Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for Schools to Apply for Funding to Promote Safe and More Supportive Learning Environments

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for Schools to Apply for Funding to Promote Safe and More Supportive Learning Environments 

$3 million in grant funding available to update time-out practices in schools 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is accepting applications for a new $3 million grant designed to help schools implement updated regulations regarding time-out practices that will take effect in August 2026. This competitive grant program, administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is designed to help schools and districts build more inclusive learning environments, safeguard student rights and ensure consistency with state and federal expectations.  

Time out is a behavioral support strategy used in schools to help students calm. The administration proposed changes to regulations about the use of time-out practices in schools, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved changes in May. The updated regulations aim to create safer and more supportive school environments by reducing the use of time-out rooms and increasing transparency and communication between schools and families.

“This grant is a targeted support in response to the updated regulations,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We want to equip schools and districts to reduce the use of time-out rooms and help programs develop strategies that work best for their specific learning environments and individual students.”  

“We’re eager to support districts and schools as they update their practices surrounding the use of time out,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We know that students learn best when they learn alongside their peers, and we want school staff to have a variety of strategies to help students deescalate.”  

This grant seeks to provide districts and schools with resources to train staff in de-escalation strategies, strengthen oversight and reduce schools’ reliance on time-out rooms. Awardees could use the funding to support comprehensive, high-quality professional development on trauma-informed teaching, positive behavior interventions, and alternatives to the use of time-out rooms, as well as to introduce and integrate restorative practices to build positive relationships, resolve conflicts, and create a sense of belonging among students. Further, the grant would enable districts to establish, build the capacity of, and empower behavioral support teams within each school to assess, plan, and implement individualized interventions for students and foster collaboration with parents, guardians and community members. 

This new grant program builds on the work DESE has been doing to reduce or eliminate the use of exclusionary time-out rooms and increase the amount of time that students spend learning with their peers. During the 2020-2021 school year, DESE engaged with a broad range of stakeholders in a process that resulted in guidance being issued in 2021. DESE has also increased its monitoring of time-out practices in schools and previously awarded $1.5 million in grants to help districts reduce or eliminate the inappropriate use of time-out practices. 

Any Massachusetts public school district (including charter schools), collaborative, or approved special education program that uses time out is eligible to apply. A total of approximately $3 million is available, and recipients are each eligible for up to $50,000. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on November 13. 

波士頓市再批4張新酒 225張新酒牌還有160張待申請

（Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市牌照委員會今（23）日宣佈，批准發出4張有郵遞區碼（zip code）限制的新酒牌，分別發給位於東波士頓、洛士百利（Roxbury），以及南端（South End）的餐廳。             獲得酒牌的4家食肆，分別為南端02118的 El Barrio Mexican Grill 和 Mondo、洛士百利02119的 The Mix Vault，以及東波士頓02128             波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）表示，這些有區域號碼限制的酒牌，發給地方企業，將可強化地方經濟，為企業擴大機會。她鼓勵市內餐飲業者繼續申請酒牌。             波士頓市經濟機會及包容長Segun Idowu也說，波士頓市將繼續確保這些經濟機會落入小企業主手中，讓波士頓市的鄰里更加活力充沛且獨特。             波士頓市是在市長吳弭和波士頓市議會，向麻州政府提出“家規法”，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）在2024年9月11日簽署成法後，為波士頓市帶來了225張新酒牌。             根據新的家規法，波士頓市政府將在3年內發放195張有郵遞區號限制性酒牌（包括所有酒類、啤酒和葡萄酒），給Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, South End和West Roxbury等10個社區內的餐飲業。發放15 張社區場所的全酒牌，發放對象包括非營利組織、小型劇院和戶外空間場所。發放12 張可轉讓的全酒牌，以及發放3張全酒牌給布萊頓和橡樹廣場內的餐飲業。             今天公佈的獲得酒牌名單，都是在5月23日之前辦理，並完成所有申請流程，符合第二輪資格的食肆。             波士頓市在2025年初，批准發放了37張新酒牌，夏季時，又再批准發放了21張有社區限制牌照和3張社區空間牌照，在今日再發4張牌照後，波士頓市已共發出65張牌照。             波士頓市府鼓勵有意申請酒牌的餐飲業，儘早開始辦理申請，市政府的牌帳及消費者事務辦公室，鄰里服務辦公室，以及小企業辦公室的員工，都會提供協助。查詢可洽617-635-4170，或電郵licensingboard@boston.gov。             CITY OF BOSTON LICENSING BOARD APPROVES FOUR NEW LIQUOR LICENSES The businesses—who were approved for zip code restricted licenses—are located in East Boston, Roxbury, and the South End

