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Grand Reopening Of Larz Anderson Lagoon, Including Temple Of Love, Footbridge & Causeway

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Commissioner Erin Chute Gallentine and the Brookline Department of Public Works invite members of the community to the grand reopening of the Larz Anderson Lagoon.

The Larz Anderson Lagoon reopening will be a celebration of the reconstruction of three historically significant architectural elements within the park — the Tempietto (Temple of Love), the Causeway and the Footbridge. The features, which vary in their complexity, are each integral to the park’s character and history.

The event will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2022, between the hours of 02:00 p.m. and 04:00 p.m. (rain date Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the same time) at the Larz Anderson Park, with entrances on Goddard Avenue and Newton Street.

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“The replacement of these elements will ensure they’re here for future generations of Brookline residents and visitors to enjoy,” Commissioner Gallentine said. “We are eager to celebrate the reopening of these beautiful historic structures, retaining the historic character and detail of the original structures using modern construction methods.”

At over 65 acres, Larz Anderson Park is Brookline’s largest park and the former estate of diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife, writer and philanthropist Isabel Anderson. She bequeathed the land to the town in 1948. The three features reopening next month were designed by the architectural firm Little and Browne and opened around 1910.

The tempietto and surrounding lagoon area served as the site of many theatrical performances held for charity, with many of the plays being written by Isabel Anderson. Today the tempietto is fondly known as the Temple of Love and has been the site for countless newly married couples’ wedding photos, including Brookline Parks and Open Space Director Alexandra Vecchio.

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Next month’s grand reopening will be a family-friendly event that will feature live music by the Anastassiya Petrova Trio, yard games and light refreshments.

For additional information please e-mail Jessie Waisnor at jwaisnor@brooklinema.gov.

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Nicholas Kaltenbronn and Brookline Parks and Open Space Director Alexandra Vecchio had wedding photos taken at the newly-reconstructed Temple of Love at Larz Anderson Park.

Back row (left to right): Rachel Green, Jonathan Willson, Dan Cannon, Brett Axelrod, Front row (left to right): Lindsey Freivogel, Nicholas Kaltenbronn, Brookline Parks and Open Space Director Alexandra Vecchio , Courtney Crews. Foreground: Lucy Kaltenbronn Vecchio (flower girl).

Images courtesy of Alexandra Vecchio.