The SWCP is a 4.7 mile linear park occupying over 50 acres of land while running alongside the MBTA Orange Line, Commuter, and Amtrak Rail lines. As a recreation and commuter route popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, it links the neighborhoods of the South End, Back Bay, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain.

The park’s completion in 1990 represents a victory for the surrounding communities who rallied in the late 1960’s to prevent the construction of 12-lane highway. Instead, the funding originally committed to building the highway was repurposed to create this public open space. The designers, Roy Mann (landscape architect) and Tony Pangaro (architect), included along its length a series of playing fields, playgrounds, dog parks, community gardens, and other public amenities.

This ribbon park provides a pleasant urban and pedestrian way to experience several Boston neighborhoods.