What's in the Works
The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) has official site developer designation from Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) to transform the pier adjacent to Piers Park and the future Piers Park II into a signature waterfront destination, Piers Park III. The Trustees has hired world-renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. (MVVA) to lead the park design process, which prioritizes input from the community. The proposed waterfront park will create welcoming public open space, add a natural buffer to storm surge and sea level rise, and restore what is currently an unused, abandoned pier.
What's There Now
Today, the Piers Park III parcel sits on an abandoned pier adjacent to Piers Park, which opened to the public in 1995, and the future Piers Park II. Celebrating and complementing existing planned parks, Piers Park III can take full advantage of its unique East Boston location, providing the community and park visitors with stunning views of the Boston skyline.
The Vision
Today, the Piers Park III parcel sits on an abandoned pier adjacent to Piers Park and Piers Park II—a site currently in the design phase with Massport and the Piers PAC. Piers Park, 6.5 acres of green space, opened to the public in 1995. The Trustees will draw on more than a century of expertise in public open space management to deliver an iconic new park, free and open to all, working closely with the community. The design firm working on this project, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., is celebrated for its welcoming urban park designs, which include Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn, NY; the Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK; and Martin’s Park, an inclusive play area and waterfront park on Fort Point Channel in South Boston.
The Design
Currently in its third iteration, the design for Piers Park III offers more ways to interact with and access the water, following public feedback. It also aims to increase accessibility and visibility of the harbor while improving habitat and water quality in and around the site. In the updated design, the park is organized by a network of accessible pathways. The existing spit of land and pier act as primary circulation routes, with several smaller paths winding through a series of immersive landscapes, including plantings of salt-tolerant trees, shrubs, and grasses, framing the walkways and providing shade and shelter. The new kayak launch design allows for an inclusive and accessible kayaking experience for all, while the existing rail lines incorporated into the new plan draws visitors out to the end of the pier from the neighboring Phase II currently being developed by Massport. This new design builds on the second draft, which was released in February 2022.
Site History in Photos
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Thank you to our supporters, including our CEO Roundtable
For corporate engagement and partnership opportunities please contact Managing Director of Development Kirsten af Klinteberg (kafklinteberg@thetrustees.org) and Corporate Partnerships Manager Mary Kille (mkille@thetrustees.org)
Aerial banner photo courtesy Above Summit