Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway

In the 1940s, planning began for a "Highway in the Skies" that would alleviate traffic congestion and provide a direct route for moving goods in and out of Boston. Construction of the elevated Central Artery began in 1951 and was completed in 1959, displacing more than 10,000 residents and demolishing some 1,000 buildings. The limitations of the Central Artery soon became painfully clear, however. In 1991, after almost a decade of planning, construction began on the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, more widely known as the "Big Dig", which was recognized as one of the largest, most complex, and technologically challenging highway projects in the history of the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/ |title=/ Beyond The Big Dig |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}

With the elevated highway to be relocated underground, Boston would be rich in prime urban land. Community and political leaders seized the opportunity to enhance Boston's city life by providing additional parks and gardens to connect some of its oldest, most diverse, and vibrant neighborhoods. The creation of the Greenway was a joint effort of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (MTA), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Boston, and various civic groups.

On October 4, 2008, tens of thousands of visitors came together for the park's inaugural celebration with the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/10/greenway_inaugu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007054214/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/10/greenway_inaugu.html |archive-date=2008-10-07 |title=A beautiful day on the Greenway|work=Boston.com|first=Megan|last=Woolhouse|date=October 4, 2008}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSymXt5GpgQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/MSymXt5GpgQ| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Inaugural Celebration |publisher=YouTube |date=2009-01-26 |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cbignore}} The following year, on February 23, 2009 the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy assumed operational responsibility for the parks. Today, the Greenway encompasses gardens, plazas, and tree-lined promenades. The Greenway is a key feature of the modern reinvention of Boston, Boston Harbor, the South Boston Waterfront, and the Harbor Islands.

MassDOT's obligation under state law to provide 50% of the funding for the Greenway ended in 2012,{{cite news |last1=McMurrow |first1=Paul |title=Rumble in the park |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/002-rumble-in-the-park/ |access-date=9 May 2020 |work=Commonwealth Magazine |date=12 July 2012}} and was replaced by year-to-year agreements until a six-year agreement in 2017. Now the Greenway Business Improvement District{{cite news |title=City approves Greenway BID, the city's second after Downtown Crossing |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2018/04/25/city-approves-greenway-bid-the-citys-second-after.html |access-date=7 January 2020 |work=Boston Business Journal |date=25 April 2018}} provides annual funding to the Greenway Conservancy, as do the City of Boston (from a fund established with proceeds from the sale of the Winthrop Square garage) and MassDOT.[http://www.wbur.org/news/2017/06/19/greenway-funding-deal Partnership Seeks To Put The Greenway On Firmer Financial Footing]{{cite news |last1=Conti |first1=Matt |title=Greenway Conservancy Financials Reflect State Support, Public Art Focus & Higher Salaries |url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2016/04/253433/ |access-date=9 May 2020 |work=North End Waterfront |date=27 April 2016}}

File:Chinatown Park, Boston.JPG

Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park (formerly Chinatown Park){{Cite web|url=https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/about-us/parks/|title=Parks|website=Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy|date=12 February 2013 |language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}} is located at the southern end of The Greenway. This one-acre park contains design elements drawn from Asian traditions and art work. Designed by Carol R. Johnson and Associates{{cite web|url=http://crja.com/project/chinatown-park/ |title=Chinatown |publisher=Crja.com |access-date=2015-05-05}} and May Sun,{{cite book|last1=Southworth|first1=Susan and Michael|title=AIA Guide to Boston|date=2008|publisher=Globe Pequot Press|isbn=978-0-7627-4337-7|page=73}} Chin Park has a large plaza, as well as a serpentine walkway edged by bamboo within bright red sculptural elements and a fountain that suggests a waterfall and shallow riverbed.

In 2011, the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy partnered with local community groups, residents, and abutters to add the plaza tables, chairs and shade umbrellas,{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2011/10/new_seating_shade_for_chinatow.html |title=New seating, shade for Chinatown Park |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}} while the City of Boston renovated neighboring Mary Soo Hoo Park to the south. Large festivals, such as the Chinatown Main Street Festival, the August Moon Festival, and Films at the Gate, are hosted in the plaza. Mary Soo Hoo Park was added to the Greenway Conservancy's responsibilities in 2015. In 2016, the PlayCubes children's climbing structure was added to the plaza temporarily as part of the Design Museum Boston's Extraordinary Playscapes exhibit; a portion of the PlayCubes installation was made permanent based on community input.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

In 2019, the park was renamed from Chinatown Park to Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park.{{Cite web|url=https://sampan.org/2019/01/gee-how-oak-tin-family-association-welcomes-new-officers/|title=Gee How Oak Tin family association welcomes new officers|last=黃靈美|first=Ling-Mei Wong|date=2019-01-07|website=Sampan.org|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13}}

File:Dewey Square Farmers Market Boston.jpg

Located between Congress and Summer Streets along Atlantic Avenue, Dewey Square Park joins the major transportation hub of South Station to the Financial District. The park has gardens, lawn areas, and the adjacent plaza, which was designed to draw in commuters and nearby workers and residents. The tables, chairs, and cluster of food trucks have made Dewey Square Park a popular lunch destination, especially in the warm seasons when the plaza features the twice-weekly Boston Public Market Association's farmers market.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2011/10/dewey_square_market_vendors_sh.html |title=Dewey Square Market vendors share park with Occupy Boston |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}} Food truck and other major festivals are hosted here.

In 2011, Dewey Square was the site of the Occupy Boston movement.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2011/10/13/occupy_boston_a_view_of_life_inside_the_tent_city/ |title=Occupy Boston: A view of life inside the tent city - The Boston Globe |publisher=Boston.com |date=2011-10-13 |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2011/10/at_bostons_dewey_square_a_prot.html |title=At Boston's Dewey Square, a protest of varied voices |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2011/10/occupy_bostons_signs_get_the_m.html |title=Occupy Boston's signs get the message across |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2011/11/with_winter_closing_in_occupy.html |title=With winter closing in, Occupy Boston protesters debate next moves |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}} The subsequent redesign of the planting includes pollinator garden, raised beds planted with edibles, a rain garden, and a small orchard; produce harvested from the edible garden is donated to hunger-relief charities.

