Background
In 2018 with support from the Barr Foundation, TACC launched Waterways: Connecting Residents of Roxbury and Dorchester to Boston’s Waterfront, a multifaceted equity initiative to increase access and utilization of Boston’s waterfront for recreation, culture, and employment.
Initially, Waterways aimed to identify barriers to access and catalyze sustained engagement so that more Roxbury and Dorchester residents are invested in and feel connected to the waterfront.
Ultimately, the goal is to give voice to a broader group of residents from Roxbury and Dorchester to impact programs, policies, and accessibility so that as the waterfront continues to evolve, it does so more equitably with the needs and interests of the Roxbury and Dorchester communities actively considered and implemented.
Between January 2018 and June 2019 and in partnership with Kelley Chunn & Associates and Denterlein, TACC collaborated with over 450 residents of public and subsidized housing in Roxbury and Dorchester and community stakeholders to document resident-identified barriers and resident-identified solutions to accessing and utilizing Boston’s waterfront.
The project took a “doing is planning” approach; multi-generational family/friends groups engaged in activities (waterfront trips, neighborhood events) and participated in formal data collection (focus groups, pre- and post-surveys, data walks).
Focus Group Findings:
Together with its partners, Kelley Chunn & Associates and Denterlein, TACC conducted seven focus groups to identify current perceptions of, experiences on, interests in, and barriers to accessing Boston’s waterfront. Four focus groups were held with residents of public and subsidized housing communities in Roxbury and Dorchester. Two additional focus groups were held; one with neighborhood stakeholders from Roxbury and Dorchester and the second with downtown Boston waterfront stakeholders. Waterways also engaged large, waterfront employers.
Resident-Identified Barriers and Resident-Identified Solutions to Accessing Boston’s Waterfront:
Resident-Identified Barriers and Resident-Identified Solutions to Accessing Boston’s Waterfront: Through focus groups, pre-trip and post-trip surveys, and data walks, TACC heard from residents of Roxbury and Dorchester about barriers to accessing Boston’s waterfront and, importantly, about solutions.
Get Involved
Sailing + Science
June 17, 2023
A Day on the Charles River for Roxbury and Dorchester.
Roxbury Community Cruise
July 20, 2023
Come together with family and neighbors for a FREE cruise of Boston Harbor for the Roxbury community! Bring friends and enjoy beautiful views, live music and free food.
Un Día de Kayak
August 13, 2023
Residentes de Roxbury, Dorchester (y demás vecindarios), venga y disfrute con sus amigos y vecinos un día de diversión GRATIS con actividades acuáticas y terrestres en el canal Fort Point de Boston! Kayak, explore y aprenda más sobre lo que la bahía de Boston tiene para ofrecerle.
The Joy of Kayaking
September 9, 2023
Roxbury and Dorchester residents, come together with your family, friends, and neighbors for a fun, FREE, day of water and land activities in Boston’s Fort Point Channel! Kayak and explore what the waterfront has to offer you!
Current programs & Activities
Currently, TACC’s Waterways Initiative focuses on three core activities:
- Resident Advocacy: Building Residents’ Knowledge of and Promotion of the Waterfront
- Waterfront Activities: Supporting Waterfront Organizations’ Connections to Roxbury and Dorchester and Focus on Racial Equity
- Employment/Workforce Development: Determining What It Will Take to Build Stronger Connections between Roxbury and the Waterfront
- Connected Economies: Focusing on Shared Prosperity
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