Pathway Improvements

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department selected Weston & Sampson to improve the pathways and entrances to the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

This multi-site project included a thorough assessment of existing entrance and path­way conditions throughout all three sites followed by an analysis and ranking to prioritize an improvement program. Weston & Sampson then developed the proposed improvements into drawings and details and prepared them for submission to the Boston Landmarks Commission, who then subsequently approved them without condition. The project team then assembled estimates for all three sites and adjusted the scopes of work, as appropriate, to leverage the funding available.

The public process included meetings directly with the Friends of the Public Garden as well as public forums held at Emerson College that drew about 15 residents. Based on the presentation graphics, those in attendance were able to understand the proposed improvements and provide meaningful feedback on the project.

During the course of construction, several unforeseen conditions arose. Weston & Sampson’s downtown Boston office location enabled us to provide responsive construction oversight and coordination with the contractor. When potentially unsuitable soils were discovered, our in-house environmental professionals were able to provide advice to Boston Parks and Recreation Department that facilitated a timely and risk-appropriate solution.