Juneteenth Joy On the Neponset

Hundreds of participants gathered last weekend at Martini Shell along the Neponset in Hyde Park for the community’s Juneteenth Joy Celebration, a day of music, dance, food, inspiration, and free resources. People of all ages also had a chance to try free kayaking at the Martini Shell Canoe Launch through NepRWA’s partnership with Paddle Boston.

NepRWA’s Greenways team promoted the Hyde Park Neponset River Access Committee, a coalition of nonprofits and neighborhood associations working to improve safe access to the Neponset and surrounding greenspace, and shared information about the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s (MAPC) Boston to Blue Hills access efforts.

Also, the Community Advisory Group that informs the ongoing Lower Neponset Superfund work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encouraged residents to learn about the work and share feedback with the EPA. 

Leading the ceremony portion was Marcia Kimm-Jackson, co-founder of the event and of the West Fairmount Hill (WFH) Community Group, along with Governor Maura Healey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Michelle Wu, Councilors Ruthzee Louijeune and Enrique Pepén, Representatives Rob Consalvo and Brandy Fluker Reid, and Deputy Chief of Neighborhood Services Cecily Graham.

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped make the event possible!