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Chilly temps this week may not have you opting for a walk in the park, but before we know it Mayor Menino will be flipping the switch for the Christmas lights in the Boston Common (Dec. 4th) and we'll be walking through a winter wonderland.

I've always preferred the quaintness of the Common (the country's oldest park, did you know?) to the super size highway median on the Rose F. Kennedy greenway. So to hear this morning that Boston is looking to the Big Apple for inspiration for a new and improved Common had me dreaming of mimosas overlooking the swan boats already.

Today’s Globe announced the massive plan, which is still a work in progress, to revamp the Common. The proposed main draws will be a dog park and a full-scale commercial restaurant. Other ideas include a grand entrance to the common, perhaps with a redesigned visitor center and a parade of international flags leading to the site.

Officials want the initiative to be primarily supported by private fundraising (Ah hem, Beacon Hill yuppies, cough, cough) so yea! for none of my few tax dollars being contributed either.

In June, a delegation of about 20 city officials and civic leaders wined and dined at several NY Parks for inspiration. The mentioning of "a Boston version of Tavern on the Green in Central Park" was the highlight of the trip in my mind. Unfortunately Mayor Menino supports the dog park, but not the restaurant.

"I would like to see some real nice little refreshment carts out there where people could pick up food," Menino said in an interview. "But I don't want to see liquor at the Boston Common at all. You've got kids playing there; it's a family atmosphere, where people can walk through."

I think we all know that there are enough brown bag drinkers in the park as it is, but if Menino is thinking more hot dog and roasted nuts stands I do not consider that an improvement. Take a hint from NYC, Menino, it won't kill you.