Ryan Park

BETA has been contracted by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for the design of park improvements and site enhancements for Ryan Park, a 6.5-acre urban park nestled in the heart of Mattapan, a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ryan Park has an array of existing amenities, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, and a wading pool. The park is framed with many mature trees and a neighborhood, providing a unique visitor experience. BETA’s design encompasses the creation of innovative concepts that seamlessly integrate these existing features with new enhancements. Notable additions include an expansive 8,000-square-foot playground, an expanded parking lot with improved circulation and drop-off area, and accessible pathways. The design also incorporates strategically placed shade structures and picnic areas, with sight lines to the playground and wading pool areas. Given the park’s role as a venue for many different events, the design prioritizes the creation of flexible hardscape and lawn spaces while also maintaining significant room for emergency and maintenance vehicle access.

Integral to the overall design are improvements to key facilities within the park – the wading pool and bathhouse. BETA’s design ensures that the park enhancements align seamlessly with these broader park improvements, contributing to the overall success of the design.

Situated adjacent to the Neponset River, Ryan Park serves as a gateway to the Neponset River Greenway. The design provides an enhanced trailhead with high visibility and more direct pedestrian connections. DCR has shown these connections are a priority through recent investments into the Harvest River Bridge, a pedestrian connection over the Neponset River. Improvements to the large open lawn area provide a space for flexible play and events; it is framed by a .25-mile walking loop which provides connections from the Park to the Bridge, enhancing the experience of walking in the park and along the Neponset River Greenway.