BOSTON – Thursday, October 23, 2025 – Today, the City of Boston Licensing Board has approved four new liquor licenses for restaurants across Boston. The approved applicants are located in East Boston, Roxbury, and the South End.    “These zipcode-restricted licenses awarded to local businesses will strengthen our neighborhoods, expand opportunities for business owners, and support the vibrancy of Boston’s communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I encourage local businesses throughout the city to continue to apply and look forward to supporting these businesses as they continue to thrive and anchor our neighborhoods.” “Our focus continues to be ensuring these onramps to economic opportunity find their way into the hands of the small business owners who make our neighborhoods vibrant and unique,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “I appreciate the Boston Licensing Board's continued effort to award neighborhood restricted liquor licenses, allowing small restaurants to take full advantage of this tool. The City of Boston will continue to support both applicants and awardees to ensure the stability of small businesses throughout the city.” After Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council filed a successful Home Rule Petition, Governor Maura Healey signed legislation on September 11, 2024, bringing 225 new liquor licenses to Boston. This new batch is the single largest addition to Boston’s liquor license quota since the end of Prohibition. With this influx, the City has the ability to support diverse local entrepreneurs and boost economic growth. Specifically, the legislation created: 195 zip code-restricted licenses (both all alcohol and beer and wine) in Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, South End, and West Roxbury, to be granted to the City over three calendar years 15 all alcohol licenses for community spaces, including non-profits, small theaters, and outdoor spaces 12 transferable all alcohol licenses 3 all alcohol neighborhood restricted licenses in Oak Square, Brighton In early 2025, the Licensing Board approved 37 new liquor licenses. During the summer, the Licensing Board approved 21 neighborhood restricted licenses and three community space licenses. The list of applications approved today is as follows: South End (02118) El Barrio Mexican Grill, All Alcohol Mondo, All Alcohol  Roxbury (02119) The Mix Vault, All Alcohol East Boston (02128) Bono Restaurant and Catering, All Alcohol The City has ramped up efforts to increase applications for the remainder of the 2025 neighborhood restricted licenses. The remaining 65 neighborhood restricted licenses will become available on January 1, 2026, allowing small business owners in communities like East Boston and the South End to access these opportunities. The deadline for consideration will be announced soon. "The transformative liquor license legislation is continuing to pay off for our city's neighborhoods with thriving restaurants, new jobs, and a boost to our culinary scene," said City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4), who authored the original home-rule petition to create zip code-restricted liquor licenses. "It continues to be a game-changer for our residents and businesses in Boston to access an opportunity that was previously out of reach." “It’s incredible to see businesses like The Mix expanding their brand into Roxbury as ‘The Vault’ and thriving in spaces that once symbolized exclusion in our city,” said State Senator Liz Miranda (Second Suffolk District). “This progress is exactly what we envisioned when we fought to make Boston’s liquor licensing process more equitable and ensuring that communities like ours can thrive, celebrate, and create opportunity. The success of The Mix is a testament to the power of local ownership and the importance of policy that truly reflects the people it serves.” "Congratulations. Bono has been a stable in the community and to see this small family owned business grow in East Boston shows the American dream is alive and well," said State Senator Lydia Edwards.  “I am excited to see how the passage of this legislation has expanded access to small business and restaurant ownership in our communities,” said State Representative Chris Worrell. “The utilization of every license created brings new economic opportunity to Boston and increased vitality to our local business districts.” “Bono nourishes our neighbors and contributes significantly to civic life in East Boston,” said State Representative Adrian Madaro. “I am thrilled they have been awarded a full liquor license, which will unlock new opportunities for them to innovate and enhance the economic vitality of our community." “These new liquor licenses not only give residents and visitors more reasons to dine locally, but also contribute to a vibrant, welcoming neighborhood economy,” said State Representative John Moran. “By supporting local businesses and expanding dining options, we are helping to create more jobs, attract visitors, and strengthen our community’s economic vitality.” “We appreciate these thoughtful applications and are encouraged by the continued interest in these new liquor licenses,” said Kathleen Joyce, Chair of the Boston Licensing Board. “We look forward to reviewing additional applications and are here to help applicants throughout the process.” The businesses approved today completed the application and community process prior to May 23, qualifying them for the second round of the allocation process.  When reviewing additional applications, the Board will continue to factor in evolving neighborhood needs, market realities, the strength and sustainability of an establishment’s business plan, and the applicant’s ability to further economic growth for surrounding businesses. Potential liquor license applicants are encouraged to start the process as soon as possible. The Mayor’s Office of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Office of Neighborhood Services, and Office of Small Business staff will continue to support potential applicants. The City of Boston Licensing Board hosts virtual office hours addressing the liquor license application process. Applicants can also make a drop-in appointment with the Boston Licensing Board at City Hall, Room 809 by contacting 617-635-4170 or emailing licensingboard@boston.gov.  Learn more about applying for a liquor license on the Licensing Board website.

