Community Challenges
A team that included the former Metropolitan District Commission ( MDC )— now DCR — CDM Smith , and Pressley Associates , prepared a master plan and design in 1997 for a riverfront park and 2.2-mile-long bicycle path along the Neponset River . The concept plan was developed to help broaden the reach of the River by transforming forgotten and damaged sections into an expanded nature preserve and waterside park . Project goals included meeting the growing and diverse recreational needs of nearby communities and the metropolitan area . The size and nature of the projects and proximity to the neighborhoods of Dorchester brought significant public interest during the community process .
The community was represented by two strong advocacy groups for Pope John Paul II Park . There were the walkers : both passive observers of nature and dog walkers versus a group that wanted active recreation such as playing fields . At both PJP II and Neponset II Parks , there was a big push for ball fields , specifically regulation little league ballfields . The fields at PJP II ended up being multipurpose rectangular fields , but are lined out for field sports such as soccer , not for baseball , as it was determined that multipurpose fields would provide the most flexibility and least maintenance . The community also wanted a community building with restrooms and meeting rooms ; the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance ( DCAMM ) did conceptual plans , but funding was
Jeremy Dick of The Trustees of Reservations helps float pumpkins on the inlet . Photo | Chris Lovett , The Dorchester Reporter
Hallet Street Landfill provides rolling meadows , upland plantings , wetland restoration , walkways , shade structures , and gas vents incorporated into a picnic structure cupola . Photo | ASLA guide
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
Recreation fields at the Neponset Drive-In site provide a venue for sporting and community events . Photo | Pressley Associates
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