We protect and improve access to the Neponset
The Neponset River Watershed encompasses a large swath of urban and suburban development that often impedes access to the Neponset River, ponds, and woodlands.
We work in partnership with city, town, and state leaders, as well as community groups and advocates, to support regulations that increase public access in long-neglected areas, particularly in environmental justice communities.
For more information about our Greenways Program, please contact NepRWA Greenways Director, Andres Ripley, at ripley@neponset.org
Upcoming Greenway Events & Meetings
Get Involved! Join a neighborhood group, committee, coalition, or task force.
Latest Greenways News
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Learn About Our Work
Uniting Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Milton, the Trail provides valuable access to the outdoors in an urban area.
The Greenway extension will allow safe walking and biking for thousands of people from Boston to the Blue Hills.
Hyde Park offers diverse urban living near the Neponset River, with green spaces and growing waterfront access.
Uniting Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Milton, the Trail provides valuable access to the outdoors in an urban area.
NepRWA’s Greenways Program aims to expand parks and recreational trails in underserved neighborhoods.
Protecting Green Space & Expanding River Access
Preserving undeveloped land and expanding access to parks and the Neponset River supports biodiversity, public health, clean water, climate resilience, community character, and recreation.
NepRWA works to:
- Connect the Neponset Greenway to Morrissey Boulevard, the Blue Hills, and the Warner Trail.
- Engage communities through events and activities along the Greenway.
- Remove barriers between neighborhoods and the river.
- Protect undeveloped waterfront land and build trails and walkways on public land.
- Encourage public waterfront access through partnerships with developers.
- Restore boating access by removing obsolete dams and supporting boat rentals.
- Improve signage to help people find and enjoy recreational areas.
Public Access Easements
Public access easements help ensure that parks and sections of the Neponset River remain available for everyone to enjoy.
NepRWA has secured easements at Quincy RiverWalk, Willett Pond in Walpole, and Bird Pond in Walpole.
- Collaborated with Hyde Park Neponset River Access Committee for two public workshops on Neponset access. Hyde Park, MA, April 2024
- Designed and built a new section of boardwalk on the RiverWalk. Quincy, MA, April 2023
- Assisted Norwood with land protection for future Cooper Park, 2023.
- Successfully advocated for improved Canton redevelopment proposal and easement for future trails. Canton, MA 2018.
Notable past land protections include:
