Boston Harbor Now Announces Seasonal Opening; Summer of Diverse Events for Kids, Adults and Families

Boston Harbor Now unveiled its seasonal events calendar for the upcoming summer months that includes a broad range of fun, accessible programming showcasing Boston’s deep-rooted significance and character as a coastal city.

This summer, a series of recurring and one-time events on the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park will demonstrate the many benefits of supporting, exploring and investing in Boston Harbor. The full calendar of free public programming has been developed in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), with additional engagement from local youth, environmental, and community organizations.

“Boston Harbor is most vibrant when visitors of all ages, from every neighborhood participate in the many activities the Harbor has to offer,” said Rebecca Smerling, Director of Programming at Boston Harbor Now. “We’re working closely with our community partners to spread the word about our fun and free programming—all easily accessible by public transportation.”

“The Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park represents an extraordinary partnership that for more than twenty years has been rewarding local communities and visitors with fun, adventure and relaxation,” said Michael Creasey, General Superintendent of the National Parks of Boston. “Visitors can enjoy this season’s terrific programs and special events, discover and explore the islands’ natural beauty and complex history, and become stewards with us of Boston’s unique urban island park.”

This summer’s notable events on the horizon include:

• Boston Harbor [Re]Creation, a place-based art installation opening on June 24th with five site-specific environmental sculptures on Peddock’s Island, and two artist-in-residence workshops on Spectacle Island.
• Marching Orders: Street Band Parade will take place on Georges Island on June 29th. Come join as brass bands descend upon the island, filling Fort Warren with music!
• Let’s Get Active! Fitness Day will take place on Peddocks Island on August 5th. The day’s events will demonstrate the Islands’ viability as an outdoor venue for active events as well, providing adults with an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of gentle fitness programs including trail walks, tai chi, and more.

Beginning on July 1, recurring programming will provide harbor fans of all ages with a diverse range of opportunities to engage with all that Boston Harbor has to offer. Free fitness programs including yoga and Zumba will be offered multiple days a week on Castle and Spectacle Islands. Interactive tours and presentations will allow Harbor visitors to explore firsthand the historical and environmental significance of the Harbor and its islands, with programs like ‘Island Detectives’ and ‘Go Fly a Kite’ encouraging children in particular to acquaint themselves with the Harbor’s natural beauty and significance.

The Boston Harbor Islands Partnership, which includes 11 different organizations including NPS and DCR, provides 25,000 free trips to Boston area youth and families each year and has enabled particularly comprehensive youth engagement programs, including Harbor Discovery Camps for those aged 8-13 years, and stewardship apprenticeships for those aged 13-16.

For a full list of Boston Harbor Now’s summer programming, please visit the website at http://www.bostonharbornow.org/upcoming-events/.