Rose Kennedy Greenway

Building over a highway, even one underground designed for development above, is always going to be tricky and expensive. None of these low slung institutions stood a chance. This is where we needed towers. Environmentalists wanted as much open space as possible but this isn't in the woods, this is in the center of a thriving city. Even more, these were the on/off ramp parcels that aren't suitable for park space. The park space that is suitable would be better defined and better used if these other parcels had been developed.
 
goldenretrievers said:
Parcel 2 Design Scheme
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Triangle used to look a bit different. What's the reason both Beverly and Valenti are 3 lanes+ parking each instead of either expanding this park or giving the new restaurants some outdoor seating?
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Hmm, apparently that park has been in planning for 2018-2019. A design was selected late 2019 and a final update with 100% design plans was supposed to come in March, with construction following in the summer. I don't think that meeting ever happened, and I'm sure this isn't a top priority for the BPDA currently.

It's pretty safe in terms of funding though. $636,000 is expected to be funded, though $36,000 of that is from the pending hotel at 88 North Washington Street, which may be dead in the water based off the hospitality industry outlook. $600,000 is from The Beverly/Courtyard as well as the Hub on Causeway, covering the design, construction management, and materials costs in full.
 
Vagabond said:
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Lived across the street. This park is really an ugly end-piece for the Greenway. The 3-traffic lanes on Valenti and Beverly (+Parking) are mostly used by standing double-parked shuttles. Dump the parking, turn Valenti into a 2-way to make use of the light, close Beverly and extend the park to the City Winery for a perfect outdoor seating space.

Instead of a "highway median dog park," throw up a sculpture and you'd get a city attraction.
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Vagabond said:
Lived across the street. This park is really an ugly end-piece for the Greenway. The 3-traffic lanes on Valenti and Beverly (+Parking) are mostly used by standing double-parked shuttles. Dump the parking, turn Valenti into a 2-way to make use of the light, close Beverly and extend the park to the City Winery for a perfect outdoor seating space.

Instead of a "highway median dog park," throw up a sculpture and you'd get a city attraction.
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Beverly Street is definitely too wide. The section next to the park should be closed as you day, and the rest should have wider sidewalks and trees added.
 
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It’s been a minute since I looked at the Greenway. Really pleased to see how some of the trees have matured. I think the RFK Greenway and North End Parks are the most solid measure of how successful the Big Dig turned out to be. That and the billions of dollars of real estate investment that continue to follow its completion.

A shame, though, that a vista like this is squandered on the waiting area for the RMV. 😔
 
I live in Texas now, so I’m a useless member here, can’t post any pics. I really appreciate everyone who uploads pics. It’s been a while since someone has done an extensive thread of the entire Greenway. All good if no one does, but that would be awesome to see!
 
GW2500 said:
I live in Texas now, so I’m a useless member here, can’t post any pics. I really appreciate everyone who uploads pics. It’s been a while since someone has done an extensive thread of the entire Greenway. All good if no one does, but that would be awesome to see!
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I last did one in 2013 and I was just looking at those pics again. It may be time to revisit this topic, say in like a couple weeks once things really start blooming.
 
11:30ish yesterday. It should be noted that when I walked back through at around 2pm the park had probably around three times the people. Those photos will be coming hopefully tomorrow, but for now we'll start with the North End parks.

Starting at the Gov't Center garage

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Is it me or is this path somehow strangely repelling? I swear I never see anyone walking it or sitting on those meager benches.

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Anybody?

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To dive in here, the straight line path does nothing for our curiosity, its access is extremely limited when compared to the rest of the park, it's elevated with no sense of enclosure (I'd argue one feels strangely exposed up there), and the choice of seasonal plants can't overcome the rather boring shrubs and perennials that dominate. Hence, ain't nobody up here.

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Hello?

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Tomorrow: the Wharf District
 
Great photos to start the Greenway! Some of those trees have really taken root! Looking forward to the rest! Really the plant maturity is what I’m enjoying to see in this , it helps the parks out a good deal. That being said I will probably always feel this park system is good for those who work or live nearby, but I’d never go to them like I would Commons, Esplanad, Castle Island, Mount Auburn, or the Charles River in Lower Allston.
 
GW2500 said:
Great photos to start the Greenway! Some of those trees have really taken root! Looking forward to the rest! Really the plant maturity is what I’m enjoying to see in this , it helps the parks out a good deal. That being said I will probably always feel this park system is good for those who work or live nearby, but I’d never go to them like I would Commons, Esplanad, Castle Island, Mount Auburn, or the Charles River in Lower Allston.
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Not even for the swinging benches? They’re one thing that I think are hard to find at any other Boston park. Wish they were allowed to swing higher though!
 
GW2500 said:
Great photos to start the Greenway! Some of those trees have really taken root! Looking forward to the rest! Really the plant maturity is what I’m enjoying to see in this , it helps the parks out a good deal. That being said I will probably always feel this park system is good for those who work or live nearby, but I’d never go to them like I would Commons, Esplanad, Castle Island, Mount Auburn, or the Charles River in Lower Allston.
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I hear ya, but for all the offices/hotels/Quincy Market/ etc. this is an excellent park-relief valve to get a nice outdoor lunch or let the kids unwind. It really does work!
 
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