November 1 , 2002

After a summer of planning and plotting, MGHers from the MGH Charlestown HealthCare Center marked the opening of the new John P. Connelly Memorial Park, with a special dedication Oct. 19. The park is named in honor of John P. Connelly, MD, who was medical director of the Bunker Hill Health Center (re-named MGH Charlestown) when it first opened in September 1968.

The park was made possible through a generous gift from Tom Flatley, president of the Flatley Company. When Flatley first visited MGH Charlestown in the summer of 2001, he expressed an interest in dedicating something in memory of his friend Connelly. This past summer, thanks to the contribution from Flatley, a small park was created at the corner of High and Elm Street – directly in front of the health center.

"Everyone at MGH Charlestown is so pleased that this memorial in honor of Dr. Connelly's legacy has been created," says Peggy Carolan, administrative director of MGH Charlestown.

The small park provides a new, comfortable seating area for patients and visitors. A plaque honoring Connelly also was unveiled at the dedication.

Above, Carolan, left, and Martha Connelly