Chinese Community Flourishes in the Park

By Stephanie Rubenstein

CHINATOWN – Raymond Cho pushed one of his green Chinese chess pieces forward, as his opponent gazed at the board, contemplating his next move. They sat beside other players, each engrossed in their own games, while other onlookers shouted tips.

As his opponent made his move, Cho exclaimed, “I just lost my piece! I can’t believe it!”

He was just one of the many players that gathered in the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Chinatown, an open public area built for the community, which faced high construction levels throughout the Big Dig.

The group of about 20 Chinese men gather together in what is now the park, as part of their tradition, which began after the space opened nearly a year ago.

“We come here whenever we get a chance,” Cho, 58, said. “It’s a great thing to have this park, so people can play games, relax and spend time together.”

A stack of chairs and tables sits in a corner of the park, always ready for them to assemble for the game. Cho said he and his fellow players were glad to have an open area in the community where they could gather.

Chinatown community members remember the previous constant state of construction in the area, saying they are glad to have something in place of dirt piles and parking lots.

“This place was always under construction,” said Inna Smolensky, 44, from Brighton. “It used to be very dirty, but this park is a great thing that they have created. I always see the men gather here to play checkers and it’s nice to have a space for the people.”

Many people come to the area from surrounding businesses to eat lunch, and take a break.

“It’s always great to have more public spaces,” said Felix Poon, 25, from Springfield. “Most people want to have a nicer city. There’s a lack of open space, especially in Chinatown, so it’s great to have a place where people can do line dancing during the Chinese New Year.”

The park surrounding the large Chinatown gate is filled with benches, a playground, open space and greenery. There are bamboo plants growing in the green spaces, with red steel beam Chinese-style structures surrounding them all around.

“Having an open area is a nice for a meeting place, and a good idea for the city,” said Sue Chen, from Newton.

She was walking through the area and the park with her husband, Mark, which she said they come by every once in a while.

“This park is really a great idea for the community,” Mark said.