Two Related Neighborhood Meetings: One Civic & Cultural + One Park Design

updated 12/07/23 with 244-284 A STREET CHANNELSIDE OPEN SPACE WORKSHOP presentation and video.

The Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture in conjunction with the BPDA is holding a public meeting on the planning and analysis of waterfront civic and cultural facilities and programs related to MassDEP required Chapter 91 spaces aka facilities of accommodation (FPA):

Waterfront Civic Cultural Space Planning Study Public Meeting

November 15, 2023 | 6:00 p.m.

View Meeting Materials

View Meeting Recording

This meeting will provide the public with an update on the status of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture’s Waterfront Space Planning Study as well as report out the initial findings from the Related Beal RFI for 244-248 A Street, which will be one of the case studies part of the initiative. 

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The Boston Parks Department and Related Beal are hosting a community workshop to review and gather input on design updates for key areas/program elements within the two primary parks at the 244-284 A Street (Channelside) development project. 

The workshop will focus on the picnic area, play space, interactive fountain, and overall plantings.

244-284 A STREET CHANNELSIDE OPEN SPACE WORKSHOP

November 28, 2023 | 6:00 p.m.

View Presentation

View Workshop

The green open space is required as part of MassDEP Waterway 50% open space requirements, MHP (municipal harbor plan), and City’s PDA (planned development area), and community advocacy that the parks once created be transferred to the City of Boston Parks department.

Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact us at LCA@boston.gov or 617-936-9380.

About The Neighborhood Happenings & Festivities

updated 11/28/23 with 11/30 Public Meeting regarding a new zoning code amendment to waive Article 80 review of affordable housing projects. Details below. 

Upcoming Happenings

November 25: 3rd Annual Martin's Park Ship Lighting from 4pm to 6pm. Keep an eye on the Channel for the arrival of Santa by boat. If you would like to volunteer this November including the Ship Lighting, please complete this form. Check out all the Boston Park's holiday lighting celebrations.

November 28: West Broadway Tree Lighting with surprises at 5pm at the W. Broadway parking lot across from Capo. 

November 28: 244-284 A Street (Channelside) Open Space Workshop at 6pm. The Boston Parks Department and Related Beal are hosting a community workshop to review and gather input on design updates for key areas/program elements within the two primary parks at the 244-284 A Street (Channelside) development project. Register.

November 30: Deadline to complete the BPDA Article 80 Development Review Modernization Survey. The primary goal of this project is to create a predictable and transparent development review process that builds trust with all those who participate in the process. Here is one opportunity to engage and we encourage you to complete the survey. Read more about Article 80 Modernization: Community Engagement and Development Review Operations Improvement. 

November 30: Public Meeting on Zoning Code Amendment to Waive Article 80 Large Project Review to preserve or create Affordable Housing at 6pm.  If the Authority has determined that such waiver will increase the availability or quality of Affordable Housing in the City and that such Proposed Project will not generate significant adverse impacts outside the Lot. 

November 30: South Boston Christmas Stroll. Shop, Dine & Splurge from 4pm to 6pm starting with the arrival of Santa on a fire truck. The Original Dickens Carolers will be strolling along East Broadway (4-6 p.m.) and West Broadway (5-7 p.m.). And free Pedicab rides will be available from 5:30-7:30pm to whisk customers to their favorite establishments.

November 30: 84th annual Boston Common lighting celebration starts at 6pm with skating at the Frog Pond at 5pm. This year’s tree from Nova Scotia is a 45’ white spruce. Chronicle will be broadcasting at 7pm. 

December 1: Light Up Seaport from 5pm to 9pm at Seaport Common.

December 3: Mayor Wu's Enchanted Trolley Tour at 2pm at M Street Park.

December 6: Gillette Community Meeting at 6pm. This special meeting hosted by Gillette will help shape the 31 acre site and will be followed by a robust public planning process.

Chapter 91 Comment Deadlines
November 22: 310 Northern

November 27: 24-26 Drydock Ave

November 29: 22 Drydock

originally published 11.16.23

Future of Trees on A Street & Binford Street Public Hearing

updated 10/05/23 with tree hearing presentation.

Related Beal is requesting to remove 28 public shade trees in the 244 - 284 A Street project development site. The City of Boston's Park & Recreation Department will be holding a public hearing on:

Thursday, October 5, 2023

11am

via zoom

View presentation

Participate via phone: 646-558-8656

Webinar id: 891 0490 9851

The requested removal of the 28 trees encompass the following trees on the city sidewalks:

• 5 Sweetgum trees, 6 Oak tress and 6 Elm trees on Binford Street
• 11 Honey Locust trees on A Street 

Click on image to enlarge

Public comments, questions or objections to the removal of the trees must be submitted in writing prior to or during the hearing to the Tree Warden to parks@boston.gov with South Boston Tree Hearing in the subject line. 

