Urban Wilds as a solution to a policy problem

Condor Street Urban Wild, East Boston

Policy problem: How create and manage a new park in an under-served neighborhood?

Policy solution: Bring a traditional new traditional park into the Urban Wilds Initiative

Policy entrepreneur: Chelsea Creek Restoration Partnership

Due to the relatively broad definition of qualities that qualified sites to be included on the initial list of Urban Wilds, ranging from ecological value to good views, the word ‘wild’ is more applicable to some sites on the list than others. This broad definition encouraged the use of the Urban Wild designation to create a new community park on a contaminated and abandoned site on Chelsea Creek. Working with the EPA and the Boston Parks Department, the Chelsea Creek Restoration Partnership secured a $1.2 million mitigation settlement which was then used to create the first public park along Chelsea Creek. While this park does not match what first springs to mind in response to the phrase ‘urban wild,’ it fills an obvious need for open space within the community.

More images: Photo tour - Condor Overlook