The Fort Point Channel Parks are located between Oliver and Congress Streets along Atlantic Avenue, they are often referred to as the "New American Gardens" for their wide variety of trees and flowers that are often found in gardens of typical New England homes.{{cite web |url=http://tobiaswolflandscape.wordpress.com/607-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023010632/http://tobiaswolflandscape.wordpress.com/607-2/ |archive-date=2012-10-23 |title=Fort Point Channel Parks and Dewey Square Park}}{{cite web |url=http://tobiaswolflandscape.wordpress.com/594-2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023011026/http://tobiaswolflandscape.wordpress.com/594-2/ |archive-date=2012-10-23 |title=Urban Arboretum, Rose Kennedy Greenway}}

The Fort Point Channel Parks, designed by Halvorson Design Associates,{{cite web|title=Fort Point Channel Parks|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/parks/fort-point-channel/|website=RoseKennedyGreenway.org|access-date=19 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=Fort Point Channel Parks|url=http://www.halvorsondesign.com/fort-point-channel|website=HalvorsonDesign.com|access-date=19 April 2016}} were planted in 2008 by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, with help from many volunteers including the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.{{cite web |url=http://www.masshort.org/Gardens-on-the-Greenway-Blog/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601233557/http://www.masshort.org/Gardens-on-the-Greenway-Blog/ |archive-date=2008-06-01 |title=Massachusetts Horticultural Society}} The Greenway Conservancy has added significant additional planting and is responsible for the ongoing care.

File:Wharf District Park fountain, Boston.jpg

The Wharf District Parks connect Faneuil Hall and the Financial District with Boston Harbor. Designed by EDAW and Copley Wolff Design Group,{{cite web |url=http://www.copley-wolff.com/projects/parks/wharfdistrict.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026054836/http://www.copley-wolff.com/projects/parks/wharfdistrict.html |archive-date=2009-10-26 |title=Wharf District Parks}} the parks contain areas of paved surfaces for active public use and a gathering space for public events known as the Great Room.{{cite web|url=http://www.behance.net/gallery/Rose-Kennedy-Greenway-Wharf-District-Park/609128 |title=Behance |publisher=Behance |access-date=2015-05-05}} Three open lawn areas, surrounded with plantings, provide informal space for gatherings. During the warmer months, the Wharf District Parks host the Greenway Open Market,{{cite web|url=http://www.greenwayopenmarket.com/ |title=greenwayopenmarket.com |publisher=greenwayopenmarket.com |access-date=2015-05-05}} food vendors, concerts and fitness classes. Large events also occur across the Wharf District Parks, such as the Boston Local Food Fest and the FIGMENT participatory art festival. The Wharf District Parks are home to the Mothers’ Walk, a curving pathway that consists of pavers engraved with names and personal messages.{{cite web|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/donate/mothers_walk/ |title=Mothers' Walk - Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy |publisher=Rosekennedygreenway.org |access-date=2015-05-05}}

The Greenway Conservancy raised funds to design and construct the Greenway Carousel at The Tiffany & Co. Foundation Grove, which opened on August 31, 2013. Instead of horses, the hand-carved creatures of this carousel are the wildlife found in and around Boston and its harbor; the animals are carved by local sculptor Jeff Briggs and inspired by the drawings of Boston school children.{{cite web |url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/the-conservancy/planning/greenway-custom-carousel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126130354/http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/the-conservancy/planning/greenway-custom-carousel/ |archive-date=2012-01-26 |title=Greenway Custom Carousel}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/06/30/sculptor_challenged_by_boston_themed_creatures_for_greenways_new_carousel/ |title=Sculptor challenged by Boston-themed creatures for Greenway's new carousel - The Boston Globe |publisher=Boston.com |date=2012-06-30 |access-date=2015-05-05}} ~100,000 visits enjoy a spin on the carousel each year.

One of the new additions to the Wharf District Parks, the Harbor Islands Pavilion is an open-air structure staffed by National Park Service rangers to welcome visitors and provide information about the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Ferry tickets and Boston Harbor Islands park merchandise are available for purchase at the pavilion. The Pavilion was designed by Utile[http://www.utiledesign.com/projects/harbor-park-pavilion/ Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion | Utile, Inc. Architecture + Planning] and opened on June 2, 2011{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2011/06/boston_harbor_islands_pavilion.html |title=Boston Harbor Islands Pavilion celebrates grand opening on greenway |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}

File:Greenway Armenian Heritage Park 2012.JPG

The Armenian Heritage Park is dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide and acknowledges the history of Boston as a port of entry for immigrants worldwide, and celebrates those who have migrated to Massachusetts shores and contributed to American life and culture. The Park consists of two key features surrounded by seating, brick paving and landscaping. The Abstract Sculpture, a split dodecahedron, is mounted on a Reflecting Pool, represents the immigrant experience. The Labyrinth,{{cite news|last1=Stapleton|first1=John Paul|title=What to know about the Greenway labyrinth|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2016/04/28/what-know-about-greenway-labyrinth/jk797WgQTV84z803AKTePK/story.html|access-date=1 May 2016|work=Boston Globe}} a circular winding path paved in granite and set in lawn, celebrates life's journey. The Park and its endowed programs are a key initiative of the Armenian Heritage Foundation.Armenian Heritage Park The park opened in May 2012{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/05/23/armenian_heritage_park_dedicated_on_rose_kennedy_greenway_to_honor_immigrants/ |title=Armenian Heritage Park dedicated on Rose Kennedy Greenway to honor immigrants - The Boston Globe |publisher=Boston.com |date=2012-05-23 |access-date=2015-05-05}} The park is maintained by the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy under contract with the Armenian Heritage Fountain.