A final decision will be rendered within two weeks of the hearing. 

For more information contact the Tree Warden at 617-635-7275.

originally posted 09.26.23

Have Coffee With The Mayor

The South Boston Coffee Hour with Mayor Michelle Wu and Anna White, our South Boston liaison, will be held on:

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

9:30 am - 10:30 am 

A Street Park

135 - 141 A St. (between Richards St and W 1st St)

Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours are a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. 

Dunkin’ will be on-site to fuel the local community with freshly brewed Iced Coffee and assorted fan-favorite MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats. Dunkin’ will brew up even more fun with customized lawn games and gift card giveaways. Residents at each event will also be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’. 

In addition, each family in attendance will receive a free flowering plant provided by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, while supplies last. Dunkin’ will brew up even more fun with customized lawn games and gift card giveaways. Residents at each event will also be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’. Fresh fruit will be provided by Star Market. Additional support by City Express.

For more information and updates on possible weather cancellations, please contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505, on our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or by visiting the Parks Department website.

originally published 5.03.23

Summer In South Boston

updated 7/18/22: Tonight's Soul City Band concert is cancelled due to inclement weather

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Parks and Recreation Department invite you to gather outdoors with a variety of fun free activities.

Neighborhood Concert Series: Soul City Band  *CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Join us for our neighborhood concert series! We are offering top-notch musical entertainment in our local parks

Monday, July 18

7:00pm

Medal of Honor Park

 

Drop-off Summer Sports Center for Kids

Our Sports Centers offer free summer camp alternatives to Boston youth.

Weekdays, July 5 - August 19

9:00am - 3:00pm

Medal of Honor Park

Summer Fitness Series

Join us for both in-person and virtual classes led by certified fitness instructors.

Strength Training

9am - 10am

Sundays through September 25

A Street Park

Children's Arts & Crafts Workshops

Join us this summer for one of our arts and Crafts workshops hosted in various parks throughout the City of Boston, hosted by a local artist. 

Tuesday July 12

10:00am

Medal of Honor Park

Tuesdays July 19 & 26

10:00am

Sweeney Playground

Mayor Wu’s Movie Night: Soul

Enjoy popular films under the night skies!

Tuesday, August 30

Dusk ( approx. 7:45pm)

Moakley Park

originally published 07.14.22

Santa Is Coming To Martin's Park

Santa Claus is arriving by boat and landing at the Harborwalk. From there Santa will enter Martin's Park and magically illuminate the much loved wooden play ship on:

Saturday, November 27, 2021 

4 pm - 6 pm

Free holiday event

R.S.V.P.

Join Santa for some hot cocoa, caroling, and holiday fun. Hot cocoa will be provided by Flour Bakery and Tuscan Kitchen. Entertainment is by the a cappella group, Ball In The House, performing a selection of holiday classics, along with special guest, the Seaport’s Betty the Yeti.

Martin's Park, built in memory of eight-year-old Martin W. Richard, a victim of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, is an inclusive, resilient Boston City Park along the Fort Point Channel at the Smith Family Waterfront next to the Boston Children's Museum.

The Martin's Park Ship Lighting is presented by Friends of Martin's Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The Friends of Martin's Park is looking for volunteers to help:

set up starting around 2pm
serve hot cocoa

manage the photo props

breakdown around 6pm 
Sunday walk through to make sure the Park is shipshape

Get in the holiday spirit by volunteering at this fun family holiday celebration. Contact Sierra Rothberg for all the details. 

Martin's Park is located at 64 Sleeper Street 
within the historic Fort Point Channel Landmark District. 

Boston Parks & Recreation Neighborhood Events: July & August

Mayor Kim Janey and the Parks and Recreation Department invite you to gather outdoors a these special summer events.

Neighborhood Concert: Rebels (Tom Petty Cover Band)
Bring a picnic and some friends to enjoy music in the park!
THIS THURSDAY, July 29
7:00 pm
Medal of Honor Park/Lee Playground

South Boston/Seaport/Fort Point Movie Night: Onward

Enjoy popular films under the night skies!

Tuesday, August 17

7:45 pm (dusk)

Moakley Park

Mayor Kim Janey's Coffee Hour: South Boston/Seaport/Fort Point

Meet the Mayor, enjoy treats from Dunkin' & fresh fruit from Star Market, and bring home a free plant from our greenhouses!
Wednesday, August 18
10:30 am
Medal of Honor Park/Lee Playground

Martin's Park Opens June 15th

Updated 6/14/19: Don't forget your sunscreen. Please consider a donation of sunscreen, bars of soap, deodorant, and feminine products that will be donated to Camp Harbor View and distributed to the families they support. Collection boxes will be placed along the Harborwalk, throughout the park and inside the Children's Museum during the entire weekend.  

