Watson Park Shoreline Stabilization Project

The Watson Park Shoreline Stabilization and Coastal Resilience Project was largely completed in the summer of 2022. The project:

• restored approximately 4200 square feet of salt marsh, 
• stabilized the eroding coastal bank, 
• elevated the walkway to help protect the park from flooding
• installed several rain gardens to treat stormwater runoff prior to its discharge to the Fore River.

The project was funded by MA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and the Braintree Community Preservation Committee.  Woods Hole Group and Fuss and O'Neil designed and engineered the project.  SumCo Eco Contracting was the site contractor.  Construction began in March, 2022 and was completed in June, 2022. 

Watson Park Story Map (Updated 2025): Shoreline Erosion and Coastal Resiliency Improvement Project

 Watson Park Shoreline Stabilization and Coastal Resilience Plans

Watson Park Project Completion Site Walk - Tuesday, August 16 at 6PM 

Salt Marsh Planting

Volunteer Training for Salt Marsh Monitoring - July 2022

Elevated Walkway- looking out over the restoration area - August 2022

Sea Level Rise Sculpture

BEFORE PHOTOS
Before: The eroding bank at the end of the seawall

The impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and the increased frequency of severe storms, are expected to contribute to more regular flooding of the park in the coming decades.  In fact, the park has flooded several times in 2023 and 2024 due to storm surge coming through the old seawall. 

2018 Storm Surge Flooding of Watson Park 

Phase 2 of the project was funded by MA Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Woods Hole Group and SumCo Eco Contracting are still involved in this phase. 

2019 Watson Park Feasibility Assessment

2020 Design and Permitting Memo

2021 Quarterly Monitoring Form

2021 Detailed Monitoring and Maintenance Plan

Questions or comments may be directed to:

Laura Morrison, Conservation Planner, at lmorrison@braintreema.gov or 781 794-8233.