{{Main|North End Parks}}

File:2008 Greenway Boston 2739303146.jpg

The North End Parks (Boston Big Dig parcels #8 and #10, lying on opposite sides of Hanover Street) reflect the history and scale of the adjacent North End neighborhood.{{cite web |url=https://www.ggnltd.com/north-end-parks |title=Gustafson Guthrie Nichol |publisher=Ggnltd.com |quote=Through local collaboration and public meetings, GGN created the Home and City Crossing concept. This concept recognized that the site had always been a physical and social threshold. The residents’ traditional, lively street culture is celebrated in the parks’ design of furnished terraces, intimate garden spaces, and interactive water features.|access-date=2018-05-05 }} They were designed by two teams of landscape architects: Boston's Crosby, Schlessinger, Smallridge LLC{{cite web|title=North End Parks|url=http://www.cssboston.com/portfolio/nep/|website=Crosby, Schlessinger, Smallridge|access-date=19 May 2016}} and Seattle's Gustafson Guthrie Nichol Ltd. Lawns surrounded by densely planted perimeter beds are designed to evoke a formal feel of past European style gardens with boxwood hedges enclosing an array of perennials. A trellis and "pergola" along the eastern edge offer public seating and a vantage point that overlooks both greenspace and historic buildings. The "canal fountain," a shallow water feature with fountain jets, reflects a period approximately a century ago when a canal connected the harbor to now defunct industrial operations.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/greenway-parks/north-end/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805100900/http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/greenway-parks/north-end/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-08-05 |title=The Rose Kennedy Greenway: North End |publisher=Rose Kennedy Greenway |quote=Along the eastern edge, a trellis “pergola” covers a long “front porch” that provides both a place for sitting and an overlook for the lawn and the historic architecture beyond. A shallow water “canal” runs the length with vertical water jets adding sparkle and movement. This fountain harkens back to a century ago when a canal connected the harbor to important industrial operations. |date=2012 |access-date=March 21, 2020}} During the warmer months, the North End Parks host free fitness classes and other events.

The Carolyn Lynch Garden was dedicated by the Greenway Conservancy in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with The Lynch Foundation in August 2018. The garden's name is attributed to Carolyn Hoff Lynch, an avid gardener and philanthropist, who died in 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/horticulture/carolyn-lynch-garden/|title=Carolyn Lynch Garden|website=Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy|language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}} The dedicated gardens are part of a $1.4 million gift from The Lynch Foundation.{{Cite web|url=https://northendwaterfront.com/2018/08/dedicating-and-ribbon-cutting-at-carolyn-lynch-garden-on-the-greenway/|title=Dedicating and Ribbon Cutting at Carolyn Lynch Garden on the Greenway|last=Amaya|first=Ariel|date=2018-08-28|website=NorthEndWaterfront.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-13}}{{clear}}

File:Quincy Market and Parcel 12, Boston.JPG

Big Dig planners debated the mix between open space and buildings on the land to be freed up by the removal of the elevated highway. Proposals in 1985 by the state and in 1988 by the Boston Society of Architects suggested that most of the land should be used for mid-rise buildings.{{cite journal|last1=Luberoff|first1=David|title=Civic Leadership and the Big Dig|journal=Rappaport Institute Working Papers|date=3 May 2004|page=9|url=https://www.hks.harvard.edu/content/download/68572/1247098/version/1/file/abc_1.pdf|access-date=5 May 2016}} But in 1991, the Boston Redevelopment Authority's "Boston 2000" plan called for 75% of the land "to be developed as a series of parks and urban plazas."{{cite web|title=Boston 2000: A Plan for the Central Artery|year=1991 |url=https://archive.org/details/boston2000planfo00bost|publisher=Boston Redevelopment Authority|access-date=7 May 2016}}

The 1991 environmental certificate for the project adopted this idea, mandating that not more than 25% of the surface could be developed, with the rest maintained as public open space.{{cite web|title=The Central Artery Environmental Oversight Committee|url=https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/strmlng/artery/artery_4.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060922210449/http://environment.fhwa.dot.gov/strmlng/artery/artery_4.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 22, 2006|publisher=Federal Highway Administration|access-date=7 May 2016}} The certificate specifically required that three parcels near South Station, encompassing about four acres of land, be turned over to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MassHort) for outdoor gardens and an enclosed winter garden. And the certificate required that the three ramps at Parcels 6, 12, and 18 be covered "to mitigate their impacts on the surface environment."

The 2001 Central Artery Corridor Master Plan{{cite web|last1=Massachusetts Turnpike Authority|title=Boston Central Artery Corridor Master Plan|url=https://bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/record/590303?loc=111;qtype=identifier%7Coclc;query=47936437|website=C/W MARS|oclc=47936437 |access-date=6 May 2016}} followed the 1991 mandate by designating specific parcels for open space or for development.{{cite book|last1=Economic Development Research Group|title=Real Estate Impacts of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel Project, Volume II|date=February 2006|publisher=Massachusetts Turnpike Authority|page=17|url=http://www.edrgroup.com/pdf/mta-economic-v2.pdf|access-date=6 May 2016}}{{cite news|last1=McCown|first1=James|title=Boston Reconnecting|url=http://www.architectureweek.com/2001/0926/building_2-1.html|access-date=6 May 2016|work=Architecture Week|date=26 September 2001}} A map showed the location of each open space and development parcel.{{cite web|title=Parcel Land Use|url=https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/Images/bigdig/parcelmap.gif| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20151009090627/https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/Images/bigdig/parcelmap.gif| archive-date =October 9, 2015 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation|access-date=6 May 2016}} Parcels 19, 21, and 22 were assigned to MassHort. The three parcels containing highway ramps were designated for development. All of the other parcels directly above the underground highway from Parcel 17 north to Parcel 7 were designated as parkland. All of the parcels not located directly above the new tunnel were designated for development.{{cite web|title=About the Parcels|url=http://archive.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/parcels/|website=Beyond The Big Dig|publisher=Boston Globe|access-date=7 May 2016}}

A surface road carrying local traffic existed underneath most of the length of the elevated Central Artery.{{cite web|last1=City of Boston|title=Central Artery|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofbostonarchives/22335996018/in/photolist-eahGhu-eahGib-fTYAVJ-Ai9K47-A2KPrC|website=Flickr|date=27 October 2015 |access-date=6 May 2016}} Big Dig plans called for the creation of a pair of one-way surface roads extending the length of the Greenway, to handle local traffic. Greenway parks and development sites would be bordered by these surface roads as well as by cross streets separating each parcel.{{cite web|title=Parcel map|url=http://wp.streetwise.co/wp-content/uploads//2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-02-at-8.32.47-AM.png|publisher=BostInno|access-date=7 May 2016}}

