The Esplanade Association, Union Boat Club, and Community Boating Inc. have raised $200,000 in private support for dock reconstruction to match a generous challenge grant from the Solomon Fund.

Replacing the docks has been a priority for The Esplanade Association. We are happy to report that the dock reconstruction is scheduled to be completed this spring.

Conceptual designs for Boat Haven were provided by Bourne Engineering through a partnership of TEA, Community Boating (CBI), Union Boat Club (UBC), and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) with the generous support of the Solomon Foundation.

These plans have taken on critical importance, as the docks they address have been fenced off and deemed unsafe for public use, thus necessitating a quick and well-planned response to this structural failure. The Department of Conservation and Recreation has allocated $350,000 for dock construction on the Esplanade.

Timed to coincide with the restoration of the granite landings, the Boat Haven project provides a baseline for moving forward with the reconstruction of four timber docks, Governors Landing, Commissioners Landing East and West, and Community Boating. It is the hope of the partners that Boat Haven reconstruction can be completed as an ensemble.

Organizing principles for Boat Haven include ensuring handicapped access to the docks, establishing dock symmetry around the granite landings, restoring and enhancing river views and reestablishing the water sheet in front of Commissioners Landing and Overlooks. Programming suggestions for each dock and use guidelines for the basin are also recommended.

The partners held a community meeting this spring to discuss planning alternatives, and will continue to work with stakeholders throughout the year to refine recommendations and develop next steps which will include the completion of engineering and design documents for the docks. This work cannot be done soon enough - as the docks remain in critical disrepair and must be replaced. For more information, or a copy of the Boat Haven report, contact our office at 617-227-0365.

Photos from the 1930's show Commissioner's Landing and associated docks shortly after they were built.

 

Photos: (Header) Conceptual Plan from Bourne Engineering, (1) Patrice Todisco, (2) Conceptual Plan, Bourne Engineering (3 & 4) Historic photos courtesy of DCR archives

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The Esplanade Association
10 Derne Street
Boston, MA 02114
617.227.0365