Chris Murton: (Not) Running the Marathon to Raise Funds for the Esplanade

Uniquely situated between the historic urban landscape of Boston and the broad expanse of the lower Charles River, the Charles River Esplanade was designed a century ago to be the heart of the Boston Metropolitan park system. And so it remains—truly one of Boston’s greatest treasures. Yet like all public spaces the Esplanade requires constant care, maintenance, and management, and as the 20th century drew to a close, the park was truly showing its age.

Since our founding in 2001, The Esplanade Association (TEA) has worked tirelessly to restore and enhance this vital resource, and to elevate it to its intended and deserved status as one of the world’s most spectacular urban parks. In collaboration with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, among other groups, we strive to improve both the park’s uniquely beautiful landscape and the experience of its millions of annual visitors. Through infrastructure projects, park programs, and advocacy efforts, The Esplanade Association has made a tremendous impact on the park, and though there remains work to be done, we continue to strive to make the Esplanade a truly world-class park.

For 2010, TEA is honored to be one of the official charities chosen to participate in the 114th Boston Marathon®. In running the Marathon, members of Team Esplanade will raise urgently needed funds for the park, and will help to ensure that the Esplanade is a beautiful, accessible, and safe resource for years to come. We hope that you will join us in breathing beauty, life, and activity into one of Boston’s most precious parks.