Current Projects
Since our founding in 2001, the Esplanade Association has been the catalyst for over $28M dollars in park improvements. Some of our capital projects have included rebuilding the river docks, building two new playgrounds, renovating the Hatch Shell and Dartmouth restroom facilities, restoring the Lotta Fountain, revitalizing the Eliot Memorial, and restoring the Hatch Shell Oval Lawn.
Through our partnership with the DCR, as well as the involvement of supporters and partner organizations, we have visibly improved the park, but there is still much to be done. We continue to advocate and fundraise for current and future projects to transform the Esplanade.
Charlesbank
Charlesbank will transform an area of the park that has been largely closed off to the public since the 1990s into a welcoming destination, providing space for a wide variety of uses for visitors. In the summer of 2022, Legislation was passed and signed by the Governor, creating the opportunity for the Esplanade Association to activate a neglected, but invaluable, 2-acre site in the park.
The project will support community needs with the creation of a new, year–round, universally accessible “landing” for the Esplanade and includes numerous indoor and outdoor spaces designed for recreational, civic, artistic, educational, and cultural activities. It will provide wide-ranging environmental improvements focused on climate change mitigation and sustainable practices.
The Esplanade Association is responsible for funding the project and managing the operation of Charlesbank over the next several decades. The total value of this gift will exceed $20M and represents one of the largest gifts to the Commonwealth’s state park system in history.
Climate Action Plan
We are thrilled to announce the release of the first version of our Climate Action Plan report, published in June 2024!
This report, researched and written by EA staff members, outlines over 80 action items that we are dedicated to implementing in our organization to ensure the Esplanade is prepared for a changing climate. Our Climate Action Plan reflects our commitment to sustainability and our proactive approach to addressing climate change at EA. From enhancing our in-park sustainability practices to fostering community engagement, each action item is designed to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
We invite you to explore our Climate Action Plan and join us in our efforts to create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Esplanade for everyone! For more information, visit: esplanade.org/climate
Access & Safety
Since 2018, the Esplanade Association has partnered with DCR and with project contractors including Nelson/Nygaard, Stoss, and Neighborways to analyze use of the Esplanade’s pathway network and propose plans to improve safety and access for park visitors. Most recently, in late 2023, the Esplanade Association worked to improve safety for park visitors at two popular park entrances with crosswalks along Back Street. Learn more about our crosswalks project here. In 2024, the Esplanade Association embarked on a data and research project to learn more about the impact of our past projects, as well as current best practices in multi-use pathway design in New England, and around the world. Learn more about our past Pathway Safety projects here.
Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.)
In 2019, the Esplanade Association launched its Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.) initiative – a tree canopy enhancement plan being executed in partnership between the Esplanade Association and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The foundation of the L.E.A.F. initiative is a tree management and succession plan prepared for the Esplanade by Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture. This multiyear tree canopy enhancement project secures the future health of the Esplanade’s trees by increasing species diversity, laying guidelines for succession plantings to replace dead and declining trees, and making recommendations for preventative care such as pruning and air spading. The L.E.A.F. initiative is a key feature of the Esplanade Association’s forthcoming Climate Action Plan. Since its launch in 2019, the Esplanade Association has planted nearly 200 trees in partnership with DCR. Learn more and support our efforts here.
