Future events and programs at Piers Park III in East Boston | New survey!
An online survey has gathered input on the future design of Piers Park III from all over Boston, with the majority of responses from neighborhoods surrounding the site, in East Boston.
Launched earlier this spring, the survey found that a high number of city residents want the design to prioritize space for cultural events, harbor and city views, preservation of natural habitats, access to the harbor, connections to neighboring Piers Parks I & II, resilience to sea level rise, and the opportunity for nature play and outdoor exploration.
The survey was shared online, and at local events in and around East Boston throughout the spring, summer, and early fall. Over half of the design survey questions were open-ended, asking respondents what they thought made East Boston unique, and how this should play into the design of the future waterfront park.
“East Boston has a rich, multicultural history and has always been family oriented and neighborly,” one wrote. “Growing up here was like growing up in a small town in the middle of a big city. The waterfront, and city parks have inspired a lot of my poetry since I was young.”
Another question asked for input on any new and growing needs for the community, which a park could help address. Priorities included space for celebrating family milestones, keeping the waterfront parcel free and open to the public, and promoting health and well-being, with one response stating:
“As a healthcare worker, I have done research on access to care and outcomes for folks who may not have the best healthcare habits. Having a place that adults could use for outdoor activities/exercise that could encourage increased activity would be beneficial to the community.”
A surge in appreciation for the outdoors was in many ways a hallmark of summer 2020 and summer 2021, during COVID-19. Whether hiking, camping, gardening, or simply taking a walk down the street, many outdoor activities became a safe, socially distant way of enjoying a change of scenery and spending time with loved ones.
The conceptual design of Piers Park III, created by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. in spring 2021 using initial feedback from the community, featured tide pools, grassy lawns, a picnic grove, kayak launch, natural plantings, and salt marsh. The additional feedback gathered through the design survey is now being incorporated into the next design draft, anticipated to be shared in January.
The next community survey is now available, to better understand what kinds of events and programming would be valued, throughout the seasons.
Questions on the new programming survey ask for opinions on different kinds of outdoor events, the timing of events, and any barriers people might see to being able to participate. Public input will help the team gather more specifics on the kinds of activities that should be planned for the future park, after hearing initial thoughts during a series of virtual public meetings hosted in June and July. The Trustees Boston Waterfront Initiative team began hosting events in and around East Boston’s Piers Park I this summer in collaboration with local partners, including family festivals, classes for salsa and Brazilian martial arts, and an educational bike tour.
“The next design shared with the public for input and ideas will include elements suggested through the feedback survey with further detail for the community to review,” noted Nick Black, Managing Director of the Boston Waterfront Initiative. “We’re very grateful for all the design ideas shared with us so far, and invite the community to take the next survey—please tell us what events and programs you would like to see!”
To take the survey, visit: onewaterfront.org/survey