Location: Boston, MA
Client: Boston Parks and Recreation Department
Team: Horsley Witten Group

BRR worked in partnership with Horsley Witten Group to develop “park specific” Green Infrastructure Guidelines for future parks owned and managed by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The guide will describe appropriate practices for specific park contexts across the City of Boston. The design guidelines ensure that the park’s integrity and the user’s experience are respected and enhanced by the inclusion of green infrastructure. Retaining and maintaining character defining features and materials are important in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic parks. Green infrastructure technologies will help to slow, spread and sink storm water to mimic the natural hydrologic cycle. A key element in urban climate adaptation, green infrastructure can reduce demand on city storm water systems, decrease urban heat island effect, increase biodiversity, air quality and soil health and enhance the quality of life of city residents. This study encourages the integration of appropriate green infrastructure technologies in public recreation spaces.