Additional Resources
People’s Guide to the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act
The public's rights and ways to get involved in protecting waterfront spaces.
Explore the guideResilient Boston Harbor Vision
The City of Boston’s climate-ready waterfront vision and projects map.
Explore the planPublic Restrooms in the City of Boston
Interactive map and directory of City facilities by neighborhood.
Explore the mapCoastal Zone Management Coast Guide
Interactive map with 1,800 beaches, boat ramps, and other public access sites statewide.
Explore the mapGuide to the Working Port
Takeaways from Boston Harbor Now’s symposium on the 21st-century working port.
Explore the guideAll Projects
Water Transportation
By taking advantage of its Harbor for public transportation, Boston could address mobility challenges while also supporting economic development in the region, enhancing quality of life for residents, and preparing for climate change. Boston Harbor Now is partnering with MassDOT and others to explore ways to scale our commuter and recreational water transportation system and link it to land-based transit options.
Photo: Galya Feierman
Harborwalk
This 40-mile public walkway winds through seven Boston waterfront neighborhoods, stretching from the Chelsea Creek in East Boston to the Neponset River in Dorchester. Property owners are responsible for creating and maintaining the walkway and other public amenities in accordance with state-issued licenses. A new digital, interactive map from Boston Harbor Now offers a database of public benefits along the Harborwalk—including park space, seating areas, restrooms, fishing docks, and more.
Photo by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
East Eagle Street Electric Substation
East Boston residents are advocating for new recreational space on the Chelsea Creek, instead of a proposed high-voltage electric substation. The substation would be dangerously close to the water and prone to flooding, next to the American Legion Playground—one of the most popular parks and sports fields in the neighborhood—and near jet fuel storage. It would pose major threats to public safety, health, and local economic interests. A new recreational space would align with the vision for a publicly accessible and resilient coastal zone.
Climate Ready South Boston
This project is identifying solutions to protect South Boston, Fort Point, and the rest of the city from the impacts of climate change. It is one of several district-level efforts under Climate Ready Boston (along with projects in East Boston and Charlestown, to date). In community meetings, people have expressed eagerness for early action and strong preferences for “green infrastructure,” such as living shorelines and park spaces that provide public amenities while protecting the city.