Armenian Heritage Park opens to honor immigrants

By Alejandra Matos, Globe Staff

Hundreds of residents withstood the pouring rain on Tuesday morning to witness the dedication of the Armenian Heritage Park, the newest addition to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

But US Representative Edward Markey and other officials welcomed the rain, calling it tears of joy from generations of Armenians.

The park, located between the North End and Faneuil Hall, includes a sculpture surrounded by a reflecting pool, and is meant to honor Armenian immigrants to the state. Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, who is Armenian, said he has been fighting for the park since 1999.

“This is a gift to the city, not just for the Armenian immigrants. This is a park dedicated to all immigrants who have experienced coming to this great city,” Koutoujian said.

The Armenian Heritage Foundation, which was founded in 2005, raised $6 million for the construction and upkeep of the park.

“This park is a great gift that comes at no cost to the tax payer,” said Armenian Heritage Foundation President James Kalustian.