One of the most anticipated events along the Fort Point Channel is here! Martin's Park is opening Saturday, June 15, 2019. Mayor Walsh, Governor Baker and the Richard Family invite you to a festival of celebration of Martin's Park, an inclusive park and play space that will entice kids of all ages.

Martin's Park Opening & Celebration

11 am -  4 pm

Smith Family Waterfront (adjacent to the Boston Children's Museum)

64 Sleeper Street 

Can't wait? Take a sneak peek.

Martin's Park is named after Martin Richard who lost his life at the Boston Marathon in 2013. The park is the newest City of Boston Park and Fort Point's second city park.  In 2017, Mayor Walsh accepted the A Street Park as a City park. 

Related Posts 

Groundbreaking For Martin's Park: Fort Point's 1st Universally Accessible Park

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Governor Charles D. Baker and the Richards Family invite you to groundbreaking ceremony for Martin's Park at the Smith Family Waterfront (next to the Boston Children's Museum) on:

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

1:00 PM

64 Sleeper Street

speaking program starts promptly at 1:30 PM

The event will include "a mini kids construction site", light refreshments and an opportunity to hear from the many people who helped make this park happen.The park is dedicated to Martin Richards, who lost his life in the Boston Marathon bombings but whose short life continues to inspire us all.

Martin's Park Design

The Boston Parks & Recreation Department engaged the community continuously 
throughout the design of Martin's Park. The first meeting held Feb. 10, 2016, focused on types of play, constraints of the site and anticipated project schedule, At the second meeting, April 11, 2016, the discussion centered on goals, the expanded site boundary and showcased a conceptual park plan.The final concept plan came to the community on October 30, 2016. 

Since then numerous city and state agencies have been hard at work to advance property transfers and permitting in the meantime. On August 4, 2017 Boston City Council received the Mayor's order to transfer City land to the Parks Dept. for Martin's Park. The project went out to bid in May and MacKay Construction was awarded the contract. MacKay was the contractor for Menino Park in Charlestown.

Please join the neighborhood and the community for the long awaited

Martin's Park Groundbreaking on August 16th. 

Related Posts

originally published 8.7.17

National Night Out August 1st

National Night Out 2017 is coming to South Boston Tuesday, August 1st from 5 pm - 8 pm at Moakley Park*. 

Sgt. Mike Mylett, Community Service Office District C-6, invites you to a free cookout and DJ entertainment along with this year's award presentation by Mayor Walsh and Police Commissioner Evans. There will be free kids' activities too. 

National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, began in 1984 in an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August nationwide.  National Night Out represents the kind of spirit, vitality and determination to help make neighborhoods a safer place year round. The one night celebration honors safety and crime prevention successes and works to expand and strengthen programs year round. 

The 34th Annual National Night Out Boston is a citywide celebration that cultivates and strengthens partnerships between the community, youth, law enforcement, city/state agencies, and community based organizations.  The event also acknowledges the contributions that Neighborhood Watch Groups make to Boston’s neighborhood safety and it fosters community participation. 

*Moakley Park is located at 1005 Columbia Rd. 

Tree Hearing To Remove Trees On Congress Street

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 2, 2014, to discuss the proposed removal of public shade trees in Boston.  The hearing will be held in the 3^rd floor Conference Room of the Boston Parks and Recreation Department located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Roxbury.  

At 10:45 a.m. a hearing will be held to consider a request for removal of three honey locust trees measuring 4 inches dbh in the vicinity of 320 Congress Street, two maple trees measuring 4 to 7 inches dbh in the vicinity of 342 Congress Street, and four Bradford Pear trees measuring 3 inches dbh in the vicinity of 347 Congress Street.

Public testimony will be taken at the hearing, or may be provided prior to the hearing in writing to the Tree Warden, Boston Parks and Recreation Department, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3^rd floor, Boston, MA 02118 or by emailing parks@boston.gov with Tree Hearings in the subject line. 

Final decisions regarding the requests will be made within two weeks of the hearings.  For further information, please contact the Tree Warden at (617) 635-7275. 

Artists in Residence Craft Workshops For Kids

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s annual ParkARTS program, sponsored by Holly and David Bruce, gives children aged three to ten the opportunity to enjoy watercolor painting, mask and jewelry making, treasure bottle creations, and more at Mayor Walsh's Artists in Residence Craft Workshops.  The workshops are from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and will be held in Moakley Park on August 8th and August 15, 2014. Due to unforeseen circumstances today's Artists in Residence Workshop is cancelled. Moakley Park is located at 446 Old Colony Avenue. 

The workshops are free and all materials will be provided. Young children must be accompanied by an adult.  Groups of six or more should make prior arrangements by calling the Boston Parks Department at (617) 635-4505. For more information visit Boston Parks.