In 1991, the Turnpike Authority authorized the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MassHort) to develop gardens and an indoor "Garden Under Glass" on Big Dig Parcels 19, 21, and 22, near Dewey Square.{{cite news|last1=Turner|first1=Robert L.|title=Glass Act|url=http://archive.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/news/artery_033003_magazine_1.htm|access-date=1 May 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=30 March 2003}}{{cite news|last1=Palmer|first1=Thomas|title=Pike authority tries to help garden grow|url=http://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2006/06/28/pike_authority_tries_to_help_garden_grow/|access-date=27 April 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=28 June 2006}} But MassHort was unable to raise sufficient funds for the $100 million project, and cancelled it in 2008.{{cite web|title=Thoughts While Planting Daffodils Along the Greenway|url=http://theprincipalundergardener.blogspot.com/2012/11/thoughts-while-planting-daffodils-along.html|website=The Principal Undergardener|date=7 November 2012 |access-date=27 April 2016}} The parcels were then turned over to the Greenway Conservancy, which created Dewey Square Park (Parcel 22) and Fort Point Channel Parks (Parcels 19 & 21).{{cite web|title=Photo of Parcels 19, 21, and 22|url=http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/getattachment/b1fbbdf9-feda-4909-98c4-958f1165a5de|access-date=8 May 2016|work=Boston Redevelopment Authority}}

Parcels 8 and 10 were reserved by Boston's zoning code to be "programmed, designed, and detailed for the primary benefit of the adjacent North End community through the development of a series of spaces which invite both residents and visitors to use the park while clearly delineating a neighborhood presence and oversight of the park." They became the North End Parks.{{Cite web |url=http://archive.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/parcels/parcel10.htm |title=About the Parcels: North End: Parcel 10 = |work=Boston.com |quote=With adjacent Parcel 8, master plan envisions this as both civic space and a neighborhood park. Only small structures with a footprint of 600-square-feet or less are allowed, and they can cover a maximum of 5 percent of the parcel. Article 49 of the city's zoning code says Parcels 8 and 10 "should be programmed, designed, and detailed for the primary benefit of the adjacent North End community through the development of a series of spaces which invite both residents and visitors to use the park while clearly delineating a neighborhood presence and oversight of the park." |date=2002 |access-date=March 21, 2020}} Parcel 13 became the Armenian Heritage Park. Parcels 14 through 17 became the Wharf District Parks. Parcel 23D became the Chinatown Park.

At three locations along the Greenway (Parcels 6, 12, and 18) ramps to and from the underground highway occupy some of the surface. The Big Dig's 1991 environmental approval certificate committed the state to cover the ramps. Nonprofit organizations were designated to develop buildings on the three sites, and the Massachusetts Legislature authorized $31 million to help pay the costs of building on top of the ramps.{{cite news|last1=Ross|first1=Casey|title=Finishing touches eyed for the Greenway|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2011/11/02/finishing-touches-eyed-for-greenway/lA4YhGY0t7zBGIXyUkPlqI/story.html|work=Boston Globe|date=3 November 2011}} However, all three proposals were abandoned due to high costs between 2009 and 2011.{{cite web|last1=Conti|first1=Matt|title=YMCA Withdraws from Plans to Build on Greenway|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2011/02/ymca-withdraws-from-plans-to-build-on-greenway/|publisher=North End Waterfront News|access-date=28 April 2016}} In 2014, the Boston Redevelopment Authority initiated a review of the three parcels.{{cite web|title=Central Artery Ramp Parcel Study|url=http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/planning/planning-initiatives/greenway-ramp-parcel-study|publisher=Boston Redevelopment Authority|access-date=7 May 2016}} Preliminary studies have proposed landscaping and partial coverage of some of the ramps.{{cite web|title=Rose Kennedy Greenway Ramp Parcels Study|url=http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/getattachment/b6dbd0c9-7e18-4d9b-a085-9b07e5a05498|publisher=Boston Redevelopment Authority|access-date=26 April 2016}}{{cite news|last1=DeLuca|first1=Nick|title=New Greenway Design Could Be a Boston Version of NY's High Line|url=http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/01/19/rose-kennedy-greenway-massdot-concepts-for-ramp-parcel-coverings/|access-date=5 May 2016|work=BostInno|date=19 January 2015}}

File:Big Dig Parcel 6 Panorama, Boston.jpg

Parcel 6{{cite web|title=Parcel 6|url=http://archive.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/parcels/parcel6.htm|website=Archive.Boston.Com|publisher=Boston Globe|access-date=26 April 2016}} is located at the northern end of the Greenway, adjacent to the North End Parks. The entire site is covered by highway ramps. In 2003, the YMCA of Greater Boston was designated to build a community center and gym on the parcel.{{cite web|title=YMCA on the Greenway|url=https://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/topic/8836-ymca-on-the-greenway/|publisher=UrbanPlanet.org|access-date=5 May 2016}} The estimated cost of the building, designed by Childs Bertman Tseckares, was $70 million. In 2011, the YMCA abandoned its plans for the site, citing the high cost of building over the active highway ramps.{{cite news|last1=Ross|first1=Casey|title=End of grand Greenway vision|url=http://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2011/02/17/greenway_vision_ends_as_ymca_cancels_plan_for_new_center/|access-date=26 April 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=17 February 2011}}

