The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Pope John Paul II Park

Your Guide

Cortney Kirk, ASLA

Pope John Paul II Park lies along the salt marsh of the Neponset River, a uniquely Boston condition, both urban and ecological. The river empties into Boston Harbor.

Targeted as the first phase of the Neponset River Corridor improvements, the design for the park remediated three pieces of land: a former drive-in movie theater, the Hallett Street landfill, and Sterns Lumber Yard. Awarded the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Design Award in 2002, Pressley Associates designed the park as an urban meadow to connect Dorchester to the waterfront and provide amenities such as athletic fields, playgrounds, exercise paths, and shelters.

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Run and Play

Filled with families and fitness-minded residents, Pope John Paul II Park never has a dull moment. Play elements and athletic fields occupy the former Neponset Drive-in, which has inspired movie nights at the park during the summer months.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 2

Riverfront Park

The Neponset River Bridge, beyond, connects neighboring Quincy to Dorchester and downtown Boston.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 3

Sit a Spell

Numerous relaxation shelters, oriented out towards the Neponset River, are dotted along the winding activity paths meandering throughout the park.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 4

Urban Wetland

An urban wetland meadow was designed and planted over the former Hallett Street landfill and Sterns Lumber Yard. This portion of the park was planted with native wetland meadow grasses, perennials, and shallow rooting trees and shrubs on top of four feet of clay and plastic soils, which sealed the brownfield site. Since the park opened in 2001, there has been a significant increase in meadow and salt marsh fauna.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 5

Harvest River

The Algonquin Native Americans called this area Nepunsep, which means Harvest River. Restored salt marsh hay, reeds, and cord grasses have attracted shore birds such as blue herons, kingfishers, and black ducks, as well as small insects, amphibians, and field mice.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 6

Paddlers

Situated in between two Boston Area Yacht Clubs, kayakers and other watercraft often navigate the Neponset outlet into Boston Harbor. Future plans for a boat or fishing launch have been proposed for Pope John Paul II Park.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 7

Salt Marsh

Salt marshes play an important role in mitigating storm surges and provide protection from rising sea levels, but only if we allow the marshes to thrive. Subject to tidal flooding, a salt marsh is one of the most diverse and fertile environments -- one that can produce as much as 10,000 pounds of organic matter per acre per year.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 8

Explore

With more than 65 acres to explore, the park attracts a diverse crowd who want a quick get away from their typical urban lifestyle: a safe place for dogs to run, children to bike, and runners and walkers to let loose.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 9

Close to the River, Far from the City

The rolling meadows are visible from Interstate 93 or the Southeast Expressway, which provides one of the park's boundaries. As one moves closer to the river, it is easy to forget that the park is so close to the city and expressway.

Image: Kero Photography - Kathryn O'Kane PJP 10

Neighborhood Amenity

Pope John Paul II Park can accommodate a variety of uses. From volleyball to kite flying, this park is a true amenity to the town of Dorchester and city of Boston.

Image: Kero Photography - Kate O'Kane