The proposed project includes construction of a shared-use path from Tenean Beach to Morrissey Boulevard, a total distance of approximately 3,600 feet (0.7 miles). A 670-foot long boardwalk, including scenic overlooks, will be constructed to convey the path over salt marsh and tidal habitat of the Dorchester Bay. Drainage system improvements, improved habitat value of the corridor, wayfinding signage and pedestrian and bicycle roadway crossings have been provided in accordance with applicable design guides.

This project is a critical segment in the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s long term, multi-phase, plan for the 10.5-mile Neponset River Greenway linking the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton to Mattapan Square and continuing to Castle Island and the Boston Harborwalk. Here is the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) page on this project.

On April 20, she led a ride for the Boston's Active Transportation (BAT) employee resource group. Made up of city employees from a variety of departments, BAT members enjoy spending time outside of work walking or riding bikes together. The group gathered at Victory Park where they saw where the trail will be extended to Tenean Beach before riding to the intersection of Truman Parkway and Fairmount in Hyde Park.

Also biking on that ride were Mattapan residents Carletta and Stanley. Vivian met them when she invited people to join her for leisurely bike rides on Monday evenings in April 2019. Those weekly rides continued until November of that year because the trail got dark due to daylight savings time. There were no Monday Night Rides last year, but they're back for 2021!

Monday Night Rides start at the benches in the plaza area of Mattapan Station. The group meets at 5:45 for ABC bike checks and the group leaves at 6:15 from the benches in the plaza of Mattapan station. These are relaxing, get to know each other (and the area) rides, and are family-friendly. Reach out to Vivian at thatbikelady at gmail dot com if you're interested.

Monday, May 17

On Monday, May 17, Department of Conservation and Recreation
Commissioner Jim Montgomery and his staff visited the newly-cleaned-up
Doyle Park (formerly Doyle Playground) between River St. and the
Neponset River just south of the shopping center. In addition to
discussing future park amenities with people from the neighborhood, the
Commissioner led a walk through invasive plants along the river from the
park downstream to the Tileston-Hollingsworth Dam along a potential
walking path which could also extend upstream from the park. A lot of
invasive removal will be required.

DCR Special Commission Public Listening Session Tuesday May 25

How can the management, operations, and asset condition of the natural, cultural and recreational resources held by the Department of Conservation and Recreation be improved?

The DCR Special Commission, created by the state legislature in Section 100 of Chapter 41 of the Acts of 2019 (or here). It is chaired by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and is made up of officials from the legislature, other state agencies, and professional organizations and is supposed to recommend ways for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to improve the management, operations, and asset condition of the natural, cultural and recreational resources held by the department.

On Tuesday, May 25, 2021 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, they are holding a virtual public listening session, hosted by the UMass Donahue Institute to accept comments for the use of the Commission in developing recommendations If you are unable to attend the virtual listening session, we encourage you to submit a comment via the email below.

This meeting will be conducted via remote participation. Public speaking time will be limited to 2 minutes. Please find webinar registration information below:

https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsdOGvrjopGtwuGvi-X-q3JAiln_CjKPwJ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Written comments will be accepted through 5PM on June 8, 2021. Please submit comments to the following email: ma-dcr-commission@donahue.umass.edu