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Moakley Park is Boston’s largest waterfront open space, located adjacent to DCR’s Carson Beach on the South Boston Waterfront. Designed in 1916 by Landscape Architect Arthur Shurcliff, the park was part of a vision set forth by Frederick Law Olmstead to connect Boston’s Emerald Necklace – the network of parklands that includes the Fenway, Arnold Arboretum, and Franklin Park – to the South Boston Marine Park at Castle Island. Originally known as Columbus Park, the park was renamed in 2001 in honor of Congressman John Joseph (Joe) Moakley.
Beginning in 2018, Moakley Park has been undergoing a new series of planning processes to redesign it. The vision plan, refined preliminary plan, and engineering plans for Phase 1 have been led by Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Weston & Sampson. The design process has attempted to expand the assets at Moakley Park to shift it from being primarily a recreational destination defined by its many athletic facilities to a place that invites a broad range of passive and active uses that fit the needs of the surrounding community. The new design also raises the elevation of a portion of the park and integrates new strategies for stormwater management that will enable Moakley Park to protect itself and the surrounding neighborhoods from coastal and stormwater flooding that are projected to get worse as a result of climate change.
Located in close proximity to multiple transit stations and walkable for residents of South Boston and Dorchester, Moakley Park holds exceptional potential as a resource for local communities seeking a destination for outdoor recreation and play within view of scenic Boston Harbor. Members of the community are encouraged to get involved in the future of Moakley Park by participating in regular clean-ups, joining community programs in the park, or attending public meetings about the design process.