Bernie Cooper Riverfront Park

Located at the confluence of Hawes Brook and the Neponset River, Bernie Cooper Riverfront Park connects the surrounding neighborhood, Eliot Field, and conservation land while expanding equitable access to nature in an environmental justice community. The completed park transforms a previously underutilized, invasive-dominated site into a regenerative, nature-based landscape that balances ecological restoration with passive outdoor recreation.

Opportunity

This park includes a network of accessible crushed stone paths and boardwalks that wind through the site, and invite further exploration. Waterfront access points, overlooks, and seating areas provide opportunities to experience the river corridor while protecting sensitive bank areas. An outdoor classroom and nature play area provide an informal gathering space with natural materials and opportunities for unstructured exploration. The planting plan emphasizes native biodiversity and long-term resilience through targeted gap plantings that increase species diversity and reduce invasive pressure.

Solution

Green stormwater infrastructure includes bioretention areas and natural depressions which capture, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff. The park reflects extensive community input and demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a constrained site into a multifunctional public landscape that improves ecological function, enhances neighborhood connectivity, and provides accessible passive recreation for residents of all ages.