Buttonwood Park was designed by Charles Eliot, an employee at the office of Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed Boston’s Emerald Necklace and Central Park located in New York City.
RDLA was retained by the Friends of Buttonwood Park to develop a Master Plan for a new trail system in the North Woods section of the park. Currently overtaken by invasive vegetation including Japanese Knotweed, Tree of Heaven and Bittersweet, much of this area is surrounded by protected wetlands and difficult to access. As part of our site analysis, we have learned that The North Woods is frequently used inappropriately by unwelcome visitors.
The Master Plan activates the North Woods by developing a circuit of accessible trails which will draw visitors into the wooded areas and meadows to enjoy nature and wildlife while also taking advantage of scenic views of Buttonwood Pond. New bridge crossings over Buttonwood Creek will provide expanded places to stroll and enjoy nature. Boardwalks will be designed to protect the wetlands as a vital ecological resource. The trail system will include informational signs for educational outreach and new site furnishings. The Master Plan also provides recommendations for the removal and control of invasive vegetation.
The Master Plan is phased into prioritized recommendations that will be implemented over a 10 year period.
