Main Street Meadow Projects

Everett, MA

TYPE: Cooling Urban Heat Islands

DATE: 2022

Client: City of Everett

Project Team: City of Everett, MAPC, Diggers Cooperative, Moyer Engineering

Artists Rendering of proposed park with a kiosk, playground and gazebo

Our rendering of proposed meadow project with amenities, for planning and publicity

The City of Everett was awarded $36,250 as part of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) 2022 COVID-Safe Cooling Strategies Grant Program to cool one of the city’s hottest heat islands. This project will have lasting impact, creating shade from gardens and trees to cool the area for older and young neighbors and families, and creating a destination to visit, enjoy, and connect with the community.

The heat island will be transformed into an oasis for native birds, butterflies, bees and neighbors! The project includes:

  • New sidewalk, crossings, and seating

  • Native trees, wildflowers, meadows and sensory gardens

  • Miyawaki forest for habitat & ecosystem restoration

  • Nature playscape and recreation spaces

  • Two nature-inspired murals by Everett Artist @JayLapo

Artist’s Rendering of meadow with path, art, lighting, and seating

Artist’s Rendering of meadow with path, art, lighting, and seating

Artist’s Rendering of path at entrance to the new park, with bike rack and benches.

The City targeted this location for cooling to provide shade and relief to older residents who are some of the most vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

“Before” shot of heat island location- summer temperatures over 110 degrees

Lot plan showing color-coded plantings and amenities, new crosswalks and pedestrian access.

Neighborways assisted with planning and rendering, signage and community outreach.

Below the plan is a street-view rendering of how the area will look, to scale.

Artists Rendering of entrance to meadow, with signage and bike rack

Artists Rendering of entrance to meadow, with signage and bike rack

Signage for community outreach shows map & rendering of proposed green space

Crew cleaning up mural surface
Retaining wall on grassy hillside painted with mural of flowers, butterflies, and birds

Crew of local artists prepare a mural wall

Completed mural

Landscaping

Landscaping

Work Begins

New pedestrian path

Retaining wall mural