The evolution of Boston’s waterfront as viewed from the Custom House from 1930-2018.
Thirty-five years ago, a group of waterfront advocates, city planners, and then City of Boston Mayor, Ray Flynn, envisioned a public waterfront park that connected the city to its historic shoreline and harbor. This vision, codified into the 1984 HarborPark plan was the genesis of what we now know as the Boston Harborwalk. Heavily polluted by sewage and trash, very few people saw the appeal of Boston Harbor’s waterfront and Islands.
Today, Boston Harbor Now considers our Harbor to be the heart of our City and our region — a public asset that benefits us all. With nearly 40-miles of Harborwalk public open space completed and connected, we are grateful for the stewards of the original HarborPark vision and everyone who has shaped the vibrant waterfront up to this point. The changes over the last thirty-five years paved the way to continue to develop a Harborwalk that will be resilient as well as welcoming.
We hope you will join us this month as we celebrate the Boston Harborwalk’s 35th Anniversary and imagine its future through a series of walks and talks. Whether you come to learn, have your voice heard, or simply to enjoy the public space, you’re helping to continue to realize the HarborPark vision.
Katherine F. Abbott
President and CEO
Boston Harbor Now
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