A Park in Peril

Extending from the Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge, the Esplanade is one of Boston's best loved and most intensively used open spaces. While part of a linear park system that stretches along the Charles River for miles, the Esplanade is a unique and iconic landscape that is used daily by hundreds of people from around the world as well as as a site for special events and celebrations, including the 4th of July Boston Pops concert.

Designed and built over a period of many years, the Esplanade as we know it today is largely the creation of landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff. His plan to create an "waterpark" as a major recreational asset to the city was realized during the 1930's. Twenty years later Shurcliff was called upon to ameliorate the impacts of Storrow Drive upon the Esplanade when the road was built on parkland, despite strong opposition from the public and legislature.

Ironically, fifty years later the Esplanade is again threatened by the construction of a roadway - this time as a temporary by-pass road to accommodate traffic while the Storrow Drive Tunnel is rehabilitated. In 2007 the Esplanade Association believes there is a better solution to a regional transportation problem than using parkland for a roadway and we are committed to working with DCR, the Commonwealth and you to make certain that that solution is realized.