Parcel 12{{cite web|title=Parcel 12|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Greenway-Ramp-at-Parcel-12-Aerial.jpg|publisher=NorthEndWaterfront.com|access-date=5 May 2016}}{{cite web|title=Parcel 12|url=http://archive.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/parcels/parcel12.htm|website=Archive.Boston.Com|publisher=Boston Globe|access-date=26 April 2016}} is located just south of the North End Parks. In 2005, The Boston Museum was awarded the rights to build an $89 million museum designed by Moshe Safdie.{{cite web|title=Parcel 12 - Boston Museum|url=http://wp.streetwise.co/wp-content/uploads//2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-02-at-8.45.41-AM.png|publisher=BostInno|access-date=5 May 2016}} The Museum gave up its plans in 2009. It made two unsuccessful bids for Parcel 9,{{cite news|last1=Palmer|first1=Thomas|title=Boston Museum seeks new site|url=http://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2008/03/19/boston_museum_seeks_new_site/|access-date=7 May 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=19 March 2008}} one of the development parcels, before dissolving in 2013.{{cite web|title=Boston Museum Project Dies as Fundraising Proves too Onerous|url=http://www.massnonprofit.org/news.php?artid=3163|publisher=Mass Nonprofit News}} The Museum's first proposal for Parcel 9 also included a plan to build a pedestrian bridge extending the length of Parcel 12.{{cite news|title=Development Team of Boston Museum Bids on New Downtown Site|url=http://artdaily.com/news/30132/Development-Team-of-Boston-Museum-Bids-on-New-Downtown-Site|access-date=6 May 2016|work=ArtDaily.org|date=9 April 2009}}

Fencing keeps pedestrians off of the ramp structure of Parcel 12. The fencing on the west side of the ramps has been used by the Greenway Conservancy as the supporting structure for several temporary art exhibits, including "MAY THIS NEVER END",{{cite web|title=Matthew Hoffman|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/currently-greenway/matthew-hoffman/|website=Rose Kennedy Greenway|access-date=28 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=#maythisneverend|url=https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/maythisneverend/|website=Instagram|access-date=28 April 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Conti|first1=Matt|title=Greenway Parcel 12 Fence Sports Text-Based Public Art|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2016/02/250089/|access-date=2 May 2016|work=North End Waterfront.com|date=2 February 2016}} a {{convert|4|foot|meter}} by {{convert|319|foot|meter}} work by Matthew Hoffman that was installed in 2016.

A zip-line opened on Parcel 12 for one season in June 2017.{{cite news|title=Zipline Over Boston's Rose F. Kennedy Greenway Set For Opening|url=http://boston.cbslocal.com/2017/05/31/boston-greenway-zipline-the-z-opens/|access-date=11 June 2017|work=CBS Boston|date=31 May 2017}}{{cite web|title=The Z - Boston Zipline|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/z-boston-zipline/|website=The Greenway|publisher=Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy|access-date=11 June 2017}}

A wildflower meadow and beehives were added in 2019.

Parcel 18{{cite web|title=Parcel 18|url=http://archive.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/parcels/parcel18.htm|website=Archive.Boston.Com|publisher=Boston Globe|access-date=26 April 2016}} is located between the Wharf District Parks and the Fort Point Channel Parks. In 2004, The New Center for Arts and Culture proposed construction of a $40 million art and cultural center to be designed by Daniel Libeskind.{{cite web|title=New Center For Arts And Culture|url=http://divisare.com/projects/16720-daniel-libeskind-new-center-for-arts-and-culture|website=Divisare.com|access-date=5 May 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Reidy|first1=Chris|title=$40m museum proposed for Greenway|url=http://archive.boston.com/business/articles/2004/06/02/40m_museum_proposed_for_greenway/|access-date=26 April 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=2 June 2004}} The center was designated as the developer of this site, but abandoned the plans in 2010. Unlike Parcels 6 and 12, Parcel 18 has a relatively small portion of its area devoted to the highway ramps. The rest of the parcel was intensively landscaped, and has a pedestrian walkway that extends its full length.

File:One Canal building under construction, Boston, 2016.JPG

All of the parcels in the Bulfinch Triangle (Parcels 1, 1a/b/c, 2, and 2a/b) at the northern end of the Greenway are being developed with mixed-use, predominantly residential buildings, including The Victor,{{cite web|title=The Victor Apartments|url=http://www.simpsonpropertygroup.com/apartments/boston-massachusetts/the-victor-downtown|publisher=Simpson Property Group|access-date=27 April 2016}} Parcel 1B,{{cite web|title=Parcel 1b|url=http://www.relatedbeal.com/parcel1b/|publisher=Related Beal|access-date=27 April 2016}} One Canal,{{cite web|title=One Canal|url=http://www.trinityfinancial.com/portofolio/one-canal-street/|publisher=Trinity Financial|access-date=27 April 2016}} and Avenir Apartments.{{cite web|title=Avenir Apartments|url=http://www.equityapartments.com/boston/north-end/avenir-apartments|publisher=Equity Apartments|access-date=27 April 2016}} As part of the Big Dig, a mixed use structure was built on Parcel 7{{cite web|title=Beyond the Big Dig - Parcel 7|url=http://www.boston.com/beyond_bigdig/parcels/parcel7.htm|website=Boston.com|access-date=7 May 2016}} that contains a ventilation tower for the tunnel as well as a parking garage, state agency offices, part of the new Haymarket MBTA Station, and the Boston Public Market. Development of a hotel and market building on Parcel 9,{{cite web|title=Haymarket Square Parcel 9|url=http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/projects/development-projects/haymarket-square-parcel-9|website=Boston Redevelopment Authority|access-date=26 April 2016}} adjacent to the Haymarket produce market, was approved in June 2016.{{cite news|last1=Conti|first1=Matt|title=Haymarket Hotel (Parcel 9) Approved by Boston Redevelopment Authority|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2016/06/haymarket-hotel-parcel-9-approved-bra-board-residents-association-update/|access-date=10 June 2016|work=North End Waterfront.com|date=10 June 2016}} No action has been taken on Parcel 11a or Parcel 11b;{{cite news|last1=Conti|first1=Matt|title=BRA Approves Greenway Guidelines With 200 Feet for Harbor Garage and 55 Feet at Fulton St. Lot|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2010/08/bra-approves-greenway-guidelines-keeps-55-feet-for-fulton-st-lot/|access-date=7 May 2016|work=NorthEndWaterfront.com|date=19 August 2010}} the latter is used as a parking lot for city employees.{{cite web|title=Re: Rose Kennedy Greenway|url=http://www.archboston.org/community/showpost.php?p=108613&postcount=3839|website=archBOSTON.org|access-date=27 April 2016}} Parcel 24, near the southern end of the Greenway, is the site of the mixed-income residential building One Greenway,{{cite web|title=The Tower: One Greenway|url=http://www.onegreenwayboston.com/|access-date=27 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=66 Hudson: One Greenway|url=http://www.66hudsonatonegreenway.com/|access-date=27 April 2016}} which opened in 2015.{{cite news|last1=Larson|first1=Todd|title=New apartment tower transforms Greenway triangle|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/real-estate/2015/12/04/new-luxury-apartment-tower-transforms-greenway-triangle/Luitk5fzMDOu74dHFGN9sI/story.html|access-date=27 April 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=4 December 2015}} Parcels 25, 26, and 27, at the southern end of the tunnel, were the subject of unsuccessful requests for proposals in 2004{{cite news|last1=Acitelli|first1=Tom|title=Saving the South Bay Mega-Development in Downtown Boston|url=http://boston.curbed.com/2012/8/27/10336848/bumpy-ride-to-the-realization-of-southbay-megadevelopment|access-date=6 May 2016|work=Curbed Boston|date=27 August 2012}} and in 2011.{{cite web|title=Parcel 25 Request for Proposals|url=http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/0/docs/infoCenter/realEstate_assetDev/CAT_Parcel25_RFP.pdf|publisher=MassDOT|access-date=6 May 2016}} Plans to develop the land, now called the South Bay Kneeland Street Parcels,{{cite web|title=South Bay Kneeland Street Parcels|url=http://www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/planning/planning-initiatives/south-bay-kneeland-street-parcels|publisher=Boston Redevelopment Authority|access-date=6 May 2016}} were revived in 2016.{{cite news|last1=Metzger|first1=Andy|title=State, City Look To Redevelop MassDOT Site At Edge Of Chinatown|url=https://news.wgbh.org/2016/02/09/politics-government/state-city-look-redevelop-massdot-site-edge-chinatown|access-date=6 May 2016|work=WGBH News|date=9 February 2016}}

