Like so many other Boston kids, Marty grew up playing in neighborhood parks and playgrounds. He believes that parks are the city’s backyard – where neighbors gather, families celebrate, and kids stay active and healthy. He has worked to make sure every person, of every age and ability, can fully access and enjoy Boston’s world-class parks and playgrounds. Boston invented the public park in America, and Marty has worked to restore their glory, from the hidden neighborhood gems, to busy ballfields, to the historic treasures of the Boston Common, Franklin Park, and Emerald Necklace.

Marty’s Record

  • Since taking office, Mayor Walsh has committed more than $240 million in capital investments to improve parks in every neighborhood. In addition, he has provided for the biggest Parks Department operating budget in the city’s history.
  • Added several acres of new parkland.
  • Renovated 76 parks and playgrounds.
  • Launched Parks First, an initiative to make sure Boston’s parks lead the nation in accessibility and equity.
  • 98% of Boston residents now live within a 10-minute walk of a park.
  • The Trust for Public Land now ranks Boston #2 in resident access to parks.
  • Mayor Walsh streamlined the permitting system by allowing residents to reserve Park facilities online.
  • Committed $85,000 to repairing youth baseball and softball diamonds citywide.
  • Established a second shift for parks workers to improve park maintenance and cleanliness.
  • Transferred the city’s recreation unit back to the parks department to restore a focus on programming.
  • Created an Open Space Plan for 2015-2021.
  • The City’s Landmarks Commission established 5 new landmarks in Fenway, Roxbury, Allston, South Boston and Downtown Crossing.
  • Broke Ground on Martin’s Park, a universally accessible park and playground, at Fort Point Channel to honor the memory of Martin Richard.

Marty’s Plan

  • Dedicating $28 Million each to Boston Common and Franklin Park from the sale of Winthrop Square Garage.
  • Completing the Emerald Necklace along Columbia Road from Franklin Park to the waterfront.
  • As a part of Imagine Boston 2030, Boston’s first citywide plan in 50 years, Mayor Walsh will utilize parks as tools to make neighborhoods more resilient to climate change, promote public health, and foster a stronger sense of community.
  • Lead the nation in park accessibility.