Using a real-life setting, WalkBoston’s project focused on developing and testing techniques to broaden the scope and range of public participation in transportation planning is a large neighborhood in Boston. The team explored methods of seeking out and talking with people who are seldom involved in the formal planning processes. The goal was to explore public participation techniques designed to elicit their opinions on the plans being developed by public agencies.
Three hills in Brookline – Corey, Aspinwall and Fisher Hills – have innovative designs for pedestrians. These glaciated hills, separated by small streams, were the scene of rapid development following the construction of the Beacon Street Boulevard.
In 1887 Frederick Law Olmsted’s design led to widening Beacon Street from 50 to 160 feet. Threading between the hills, the new boulevard gave such easy access to Boston that mansions were built for wealthy families. On this stylish street, apartment hotels were added, each with a distinct, clubby atmosphere. Clusters of town houses fronted the new streets in the area. The hills were transformed.
Corey Hill was reshaped in 1890. Three parallel streets, called “terraces,” followed the contours of the hill, one above the other. A radical feature was added—a walkway perpendicular to the hill’s contours—from the top of the hill to the streetcar line below. So steep was the hill that the walkway was a series of steps.
At Aspinwall Hill, Olmsted, hired to design roadways, included a public path to Beacon Street. He was fired for ignoring property lines and maximizing the use of natural contours of the land. A more politically astute designer modified and negotiated public paths along property lines.
Fisher Hill benefited from the full talents of Olmsted, hired in 1890 to design the layout and overall development following the natural topography. Many homes built between 1890 and 1920 on large Olmsted lots remain. A path [now lost] led down the hill to the rail station at Beaconsfield.
Watertown has fantastic attributes that make it an ideal community for walking. Our long riverfront offers a choice of ideal walks. Our commercial areas are vibrant with ethnic diversities of food and cultural events. Many opportunities exist for Watertown Walks—create your own!
The Watertown Walking Map was developed and printed with funding from Tufts Health Plan. It was created through a collaboration of: WalkBoston, the Watertown Community Safe Routes to School, the Watertown Planning Department, the Watertown Health Department and the Watertown Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee.
Our Greenway work since 1992 A key factor in the success of the Rose Kennedy Greenway will be its walkability. When the Central Artery Project (CA/T) received its environmental approvals in 1991, only 6 lanes were approved for the new streets above the tunnel. However, at the request of the City of Boston, CA/T staff was designing 10 lanes.
WalkBoston and Move Massachusetts 2000, with support from CA/T, created the Pedestrian Issues Forum to re-examine the design. Two years later, in A Pedestrian Perspective on the Central Artery Project [1994], narrower roadways and wider sidewalks were recommended. After more persistent advocacy, the City reversed its position and supported the new approach.
Then, the Mayor convened the public-private Surface Transportation Action Forum [STAF] to further resolve design details for the Greenway, such as sidewalk and lane widths, and corner curb radii. STAF’s conclusions became official CA/T Project commitments. Together, the Greenway design and the new WALK light policy enhance the attractiveness of the Greenway for walkers.
From the Parthenon through Palladio to the Paris of Napoleon III and Beyond. Meander through the narrow and crooked streets of Boston’s downtown, in search of Greek temples, Egyptian gateways, French Second Empire commercial palaces, and Art Deco towers. We will view the site of Bulfinch’s Tontine Crescent, as well as a building modeled on the Tontine’s center pavilion. Among 20 featured stops will be the Stock Exchange Building, Custom House, New England Telephone Headquarters Building, the Old South Meeting House, and Old City Hall. .
