About The esplanade association
The Esplanade Association (EA) is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to restore and enhance Boston's Charles River Esplanade. The association was founded in 2001 with the aim of preserving and activating this historic riverfront park, which has been an integral part of Boston's landscape for over a century.
The Charles River Esplanade is a 3-mile stretch of parkland that runs along the banks of the Charles River in Boston. It is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Hatch Memorial Shell, which hosts free concerts during the summer months, and the Arthur Fiedler Footbridge, which offers stunning views of both Cambridge and Boston.
Over time, however, neglect and lack of funding had taken their toll on this once-beautiful park. The EA recognized this problem early on and set out to make a difference. Through its efforts, it has been able to restore many areas of the park that were previously neglected or underutilized.
One such area is Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields. This section of the park was named after Teddy Ebersol, son of NBC executive Dick Ebersol and actress Susan Saint James. Teddy tragically died in a plane crash at just 14 months old. In his memory, his parents donated funds to build two baseball fields on the esplanade for children to play on.
Unfortunately, these fields fell into disrepair over time due to lack of maintenance funding from city officials. The EA stepped in and raised funds through private donations to restore these fields back into pristine condition so that children could once again enjoy playing baseball there.
Another area where EA made significant improvements was at Magazine Beach Park located near Harvard Square across from Cambridgeport School where they have installed new playground equipment for kids as well as benches for people who want to relax by watching boats go by or reading books while enjoying nature around them.
The association has also been instrumental in the creation of new amenities and events that have helped to activate the park and make it more accessible to all. One such event is the annual "Summer on the Esplanade" series, which features free concerts, movies, fitness classes, and other activities throughout the summer months.
In addition to these efforts, EA has also been working on a long-term plan for the park's future. This plan includes initiatives such as improving access to the river for kayakers and other water enthusiasts, creating more green space within the park itself, and enhancing existing amenities like bike paths and walking trails.
Overall, The Esplanade Association has made significant strides in restoring and enhancing Boston's Charles River Esplanade. Its efforts have not only improved this historic park but have also helped to create a sense of community around it. With its continued dedication to preserving this beloved landmark for future generations, there is no doubt that EA will continue to be an essential part of Boston's landscape for years to come.
esplanadeassociation.org