NEWS FROM THE NETWORK

Go Boston 2030 Action Plan Prioritizes Key Greenway Projects

The Go Boston 2030 Vision & Action Plan is here! On March 7th the City released a visionary citywide mobility plan to guide the City and its state partners in reshaping how people get around Boston.

Not only is the Emerald Network mentioned in the plan, but several key sections earned designation as ‘priority projects’, including Columbia Road Greenway, Arboretum Gateway Path, Roxbury to Fenway Connector, South Bay Harbor Trail, American Legion Parkway, and Summer Street. Click here to see how these projects fit into our vision for 200 miles of connected greenways in Metro Boston. Learn more about our involvement and next steps here.

Imagine Boston 2030 Report Supports Investment for Greenways

“Boston will invest in parks, from local pocket parks and tot lots to signature parks such as Franklin Park, and enhance paths and greenways that connect neighborhoods to open spaces and to the waterfront.” Mayor Walsh's commitment to improving access and mobility was on display in Imagine Boston 2030's ‘Expanding Opportunity’ report this November. As we anticipate this spring's release of the Citywide Plan we are energized to boost our collaboration with the city to make these visions a reality.

"Fulfilling the Promise": Columbia Road Series Kicks off March 29

Once included in Olmsted's master plan, Columbia Road is a critical part of the Emerald Network, linking Boston Harbor and Franklin Park. This spring, along with the Boston Society of Architects and the Franklin Park Coalition, we are putting Columbia Road back on the table, hosting a 4-part series "Fulfilling the Promise: Community Building and the Emerald Network". Panelists will discuss the current state of the corridor and strategies for green space implementation. The series is funded by Chleck Family Foundation.

INTRODUCING THE EMERALD NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Boston is growing rapidly, with population and job-growth both on the rise. At a time when our city should be bursting at the seams, we will take a collective breath and connect by new means: greenways. The Emerald Network creates safe, non-motorized pathways that mimic common routes that many people already travel. As the network opens connections to transit, jobs, and open space, it has the power to prompt habitual changes in how we get around.

As a member of our network, you play a key role in helping us grow the Emerald Network vision. This quarterly newsletter will be dedicated to keeping you updated on how to stay involved and take action throughout the year. It’s an important step in communicating our goals and expanding our reach, and we want you on the front lines! Click here to read the full letter from the Emerald Network Executive Committee.

GET INVOLVED

• Where do you Greenway? Share your favorite images from the Emerald Network on twitter by tagging @streetsboston and using #EmeraldNetwork.

• Live, work, or play near Columbia Road? Participate in a public conversation about Columbia Road with the Boston Society of Architects here.

• Want to see more funding for parks and greenways? Get involved with the MassDOT Capital Investment Plan’s public process.

• Want to see better East-West connections between South Boston and Roxbury? Write a comment letter to Boston Transportation Department about their plans for South Bay Harbor Trail. Learn more here.

• Share your vision and help shape Boston's future! Take the Imagine Boston 2030 survey and help shape the Imagine Boston 2030 Citywide Plan, to be released this winter.

THANK YOU

		When they said ‘it takes a village’, they weren’t lying! The Emerald Network is a community and social network and we greatly value your support. Visit our website to find out more about the many people and organizations involved in our work. Donate today or sign up to volunteer-- your support helps to move us that much closer to making the Emerald Network vision a reality!