Celebrating the Power of Community and Shared Vision: The 2023 One Waterfront Gala

On a beautiful late-summer day in Boston, community partners, local elected officials, corporate sponsors, supporters, and friends gathered at the One Waterfront Gala, a celebration of the momentum of the Trustees’ Boston Waterfront Initiative.

“In this time when it might be easy to pull back from connection to the natural world and to feel despair about [climate] threats we have an opportunity to lean into the work of building climate hope and deploying climate solutions that create resiliency, connect communities, and bring more people, particularly young people, together to take on this challenge.” shared Trustees CEO and President Katie Theoharides in her remarks.

“Ensuring that all communities, including urban communities, have access to the beauty and wonder of Massachusetts’ natural spaces is core to our mission,” she continued. “And it is why we are committed to this project. We have spent time listening to the East Boston community about what matters most, about the connection they have to the harbor and to Piers Park, the memories they hold and the dreams they have for what this space can be.”

Katie’s remarks were followed by an inspiring speech from Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who spoke to the impact of the Trustees’ Piers Park III project, and the reclamation of a space in East Boston for the community’s enjoyment. As the Lt. Governor remarked on the climate crisis, she noted the opportunity that it presents to better steward our natural resources, and to engage with each other to create resilient solutions and spaces where communities can thrive. Driscoll noted the synergy created through the Piers Park III initiative in creating an iconic destination for residents and visitors, to the benefit of local businesses, all while advancing climate resiliency.

Also joining the Trustees at the event was City Councilor Gabriela Coletta, the city’s “Waterfront” Councilor. Councilor Coleta, who represents East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End on the Boston City Council grew up in the East Boston Community.

“My district is a coastal district,” she said. “It [is located on] our natural asset that is Boston Harbor. As someone who grew up in East Boston, I feel a special sense of comfort near the waterfront. As Councilor, this has manifested as a sense of commitment and stewardship to protect this environmental treasure and adjacent communities.”

Councilor Coleta’s first act on the City Council floor was calling for a renewed sense of urgency in making all 47 miles of Boston’s coastline resilient from sea-level rise and storm surge as a result of climate change.

“To say that the Trustees has been a major partner in this important work is an understatement,” she shared. “This organization has been working tirelessly to build resilient and welcoming parks in our Harbor — starting with Piers Park Phase III in Eastie. They’ve been incredibly thoughtful and intentional with letting residents lead the way so that this new space truly honors the rich cultural fabric of this community.”

The night offered folks the opportunity to learn about the work being done on Piers Park III and by the Boston Waterfront Team, to hear from an inspiring lineup of speakers including Driscoll and Coleta, and to contribute to helping the Trustees reach goals to begin construction on the park in the near future.

To learn more about Piers Park III, to offer feedback and to get involved with the Boston Waterfront Initiative, click here.