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A permanent installation, Harbor Fog,{{cite web|title=Harbor Fog|url=http://www.rossmiller.com/#!harbor-fog/c1vxr|website=RossMiller.com|access-date=12 April 2016}}{{cite web|title=Harbor Fog|url=http://publicartboston.com/content/harbor-fog|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002020135/http://www.publicartboston.com/content/harbor-fog|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 2, 2010|website=PublicArtBoston.com|publisher=Boston Art Commission|access-date=12 April 2016}} by Boston artist Ross Miller, is located in the Wharf District Parks. File:Harbor fog backlit sq.jpg

The Conservancy has a program to install rotating exhibitions of contemporary public art on the Greenway.{{cite web|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/|title=Public Art|website=rosekennedygreenway.org|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2016/05/new-temporary-public-art-installations-greenway|title=New Temporary Public Art Installations on the Greenway|date=10 May 2016|work=NorthEndWaterfront.com|access-date=11 May 2016}}

Commissions by the Greenway Conservancy have won 8 awards from Americans for the Arts’ Public Art Network, among the most in the country since 2012. Annually, PAN recognizes the best 50 new public art installations and has recognized Os Gemeos, “The Giant of Boston” (2012); Shinique Smith, “Seven Moon Junction” (2014); Kyu Seok Oh, “Wandering Sheep” (2015); Matthew Hoffman, “MAY THIS NEVER END” (2016); Mehdi Ghadyanloo, “Spaces Of Hope” (2017); Meredith James, “Far from this setting in which I now find myself” (2017); and Mark Reigelman, “The Meeting House” (2017); and Anne Lilly, "Temple of Mnemon" (2018).

A series of temporary murals are rotated each fall on the 70' x 76' wall of the air intake structure overlooking Dewey Square Park. In 2012, Brazilian twin brothers Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo (Os Gêmeos) painted a mural on the wall, in conjunction with their first solo exhibition in the United States at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art.{{cite web|title=Os Gemeos|url=https://www.icaboston.org/exhibitions/os-gemeos|website=icaboston.org|publisher=Institute of Contemporary Art Boston|access-date=7 April 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2012/08/greenway_visitors_speak_out_on.html |title=Greenway visitors speak out on mural controversy |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite news|last=Schmidt |first=Christopher |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2121063,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803003904/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2121063,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 3, 2012 |title=Writing on the Wall |publisher=TIME |date=2012-08-13 |access-date=2015-05-05}} In fall 2013, a new mural, "Remanence: Salt and Light (Part II)" by Matthew Ritchie replaced the Os Gemeos mural.{{cite web|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/matthew-ritchie-mural/ |title=Matthew Ritchie Mural |publisher=rosekennedygreenway.org |access-date=2015-05-05}} The third mural on the Greenway Wall was "Seven Moon Junction"{{cite web|title=Shinique Smith|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/past-exhibitions/shinique-smith-mural/|website=rosekennedygreenway.org|access-date=7 April 2016}} by Shinique Smith, installed in 2014. "A TRANSLATION FROM ONE LANGUAGE TO ANOTHER"{{cite web|title=Lawrence Weiner Mural|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/currently-greenway/lawrence-weiner-mural/|website=rosekennedygreenway.org|access-date=7 April 2016}} by Lawrence Weiner was installed on the Greenway Wall in 2015 and remained through September 2016. "Spaces of Hope," by Iranian artist Mehdi Ghadyanloo was installed on the wall in October 2016.{{cite web|title=Mehdi Ghadyanloo, Spaces of Hope, 2016|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/upcoming-exhibitions/mehdi-ghadyanloo|website=The Greenway|publisher=Rose Kennedy Greenway.org|access-date=11 October 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Incollingo|first1=Joe|title=Meet the man who will create the new Greenway mural|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/art/2016/10/03/iranian-artist-mehdi-ghadyanloo-will-begin-work-new-rose-kennedy-greenway-mural/b55Hhhg4EE2Hua4isdfFHN/story.html|access-date=11 October 2016|work=The Boston Globe|date=3 October 2016}}

Shara Hughes’ “Carving Out Fresh Options” was installed on the Greenway Wall in May 2018, and the current mural, "Resonance" by Super A was installed in May 2019.