波士頓選務局徵11月大選投票站工作人員 10/31截止報名

CITY OF BOSTON ELECTION DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION, ISSUES CALL FOR POLL WORKERS Early voting will take place at sites throughout the city starting Saturday, October 25 through Friday, October 31.

BOSTON - Thursday, October 23, 2025  - The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the General Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This election will determine the Mayor of the City of Boston as well as the 13 Councilors on the Boston City Council. This includes the nine District City Councilors and four At-Large City Councilors.  Poll Worker Recruitment The Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Poll workers are paid a stipend ranging from $160-200 in addition to payment for required training. Being a poll worker is a meaningful way to give back, participate in democracy, and help neighbors vote in free and fair elections. Residents can request to be assigned a location close to their home. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged. Residents can apply or get more information at boston.gov/pollworkers, by emailing the Election Department at pollworkers@boston.gov, or by calling 617-635-0905. Voter Registration The voter registration deadline for the November 4 General Municipal Election is Saturday, October 25, 2025. Voters may register: In person: At the Boston Election Department, 1 City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201, by Saturday, October 25, 5:00 p.m. Online: At voteinma.com by Saturday, October 25, 11:59 p.m. By mail: Registration forms must be postmarked by October 25 In-Person Early Voting In-person early voting will run from Saturday, October 25 through Friday, October 31. Registered Boston voters can vote at any early voting location. Boston City Hall will serve as the primary early voting site, with voting on: Monday, October 27, Wednesday, October 29, and Friday, October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Voters are encouraged to enter Boston City Hall using the North side entrance on Congress Street (across from the Haymarket T-Station).   Additional early voting locations are available in neighborhoods throughout the city on the following dates: Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Tuesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 30 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check-in. Early voting locations will be well-staffed with poll workers and interpreters. All sites are fully accessible to voters with disabilities. Vote By Mail Application The vote by mail application deadline is Tuesday, October 28 at 5:00 p.m. Voters may apply for a vote by mail ballot through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website, by visiting the Election Department in room 241 at City Hall, or by mailing an application.   Absentee Voting Voters can vote by absentee ballot if: They will be away from their city or town on Election Day They have a religious belief that prevents them from voting at their polling location on Election Day They have a disability that prevents them from voting at their polling location   The in-person absentee voting deadline is Monday, November 3 at 12:00 p.m. All applications for mail-in ballots must reach the Election Department by 5:00 p.m. on October 28. Ballot Return The Election Department mailed out all 51,769 requested vote-by-mail and absentee ballots, and as of Thursday, October 23, 11,602 ballots have been returned to the City. Voters who planned to return their ballots by U.S. Mail and have not mailed their ballots within one week of Election Day are encouraged to return their ballots through other means, to ensure they will be counted. Ballot packages must be received by the Boston Election Department no later than 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Voters may return their ballots until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to any of the 22 drop boxes across the City or in person at the Election Department in City Hall.  Reminder: All ballot drop boxes will be closed as early as 8am on October 31 and reopened on November 1 by 2:00 pm. Voters can deposit their ballot after the box is reopened or deliver it to the Boston Election Department, City Hall Room 241. Ballots cannot be returned to a polling location on Election Day. Voters can track their ballot through the state's website here. If there is no movement indicated in the “Track My Ballot” system, voters should plan to vote in person on Election Day at their assigned precinct. Voters can check their polling location/status here.  Accessible Voting The Accessible Electronic Voting System allows voters who are unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate or mark ballots to submit their ballot via a secure electronic delivery system. Voters who qualify for an Accessible Electronic Ballot may apply online. The deadline to apply for an accessible ballot is Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. To get access to the electronic ballot, voters will need to provide their email address. Voting On Election Day Polling locations open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. A list of polling locations and sample ballots can be found here. As a reminder, voters should check their registration status via the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish, English and Chinese, and English and Vietnamese. Language interpreters will also be available upon request. All voting locations are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with an AutoMark Voter Assist Terminal for voters with disabilities to assist with marking the ballot independently. Polling Location Change Voters in Ward 3, Precinct 9, will now vote at the West End Neighborhood Center at 75 Blossom Court. Voters enter from Thoreau Path. Poll Pads Electronic Check-in The Boston Election Department