About Boston Harbor Island Alliance

Congress Awards $5 Million for New Gateway to Boston Harbor Islands

Pavilion Will Be First Structure on the Rose Kennedy Greenway

(Boston, MA) Today, Congress passed legislation that will provide $5 million to the Boston Harbor Islands national park area to build a 4,000 square foot facility on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The pavilion will be the gateway from Long Wharf in Boston to the Boston Harbor Islands and will be the first structure on the greenway.

This new venue will connect the Greenway to the islands, making it easy for people to get to the ferries nearby. The pavilion will also offer general visitor information including a map of the 34-island park, a schedule of activities and sell ferry tickets to the islands. In addition, construction of the pavilion will use green building practices and provide a highly energy efficient and sustainable structure.

The funding will enable the Boston Harbor Island Alliance and the National Park Service to begin construction of the pavilion late this summer and open in the summer of 2010. At a time when many construction projects are on hold, the pavilion project will employ workers from nearly 20 local companies and create other permanent positions upon completion.

"This pavilion will provide a gateway to the beautiful Boston Harbor Islands national park just minutes from downtown while creating new jobs and setting an environmental standard for others to follow," said Tom Powers, President of the Boston Harbor Island Alliance. "We are grateful to Senator Kennedy for his commitment to this project and his leadership in securing the necessary funding."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who played a critical role in securing the resources said, "I'm delighted that construction of this beautiful pavilion connecting the Greenway to the Harbor Islands will begin this summer," said Senator Kennedy. "The Islands are a treasure for countless residents and visitors, and I commend the Alliance for making them more accessible as part of our City's extraordinary heritage."

The project is being designed by local Boston firms Utile, Inc. (architecture and design), Reed Hilderbrand, Inc. (landscape) and IDEO, Inc (exhibit design).

Background Information:

Boston Harbor Island Alliance promotes public awareness and use of the Boston Harbor Islands national park area by creating vibrant spaces, facilities, and programming on the islands, raising and managing the public and private resources necessary to do so. www.islandalliance.org 617-223-8672.

The Boston Harbor Islands national park area features 34 islands, encompassing 1,600 acres and 35 miles of undeveloped ocean shoreline- all within 10 miles of downtown Boston. The islands feature hiking trails, beaches, ranger-led tours, camping nature walks and historic sites. www.bostonharborislands.org 617-223-8666