Edgewater Greenway Opens in Mattapan, Bringing New Access to the Neponset River
October 2026 — After years of community advocacy, planning, and construction, Mattapan residents now have new ways to reach and enjoy the Neponset River with the opening of the Edgewater Greenway. The half-mile riverfront project includes a walking trail, scenic overlooks, an upgraded canoe launch, and improvements to Kennedy Playground.
For years, a stone wall along Edgewater Drive kept much of the riverfront out of reach, with just one limited access point. Residents spent more than a decade advocating for better connections to the water and more opportunities to enjoy this stretch of the River.
History of the Project
NepRWA joined the effort in 2019, working alongside the Edgewater Neighborhood Association (ENA) to support the community’s vision for a more accessible riverfront.
- 2021: Following years of advocacy by residents, community organizations, and local partners, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) committed funding for the project’s design and construction. That spring, NepRWA partnered with ENA on the Beyond the Wall project to gather additional community input.
- 2022–2023: DCR led the design process, with input from NepRWA and neighborhood residents.
- 2024–August 2026: Construction began in 2024 and was completed in August 2026.
Today, the improved riverfront features multiple openings in the stone wall, a half-mile walking trail, river overlooks, an upgraded canoe launch, and a redesigned Kennedy Playground with nature-inspired play features and space for exercise.
Expanding access to nature
Located in an environmental justice community, the Edgewater Greenway is an important step toward making the Neponset River and its natural spaces more accessible to Mattapan residents. The improvements create new opportunities for walking, recreation, connecting with nature, and enjoying the River close to home.
The Edgewater Greenway is part of the Neponset Greenway Corridor. The Osceola Street pedestrian bridge, which is currently in the design phase, will connect the Edgewater Greenway across the river to the Neponset Greenway in the future.
Thank you to our partners
This project reflects years of dedication and collaboration. Special thanks to Vivien Morris and the Edgewater Neighborhood Association, Helena Tonge and the Belnel Family Association, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, The Trust for Public Land, and the Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation, along with the many residents, community members, and public officials who helped move this vision forward.
We look forward to celebrating the opening with the community at a future ribbon-cutting event. Stay tuned for details!
Questions about the project? Contact NepRWA Greenways Program Director Andres Ripley at ripley@neponset.org.
