Gazebo Dedicated in Memory of Krystle Campbell

A private ceremony was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 to formally dedicate the Krystle M. Campbell Memorial Gazebo on Spectacle Island to the victim of the Boston Marathon Bombings on April, 15, 2013.

Joining Krystle Campbell’s family, friends and co-workers were officials from The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the City of Boston, Boston Harbor Island Alliance (BHIA), the National Park Service (NPS), and the City of Medford. Ms. Campbell managed the Summer Shack and event operations at Spectacle Island and Georges Island for several years.

“We are honored to celebrate the life of Krystle Campbell by naming this structure in her memory,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, “Its location provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the peace and tranquility which Krystle enjoyed on the island and to view a city that will forever mourn the loss of this dynamic young woman.”

“Krystle Campbell was instrumental in expanding event operations at both Spectacle Island and Georges Island,” said DCR Commissioner Jack Murray. “The dedication of this pavilion is a tribute to a person who touched the lives of so many, whose own life was taken away much too soon.”

“On that fateful Patriots Day, Medford lost one of our own, Krystle Campbell, a 2001 graduate of Medford High School. Krystle was cheering on friends when she was killed instantly during the bombing. Krystle, the young lady with the million dollar smile, was born and grew up in Medford. This dedication is an honor for her family and it will allow all of us a beautiful place in which to remember her tremendous passion, energy and her mantra of living life to the fullest,” said Mayor Michael J. McGlynn of Medford.

“The Boston Harbor Islands are a treasured place, and it is fitting to remember with this memorial one whose spirit and kindness helped make them such a special place to visit. The Boston Harbor Island Alliance is honored to be a part of creating this memorial to Krystle Campbell,” said Phil Griffiths, President of the Boston Harbor Island Alliance.

“Through her work on the islands, Krystle made a big impression on all those she worked with,” said Kelly Fellner of the National Park Service. “I am so glad that as a park community we are able to dedicate the Spectacle Island gazebo as a sign of our gratitude.”

“Krystle was an intricate part of the success of the food service and catering on the harbor islands,” said Summer Shack Director of Operations Jeff Dugan. “She spent numerous hours working with the island partners, BHIA and DCR, and we are all very lucky to have her hard work, generous personality and infectious laugh to thank for the success of the Summer Shack brand on the islands. Dedicating the gazebo in her name is a wonderful symbol of her love of a peaceful and serene spot that looks out over the city.”

A joint application from DCR, the Boston Harbor Island Alliance and the National Park Service to formally dedicate the gazebo was submitted to the Boston Parks Department in early July. The application was unanimously approved by the Boston Parks Commission on July 29, 2013.

The dedication signage was designed free of charge by Design Division of Amherst, and Mystic Scenic Studios of Norwood donated the fabrication and installation.

The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area includes 34 islands and peninsulas spread over fifty square miles of bays, harbors, and rivers within the greater Boston Harbor basin. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR, Mass Parks) is one of twelve managing partners and owns and manages more than half of the islands in the park.

– Information and photo from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation