughnessy and son J.J. Jones. Abraham Lincoln School prekindergartner Luna Tango, 5, and her mother, Jennifer, on climbing equipment The newly renovated pickleball court The park includes sensory play equipment for children of all abilities. A.C. Whelan second grader Jayden Rosa (at left), 7, and A.C. Whelan fi fth grader Joey Biasella, 11, on the swings. Jayden is the grandson of Lieutenant John Jones. Marc and Luna Tango played pickleball. Lt. John Jones family members, shown from left to right: Top row: nieces Loraina Hogan and Deanna Jones, sister Betty Booth, brother Russell Jones, aunt Virginia Peacock-Makkers, niece Lynne Booth, wife Patricia Jones, daughter Joyanne Jones-Shaughnessy, son John Jones Jr., brother Jimmy Jones, and nephew Jeremy Jones; kneeling: brother Joey Jones, granddaughter Sahara Jones, grandsons Jayden Rosa and Myles Jones, nephew Jayden Jones and grandson Marcus Jones. Family members and offi cials, shown from left to right: Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas; State Representative Jessica Giannino; nephew Jayden Jones; daughter Joyanne Jones; grandsons Myles and Marcus Jones; granddaughter Sahara Jones; son J.J. Jones; daughter-in-law Michelle Jones; Open Space and Environmental Planner Elle Baker; Ward 6 Councillor Christopher Giannino; Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley; Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya; Hanscom Air Force Base Deputy Division Chief, Force Protection Division Lt. Colonel James Townsend; and Ward 2 Councillor/City Council Vice President Ira Novoselsky.
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