Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park
Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park Map
About Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park in Boston
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway - Chinatown Park is a segment of the larger Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, a linear park system in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Located in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, this nearly one-acre park extends for approximately 500 feet, running parallel to Surface Road.
Designed by Kongjian Yu in collaboration with Carol R. Johnson and Associates in 2005, the park blends traditional Chinese design elements with contemporary aesthetics. The northern entrance on Essex Street is marked by a minimalist, red-steel gateway that evokes traditional Paifang archways while offering a modern interpretation. This gateway features a stylized metal sampan sail, creating a visual counterpoint to the more traditional "Chinatown Gateway" erected in 1982 at the park's southern end on Beach Street.
A curvilinear path, paved in a distinctive scalloped pattern reminiscent of natural forms and traditional Chinese motifs, winds through the park from north to south. This path is flanked by continuous stone benches and planting beds featuring species native to Asia, including ginkgo trees and ornamental grasses. Five separate groupings of bamboo, framed by red metal structures reminiscent of traditional bamboo scaffolding, serve as visual screens and reference entrances to traditional Chinese villages.
A key feature of the park is a linear fountain and watercourse that follows the curving northeastern edge of the path. This naturalistic water feature incorporates stones recycled from Boston's historic wharfs, providing a symbolic link to the city's maritime history and the arrival of Chinese immigrants. The fountain not only adds visual interest but also creates a pleasant auditory element and invites interaction.
As visitors move southward, the path opens into an irregularly shaped plaza that doubles as an outdoor theater space. This versatile area is furnished with moveable chairs, tables, and umbrellas, allowing for flexible use. The plaza hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including celebrations of Chinese New Year and lantern festivals, serving as a vibrant community gathering space.