Macdonald Park Renovations

Medford, MA

Macdonald Park Renovations

Medford, MA
  • Environmental permitting
  • Engineering for the park entry and river overview
  • Structural evaluations
  • Construction-phase services
Overview

Pare served as a subconsultant to Shadley Associates on this project to revitalize Torbert Macdonald Park in Medford. Macdonald Park is part of the Mystic River Reservation and is considered to be an under-recognized and under-utilized gem in the Reservation. The overall project included planning, design, and construction services for short-term improvements, as well as structural analysis and recommendations for three existing timber structures, and a full Master Plan for future improvements at the Park.

The designed improvements included the reconstruction of the existing Park entrance to create a welcoming and clear gateway, construction of a new beach/boat launch area (the River Overview) to reconnect Park visitors with the water, wayfinding signage, and creation of a pollinator meadow. Pare assessed the condition of a timber viewing tower, a timber pier and dock on the Mystic River, and a timber pedestrian bridge, followed by recommendations for renovations and accessibility.

The Master Plan included a full analysis of the Macdonald Park landscape and schematic design of future improvements. Pare provided environmental permitting through the Medford Conservation Commission and construction-phase services.