Boston Green Links
Boston Green Links is a city-wide plan to connect people in every neighborhood to Boston’s greenway network by installing new paths, new bike facilities, and safer road crossings.
The plan includes projects in progress by the City, DCR, community groups and others, as well as new projects developed with local input. The plan will be implemented over time, through grants, partnerships, and City-funded projects.
What are greenways and green links?
Greenways are linear parks with paths that provide people with access to natural environments close to where they live. They also encourage healthy active transportation.
Green links are missing bike and pedestrian connections that, when completed, will create a seamless network of greenway paths connected to every neighborhood. Green Links include off-road paths, protected bike lanes, safer road crossings, and low-traffic streets also known as "neighborways".
Why we're building a network
We want to make it easier for everyone to navigate the city and enjoy our green, open spaces. Research confirms what we always suspected — access to green, open space increases physical activity and promotes good health and peace of mind.
The vision for Boston Green Links is to create a connected network of paths and low stress corridors that people of all ages and abilities can use, whether on foot, by bike, or in a wheelchair.
East Boston Greenway
The East Boston Greenway offers three miles of pathway through parks, beaches, and marshes for use by bikers, runners, and walkers alike. (Photo Credit: Boston Natural Areas Network)
Southwest Corridor
The Southwest Corridor is a 4.7 mile linear park that connects Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Downtown Boston. The park is built on land that was cleared to build a highway.
Roxbury to Fenway Connector
The Roxbury to Fenway Connector is a proposed Green Link that would include a path between the existing double row of trees on Ruggle Street between Ruggles Station and Parker Street. (Image Credit: Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation and NBBJ )
Columbia Road
Columbia Road is a proposed Green Link that would complete Olmsted's vision for an Emerald Necklace that extends from Back Bay to Marine Park (Boston Harbor). (Image Credit: LivableStreets Alliance and NBBJ)
Neponset Greenway
The Neponset Greenway is a nearly completed ten-mile pedestrian and bike trail that runs through Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and the Town of Milton. In 2017, a new section that connects to Mattapan Square was opened.
Fairmount Greenway
The Fairmount Greenway is a partially completed six mile system system of neighborways and greenspaces that extends through Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury, and South Boston. (Image Credit: Michelle Moon, Fairmount/Indigo Line CDC Collaborative )
FENWAY-YAWKEY MULTI-USE PATH
The Fenway-Yawkey Multi-Use Path will help bridge a gap in our bike network and connect the Emerald Necklace to the Fenway neighborhood.
ARBORETUM LINK/ROSLINDALE GATEWAY
The Arboretum Link/Roslindale Gateway Path is a proposed off-street walking and bicycling path between Forest Hills Station and Roslindale Village. (Image Credit: WalkUp Roslindale rendering by Halvorson Design Partnership)
CONNECT HISTORIC BOSTON
Connect Historic Boston improves walking and bicycling access to many of Boston's historic sites, such as Faneuil Hall and the Charlestown Navy Yard. It also links several transit hubs, including North Station. Bicycling access is much improved with two-way, sidewalk-level separated bike lanes.
More information
More information| Time of Year | Plan |
|---|---|
| Fall/Winter |
Gather feedback on the draft Green Links plan |
| Spring | Conduct community walks and rides (Summer/Fall) |
| Summer | Complete concept design for a Green Link |
- Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition
- MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council
- Metropolitan Area Planning Council Landline Coalition
- Neponset River Greenway Council
- Southwest Corridor Park Management Advisory Committee
- Trustees of Reservations
- WalkBoston