Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk Design and Permitting

The 22-acre site of the former West Yarmouth Drive-In Theater had been vacant for over 30 years, since the business closed and was purchased by the Town of Yarmouth for recreational purposes. The parcel is accessed by Route 28 and adjoins the scenic natural resources of the Parkers River and salt marsh.

Yarmouth’s project goals are to establish three distinct parcels: the first for a Wastewater Pump Station; the second for a Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk that gives public access to the water, draws residents and visitors, and activates Route 28 while opening the door for possible third parcel; and a mixed-use development in the third parcel.

BETA developed the Final Design Plans for the Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk, including bicycle and walking paths; parking with green infrastructure; and space for food trucks, artists’ shanties, shade structures, a kayak launch with on-site rentals, native landscape restoration, educational opportunities, and a boardwalk with scenic overlooks of the salt marsh.

Given the sensitive nature of the area, the project required extensive pemitting and coordination with regulators including NOIs under the MA Wetlands Protection Act and Yarmouth Bylaw, coverage under the 404 MA General Permit, Chapter 91 License, Water Quality Certificate, MEPA Review (ENF and EIR), Massachusetts Endangered Species Act Review, and Division of Marine Fisheries Review.