~ Boston, MA- Mayor Michelle Wu, along with Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse, joined elected officials and residents this week to celebrate the completion of improvements to Chandler Pond in Brighton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a $990,600 investment in restoring the pond's shoreline, improving ecological health, removing invasive species, and adding native plantings.

During the event, Mayor Wu expressed her pride in working with Boston Parks and Recreation to restore this beloved space for Brighton neighbors and all community members. She stated, "This celebration not only marks an investment in the restoration of Chandler Pond but an investment in Boston's community." The 18.91-acre park and water body is a popular spot for walking and bird-watching, with pathways, lawns, and wetland areas at the pond's edge.

The improvements to Chandler Pond are part of the City of Boston's Chandler Pond Master Plan. The first phase focused on restoring and protecting the pond's ecological health while enhancing the surrounding parkland. This included managing the shoreline and upland areas, with stabilization and restoration planting completed along one-third of the shoreline near Lake Shore Road. A multi-year effort is also underway to control invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and introduce native plantings to strengthen the landscape.

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These improvements not only benefit the pond's ecosystem but also lay the groundwork for long-term water quality monitoring to ensure its health for years to come. Interim Parks Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse expressed her gratitude towards all those involved in making these improvements possible. She stated, "Chandler Pond is one of Brighton's most treasured spaces, and we're thrilled to celebrate this key step in protecting its ecology and ensuring long-term accessibility."

The $957,600 project was funded through various sources including Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding ($575,000), DCR Funding, ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding via Friends of Chandler Pond ($132,600), and $250,000 from the Boston College Neighborhood Improvement fund. Design work was led by Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture, and construction was completed by SumCo Eco-contracting.

State Representative Michael Moran, House Majority Leader, expressed his pride in securing state funding for this important project. He stated, "Improving the ecological health and increasing visitor access to Chandler Pond is something the Friends of the Pond have been working on for decades. Phase 1 of this project is the first step in maintaining Allston-Brighton's last surviving pond."

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State Representative Kevin Honan also emphasized the importance of preserving Chandler Pond as a vital green space for the Brighton community. He stated, "The partnership and Phase 1 of shoreline restoration commitment between Friends of Chandler Pond, the Commonwealth, the City of Boston, and Boston College ensures the pond remains a thriving habitat and gathering place for generations to come."

Tom Keady, Vice President of Governmental & Community Affairs at Boston College, expressed their support for the project through their Neighborhood Improvement Fund grant. He stated, "Boston College was pleased to support Phase 1 shoreline restoration and accessibility improvements to Chandler Pond, a well-used and loved neighborhood gem."

The design and development of improvements to Chandler Pond were based on community feedback collected during a public meeting held in spring 2023. DB Reiff from Friends of Chandler Pond expressed their gratitude towards all those who have worked tirelessly over decades to bring about this project. They stated, "Community members have worked decades to bring about this project, many for as long as they've lived here. That's how beloved Chandler Pond is."

For more information on Chandler Pond and other Boston parks' news and events, visit boston.gov/chandler-pond or follow @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram (@parks.boston.gov on Bluesky).

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