has expanded the use of Poll Pads electronic check-in devices across all 275 precincts for voter check-in on Election Day. This upgrade speeds up the check-in process and enhances communication with the Election Department, in alignment with what voters experienced during the Preliminary Municipal Election in September. Before the 2025 Preliminary Municipal Election, Poll Pads were used successfully during Early Voting since 2016. The voting process for voters remains the same: voters will check in with a poll worker, receive a paper ballot, mark their vote, and cast it as usual. Central Tabulation On Monday, October 27, the City of Boston will begin removing General Municipal Election mail-in and in-person early voted ballots for all 275 precincts from their envelopes and depositing these ballots into a tabulator in Boston City Hall located at One City Hall Square, Room 801, Boston, MA 02201.  Only ballots received prior to Friday, October 31, 2025 will be removed and deposited in Room 801. Advance Processing Schedule Ballot removal and processing will occur daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., beginning on Monday, October 27 through Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with processing beginning at 7:00 a.m. on November 4 (if necessary) and continuing until all ballots have been processed. All ballots advance processed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, will be centrally tabulated. All other ballots received by 2:00 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, November 4, 2025) will be delivered to their respective precinct for processing. Ballots received after 2:00 p.m. on Election Day will be processed after the close of polls at 8:00 p.m., once the voter lists from each precinct have been received by the Elections Department. The list of precincts to be processed can be found on the public notice. Unofficial Results After polls close at 8:00 p.m., the Election Department will receive and upload unofficial results of ballots counted at polling places as they are returned from each precinct. Poll workers need time to tally election results and transport materials from polling places to City Hall. Uploading of election results may not begin until 10:00 p.m. The initial results reported on the website on election night will include: Ballots cast in person on election day; Early voting and mail-in ballots, including those from precincts being centrally tabulated at the City Hall central tabulation facility. The unofficial results uploaded to www.boston.gov/election on election night will NOT include: Hand counted ballots recorded in the precinct clerk’s book after the close of polls or; Mail and absentee ballots that arrive on time on election day, but are too late to be sent to polling locations to be counted. These ballots will be processed after the close of polls at 8:00 p.m., once the voter lists from each precinct have been received by the Elections Department. The Election Department will not release unofficial results broken down by precinct until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the latest. Media Guidelines Where To Stand Members of the press must remain behind the guardrail. While many polling places are not equipped with a physical guardrail, the area within the “guardrail” encompasses the check-in table, the voting booths, and the ballot box. Only poll workers and voters should be within this area. Interacting With Voters and Poll Workers Members of the press, like all other observers in the polling place, may not interact with voters while they are in the polling place. Further, observers who have questions about where they should stand and what they are allowed to do while observing should ask to speak to the warden. The warden may provide members of the press with information regarding their rights as observers. Photography Photography of the voting process in the polling place is permitted, though marked ballots may not be photographed. Photographers are allowed inside the polling place to photograph the area from outside the guardrail. The warden may instruct the photographer not to take photos of any marked ballots. Video and Audio Recording As with photography of the polling place, video recording of the polling place is allowed. Audio recording of the polling place is not permitted under state law. Anyone recording in the polling place must have the ability to record without capturing audio and should be instructed to do so by the warden. Those who are using electronic equipment may not use the electricity in the polling place to power their equipment. Exit Polling Exit polling and interviews of voters are permitted outside, within 150 feet of a polling place, as long as it does not interfere with a person or voter on their way to an election. Only voters leaving the polling place may be stopped. Voter access to the polling place should not be impeded in any way

Governor Healey Announces Next Steps to Enhance Resident Safety in Assisted Living Residences

Governor Healey Announces Next Steps to Enhance Resident Safety in Assisted Living Residences  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today released the results of a Fire and Life Safety survey of all 272 Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) in Massachusetts and announced additional action to enhance the safety of residents at ALRs across the state. In July, following the tragic fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, Governor Healey announced immediate measures to strengthen fire and life safety in Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) across Massachusetts, including requiring all 272 ALRs in the state to complete a Fire and Life Safety Self-Assessment Survey and submit their site-specific Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Plans. The survey received a 100 percent response rate. 

