The U.S. Navy Band plays in front of the newly-dedicated Frederick J. Wagner gazebo on Sunday at Breakheart Reservation. Photo by Paula Muller
By Gayla Cawley
SAUGUS — Two years ago, the winter packed a punch, and the former gazebo at Breakheart Reservation collapsed under the pressure.
Heavy snow caused the state Department of Conservation and Recreation run parkland’s gazebo to collapse. The $13,000 structure had been built with funds from the late Ed Murray, a former chairman of the Friends of Breakheart Reservation, for public use.
After it was destroyed, the Friends enlisted the help of students from Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School to build a new gazebo. The students had also built the Christopher Dunne Visitor’s Center more than a decade ago. The new gazebo was built to mirror that center, according to Peter Rossetti, Friends chairman and secretary of the Northeast Metropolitan School Committee.
The student construction saved money, Rossetti said, but the rebuilding of the gazebo, at a cost of about $8,000, wouldn’t have been possible without Carol Wagner, who provided the bulk of the funding. She contributed her donation in memory of her father, Dr. Frederick J. Wagner, who was one of the oldest town officials in the state when he died three years ago at 97. He served as the chairman of the Saugus Board of Assessors at the time of his death and was previously on the Board of Selectmen.
On Sunday, the new gazebo was dedicated to the late doctor, in a ceremony attended by town and state officials. The dedication was followed by a performance from the Newport, Rhode Island-based U.S. Navy Band.
“My father would be so proud to know that he was able to make this gazebo project possible,” said Carol Wagner. “Whether it be for a picnic, a rest stop or to house the navy band, this gazebo, known as the Frederick J. Wagner gazebo, will be enjoyed for many years by everyone visiting these gorgeous parklands.”
Debra Panetta, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen, said she remembers Wagner as a good person who always wanted to give back to the community.
“He (Wagner) loved the town of Saugus and he also loved nature,” she said. “It’s only fitting that this gazebo be dedicated in his name.”
State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) said the gazebo would be used for many years and its construction shows what can be done when everyone works together.
“I think it’s a great thing for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “It’s entertainment that all families can use.”
Ted Nickole, outgoing superintendent of the vocational school, said he was proud of the work the students did with the teachers. After the former gazebo collapsed, he said, he designed the new one on a napkin.
“It’s a thing of beauty,” he said of the gazebo.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.