City celebrates completion of Jamaica Pond Pathways project

On Saturday, November 23, Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods joined Jamaica Plain residents along with park advocates to celebrate the completion of renovations to the pathways encircling Jamaica Pond and the renaming of the boathouse in honor of Christine Cooper, longtime supporter of efforts to restore and revitalize the park.

The $4,770,000 project, funded through Mayor Walsh's $2.79 billion five-year capital plan, was completed in two phases. The first phase focused on the area around the Pinebank Promontory and included new and improved pathways, repairs to entrances, a new water bottle filler, signage, benches, and newly planted trees.

The second phase involved renovating the pathways surrounding the pond and the multi-use path along the Jamaicaway. Additional improvements included new water bottle fillers, exercise equipment, and a new accessible fishing platform. Accessibility upgrades to the boathouse plaza were completed, along with the addition of a runner's path, and drainage improvements to help pond water quality.

"This project is a great example of our mission to preserve, maintain, and improve a park system that is so rich in history," said Mayor Walsh. "I can think of no better example of our commitment to parks than this project, through which Frederick Law Olmsted's vision is honored and respected with these exciting new improvements to the park. At the same time we are honoring the work of Christine Cooper whose tireless advocacy laid the foundation for the amazing park we see today."

At the unveiling, Mayor Walsh renamed the boathouse in honor of Christine Cooper, a long-time supporter of restoring and revitalizing the park. 

"Having worked with Christine for over 30 years at Jamaica Pond, her recognition is an extremely important dynamic of the deeply rooted partnership between the City of Boston and nonprofit community organizations," said Gerry Wright, coordinator for The Friends of Jamaica Pond and Olmsted 2022. 

"Jamaica Pond has long been called the jewel of the Emerald Necklace," said Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods. "These improvements make it shine even brighter, making the park even more user-friendly while serving the thousands of people who cycle, walk, jog, and stroll along its shoreline."

The improvements to the pathways are part of the over $60.6 million allocated specifically to the Emerald Necklace in the Mayor's latest capital budget, the largest-ever capital funding for Boston parks.