The Draw 7 Park Site

ByHimanshu Dubey

&Chris Cumming

The Area

Draw 7 Park

Assembly Square siteof redevelopment

I-93

Fellsway

Orange Line & Commuter Rail

Commuter Rail

I-93

Orange Line & Commuter RailFellsway

What is there already?The park itself already exists, but it is hidden and does

not see many visitors. Existing elements include:Trees and bushesPaved footpathsBenchesOpen field

What can be added?Draw 7 Park has great potential and can be improved

with various elements:Designated soccer fieldBasketball courtPlayground for kidsFountainAdditional points of pedestrian accessGarbage and recycling receptacles

Best of all:Improved access to, and quality of, the waterfront

What can be added? (cont.)

The Mystic River WaterfrontNo features exist to attract people to the waterfront.The riverbank is ravaged by erosion, sediment, and

debris.A damaged and rusted chainlink fence runs the length of

the bank. It currently serves no purpose.

Solutions to the WaterfrontCreation of salt marshes along the shoreMore treesVegetation to control stormwater runoffPlaces to fish

Solutions (cont.)

Who will hang out here?Some residents from surrounding neighborhoods already

visit the park to play soccer.With the redevelopment of Assembly Square, there will

be an influx of new visitors:Residents ShoppersOrange Line passengers who see the park from the train

How do you get there?The only way into the park is a hidden access road that

crosses under the Orange Line bridge.Even so, it is not the most inviting entrance. It is meant

for vehicles.The embankment of the Orange Line approaching the

bridge acts as a giant wall between the park and Assembly Square.

The only good way to see the park is from the train.

New & Improved AccessThere should be at least one visible pedestrian crossing

over or under the tracks to the park.Assembly Square Station should also have stairs on the

other side of the mezzanine, providing direct T access to the park.

In East Boston, there is a footbridge crossing over the Blue Line to Constitution Beach. This is a perfect example of attractive pedestrian access.

The removal of the boats at the Winter Hill Yacht Club will open up the existing entrance for more space and visibility.

Noise PollutionThe greatest source of noise pollution comes from the

Orange Line trains, which pass frequently.This will be a problem for both park visitors on one side,

and residents and office workers on the other.The loud rumble from trains crossing the bridge is

especially loud.Commuter trains with loud diesel locomotives pass on

either side of the park.

Noise AbatementSound walls could be constructed on either side of the

tracks.There may be some kinds of walls that are transparent,

so the park is still visible from the train.The bridge will remain loud to cross under, another

important reason for alternative crossings.

THE END