The plans to replace the paths at Washington Market Park have been pushed off to spring. The original schedule for this fall has (obviously) come and gone, so hopefully the Parks Department can stay on track for this next season. (Though really, with a 72-degree day on Halloween, maybe we don’t have to worry about frost any more…)

The plan is to repave the asphalt paths, replace the benches on the perimeter of the path, and improve drainage on the lawn. Councilmember Chris Marte secured the funds for the project — $186,000.

Originally the Parks Department said the project would take about six weeks, though the timeline given to the contractor to complete the work is four months. “The work could be completed sooner,” the communications office said. They are also now trying to figure out alternative methods for properly and safely draining the lawn, including assessments of soil conditions.

The park has custom coated-wire benches currently; the Friends of Washington Market Park has requested that the Parks Department consider replacing them with the city’s classic World’s Fair benches that are in most parks — wood slats between the historic cast iron footings.