Miscellaneous Maintenance

August 3, 2026

Refurbishment work is underway at Jay McCance Smith Park. Improvements include leveling and repairing brick surfaces and general park enhancements. Work is expected to take approximately two weeks, with a new bronze bust and new plantings to follow.

Project Information:

At the March 16, 2026 City Council meeting, the City Council authorized to expend up to $26,000 from the Lower State Street Pocket Park (Jay Smith) Trust to cover the cost of maintenance improvements to the park. 

The City of Portsmouth is undertaking a rehabilitation of Jay Smith Park, a pocket park on Lower State Street, to better honor the legacy of community leader, philanthropist, and Press Room founder Jay Smith. The project is being led by landscape architect Terrence Parker in collaboration with the City's Department of Public Works.

Planned improvements include the installation of a new bronze bust of Jay Smith, created by artist Carl Aichele, along with an interpretive plaque highlighting Smith's contributions to Portsmouth's cultural and civic life. The project will also enhance the park's visibility and accessibility through updated landscaping, new plantings, replacement of overgrown lilacs with lower-profile varieties, and repairs to aging brick pathways. Existing mature shade trees and the park's overall character will be preserved.