Total Donations (including offline): $4,215

The Esplanade Association (TEA) is a non-profit organization working to restore and enhance Boston's historic park, the Charles River Esplanade. Its work on the Esplanade includes: new playgrounds, restored boat docks, renovated ball fields, and park cleanups with the organized help of thousands of volunteers. (If you’re unfamiliar with the Esplanade, it is the park that hosts the 4th of July celebration in Boston - the Boston Pops, fireworks, 1 million people…)

So why did I commit to running a marathon for The Esplanade Association?

You probably have a favorite park. Mine is the Esplanade. Recently the state of Massachusetts decided the best way to reroute vehicle traffic, while repairing long neglected bridges, was to pave over large sections of the Esplanade. Organizations, like TEA, got involved and another option was chosen.

That's when I realized how much I had taken the Esplanade for granted. I wanted to help preserve the park, so I volunteered to run the Boston Marathon to raise money for TEA. I had never run more than 3 miles until recently, and I definitely haven't run outside through a New England winter. But I know that I can do this because I am not running this marathon alone. With your support, both moral and financial, you will push me to meet this challenge, and more importantly, help preserve the Esplanade for generations to come. I want to teach Taylor to sail on the river, take her for runs in the park, and let her ride her bike down the miles of pathways.

So, will you please sponsor me to preserve and enhance the Esplanade?

You can make a secure donation by clicking the 'Donate' button to the right. It is easy, secure, and tax deductible.

Thank you so much for your support. Together I know we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Chad

p.s. Please share this page with friends that you feel would also be interested in restoring the Esplanade and helping preserve our parks.

Personal FAQ:

Q: Why is the Esplanade my favorite park?

A: I love all the free concerts, the Boston Pops on the 4th of July, and the walking trails along the river. I’ve watched countless sunsets sitting on the docks, and I learned to sail there. My wife and I take our daughter to the playgrounds and water park on the Esplanade, and someday she’ll play soccer on its fields. It’s a great place to take a peaceful walk in the morning, and one of the best places for just watching people. There aren’t any other public green spaces that can do that for me – especially given that it is just down the street from my home.

Q: Can I really run a marathon?

A: Yes. With proper training, some luck, and your support. I am running with a team of other first-time marathoners with the same purpose of supporting TEA – we call ourselves Team Esplanade. We have a coach, and we will be running longer and longer distances each week throughout the winter. Yes, outdoors, in the snow and cold. Please don’t remind me.

Q: Why not just run the marathon on my own?

A: First, I would like to give back to the Esplanade, and raising money by running the Boston Marathon is much more fun than some other ways of giving back.

Q: Don’t our tax dollars pay to maintain the Esplanade?

A: Yes and no. The Esplanade is officially managed by a state agency (the DCR, Dept. of Conservation and Recreation). But it was their idea to pave over the park while the state repaired the bridges. Plus, they are charged with parks all across the state. The Esplanade is just another park for them , but for me it's personal. And guess what, they are seriously underfunded - - being a state agency and all - - and in tough economic times, their budget is among the first to be cut. I'm sure your local parks and recreation organizations have similar funding challenges.

Other Fun Facts

- An estimated 2 to 3 million people visit the Esplanade each year

- Nearly 1 million people visit the Esplanade for the 4th of July celebration that you watch on TV nationwide

- The Esplanade was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also was the architect for Central Park in NYC.

- The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the most prestigious in the world.

- The course is 26.22 miles (http://www.baa.org/images/BostonMarathon/CourseMap.gif)

- The first Boston Marathon was held on April 19th, 1897 (2010 is the 114th running) (You can find out a lot more information at: http://www.baa.org/BostonMarathon/114thMarathon.asp)