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What is the Conservancy?

The Conservancy is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to raising broad-based support to ensure standards of excellence in the design, sustainability and use of the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

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How is it organized?

It was established in July 2004 through an agreement between the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and as such, is able to raise and accept charitable contributions.

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What is the Mission?

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to raising broad-based support to ensure standards of excellence in the design, sustainability and use of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. To secure the Greenway's future as one of America's foremost urban parks, the Conservancy will advocate for standards of consistency and excellence in design; manage its operations, working collaboratively to create, finance, promote and coordinate public programs and events; and raise adequate and stable funding to support the long-term sustainability of its public uses.

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What is its purpose?

In organizing the Conservancy, the Public Parties agreed that the creation of a private, charitable nonprofit corporation would be the most effective way to ensure a true public-private partnership, one that would result in:

  • Adequate, stable and reliable funding for the Greenway;
  • High quality operation and maintenance for the Greenway, and,
  • High quality, inclusive and creative programs and events to facilitate broad-based use and enjoyment.
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Who is on the Board?

The Board of the Conservancy is comprised of ten individuals.

During the first five years, five directors will be elected from nominees presented by the Chairman of the Turnpike Authority; two will be nominated by the Mayor of Boston; two will be nominated by the Governor and one will be a representative of the Kennedy family. To ensure that all board members do not rotate off at the same time, terms are staggered. No one may serve more than two consecutive terms, but may return after taking time off.

The board bears responsibility for fulfilling the Conservancy's mission.

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What is the Conservancy raising money for?

The Conservancy was charged with the responsibility to raise $20 million by the end of December 2007 to establish an endowment and base of contributions as an important step toward creating a stable financial foundation for the new park system. Funding will support daily and seasonal park maintenance, special events and performances, and educational programs for students, families and life-long learners.

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What happens if the Conservancy does not meet its fundraising goals?

If the Conservancy fails to meet its fundraising goals by December 2007, the money that has been raised to that point reverts to the Rose Kennedy Greenway Expendable Trust. The Public Parties will then use those funds to support the Greenway.

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What are the parks?

The Greenway is a mile-long ribbon of parks and green space designed through an extensive public process. Three named parks are nearly completed.. The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is managing the construction process.

  • Chinatown Park: The approximately one acre parcel has been designed by Carol R. Johnson Associates of Boston for the residents of Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods. The design theme of this park is represented by elements that have significance within the Asian culture: gates, a bridge, and water.
  • North End Parks: The North End Parks have been designed by the team of Wallace Floyd Design Group and Gustafson Partners. The design of this park will serve to reconnect the urban fabric that was severed by the Central Artery. Two parcels comprise the site and are comparable to Post Office Square in terms the size of and in terms of combining green space and the built features.
  • Wharf District Parks: The Wharf District Parks are the part of the Greenway where the city meets the sea. It will serve as a threshold from downtown to the harbor and comprises approximately 5 acres. The parks feature a series of outdoor spaces unified by a common palette of planting, paving and lighting. The northern section of the park is adjacent to the New England Aquarium and Quincy market and emphasizes gathering places. The southern part is adjacent to residential and office uses and features more passive uses in a green landscaped setting. This park has been designed by EDAW of Alexandria, VA and Copley Wolff Design Group of Boston.
  • Dewey Square Parks: The Dewey Square Parks are comprised of four and a half acres of open space that straddle South Station, a principle public transportation hub, and the Financial District. This section of the Greenway will open in several phases starting with gardens, lawns, and pathways. Over the next few years, the passive beauty of these spaces will come alive with seasonal pavilions hosting performances and a variety of public programs.

A plan for public events and programs for the parks is currently under development.

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When can I use the parks? What are the operating hours?

The parks are open from 7AM to 11PM everyday. Pedestrians, however, may walk through the parks at any time.

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How will this be maintained?

The responsibility for maintenance will be transferred from the Turnpike Authority to the Greenway Conservancy. The interest earned from the endowment that the Conservancy is raising will contribute to the cost of maintenance. Drawing from the best practices of other excellent high-traffic parks, the Conservancy will develop a maintenance staff of its own, enhanced by specialized contracts for maintenance services.

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What is the role of Kennedy Family?

An experienced design professional, Edwin Schlossberg is the Kennedy family's representative on the board. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and other members of the family are helping in the initial stages of fundraising.

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What is the role of the abutters?

Nearby property owners and their tenants will benefit significantly from the beauty of the Greenway and the success of the Conservancy and the abutters are an important supporters of the current fundraising campaign.

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How will donors be recognized on the Greenway?

Appropriate recognition is an important part of philanthropy and the Conservancy will gratefully acknowledge the generosity of all donors in a variety of ways. All gifts of $100,000 or more will be recognized on the Greenway at a single location. Because recognition decisions require input from many sources, we continue to refine the specifics of our donor recognition program.

In keeping with the public spirit and nature of the Greenway, donors will not have the opportunity to name a park or a parcel within a park. The Greenway stands for the commitment of thousands of people, well-known and anonymous, to improving the civic life of Boston. Looking at this proud history, future generations will praise both the wisdom and generosity of today's donors.

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