“The Gabriel House fire was a terrible tragedy. It’s on all of us to do everything we can to enhance the safety of all residents and staff at Assisted Living Residences across the state. That’s why I took immediate action after the fire, including requiring this survey which will help ALRs and local fire departments identify and address areas of improvement,” said Governor Healey. “We appreciate all of the ALRs for their responsiveness and will continue to work with them and local fire officials to improve emergency preparedness and give residents, families and staff the peace of mind they deserve.” 

The findings, reviewed by the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) in collaboration with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), highlight key areas of focus related to building age and additional best practice safety features. It is important to note that ALRs are residential buildings and are not subject to the same building and fire codes as nursing homes or hospitals.  

The vast majority of residences reported strong preparedness measures, and about 13 percent (36 residences) indicated opportunities to further strengthen their approach to fire drills, mutual aid plans, or emergency coordination protocols. These responses provide a roadmap for additional targeted support and technical assistance, and corrective action where needed. 

Certain ALRs operate in older buildings that may not have undergone recent major renovation, and 69 percent (189 residences) self-identified at least one area of opportunity to align with best practices for fire or building safety — such as installing a kitchen hood extinguisher, fire pumps, or fire-rated walls. Since ALRs are not licensed health facilities, these building features are recommended but not required. These opportunities for improvement do not indicate that buildings are currently unsafe or out of compliance with building codes but rather point to areas where municipalities and operators can work together to enhance resident protection.  

Based on these results, AGE and EOPSS are launching a joint effort to strengthen fire safety compliance and municipal coordination. EOPSS will distribute survey results to all local fire departments—the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) —who are responsible for enforcing the State Fire Code. These results will inform the local fire departments of the 189 ALRs that self-identified opportunities to enhance best practice fire safety features so that they can continue to work together to enhance safety. To further strengthen accountability, AGE will introduce a new Compliance Verification Form requiring ALRs to secure annual sign-off from their municipal fire department. These forms will be kept on file at each ALR and reviewed by AGE during initial certification and recertification visits, ensuring stronger coordination between municipalities and the state. 

For the 36 ALRs that self-reported they may benefit from additional work on preparedness measures (e.g., completing fire drills, updating mutual aid plans, or strengthening emergency coordination policies), AGE will request submission of a Corrective Action Plan within 45 days. These ALRs will also receive a targeted review of their training logs, drill performance, and emergency preparedness protocols during compliance reviews to ensure corrective measures are in place and staff are adequately prepared. 

“Resident safety is our top priority, and the 100 percent response rate reflects the seriousness with which the assisted living operators are approaching this issue,” said Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “By combining heightened awareness by the ALRs with stronger oversight, corrective actions, and clearer communication with municipalities, we are ensuring that risks are identified and addressed quickly.” 

“Local fire departments and building officials are on the front lines of ensuring compliance with Massachusetts’ life safety codes,” said Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terrey. “This coordinated approach makes sure municipalities have the information they need, and that older residences with reported concerns receive timely and thorough follow-up.” 

“The safety of seniors who reside in assisted living residences is the top priority for all state and local public officials in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The tragic fire at the Gabriel House in my district in Fall River was a stark reminder of how we need to update and reequip these facilities that house vulnerable populations. I welcome these survey results and the data obtained, that will strengthen fire and safety protocols, enforce building code compliance, and employ best practices; all measures that will help save lives. I’m thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Secretaries at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and Aging and Independence for responding swiftly to ensure that municipalities have the resources they need to keep our assisted living residences operating at the highest safety level." 

"Fall River was devastated by the tragic Gabriel House fire that claimed 10 lives, displaced dozens and put our public safety professionals at risk,” said Representative Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “I thank Governor Healey for her attention and action to ensure ALR’s are in compliance with improved local and state regulations so that tragedies like these never occur again. We in the legislature are continuing to ensure this remains a top priority.”  

"I thank Governor Healey for the transparency and partnership with municipalities to protect our most vulnerable populations,” said Representative Alan Silvia (D-Fall River). 

"I appreciate the Governor’s swift action in addressing this issue that affects both the private and public sector,” said Representative Steven Ouellette (D-Westport). “Anything that can be done to save lives and better protect our public safety personnel is welcome with open arms as we try to move forward from this horrible tragedy." 

