The proposed Allston–Brighton Recreation Facility represents a transformative opportunity to reclaim long-inaccessible parkland and reintroduce it as a vibrant public destination along the Charles River. Located near the rotary formed by North Beacon Street, Nonantum Road, and Soldiers Field Road, the project reimagines a former municipal pool site—demolished in 2019—as a welcoming, resilient, and community-focused recreational landscape.

Developed in coordination with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the project explores multiple site concepts aligned with DCR’s roadway “Eye” alternatives, improving access and circulation while creating new possibilities for public recreation. These concepts will be shared with the community, refined through engagement, and advanced into a preferred schematic design that reflects neighborhood needs and regional park goals.

At its core, the project is about reconnection—restoring public access to a site that has been separated from its surroundings for decades. The new facility is designed as a destination for Allston–Brighton residents and Charles River Reservation visitors alike, offering expanded opportunities for active outdoor recreation while strengthening pedestrian and bicycle connections, including direct access to the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path.

Landscape design plays a central role in integrating the new facility into its riverfront setting. Green infrastructure and stormwater best management practices are woven throughout the site to manage runoff, improve water quality in the Charles River, and support long-term environmental health. Native plantings, shaded paths, and open lawns create a park-like environment that is both functional and inviting.

The project aligns with Executive Order 594: Leading by Example, advancing decarbonization and minimizing environmental impacts through sustainable design strategies and resilient materials. Together, the landscape and facility design create a forward-looking public space—one that supports recreation, restores ecological function, and reflects the community’s vision for an accessible, inclusive riverfront.