Boston Greenway: A Visitor’s Guide
Boston Greenway: A Visitor’s Guide
Boston Greenway, also known as the Rose Kennedy Greenway or Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, is one of Beantown’s most iconic attractions.
Boston Greenway, also known as the Rose Kennedy Greenway or Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, is one of Beantown’s most iconic attractions.
The huge linear park covers 17 acres of protected land that stretches a total length of 1.5 miles and extends to several neighborhoods in the Downtown Boston region. The park is open 365 days per year and is visited by millions of people every single year.
The huge linear park covers 17 acres of protected land that stretches a total length of 1.5 miles and extends to several neighborhoods in the Downtown Boston region. The park is open 365 days per year and is visited by millions of people every single year.
Whether you’re a resident of The City on a Hill or visiting Boston, MA for a few days, Boston Greenway is guaranteed to deliver many magical memories. This guide to the Rose Kennedy Greenway will provide all the information you need ahead of visiting the stunning location.
Whether you’re a resident of The City on a Hill or visiting Boston, MA for a few days, Boston Greenway is guaranteed to deliver many magical memories. This guide to the Rose Kennedy Greenway will provide all the information you need ahead of visiting the stunning location.
A Brief History of the Rose Kennedy Greenway
A Brief History of the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Boston Greenway officially opened in October 2008 and was launched by the Inaugural Celebration with the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy before the conservancy assumed operational responsibility in February of the following year.
Boston Greenway officially opened in October 2008 and was launched by the Inaugural Celebration with the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy before the conservancy assumed operational responsibility in February of the following year.
While Boston Greenway is considered a major feature of Boston’s modern reinvention, its history is dated back to 1991 when the Big Dig saw the city’s elevated highway relocated underground in one of America’s most advanced highway projects ever.
While Boston Greenway is considered a major feature of Boston’s modern reinvention, its history is dated back to 1991 when the Big Dig saw the city’s elevated highway relocated underground in one of America’s most advanced highway projects ever.
Following the completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T), creating additional parks and gardens became a priority for the available land where the highway had previously stood. Boston Greenway is the solution and has provided locals and visitors with natural beauty and so much more over the last 15 years.
Following the completion of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T), creating additional parks and gardens became a priority for the available land where the highway had previously stood. Boston Greenway is the solution and has provided locals and visitors with natural beauty and so much more over the last 15 years.
The Greenway Conservancy, which has 21 committee members and is chaired by Doug Husid, was launched in 2004 and has played a central role in the park’s management ever since. The majority of the park’s budget is privately funded although a Business Improvement District (BID) was negotiated by the Conservancy, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Boston in 2018.
The Greenway Conservancy, which has 21 committee members and is chaired by Doug Husid, was launched in 2004 and has played a central role in the park’s management ever since. The majority of the park’s budget is privately funded although a Business Improvement District (BID) was negotiated by the Conservancy, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Boston in 2018.
Boston Greenway: A Series of Connected Parks
Boston Greenway: A Series of Connected Parks
Many visitors wrongly assume that Boston Greenway is one giant park. In reality, it is a collection of individual parks that are connected along the 1.5-mile route to make up a total area of 17 acres. The parks are as follows;
Many visitors wrongly assume that Boston Greenway is one giant park. In reality, it is a collection of individual parks that are connected along the 1.5-mile route to make up a total area of 17 acres. The parks are as follows;
Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park
Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park
Known as Chinatown Park until 2019, Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park is a one-acre park located in the southern part of Boston Greenway. It features a large plaza and a stunning bamboo-flanked walkway that embodies the Asian design influences seen throughout this park.
Known as Chinatown Park until 2019, Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park is a one-acre park located in the southern part of Boston Greenway. It features a large plaza and a stunning bamboo-flanked walkway that embodies the Asian design influences seen throughout this park.
Dewey Square Park
Dewey Square Park
Featuring gardens, lawn areas, and a large plaza, Dewey Square Park is the preferred choice of many commuters and is blessed with a plethora of food trucks that serve food daily. This is thanks to its Atlantic Avenue location, which joins the city’s Financial District to South Station.
Featuring gardens, lawn areas, and a large plaza, Dewey Square Park is the preferred choice of many commuters and is blessed with a plethora of food trucks that serve food daily. This is thanks to its Atlantic Avenue location, which joins the city’s Financial District to South Station.
Fort Point Channel Parks
Fort Point Channel Parks
Fort Point Channel Parks, also known as New American Gardens, were designed by Halvorson Design Associates in 2008 while the beautiful trees and flowers were brought to life by volunteers at this time. The parks are still located next to Atlantic Avenue, connecting Dewey Square Park to Wharf District Parks.
Fort Point Channel Parks, also known as New American Gardens, were designed by Halvorson Design Associates in 2008 while the beautiful trees and flowers were brought to life by volunteers at this time. The parks are still located next to Atlantic Avenue, connecting Dewey Square Park to Wharf District Parks.
