BSLA Fieldbook BSLA 2013 Fall Fieldbook

ASLA Honors H ona r y A SL A M em b e r Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston “To recognize persons other than landscape architects whose achievements of national or international significance or influence have provided notable service to the profession of landscape architecture.” Mayor Menino’s vision has led to unprecedented investment in projects requiring the expertise of professional landscape architects. Examples include: ∙∙ Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s efforts to revitalize the city of Boston will be recognized with an Honorary ASLA membership. Nicknamed the “Urban Mechanic,” Mayor Menino understands the value of landscape architecture and how the profession is helping to shape Boston’s contemporary landscape, as well as the city’s rich heritage in the field. Since first elected Mayor in 1993, Tom Menino has made infrastructure improvements, innovation, and carefully planned growth the cornerstones of his administration. He has distinguished himself locally and nationally with an enviable record of accomplishments resulting in a greener, more livable city. Mayor Menino has a keen sense of what makes a city work for residents and visitors and readily employs the expertise of landscape architects to create attractive and livable urban districts, parks, playgrounds, and streetscapes. He has made the preservation and maintenance of the Emerald Necklace a priority, investing millions of dollars to ensure Olmsted’s legacy will survive for future generations to enjoy The planning, scale, and siting of new city neighborhoods including Harvard University’s Allston campus, Roxbury’s Olmsted Green housing development, South Boston’s Innovation District, and Seaport Square. ∙∙ Revitalization of the waterfront and creation of the Harborwalk. ∙∙ Planning and design of the flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration project for the Muddy River ∙∙ Creation of hallmark open space for the downtown and waterfront on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. ∙∙ Site design for public institutions and government facilities such as the Greening of City Hall Plaza. ∙∙ Transformation of Spectacle Island from an abandoned landfill into a recreational destination in the Boston Harbor Island national park system. A hallmark of his administration, has been his dedication to involving neighborhoods and residents in the processes and activities that make up city life and operation. Public participation routinely accompanies all city planning and development. The Boston Schoolyard Initiative engages local schoolchildren to help transform schoolyards from barren asphalt lots into dynamic centers for recreation, learning, and community life. Under Mayor Menino’s leadership, Boston has become a leader in sustainability and environmental awareness. In 2011, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Boston the fifth-greenest city in the United States. Hundreds of acres of new open space, 61 miles of new bike lanes, sustainability guidelines for all Parks Department projects, and first-in-the-nation building standards are just a few ways that Mayor Menino has encouraged the greening of Boston. 2013 Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook 99

BSLA Fieldbook BSLA 2013 Fall Fieldbook | Page 101