Mayor Martin J. Walsh and The Trust for Public Land announced at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End on Friday, October 19, that the City has reached a major milestone – all Boston residents now have a park within a 10-minute walk of home.
Through Imagine Boston 2030, Mayor Walsh allocated over $230 million for Parks and Recreation, the largest-ever capital funding for Boston parks. This series of investments includes the construction of Noyes Playground in East Boston, Reservation Road Park in Hyde Park, Garvey Playground in Dorchester, and McConnell Playground in Dorchester. Investments also include park renovations and a new park for South Boston opening next Spring.
“In Boston, we are proud of our world-class park system and the investments that have been made. Reaching this milestone is a big step for our city to ensure that every resident, no matter the neighborhood, has a high-quality park or open space within a 10-minute walk of home.” – Mayor Walsh
The Trust for Public Land has worked with Boston and cities across the country, park advocates and the public to determine exactly where parks are needed most. Boston is the second major city in the United States, following San Francisco, to hit the milestone of ensuring all residents have a park within a 10-minute walk of home.
President and CEO of the Trust for Public Land Diane Regas stressed the importance of meeting this milestone saying, “Our research tells us that close-to-home access to parks are vital for public health, clean environments, and thriving, equitable communities.”
“Our goal is to have high quality, safe, accessible parks for all Bostonians,” added Christopher Cook, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space.
This week Mayor Walsh also announced a plan to invest in Boston’s waterfront to protect the city against the impacts of rising sea level and climate change. This plan includes elevated landscapes, enhanced waterfront parks, flood resilient buildings, and revitalized and increased connections and access to the waterfront.