Wharf District Parks
Wharf District Parks
Five parks make up the Wharf District Parks, which link Faneuil Hall to the Financial District with Boston Harbor. In this area, visitors will find the Great Room – an open space for groups to relax – and the Harbor Islands Pavilion. There is also a water fountain situated in this part of the Greenway.
Five parks make up the Wharf District Parks, which link Faneuil Hall to the Financial District with Boston Harbor. In this area, visitors will find the Great Room – an open space for groups to relax – and the Harbor Islands Pavilion. There is also a water fountain situated in this part of the Greenway.
Armenian Heritage Park
Armenian Heritage Park
Located to the north of Mercantile Street, opposite Faneuil Marketplace, the Armenian Heritage Park is known for its polished black granite sculpture and a granite maze known as The Labyrinth. It also has various memorials to victims of genocide, including the Armenian, genocide.
Located to the north of Mercantile Street, opposite Faneuil Marketplace, the Armenian Heritage Park is known for its polished black granite sculpture and a granite maze known as The Labyrinth. It also has various memorials to victims of genocide, including the Armenian, genocide.
North End Parks
North End Parks
The two North End Parks are found towards the Italian North End. They take up parcels 8 and 10 from the Boston Big Dig and cover a total area of three acres. A 200-foot-long steel pergola runs along the east side, delivering incredible views of the Boston City skyline while other key features include a canal and trellis.
The two North End Parks are found towards the Italian North End. They take up parcels 8 and 10 from the Boston Big Dig and cover a total area of three acres. A 200-foot-long steel pergola runs along the east side, delivering incredible views of the Boston City skyline while other key features include a canal and trellis.
Getting to Boston Greenway
Getting to Boston Greenway
Boston Greenway runs the entire distance from the Italian North End down to Chinatown while it also takes in Faneuil Marketplace, Historic Downtown, the Financial District, and Boston Harbour.
While guided walking tours are a popular feature for visitors, thousands of people enjoy their own activities within the grounds of the Rose Kennedy Greenway daily. It can be accessed courtesy of several transport links, including;
- Boat: Rowes Wharf or Long Wharf
- Train: South Station or North Station
- Subway: Red Line (South Station, Downtown Crossing), Green Line (Haymarket, Government Center), Orange Line (Haymarket, Chinatown, Government Center), Blue Line (Aquarium, State Street), Silver Line (South Station).
- Bus: Haymarket (4, 92, 93, 111, 325, 326, 424, 426, 428, 434, 450), South Station (4, 7, 11, 448, 449, 459), or Atlantic Avenue (4).
Meanwhile, there are several bicycle racks throughout Boston Greenway’s parks. Although Parking is unavailable inside the grounds, parking bays can be found at several locations running parallel to it.
Boston Greenway runs the entire distance from the Italian North End down to Chinatown while it also takes in Faneuil Marketplace, Historic Downtown, the Financial District, and Boston Harbour.
While guided walking tours are a popular feature for visitors, thousands of people enjoy their own activities within the grounds of the Rose Kennedy Greenway daily. It can be accessed courtesy of several transport links, including;
- Boat: Rowes Wharf or Long Wharf
- Train: South Station or North Station
- Subway: Red Line (South Station, Downtown Crossing), Green Line (Haymarket, Government Center), Orange Line (Haymarket, Chinatown, Government Center), Blue Line (Aquarium, State Street), Silver Line (South Station).
- Bus: Haymarket (4, 92, 93, 111, 325, 326, 424, 426, 428, 434, 450), South Station (4, 7, 11, 448, 449, 459), or Atlantic Avenue (4).
Meanwhile, there are several bicycle racks throughout Boston Greenway’s parks. Although Parking is unavailable inside the grounds, parking bays can be found at several locations running parallel to it.
Boston Greenway: Things to do
Boston Greenway: Things to do
Even walking through Boston Greenway will take visitors on an aesthetic journey as each park has its unique design features. While granite is the main building material in the two North End Parks, visitors will see beautiful wall artwork across the five Wharf District Parks and Asian-inspired designs down at Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park.
Even walking through Boston Greenway will take visitors on an aesthetic journey as each park has its unique design features. While granite is the main building material in the two North End Parks, visitors will see beautiful wall artwork across the five Wharf District Parks and Asian-inspired designs down at Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park.
Art Exhibitions
Art Exhibitions
Since opening in 2008, Boston Greenway has been home to a plethora of stunning art exhibitions, showcasing the talents of local artists courtesy of the Conservancy’s public art program. Past exhibitions in recent years have included; Breathe Life Together, As We Rise, Resonance, Global Connections, and Make and Take. Each exhibition follows a specific theme and ensures that the area is blessed with contemporary and modern designs that truly boast the wow factor. Some of 2023’s best artworks include Love Language, and Gateway to Infinity.
Since opening in 2008, Boston Greenway has been home to a plethora of stunning art exhibitions, showcasing the talents of local artists courtesy of the Conservancy’s public art program. Past exhibitions in recent years have included; Breathe Life Together, As We Rise, Resonance, Global Connections, and Make and Take. Each exhibition follows a specific theme and ensures that the area is blessed with contemporary and modern designs that truly boast the wow factor. Some of 2023’s best artworks include Love Language, and Gateway to Infinity.
