The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Paul Revere Park

Your Guide

Located next to the Charlestown side of the North Washington Street Bridge, the east half of Paul Revere Park was the first of the four new parks to be built to mitigate the Central Artery/Tunnel project.

The large oval and the informal grass amphitheater were designed by Carr Lynch and Sandell with Oehme van Sweden. The upstream portion of the park was a staging area for the construction of the Zakim Bridge.

Like North Point Park, Paul Revere Park showcases Oehme Van Sweden’s planting design sensibility, which is characterized by large drifts of ornamental grasses, perennials, and bulbs.

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A Multi-Functional Park

The park design includes a playground and a large grassy oval meadow that serves as an amphitheater and concert stage for performances. Public art and interpretive exhibits also celebrate the waterfront site.

Image: Halvorson Design Partnership revere2

Performance Space

The informal stage is used for concerts and gatherings.

Image: Halvorson Design Partnership revere3

Connecting Paths

Paths within Paul Revere Park connect under the Zakim Bridge and across the North Bank Bridge to North Point Park.

Image: Halvorson Design Partnership revere4

Interpretive Art

Interpretive elements are incorporated into the stone walls of the park. This panel, the work of artist Susan Gamble, includes an excerpt from Paul Revere’s own account of his 1775 ride from Charlestown to Lexington.

Image: Halvorson Design Partnership revere5

Sweeping Curves

The upstream half of Paul Revere Park was designed by Carol R. Johnson Associates. The sweeping curves of the paths extend beyond the Zakim Bridge to the North Bank Bridge accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Image: CRJA revere6

An Elegant Connection

The elegant North Bank Bridge, designed by Ammann & Whitney with Buro Happold and Julian Hakes, is supported by a tubular-steel sinesoidal truss that follows an s-curve in plan. The bridge over the commuter rail tracks and the Duck Boat ramp provides a crucial connection between Paul Revere Park and North Point Park.

Image: CRJA revere8

Crossing the Dam

The park is accessible from Causeway Street via the walkway on the Gridley Locks and walkways under the North Washington Street bridge that link to the Charlestown Navy Yard and City Square Park. Fenced walkways on the ends of the lock gates enable visitors to cross the dam. Pedestrians and cyclists have a close-up view of the lock mechanisms.

Image: Phil DeJoseph, Central Artery/Tunnel Project revere9

City Square Park

Across Rutherford Avenue from Paul Revere Park, City Square Park, designed by Halvorson Design Partnership, offers a contemplative green oasis in the midst of Boston’s historic Charlestown neighborhood. The towers of the Zakim Bridge in the distance mark the north and south banks of the Charles River below.

Image: Friend of City Square Park revere10

Lock System

View of the 1978 lock. Boats going between the Boston Harbor and Charles River must go through this lock system first.

Image: Halvorson Design Partnership