WS Development creates three new parklets in the Seaport

Boston, MA WS Development’s Boston Seaport introduces another people-first, urban activation with the announcement of three new charming parklets joining the neighborhood. The parklets are an example of how the Seaport is bringing its unique brand of tactical urbanism to Boston in order to serve the increased interest in outdoor experiences that has emerged across the city over the past year. Boston Seaport collaborated with the Boston-based Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (KZLA) to create these small havens within the city, allowing visitors to enjoy the neighborhood in new ways, whether kicking back at a picnic table with a coffee and a bite from a neighborhood restaurant, or catching up with a friend on a swing after a Seaport Sweat class or before visiting the Black Owned Bos. Market.

One parklet can be found on Northern Ave. outside of Caffè Nero, another on Boston Wharf Rd. by Aceituna Grill and the new Madras Dosa Co., opening later this month, and a third parklet can be found on Pier 4 Blvd. near Helly Hansen. Each parklet features brightly colored and well-appointed design and spans 40 x 8 feet in size. They will be in place through October with plans to return annually. Boston Seaport partnered with Crystal Mills and Colleen Dunleavy of Love Child, a Boston based company, now open at The Current, on a colorful ‘flower pop’ installation to welcome the parklets to the neighborhood.

“Seaport’s new parklets are a great example of how we can beautify our cities and enhance the quality of the public realm in our neighborhood. WS adopts a people-first philosophy, so creating pedestrian-friendly, welcoming experiences in the Seaport is of paramount importance. We are grateful for the collaboration of KZLA and our partners in city government in helping to bring these moments of joy and respite to the neighborhood, and we hope that all will enjoy them,” said Yanni Tsipis, senior vice president at WS Development.

Each parklet features a playful color palette with a light green pergola providing shade, pale pink, yellow and blue furniture, and an abundance of greenery. Visitors can opt to sit on one of three modern swing chairs by Kettal, or at a picnic table by sustainable Scandinavian furniture brand, Vestre. Small cubes by Site Design can be used as seating or as side tables. Window boxes enhance the atmosphere and will be filled with an abundance of greenery from sweet potato vine to creeping jenny and ferns, while clematis will climb the pergola. Each parklet accommodates 13-14 guests. In a unique design feature that reflects WS Development’s avid interest in urban cycling, each parklet includes three bicycle racks built in to invite cyclists to pause and enjoy.