Events
Events
Events take place in Boston Greenways daily. Wharf District Parks, for example, host the Greenway Open Market, food vendors, and fitness classes. Meanwhile, Dewey Square Park has the Boston Public Market. Everything from the My Caribbean One World Expo to music and movie events can be found too. From daily and weekly events to annual celebrations and one-off attractions, Boston Greenway is a hub of activity in the Athens of America. Information is readily available online or from local vendors, but you could arrive on any day and be sure to find something special.
Events take place in Boston Greenways daily. Wharf District Parks, for example, host the Greenway Open Market, food vendors, and fitness classes. Meanwhile, Dewey Square Park has the Boston Public Market. Everything from the My Caribbean One World Expo to music and movie events can be found too. From daily and weekly events to annual celebrations and one-off attractions, Boston Greenway is a hub of activity in the Athens of America. Information is readily available online or from local vendors, but you could arrive on any day and be sure to find something special.
Food and Drink
Food and Drink
As already mentioned, some of the city’s best food trucks and vendors flock to Boston Greenways each day. Whether it’s catering for commuters at lunch or tourists seeking an afternoon snack doesn’t matter. There are options across many cuisines. Whether you want a taco or a cookie, guests will not struggle to find a tasty treat. Better still, the beer and wine gardens offer the perfect place to relax, either alone or with loved ones to enjoy the Massachusetts sun. whether heading to the Greenway specifically to eat or taking a break during the fun, your taste buds will be happy.
As already mentioned, some of the city’s best food trucks and vendors flock to Boston Greenways each day. Whether it’s catering for commuters at lunch or tourists seeking an afternoon snack doesn’t matter. There are options across many cuisines. Whether you want a taco or a cookie, guests will not struggle to find a tasty treat. Better still, the beer and wine gardens offer the perfect place to relax, either alone or with loved ones to enjoy the Massachusetts sun. whether heading to the Greenway specifically to eat or taking a break during the fun, your taste buds will be happy.
Other Attractions
Other Attractions
Boston Greenways is blessed with a host of additional attractions across each of the parks. The Greenway Carousel (located in the Wharf District Parks) is one of the highlights loved by young guests and families. Meanwhile, there are seven water features for safe play and visual enjoyment. The Play Cubes and two Little Free Librarys stand out as fantastic attractions for all the family too. The walking paths are blessed with plenty of attractive plants and backdrops, such as the artwork, while restroom facilities can be found at several locations en route.
Boston Greenways is blessed with a host of additional attractions across each of the parks. The Greenway Carousel (located in the Wharf District Parks) is one of the highlights loved by young guests and families. Meanwhile, there are seven water features for safe play and visual enjoyment. The Play Cubes and two Little Free Librarys stand out as fantastic attractions for all the family too. The walking paths are blessed with plenty of attractive plants and backdrops, such as the artwork, while restroom facilities can be found at several locations en route.
What Else You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What Else You Need to Know Before Your Visit
Boston Greenways has cemented its place as one of the city’s most loved destinations. As such, The Greenway Conservancy goes the extra mile to ensure its beauty is maintained. The parks are supported by a team of experienced park rangers who can provide assistance to visitors, whether that be giving directions or helping them seek medical attention.
Boston Greenways has cemented its place as one of the city’s most loved destinations. As such, The Greenway Conservancy goes the extra mile to ensure its beauty is maintained. The parks are supported by a team of experienced park rangers who can provide assistance to visitors, whether that be giving directions or helping them seek medical attention.
Park rangers also serve to ensure that the Greenway’s rules are enforced. It is a no-smoking zone throughout while segways, skateboards, and bicycles are not permitted. While dogs are allowed in Boston Greenways, they should be kept on leads at all times. Anyone wishing to use equipment like sound amplification systems will need to gain permission first from the City of Boston. Likewise, activities must not disrupt public activities.
Park rangers also serve to ensure that the Greenway’s rules are enforced. It is a no-smoking zone throughout while segways, skateboards, and bicycles are not permitted. While dogs are allowed in Boston Greenways, they should be kept on leads at all times. Anyone wishing to use equipment like sound amplification systems will need to gain permission first from the City of Boston. Likewise, activities must not disrupt public activities.
The paths are ADA-compliant while accessibility is promoted throughout the parks, even with the accessible carousel. For anyone visiting Boston from another part of the U.S. or further afield, there are plenty of hotels in the surrounding areas. Boston Greenways is free to enter while the exhibitions, gardens, and public classes are largely free too.
The paths are ADA-compliant while accessibility is promoted throughout the parks, even with the accessible carousel. For anyone visiting Boston from another part of the U.S. or further afield, there are plenty of hotels in the surrounding areas. Boston Greenways is free to enter while the exhibitions, gardens, and public classes are largely free too.
High Line New York