This joint effort builds on the Fire and Life Safety Initiative announced by Governor Healey in July and strengthens alignment across state and local partners to reduce inspection gaps and protect older adults across the state. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCE DESIGN TEAM FOR NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO MOAKLEY PARK

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCE DESIGN TEAM FOR NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS TO MOAKLEY PARK

Boston, MA – October 23, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced Weston & Sampson as the technical lead and Stoss Landscape Urbanism as the design lead for the next phase of improvements at Moakley Park. Funded through the City’s five year Capital Plan, this new phase of improvements will deliver a rebuilt and enhanced baseball field, upgraded facilities to support community use and long-term park maintenance, and a landscaped multiuse path with harbor views. The project will also advance critical coastal resilience measures to help protect the South Boston neighborhood from flooding and climate impacts.

“By transforming Moakley Park into a climate-resilient green space, we are ensuring that generations of South Boston residents and families can enjoy the green space,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the leadership of our design partners as they work to support Boston’s community-driven vision to protect Boston’s coastline from the threat of climate change.”

The 18-month design and permitting phase, launched in September 2025, will prepare a construction-ready first phase of Moakley Park improvements. The design will relocate and upgrade ball fields to drier areas of the park, and improved playing surfaces, drainage, and lighting will help maximize play opportunities throughout the year. Community amenities will include a premier baseball field with bleacher seating, a plaza with a splashpad, picnic areas, a half basketball court, multiuse paths, a maintenance building, and improved parking. Flexible spaces throughout the park will help accommodate seasonal and cultural events, from community gatherings and neighborhood concerts to food trucks and annual Mayor’s Cup Tournaments.

"Moakley Park is Boston’s largest waterfront park and a key part of our coastal resilience efforts," said Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse. "With the selection of our design team, we’re excited to deliver on upgraded athletic fields, accessibility, lighting, and flexible spaces while also taking a big step toward protecting South Boston from rising seas and storms.”

Central to this phase is a resilient berm and coastal landscape designed to withstand the projected 1% annual chance flood event for 2070. Seamlessly integrated into the park, the berm will feature a multiuse path with harbor views and gently sloping sides that create new spaces for play, picnics, and community activities, serving as both a vibrant and welcoming recreation space and critical climate infrastructure.

“With over 47-miles of coastline, Boston knows that we must take bold action to protect our communities against sea level rise and extreme weather events,” said Christopher Osgood, Director of Climate Resilience. “This community-centered initiative demonstrates how we can improve our parks while protecting our residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure”

The project is funded through the City’s five-year Capital Plan with additional funding made possible through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant, which supports pre-disaster planning, design, and engineering for the resilient coastal landscape and berm. 

Community engagement will continue to guide the Moakley Park project, with the support of our partners at Boston Harbor Now and South Boston en Acción. Upcoming opportunities include focus groups in October and a public meeting in November where residents, sports leagues, and other stakeholders can share their input on the project.

“Moakley Park is a beloved community hub and a key part of Boston’s waterfront, where people can gather, play, and connect to the harbor,” said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “We’re proud to partner with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department on the next phase of improvements that will not only protect residents from coastal flooding, but also create new opportunities for recreation and gathering.”

On Saturday, October 25, join BPRD and our partners for a full day of community activities and engagement at Moakley Park:

• Final Park Cleanup of the Year with Boston Harbor Now (9:30–11:30 a.m.): Join neighbors for fall planting and a seasonal cleanup. Breakfast will be provided.

• Billy Baker Field at Saunders Stadium Dedication (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Celebrate the official dedication of the soccer field with city partners and the community.

• “What’s Growing at Moakley Park” Opening Celebration (10:30–11:30 a.m.): Experience the collaborative artwork created by environmental artist Posey in partnership with Boston Harbor Now and South Boston residents. 

• Meet the Design Team: Learn more about the next phase of park improvements directly from the project team.

Boston is taking action to adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Through its Climate Ready Boston initiative, the City of Boston has completed coastal resilience plans for our entire 47-mile coastline to reduce flood risk, enhance the city's natural ecosystems, and improve connectivity, accessibility, and recreation along the waterfront. More information about the progress of these projects’ implementation are available on the Office of Climate Resilience’s Coastal Resilience Implementation webpage.

To see more community events and to sign up for the Moakley Park newsletter, visit boston.gov/moakley.To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.