The Roslindale Gateway Path Project

The Roslindale Gateway Path is a proposed ADA-accessible shared-use pedestrian and cycling path through the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. This project aims to extend the Southwest Corridor path system from Forest Hills bus, subway, and Commuter Rail terminus to Roslindale Village Commuter Rail Station, providing carbon-free commuting options and connecting Boston residents with the natural environment close to where they live.

In addition to proposed path connections, the Roslindale Gateway Path will establish two new entrances to the Arnold Arboretum, providing safe and welcoming access to a key link in Boston's  Emerald Necklace system of parks  for thousands of Roslindale residents.

As global temperatures rise, fossil-free transportation and green-space equity are critical public health issues, especially for those living in dense urban settings. The Roslindale Gateway Path project represents a collaborative, community-driven initiative to improve the quality of life for Boston residents and promote access to a world-class destination for thousands of visitors each year.

The Roslindale Gateway Path project is a collaboration between the  Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University ,  Boston Transportation Department ,  Parks and Recreation Department ,  Public Works Department,  the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and several organizations including the  Arboretum Park Conservancy ,  WalkUP Roslindale ,  LiveableStreets Alliance ,  RozzieBikes , and  HUBLUV .

In Fall 2015, the Emerald Network, WalkUP Roslindale, and graduate students from Tufts teamed up to complete a feasibility study about the Roslindale Gateway Path and its surrounding neighborhoods. A final vision report was made public in May 2016, helping to move the project from initial concept to design.

Following the release of the report, a 10% conceptual plan for the pathway was developed by  Horsley Witten Group , and later advanced to 25% in 2019. In 2020, a conceptual design for the South Street Connector (Phase 2 of the project) was completed by Horsley Witten Group working with architect  Kiel Moe  and landscape architect Rosetta Elkin of  Practice Landscape . In 2023, the design completed a schematic design for Phase 2 and developed a construction budget. Fundraising to realize construction of the Connector is ongoing.

Progress on the design and construction of the Roslindale Gateway Path has been made possible through the efforts of the project partners as well as residents, state legislators, the  Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority ,  Emerald Network , and  Roslindale Village Main Street . Project funders include the  City of Boston's Community Preservation Committee , Boston Transportation Department,  Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation ,  Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism ,  HUBLUV , the  Solomon Foundation , Arboretum Park Conservancy, and the Arnold Arboretum Committee.

• The Arboretum Park Conservancy and Arnold Arboretum Committee provided grant funding for a concept design for the Roslindale Gateway Path. The design spanned the Blackwell Path to the Arboretum Road tunnel, and beyond.

• The community group WalkUP Roslindale joined with the Arboretum Park Conservancy and Arnold Arboretum Committee. Together, they worked to promote the path project.
• They also promoted an extension of the path along the Needham line right-of-way to the Roslindale Square Station. The group received technical help from the nonprofit LivableStreets Alliance.

• A community-led meeting engaged more than 100 residents.
• With support from the  Solomon Foundation , the project partners hired design consultants. The Horsley Witten Group designers developed conceptual plans for the path.

• The City of Boston received a DCR Trails Grant (now MassTrails) to design the new gateway from Washington Street to Bussey Brook Meadow through the tunnel at the end of Arboretum Road. City funds also supported design work.

• The MBTA removed a dilapidated shed and other debris from the end of Arboretum Road. This effort revealed the full arc of the stone arch surrounding the tunnel. The site was re-surveyed and the gateway design was modified to account for this change.
• With funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, the Arboretum hired Horsley Witten to complete the conceptual design of the South Street Connector, Phase 2 of the RGP.

• The project team continued planning for the construction of the proposed Arboretum Road Green entrance and Green Link Path.

• With the support of the Conine Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the project team raised funding to complete the design of the South Street Connector (Phase 2). Design work recommenced in July.
• The Boston Public Works Department completed design work to renovate Arboretum Road. The project includes several accessibility improvements, new sidewalks, and street tree plantings. Construction is anticipated in 2023.
• Funding for the design of Phase 3 of the Roslindale Path Project was secured in the State Budget through the support of State Senator Mike Rush and State Representatives Liz Malia and Rob Consalvo.

• Construction of Phase 1 (Arboretum Road Entrance and Green Link Path) began in July.
• The Arboretum advanced the South Street Connector (Phase 2) into Schematic Design.
• The Arboretum, working with Nitsch Engineering, began a feasibility study for Phase 3 of the overall project.

• Construction of Phase 1 (Arboretum Road Entrance and Green Link Path) continued.
• The  Phase 3 feasibility study  and  appendix  were completed and released to the public and City of Boston.
• Renovations to  Poplar Gate , the first phase of the  Entrance Improvement Project , began in August.
• BPWD reach substantial completion of the reconstruction of Arboretum Road, which includes new sidewalks, street tree plantings, and parking improvement.

• Opening of Phase 1 is expected in April. An official block party/ribbon cutting are planned for Saturday, July 19 from 11am-2pm (rain date: Sunday, July 20 from 11am-2pm).
• Renovations to  Washington Street Gate , the second phase of the Entrance Improvement Project , began in March. Completion is anticipated in October 2025.
• Completion of renovations and official reopening of the Poplar Gate are anticipated in June.
• Completion of BTD's  Neighborhood Slow Streets renovations to the South Street/Archdale intersection  are anticipated in late spring.

 With new renovations, Arnold Arboretum looks to open gates and build bridges. Bay State Banner, 2024 

 Some Arboretum entrances are 'a mess.' Why residents are pining for a fix. WBUR, 2024. 

 Phase 1 Entrance and Green Link Path Groundbreaking on Arnold Arboretum Instagram page.  

 Featured Greenway: Roslindale Arboretum Gateway Path. Emerald Network, 2019. 

The Roslindale Gateway Path project is funded through municipal and state grants, private foundations, and individual contributors.

Your support is critical to the success of this project in accomplishing the following goals:

• Expanding green space equity by improving access to the parkland for thousands of residents in Roslindale
• Promoting health and longevity by encouraging walking and biking along an expanded system of pathways in the Arnold Arboretum
• Building resilience in the City of Boston by expanding carbon-free transportation options for commuters and park visitors
• Creating a unique "canopy walk" experience, allowing visitors an opportunity for education and enjoyment among the canopies of the trees in the Bussey Brook Meadow urban wild.

Use the embedded form below to submit your project feedback.

November 3rd Community Update Meeting

On November 3rd, we held a community update meeting to share updates on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Roslindale Gateway Path Project.

You can access the meeting slideshow presentation, recording, transcription, and chat below.

 Phase 3 Feasibility Study  and  Appendix 

 2019 Roslindale Gateway Path 25% Conceptual Design  and  design update 

 2016 Vision Report, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning 

 WalkUP Roslindale project pamphlet 

 WalkUP Roslindale project page 

 LiveableStreet Alliance greenway projects page 

 Arboretum Park Conservancy project page 

 City of Boston project page 

Arboretum Road Entrance Block Party and Ribbon Cutting July 19, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm

This event will celebrate a new entrance to the Arboretum and welcome in the surrounding community. The event will include a ribbon cutting and speeches by local officials and Arboretum Director Ned Friedman, as well as food, dancing, children’s activities, and tabling by community partners.