Installed in summer 2021, public art and new signage at the Blessing of the Bay Boathouse enlivens the “front door” of this park. (Credit: SRP Signs)
After a robust engagement process, the Mystic River Watershed Association created a design for improvements to Blessing of the Bay Park. This was done in partnership with the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and City of Somerville. The revitalization plan identifies the physical features, natural areas, programming and amenities needed to transform this park into one that supports recreation, active transportation, and ecological health.
Named for the ship commissioned by Governor Winthrop in the 1600's, Blessing of the Bay Park and Boathouse is one of the few waterfront parks in Somerville and the location of our annual Herring Run and Paddle Race. It's also home of Paddle Boston's kayak and canoe rental. Get out on the river and check back here for updates on the park’s progress.
Progress
Created in 2018, the concept design will guide future revitalization of the park and is based on feedback from hundreds of residents who live, work and play near this waterfront park. Since then, MyRWA and our partners have been making incremental changes to improve the aesthetic and ecological value of Blessing of the Bay Park.
2019: The Department of Conservation and Recreation repaved the path that connects the park along the river to Route 16. With the help of local youth, MyRWA installed a temporary art piece on the boathouse that highlighted the tree species found in the park.
2020: The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation implemented the first phase of improvements: the state repaved some of the paths to improve circulation and accessibility for people on foot and on wheels, planted more than 20 trees and replaced broken benches.
2021: A wave of improvements at Blessing of the Bay! MyRWA worked with many partners to install public art and new signage at the boathouse. Work began to create a 13,000 square foot native meadow where the park meets the underpass at Route 28.
2022: Visit the growth of the first native meadow at the park which expected to be fully mature in 2024. As an added bonus, check out the firefly sculptures floating above the flowers!
2023: While the meadow continues to grow, we are designing an ADA-accessible path network along the park's perimeter. This new feature will be valued asset in the Mystic Greenways network while adding .61 acres of open space to the park, complete with 43 shade trees and 1,240 square feet of green infrastructure.
Resources
Click here to view a final report from the conceptual design process
Cross section of the park design with proposed new dock, walking trail and sloped lawn with views over the Mystic River Basin. Credit: Offshoots Productive Landscapes.
Partners
Partners include the City of Somerville, the Somerville Community Preservation Act, Commonwealth Places/Patronicity, Groundwork Somerville, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Solomon Foundation’s Greener and Greater Boston program.
