Mary Ellen Welch Greenway

While some modern cities can integrate key green spaces and trail networks fairly easily, older and more established ones face a far bigger challenge. Exhibit A: Boston. Though the city is steeped in history and culture, Boston’s centuries-old infrastructure and layout make adding green space a daunting endeavor.

Through close collaboration with the city, we envisioned a new greenway that not only provided a place to relax but also a place to move—taking pressure off crowded streets. And with that, the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway was born.

Today, the greenway (formally known as the East Boston Greenway) has replaced old rail lines with 3.3 miles of trail across East Boston—linking key community hubs, including Bremen Street Park, Memorial Park, and Constitution Beach. This provides refreshing transportation alternatives for commuters and recreationalists alike. It is used by tens of thousands of hikers, bikers, and runners who enjoy inspiring sights and engaging activities along the way, from views of the Atlantic Ocean to sport fields and courts.

Looking ahead, the City of Boston is working toward extending the project via another old railroad bed—furthering the impact and potential of this special greenway.