The Campaign for Jamaica Pond & Olmsted Park
Led by Jamaica Pond Association (JPA) and Friends of Jamaica Pond (FoJP)
The campaign, begun by the Jamaica Pond Association (JPA) and the Friends of Jamaica Pond (FoJP), seeks to strengthen maintenance and spur improvement by:
Advocating for improved public support and financing,
Promoting public discussion of the need to plan for the parks’ long-term improvement,
Collaborating with Boston, Brookline, the state, and community groups,
Increasing volunteer efforts and raising money.
What has the Campaign for Jamaica Pond & Olmsted Park done so far…?
Advocate for existing projects and for new projects
Members of the Campaign have met with local officials, including City Councilor Ben Weber and Mayor Michelle Wu, and governmental groups like the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. Member discussed the allocation of funds for the boathouse repairs and other projects.
Identify issues in the park by speaking with community members
Campaign members have begun outreach throughout the community, including recruiting members of the local Parkrun at Jamaica Pond. Campaign member have also started organizing working groups devoted to different projects within the campaign.
Partnering with local organizations to address issues
The campaign has created working relationships with various organizations in the area, including the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and the Charles River Watershed Association, to advocate for the various projects the campaign is focused on.
A few focal points for the Campaign…
Olmsted Park
Plant trees and develop strategies to regenerate wooded areas
Control erosion around ponds and paths
Remove invasive species and plant native species
Address pollution and deformation of Leverett Pond by Daisy Field runoff
Jamaica Pond
Plant more trees around Jamaica Pond
Protect Jamaica Pond’s water quality
Remediate erosion, degradation and invasive species between the pathway and the Pond
Address deterioration of the bandstand and boathouse
Strategy & Advocacy
Tap deep support for Jamaica Pond among residents and visitors
Create active network of groups collaborating closely on shared goals
Build more vocal community expression of advocacy for the Pond and Olmsted Park
Overcome City’s reluctance to adequately fund maintenance
Raise private money, perhaps $100,000 over 2025-2026, to complement City spending
Build larger and more regular volunteer activity
Click the button to view the proposed short term and long term goals the Campaign plans to address: