Celebrating progress towards a more welcoming, resilient and healthy waterfront
Michael Blanchard Photography
Supporters, local business leaders, community partners and public officials joined The Trustees Boston Waterfront Initiative, One Waterfront, for its third annual gala fundraiser on Thursday, September 9.
Guests were welcomed by Trustees Acting President & CEO Jocelyn Forbush, and Trustees Board of Directors Chairman Peter Coffin.
“We are proud to continue to push this vision forward,” noted Forbush. “Despite the significant challenges of 2020, our work to advance the goals of this critical initiative forged on, and in late 2020 we announced our first park location, with official site developer designation from Massport: Piers Park III in East Boston. In the months that followed we have been engaged with community members and leaders as they guide the design of this future green space.”
During taped remarks, CEO Roundtable members Andrew Dreyfus (President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts), and Neeti Bhalla Johnson (President, Global Risk Solutions, Liberty Mutual Insurance) thanked One Waterfront for pushing the vision forward, with the goal of achieving a more welcoming and resilient waterfront.
“At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts our mission is focused on quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare, and ensuring quality healthcare starts with protecting our communities—that in turn starts with a stronger, more resilient Boston,” noted Dreyfus. “I would argue that One Waterfront is an important part of our public health system. The Initiative will create new parklands along the Boston waterfront providing accessible, climate-resilient open space to serve the needs of our diverse communities. This brings value to our city and will protect Boston residents and visitors against climate change for years to come. Blue Cross is proud to support One Waterfront.”
“Creating spaces that protect Boston’s waterfront and serve as welcoming green space for all communities to enjoy is vital to the future of our city,” remarked Bhalla Johnson. “We can all be proud of how this effort will benefit those who live in Boston or who visit the city, and for future generations to come. This will be a great legacy. At Liberty Mutual we are committed to serving as a force for progress in addressing climate change. We are also committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. One Waterfront's focus on climate resilience and accessibility supports these goals, and aligns with Liberty’s promise to provide protection from the unexpected. This work is critically important.”
In addition to representatives from numerous Boston-area businesses and corporations, The Trustees was also honored to host several community partners from in and around East Boston.
Forbush thanked attendees and the community for their support and engagement throughout the community design process for Piers Park III.
“Community meetings—virtual and in person and surveys have provided much insight from the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding Piers Park III and across the City,” said Forbush. “Our team has gathered over 900 responses to the community design survey, with residents from East Boston and beyond sharing with us how they want to use the space, what features they would appreciate, and what concerns they may have. The residents of Boston are sharing their dreams of what a waterfront park can do for their neighborhoods and for their lives. And now we must make those dreams into a real park.”
Learn more about the design by clicking here
Working with world-renowned landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., insights from the community have helped to craft the first design for Piers Park III. Repurposing what is now an abandoned, dilapidated pier, the initial design features tide pools, sweeping grassy lawns, a picnic grove, kayak launch, natural plantings, and salt marsh, and takes full advantage of its stunning backdrop: a panoramic view of the Boston skyline.
Over the past summer, the One Waterfront Ambassadors—a summer youth employment program—took part in this community outreach process, sharing a design survey with their peers, and working alongside neighborhood organizations.
“We were both Waterfront Ambassadors this summer, and had some great experiences. We are excited to share more about our work,” Waterfront Ambassadors Angela and Jeffrey shared with Gala guests, before introducing a video highlighting their work.
One Waterfront is now in its sixth year since The Trustees first began exploring the possibility of building parks on Boston’s harbor.
“I want to acknowledge that this is the first time that we’ve gathered together without our friend and President Barbara Erickson who passed away last January,” noted Coffin in opening remarks. “We remember Barbara’s passion and her personal aspirations to bring this initiative to life. Throughout tonight, I would ask you all to remember Barbara. I can tell you that in my conversations with her, she often talked about this work with an animated and vivacious joy. Part of her inspiration was that she faced hard work with glee. It fed her and today, we all can be inspired by her early visions for this initiative.”
With the first park site currently in the community design phase, local engagement is a priority. The final Piers Park III design is slated to be completed by the end of 2022, and One Waterfront continues to explore other potential park sites around the harbor.
“Tonight, we celebrate our progress and we assess the tasks ahead, there is more work to accomplish,” added Coffin. “But just like Barbara, we are not daunted. We are even more resolved to move this mountain. We will achieve One Waterfront, a healthy, resilient shoreline open to all and united in ideas and united for Boston.”
To learn more about Piers Park III or provide feedback visit onewaterfront.org/feedback