Water is flowing again from the Greenway fountains and streams, like this one along the Serpentine path outside the Chinatown Gate. (Photo courtesy of the Greenway Conservation)

The Greenway is the contemporary public park in the heart of Boston, stretching 1.5 miles from Chinatown to the North End. The Greenway welcomes millions of visitors annually to gather, play, unwind, and explore. The Greenway Conservancy is the non-profit responsible for the management and care of The Greenway. Starting this week, we are delighted to bring a regular column to Sampan to provide updates on The Greenway and work of the Conservancy.

As the Commonwealth and City of Boston continue phased reopening, residents and visitors are encouraged to safely visit the park; the Greenway Conservancy has taken special precautions amidst the coronavirus and encourages all park visitors to practice physical distancing, good hygiene, and caution.

While many Conservancy staff continue to work remotely, our horticulture and maintenance teams are at work in the park, as well as our two Greenway rangers. Ongoing projects in Chinatown include the Conservancy’s bamboo renovation project, the transplanting and new plantings in the Serpentine Path area to improve the sightlines for safety, and work on the irrigation systems that keep everything watered. We have delayed the return of most of the movable tables and chairs to the park in an effort to stem the spread of Covid-19.

As we continue into Phase 2 of reopening, the Conservancy has reopened our Greenway PlayCubes, closed in in late March, for children with a supervising adult. Additionally, the Conservancy this week began to turn on our fountains across the park, including the Chinatown Stream along the Serpentine Path.

Nearby on Dewey Square, our Greenway Food Truck Program has returned on a limited schedule and the Boston Public Market at Dewey Square has returned for the season, once again bringing locally-sourced food to those who live or work downtown from local farmers and small businesses. The food trucks and farmers market have enhanced cleaning and physical distancing procedures to promote safety for our park visitors; farmers market vendors are proud to accept SNAP/EBT and HIP for all eligible products.

“During these challenging times; the Conservancy’s priorities are the health and safety of our visitors, staff, and partners on The Greenway,” said Greenway Conservancy Executive Director Jesse Brackenbury.  “As we continue with the phased reopening in the park, we will continue to provide dynamic open spaces, contemporary public art, and local food options that are essential to everyone who shares our city.”

Have questions? Check out our website at rosekennedygreenway.org or email info@rosekennedygreenway.org. Stay tuned for our next column highlighting our work on the gardens in Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park and Mary Soo Hoo Park on The Greenway!