File:BOS_Echelman_PhotoMelissaHenry_DSC00713e.jpg

In 2015, the Conservancy commissioned the installation of a work called "As If It Were Already Here"{{cite web|title=As If It Were Already Here, Boston, MA, 2015|url=http://www.echelman.com/project/boston-greenway/|website=echelman.com|access-date=7 April 2016}} by Janet Echelman. The installation was attached to three adjacent high-rise buildings, so that it was suspended above the Fort Point Channel parks. In 2023, the Boston Society of Architects awarded the work its Harleston Parker Medal, which recognizes “the most beautiful piece of architecture, building, monument, or structure built in the metropolitan Boston area in the past 10 years”.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Abigail |title=Janet Echelman's memorable 2015 piece wins Boston Society for Architecture's Harleston Parker Medal |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/18/arts/janet-echelmans-memorable-2015-piece-wins-boston-society-architectures-harleston-parker-medal/ |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=Boston Globe |date=18 January 2023}}

An exhibit of sculptures called "Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,"{{cite web|title=Ai Weiwei - Circle of Animals / Zodiac Heads|url=http://www.zodiacheads.com/|website=www.zodiacheads.com|access-date=12 April 2016}} by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, was installed in April 2016 at the Rings Fountain in the Wharf District Parks, and remained on exhibit until October.{{cite web|title=Ai Weiwei|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/public-art/upcoming-exhibitions/ai-weiwei|website=RoseKennedyGreenway.org|access-date=11 April 2016}}{{cite web|last1=Toussaint|first1=Kristin|title=10-foot-tall animal heads are coming to the Rose Kennedy Greenway|url=http://www.boston.com/culture/lifestyle/2016/03/07/10-foot-tall-animal-heads-are-coming-to-the-rose-kennedy-greenway|website=Boston.com|access-date=11 April 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Incolligno|first1=Joe|title=Boston's Greenway has new residents, but what are they?|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2016/04/25/greenway-installs-circle-animals-zodiac-heads-weiwei/9plaGOtOaJop0GTIUGylRO/story.html|access-date=27 April 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=25 April 2016}}{{cite news|last1=Conti|first1=Matt|title=Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads Debut at Greenway Rings Fountain|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2016/05/circle-animalszodiac-heads-debuts-greenway-rings-fountain-photo-gallery/|access-date=2 May 2016|work=North End Waterfront.com|date=1 May 2016}}

For the first time in 2017, The Greenway curated a year-long site-specific series of Public Art installations throughout our parks entitled Playful Perspectives. The surreal installations challenged visitors’ perception of reality while engaging the viewer in a playful manner. Works of artwork included Mark Reigelman's Meeting House, Meredith James' Far from this setting in which I now find myself, Aakash Nihalani's Balancing Acts I/II and Chris Templeman's Make and Take 3D printing Rooster Machine.

In 2018 The Greenway installed GLOW, a public exhibition of commissioned light-based artworks, historically significant Massachusetts light based roadside architecture, and interactive experiences that showcases the rapidly evolving concept of light and art, helping to shape our sense of place, and our collective and individual identities. Commissioned artworks included Anne Lilly's Temple of Mnemon and Luftwerks Transition.

The Greenway's 2019 Public Art exhibition, titled The Auto Show, was an exhibition consisting of both loaned and commissioned works by nationally & internationally-renowned artists that explored the form of the automobile and the imaginative qualities of construction and movement through ideas of transportation. The Auto Show helped to mark the 10th anniversary of the non-profit Greenway Conservancy's care and management of The Greenway by leading visitors to reflect on the former elevated Central Artery and the history of site as a transportation corridor. Artworks included Erwin Wurm's UFO, Computer Generated Graphics (CGI) by Chris Labrooy, No Direction by Julie Libersat, and OPERANT (An Oldowonk Cataract) by Karl Unnasch.

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File:Rose Kennedy Greenway fog P1010925.jpgPublic programs and events on the Greenway, organized by the Greenway Conservancy in partnership with cultural institutions and businesses, have included art festivals, food truck competitions,{{cite web |url=http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20221014crowds_get_taste_of_victory_in_showdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018002735/http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20221014crowds_get_taste_of_victory_in_showdown |archive-date=2012-10-18 |title=Crowds get taste of victory in food truck showdown}} concerts, markets, and more, and are geared toward multi-generational and multi-cultural audiences.{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/about-us/|publisher=Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy|access-date=4 May 2016}} Trackable visitation of the Greenway has increased from 96,000 visitors in 2009{{cite news|last1=Levenson|first1=Michael|title=Greenway becomes people's park in Boston|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/08/17/rose-fitzgerald-kennedy-greenway-draws-increasing-crowds-becomes-people-park/5gTs1YwnXy22ANvAeNrYrL/story.html|access-date=4 May 2016|work=Boston Globe|date=18 August 2013}} to 800,000 in 2013{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/business/news/2014/03/17/visitation-numbers-for-the-rose-fitzgerald-kennedy-greenway-rose-sharply-conservancy-says/3FJDVJ0plH5d2lAt4jraBO/story.html |title=Visitation numbers for the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway rose sharply in 2013, conservancy says - Business news |publisher=Boston.com |date=2014-03-17 |access-date=2015-05-05}} and to 1.38 million in 2016;{{cite web|last1=Auger|first1=Alan|title=Greenway sets another attendance record in 2016!|url=http://blog.rosekennedygreenway.org/2017/03/03/greenway-sets-another-attendance-record-in-2016/|website=Life on the Greenway|publisher=RoseKennedyGreenway.org|access-date=28 May 2017}} many additional visitors enjoy the fountains, gardens, public art, and pathways. A free Wi-Fi network running the length of the park was added by the Conservancy in 2010.

