MLK Towers Community Green Space

Imagine stepping outside your home and finding a welcoming green space to relax, exercise, and connect with neighbors. Unfortunately, this vision has remained out of reach for too many public housing residents in Boston. That’s why Trust for Public Land (TPL) is teaming up with the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and residents of MLK Towers in Roxbury to create a brand-new community park, bringing nature’s benefits to a neighborhood that has historically lacked access to quality outdoor spaces. With this project, nearly 10,000 people—of whom 94% identify as people of color and 65% are from low-income households—will soon have a vibrant, welcoming green space just minutes from home.

Through a collaborative design process, MLK Towers residents have shared their vision for a park that meets community needs and enhances their daily lives. This new space will feature shaded seating areas for socializing, accessible walking paths, raised garden beds for fresh food, and an outdoor fitness area designed with all ages in mind. Beyond recreation, the park will also help combat the urban heat island effect with 20 new trees and permeable pavement to reduce stormwater flooding.

At Trust for Public Land, we are committed to reimagining public green spaces so everyone can access the outdoors regardless of zip code or income. By working hand-in-hand with communities, we are building a future where residents are not overlooked in the green space planning process but prioritized as leaders in shaping the parks they love most. MLK Towers Community Green Space is a vision for what’s possible when we invest in community-driven solutions. Together, we can ensure that every Boston neighborhood has the green spaces needed to thrive—now and for future generations.