Aerial view of Georges Island. The proposed pavilion would be constructed where the white tent appears at left in this photo.
Boston Harbor Now, The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation, and The National Parks of Boston announced March 31, 2021 that the Boston City Council has voted to approve $125,000 for a new outdoor permanent shade pavilion at Georges Island through the City of Boston Community Preservation Act Fund.
Georges Island, one of the most historic parks in Boston is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park, and is located just 7 miles from downtown and welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors a year. The proposed climate-resistant shade pavilion will create a safe and healthy, social gathering space for family, friends and community within the Harbor Islands.
On March 23rd, DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery also announced a $50,000 Partnership Match contribution toward the construction and project management of the facility through the DCR Partnership Matching Funds Program.
The grant from the Community Preservation Act Program will be part of an innovative funding partnership between the City of Boston, DCR and Boston Harbor Now. Each of the partners will contribute different elements to the construction of the pavilion and catalyze work around site preparation, utilities, and lighting.
With a total project cost of $223,000, the partners will work collaboratively with the goal of breaking ground this summer.
“Congratulations to Boston Harbor Now on receiving a grant from the Community Preservation Act. These funds for the Georges Island Pavilion will continue to make the Boston Harbor Islands a welcoming place for all.” Said Councilor Frank Baker, District 3. “I am proud to support this proposal, made possible through the partnerships we have with the City of Boston, DCR, and Boston Harbor Now.”
“We are thrilled that the Georges Island Pavilion proposal has been accepted for funding and extend our deepest gratitude to the Boston City Council, DCR and the Boston Community Preservation Committee,” said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “The Georges Island Pavilion – set to become a beautiful and safe place where families and friends can meet, recreate, and relax – is another important milestone in creating welcoming spaces for all on the Harbor Islands.”
“This is great news for every visitor to the Boston Harbor Islands and demonstrates what can be accomplished when strong partnerships are forged through common purpose,” said Michael Creasey, Superintendent of National Parks of Boston. ”We are excited to welcome visitors to the Georges Island Pavilion and make it one of the premier destinations in Boston Harbor.”
“A shade pavilion on Georges Island will be a welcome addition to the popular Boston Harbor Island,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “The work executed collaboratively by Boston Harbor Now, DCR and the National Park Service is a shining example of public-private partnership to reach shared goals, and DCR is thrilled to contribute funding to this worthwhile project.”