Visitors to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area may not see any changes since the former state park islands were designated a part of the National Park Service three years ago. But changes are in the making.
"It probably looks very much the same as it did two or three years ago," said Advisory Committee Chair Jack Wiggin of the Urban Harbors Institute. "This park has a huge potential, but there's a long way to go."
Wiggin, and UMass Boston faculty and staff from ECOS to biology, geography, art and education, have been assisting as the unofficial research unit of the Advisory Committee. They have been hard at work compiling a draft management plan which designates use of the park area for the next 20 years and longer. The plan aims at transforming the 30 islands into a cohesive national park while preserving their natural and historical resources.
"The people here at this university have a lot of expertise that might not otherwise be employed in a project like this," said Wiggin.
In particular, UMass Boston joined with the New England Aquarium and Modern Continental construction firm in planning the operation, management and programming of Spectacle Island, a former landfill being capped with Big Dig dirt. The Central Artery is responsible for building a visitors center, which Wiggin said the group is creating into a "green building," including solar panels and other energy-producing equipment. They aim to educate visitors in sustainability.
Construction is expected to begin next fall, with an opening in summer 2001. With vegetation taking root and a new ferry dock in place, "it's beginning to look the way it would in the future," said Wiggin.
Wiggin indicated UMass Boston could also be influential in providing ferry access for Dorchester area residents through the JFK Library dock.