Martin’s Park

April 15, 2013 was a beautiful spring day, perfect for the annual Boston Marathon. Young Martin Richard, his father, mother, brother, and sister stood watching along Boylston Street near the finish line. The top runners had crossed the line, and the next tiers were coming up Boylston Street when, right near the finish line, explosions tragically ended eight-year-old Martin’s life, as well as two other spectators. Hundreds were also injured, including Martin’s father, mother, and sister. Boston was changed forever.

The City’s response to this tragedy was immediate and unifying. Boston Strong became the rallying cry for the City.  Many hospital personnel rushed to the scene to offer comfort, emergency aid, and transport to area hospitals. Boston Children’s Museum responded by distributing books and toys to the injured and their families, supporting Martin’s classmates, and inviting first responders to visit, to play, and find joy and healing at the Museum. But much more was needed.

When Boston Children’s Museum bought the Wharf building in 1978, ownership of the adjacent land was in dispute between the City and the State. Despite years of failed negotiations to create a park on the land, the 2013 tragedy resulted in an unexpected development. When Martin Walsh met Carole Charnow during his mayoral campaign, she told him about the challenge the Museum was facing, and he made a promise to help develop this desolate piece of property into a park for Boston Children’s Museum. After his election, Mayor Walsh made good on his promise. When Bill and Denise Richard approached him with the idea of creating a park in Martin’s honor, the Mayor suggested the park be built on the land next to the Museum. As the Richard family loved the Museum they agreed, and the City of Boston, the Richards, and Boston Children’s Museum embarked on the creation of Martin’s Park, a beautiful 1.5-acre accessible park and playground, unique in the City of Boston. In 2019, Martin’s Park opened as a major attraction that would serve as a wonderful gift to Boston’s children in memory of Martin Richard, who’s kindness, and talent as a peacemaker, evidenced by a now-famous picture of him holding a poster he made that said, “No More Hurting People, Peace,” has served as an inspiration for the entire City.

Martin’s Park quickly became a treasured landmark on Boston’s waterfront, adjacent to the Museum. It was designed for people of all ages and abilities, providing delightful spaces for children and families to explore and play. The park’s creative features, including a full-size pirate ship and a splash garden, appeal to both those seeking fun and adventure and those seeking peace and solace on the waterfront.

Thanks to the generosity of the City, the State, private corporations, generous donors, and Boston Children’s Museum, this inclusive and climate-resilient space, located at the Smith Family Waterfront, is a welcoming gateway to Boston Harbor. It is also a vibrant example of community spirit, generosity, commitment to kindness and empathy, and a symbol of hope and renewal for all Boston’s residents and visitors.