Joe Moakley Park

Joe Moakley Park, located in South Boston, Massachusetts, is a 60-acre waterfront park that serves as a significant recreational space for the community. Originally designed in 1916 by landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff, the park was part of Frederick Law Olmsted's vision to connect Boston's Emerald Necklace to South Boston's Marine Park.

The park is situated adjacent to Carson Beach, offering scenic views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. Its location along the coastline makes it vulnerable to flooding risks, which has prompted recent redesign efforts to enhance coastal resilience and protect surrounding neighborhoods.

Moakley Park features a variety of sports facilities and recreational amenities. It includes multiple athletic fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and football, as well as a track for jogging and running. The park also boasts basketball and tennis courts, providing diverse options for sports enthusiasts.

In addition to sports facilities, the park offers playgrounds for children and general open spaces for relaxation and gatherings. Walking paths lined with trees traverse the park, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls and take in the coastal atmosphere.

As of 2025, Moakley Park is undergoing a significant redesign process. The new vision aims to balance recreational needs with community gathering spaces and flood protection measures. The redesign incorporates strategies for stormwater management, urban heat mitigation, and the creation of more diverse landscapes, including a "coastal park" designed to manage storm surges.

The park's proximity to public transportation, including two train line stops, makes it easily accessible to a wide range of Boston's population. Its location and size make it an important resource not only for South Boston residents but for the broader Boston community as well.