Imagine Boston 2030: Residents share ways to invest in infrastructure, open space, and culture

Our report, Guiding Growth: Towards an Inclusive City, outlined four goals to help shape Boston’s growth as we look towards 2030. Recently, our blog posts have been focused on exploring creative and innovative ideas from Bostonians to help reach these goals, including inclusive economic growth, providing quality of life in accessible neighborhoods, and promoting a healthy environment.

This week, we examine some of the ideas Bostonians have shared that address our fourth goal: invest in infrastructure, open space and culture. From improving access to open space to making particular areas more pedestrian friendly, many coUrbanize comments envision a future with state-of-the-art infrastructure, arts and culture, and open space that would bring the City’s residents and its visitors together:  

• “We need to continue to develop downtown to have better access to the harbor. Cafes and bars on the harbor, etc. Let’s take advantage of the fact that we are one of world’s great harbor cities.” (Anthony, South End)
• “Easier/better pedestrian/bike access across Morrissey Boulevard and under the Expressway – to the shore and to the regional off-road Neponset Trail bike commute.” (Rosanne, Dorchester)
• “More signage to Franklin Park to encourage more use, and repair of dilapidated benches and tables.” (Brian, Jamaica Plain)
• “The underpasses between Southie and the South End near East Berkeley could be brightened up with some murals or public art.” (Dulcie, South Boston)
• “Fields Corner needs some outdoor space for socializing. Parklets or small gardens would be great along Dot Ave.” (Jonathan, Dorchester)
• “I’d love to see Boston install more signage to help people find the hot-spots close to Fenway – for example, pointing to the Emerald Necklace and to restaurants, MFA, etc.” (Kate, Fenway)
• “An architectural installation dedicated to improving the pedestrian experience at Traveler Street would connect Southie and South End. An architectural design competition, open to small offices, students, and people from all design fields might provide a solution or at least some ideas.” (Niko, South End)

For centuries, the City’s infrastructure has provided a foundation for Boston’s growth, and the City’s parks and cultural offerings have made Boston a wonderful place to live. Looking forward to 2030, Imagine Boston will identify opportunities to further invest in open space, culture and infrastructure that allows residents and businesses to connect, grow and thrive.  

Where should Boston invest in open space and infrastructure? Share your ideas and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #ImagineBoston. You can also sign up for Imagine Boston updates.