Over 400 free events are held on the Greenway annually. Recurring events include the FIGMENT participatory art festival in July,{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/2012/07/28/figment-art-party-the-greenway/oP7Gl148EyavOpIrIuYmRJ/pictures.html |title=FIGMENT art party on the Greenway - Your Town |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/downtown/2012/05/organizers_prepare_for_figment.html |title=Organizers prepare for Figment festival on Greenway |publisher=Boston.com |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite web|title=FIGMENT Boston|url=http://boston.figmentproject.org/event_details|access-date=3 May 2016}} the Boston Local Food Festival in September,{{cite web|title=Boston Local Food Festival|url=http://bostonlocalfoodfestival.com/|access-date=3 May 2016}} the Greenway artisan market from May through early October,{{cite web|title=Greenway Open Market|url=http://newenglandopenmarkets.com/greenway-open-market/|publisher=NewEnglandOpenMarkets.com|access-date=3 May 2016}} World Labyrinth Day in May,{{cite web|title=World Labyrinth Day|url=https://labyrinthsociety.org/world-labyrinth-day|publisher=The Labyrinth Society|access-date=3 May 2016}} the Berklee College of Music Summer Concerts at the Greenway,{{cite web|title=Summer Concerts at the Greenway Sessions|url=https://www.berklee.edu/events/summer/greenway-series|publisher=Berklee College of Music|access-date=3 May 2016}} and the Coolidge Corner Theatre's "Coolidge at the Greenway" movie series,.{{cite news|title=A New Outdoor Movie Series Is Coming to the Greenway This Summer|url=http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/05/28/coolidge-corner-theatre-to-host-outdoor-movie-series-on-the-greenway-summer-2015/|work=BostInno|date=28 May 2015}} The Boston Public Market farmers market at Dewey Square is held twice weekly from May to November annually. Annually ~100 free fitness classes are held through the Greenway, including yoga, cardio dance, strength and conditioning circuits, and parkour workouts.

The "Greenway Mobile Eats" program{{cite web|title=Greenway Mobile Eats|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/visit/food/full-mobile-eats-calendar/|publisher=Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy|access-date=3 May 2016}} brought Boston's first gourmet food truck to Dewey Square Park in 2010; the Greenway Conservancy now works with 30+ rotating food trucks each year.{{cite web|last=Mennies |first=Leah |url=http://blogs.bostonmagazine.com/chowder/2012/03/20/the-rose-kennedy-greenway-expands-greenway-mobile-eats-program/ |title=The Rose Kennedy Greenway Expands "Greenway Mobile Eats" Program | Boston Magazine |publisher=Blogs.bostonmagazine.com |date=2012-03-20 |access-date=2015-05-05}}{{cite news|last1=Weaver|first1=Alex E.|title=The Greenway Is Rolling Out a Record Number of Food Trucks for 2016|url=http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2016/03/18/greenway-food-trucks-2016-10-new-vendors-added/|access-date=4 May 2016|work=BostInno|date=18 March 2016}}

The Greenway Conservancy has partnered since 2017 with the Trillium Brewing Company on a seasonal outdoor beer garden, located at Atlantic Avenue at High Street on the Greenway, with a half-dozen beers on tap and Westport Rivers Winery on offer.{{cite news |last=Reiss |first=Jaclyn |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/06/01/trillium-beer-garden-opening-today-boston-greenway/y2ySGxa9H0SNbjF4g1j7zN/story.html |title=Trillium's beer garden opens today on Boston's Greenway |work=The Boston Globe |date=2017-06-01 |access-date=2017-06-01 }} The Greenway Conservancy opened a second beer garden for the 2018 season on Dewey Square Plaza on the Greenway; this was operated by Downeast Cider in 2018 and by City Winery in 2019.

The Conservancy uses organic and sustainable landscape management programs to maintain the parks and features of the Greenway.{{cite web|title=Organic Turf Maintenance on a Large Scale at the Rose Kennedy Greenway|url=http://www.ecolandscaping.org/12/uncategorized/organic-turf-maintenance-large-scale-rose-kennedy-greenway/|website=Ecological Landscape Alliance|date=15 December 2013 |access-date=27 August 2016}} The Greenway is Boston's only organically maintained public park and one of a handful of organically maintained urban parks in the United States. Organic maintenance means no expenditures for toxic chemicals, and lower expenditures for watering. Plants are healthier, more resilient, and better able to withstand the wear of public use. The Conservancy's practice of using composting and compost tea instead of herbicides and toxins also ensures that run-off from the parks will not pollute Boston Harbor or harm the delicate marine life. Children and pets can freely and safely play on the park lawns without the worry of pesticides.{{cite web|title=Organic Park Care|url=http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/about-us/organics/|publisher=Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy|access-date=4 May 2016}}

The Conservancy has planted a series of new garden spaces, including a wildflower meadow, to create a "pollinator ribbon" to attract and support beneficial insects.

File:Kennedy Greenway P1100272.jpg |Dance performance in Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park, 2008

File:Truth Booth, Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, 2016.JPG|Truth Booth,{{cite news|title="The Truth Booth" Comes to the Greenway's North End Parks|url=http://northendwaterfront.com/2016/04/rose-kennedy-greenway-host-inflatable-art-exhibit-truth-booth/|access-date=2 May 2016|work=North End Waterfront.com|date=12 April 2016}} by The Cause Collective,{{cite web|title=The Cause Collective|url=http://www.causecollective.com/|access-date=19 April 2016}} in the North End Parks, April 2016

File:Greenway Carousel - Rose Kennedy Greenway - Boston, MA - DSC05445.JPG|The Greenway Carousel

File:Rings Fountain Rose Kennedy Greenway Boston P1010931.jpg|Children play in the Rings Fountain

File:Glow neon signs on Rose Kennedy Greenway 193338787.jpg|GLOW exhibit of historic neon signs,{{cite web|title=GLOW|url=https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/public-art/currently-greenway/glow/|website=Rose Kennedy Greenway|access-date=9 August 2018}} summer 2018

• Boston Harborwalk

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• [http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy] and their [https://www.flickr.com/photos/rose_fitzgerald_kennedy_greenway/sets/72157606672081751/ Flickr] photos

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Category:Rodale, Inc.

Category:Chinatown, Boston

Category:Monuments and memorials to American women