The Conservancy
We are a not-for-profit (501 3C) organization founded in 2004 dedicated to raising funds to maintain the beauty and functionality of the Southwest Corridor Park. All monies raised go directly towards supporting improvement projects and to general maintenance in cooperation with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, Conservation and Recreation Campaign .

Mission
Our mission is to restore and enrich for current and future generations, the Southwest Corridor Park. The 4.7-mile, 50-acre park is sited along the MBTA¹s Orange Line transit corridor and serves 130,000 residents and commuters.

In partnership with the public, adjacent communities, businesses and educational and cultural institutions, the Southwest Corridor Park Conservancy will raise resources to restore and maintain the Park; its plantings, structures, play areas, and community programs.

Park History
In the 1950's and 60's, plans were developed for a 12-lane highway along the railroad right of way between Boston and Rte. 128, and on into Cambridge. The residents of the affected areas, including Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, South End, Back Bay, and Cambridge, began community protested against the destruction of their neighborhoods by the planned highway. After hundreds of meetings and protests, Governor Sargent scrapped the plans in 1969, and highway funds were used to develop mass transit, open space and recreational facilities. The new, relocated Orange Line and the adjacent Southwest Corridor Park were opened in May, 1987.

What almost became a highway, is now a 4.7 mile, 50 acre linear parkland that goes from Back Bay Station in Boston to Forest Hills Station in Jamaica Plain. The SWCP is “a new strand in the Emerald Necklace” that makes it possible for 130,000 people to enjoy a park setting in an urban environment.

The “Corridor” links the neighborhoods of the South End, Back Bay, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain with a street-level, green open space for parkland and recreation. Approximately a quarter of the parkland is decked over the railroad tracks, providing more space for grass and plantings, and such recreational facilities as 11 tot lot areas, 2 spray pools, 7 basketball courts, 5 tennis courts, 2 street hockey rinks, 2 amphitheatres, and biking, jogging and walking paths. Adults, children, and pets from neighborhoods of JP, Roxbury, Mission Hill, Back Bay and the South End use the Park.

The SWC has received numerous awards for helping to revitalize urban living and community spirit which is vital to City neighborhoods. Awards include the Von Moltke award for excellence in urban design, Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence website, and it has been recognized as a bike path by Rails to Trails Conservancy.

Why a Conservancy?
The SWCPC was founded based on a need to address a significant shortfall from the State of Massachusetts to maintain its urban parks. It is widely acknowledged that urban parks are in a state of disrepair and there is minimal stewardship and funding by the primary government agency entrusted with their protection. Evidence of the problems include poor landscape maintenance and horticultural practices and inequitable distribution of tax dollars.

Board
Franco Campanello, President; Barbara Peck, Treasurer; Lorraine Steele, Secretary.