Boston is changing rapidly, with population and job-growth both on the rise. 34% of Boston residents do not own a car. 42% of Boston residents want mobility and open space improvements in their neighborhood (Go Boston 2030, Imagine Boston).
The Emerald Network creates safe, non-motorized pathways that parallel routes that many people already travel for commutes, pleasure, and exercise. As the network opens connections to transit, jobs, and open space, it has the power to transform how we get around our city and the region.
Mobility
Creates a high-quality, non-motorized transportation network suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Connects people and neighborhoods to transit, jobs, parks, open space, and recreational and cultural resources.
Reduces car congestion with increased mobility options that are safe and fun.
East Boston Greenway
Boston's 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan notes that East Boston has fewer acres of park per resident than the city as a whole, and that most of the nearby parks are at the edges of the neighborhood, and have been difficult to reach. The East Boston Greenway creates opportunities for outdoor recreation, play, and mobility in a neighborhood with less than ideal amount of public space. Read more about the East Boston Greenway on our "Greenway Stories" blog!
Equity & Opportunity
Connects low-income and geographically-isolated communities to economic opportunities through increased transportation options.
Increases access to recreational opportunities for under-served communities.
Chelsea Greenway
The Chelsea Greenway runs from Eastern Avenue along Chelsea Creek up to Chestnut Street, mere blocks from City Hall, the Public Library, and an abundance of shopping and eateries. Originally constructed as part of the Silver Line 3-Chelsea bus priority project, the City has plans to enhance the path and make it an important extension of the larger transportation network, providing safer connections and access to key job hubs for a community that has been chronically underserved by transit. Read more about the Chelsea Greenway on our "Greenway Stories" blog!
Quality of Life
Contributes to improved physical health as people walk, run, ride, skate, and push strollers.
Improves air quality, mental health, and well-being with access to trees and green space.
Neponset River Greenway
The Neponset River Greenway runs from the mouth of the Neponset River in Dorchester (Port Norfolk neighborhood) to the Martini Shell in Hyde Park. Uniting the communities of Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan and Milton, the trail connects a series of parks and provides an exciting opportunity to appreciate the outdoors in an otherwise urban area. Read more about the Neponset River Greenway on our "Greenway Stories" blog!
Climate Resilience
Mitigates climate change and restores natural systems with street trees, green storm water management and reduced car emissions.
Contributes to cooling and cleaning the air.
Charlestown Lower Mystic Greenway
Climate Ready Boston calls for both short and long-term plans to address known flooding risks by redesigning the waterfront from Ryan Playground to the MassPort terminal on the Charlestown Waterfront. In partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association we are conducting public outreach and building public support for a greenway and other public space enhancements as this area is redesigned. Read more about the Charlestown Lower Mystic Greenway on our "Greenway Stories" blog!
Economy
Connects housing, jobs and investment with a low-cost transportation solution.
Attracts new employers and talent with a 21st century urban recreation and transportation system.
Watertown Cambridge Greenway
The Watertown-Cambridge Greenway is a major step forward in creating a continuous, interconnected network of greenways across Metro Boston. When completed, the greenway will act as a critical link for commuting and recreational opportunities, tying together the Charles River Paths with the Minuteman Trail, Somerville Community Path, and Mystic Greenway. Read more about the Watertown Cambridge Greenway on our "Greenway Stories" blog!
The power of the Emerald Network lies in its ability to serve as a backbone for existing public systems (parks, buses, subways and trains), increasing access and mobility for people throughout Metro Boston.
