BSLA Fieldbook Issue 8 | Page 86

Shoreline path and athletic fields at PJPII Park in spring Photo | MA DCR
Successful salt marsh inlet restoration . Photo | ASLA Guide by granite feature strips , and strong visual connections to the water are maintained . The contract originally included a small skate park , which was eliminated from the project by DCR after reconsideration by the community .
Natural Systems
Both sites had originally been created on filled salt marsh along the Neponset River and Boston Harbor and are included within the Neponset River Estuary Area of Critical Environmental Concern ( ACEC ). As part of the redevelopment of the sites , CDM Smith permitted and designed the restoration of approximately 2.5 acres of salt marsh along the park shoreline . Permits were required at the local , state , and federal level for the work . The DCR ’ s claims that restoration of the formerly degraded , contaminated site has also benefited area wildlife : black ducks , mergansers , teal , snowy egrets , and great blue herons have been spotted at the park since it opened in June , 2001 .
What is the Final Result ?
“ It does look awesome . It is such a beautiful reclamation of what was , literally , a dump ,” said State Senator Brian A . Joyce of the large park , which is visible from the Southeast Expressway and the Neponset-Quincy bridge . Dedicated in June 2000 , the former drive-in site opened to the public in June 2001 , followed by the opening of the Hallet Street section . The adjacent Neponset Park II opened in 2006 .
The park ’ s development and associated multi-use path confirms MDC ’ s vision of a series of parks along the river interconnected by a pathway . Goals that were met included landfill closures , hazardous waste site remediation , water quality restoration , and the development of open space and greenways .
Pope John Paul II Park , Neponset II Park , the Neponset River Trail , and their waterfront restoration provide a connector between Boston ’ s neighborhoods and southern suburbs . The development of the parks and trail spurred interest in the overall restoration of the Dorchester waterfront and raised awareness of the area ’ s natural resources . The combined sites expanded areas for passive recreation along the Neponset River Estuary with tranquil areas for walking , jogging , bird watching , water access , and picnicking , as well as active recreation .
Native plantings — trees , shrubs , and herbaceous — on the Hallet Street site . Photo | ASLA Guide
In the Dorchester Reporter on June 3 , 2015 , Maria Lyons said in a letter to the editor “ The Neponset
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