Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh last week joined Charlie Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North’s Boston Holdings, and TD Garden President Amy Latimer to cut a ceremonial ribbon and open the 2019 season of The Patios Presented by Berkshire Bank. The Patios, returning for its second year, is a warm-weather seasonal activation in Boston City Hall Plaza operated by Boston Garden Development Corp., a subsidiary of Delaware North.
“We were thrilled to see how the public embraced The Patios presented by Berkshire Bank last year,” Latimer said. “Thanks to our fantastic partners at the city and Berkshire Bank, we are able to bring this space to the next level this season. From workday meetings outdoors to a spot for weekend grilling with family, we are proud to provide one of the most versatile and welcoming outdoors spaces in Boston.”
The Patios features daily programming that will appeal to visitors of every age. Regular offerings include free grilling space on Sunday afternoons, a farmers’ market on Tuesdays and Thursdays, free wifi and power outlets for a relaxing out-of-the-office work environment, and an evening food truck program on weekdays.
Complementing the new daily programming will be one of last year’s most popular activations, “Wag Wednesdays,” taking place every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. each week. Shultz’s Guest House, a dog rescue based out of Dedham, Mass., will bring a variety of puppies to meet and play with visitors and connect them with information on fostering and adoption. In 2018, “Wag Wednesdays” at The Patios resulted in more than 200 applications and nearly 30 pups being placed with their forever families. Other family-friendly activities, such as putt-putt mini-golf holes, will once again be free for public use seven days a week.
“We’re excited that this year Boston City Hall Plaza will again be transformed into The Patios as we celebrate warm weather in Boston,” Walsh said. “I look forward to the many family-friendly events and activations that will happen on the Plaza this summer, and welcome all to take part in The Patios.”
The Patios debuted in May 2018 as a highly successful placemaking initiative and, with the help of Wachusett Brewing Company, a very popular foray into the outdoor beer garden trend. Through coordinated efforts, the underutilized southeastern corner overlooking Faneuil Hall has been transformed into a daily destination for locals, tourists and commuters alike.
“We’re thrilled to bring back The Patios for a second season, in partnership with the City of Boston and Boston Garden Development Corp,” said Sean Gray, president and COO of Berkshire Bank. “This activation, and our expansion to downtown Boston, has allowed us to be more embedded in the community and bring exciting memories to all at City Hall Plaza.”
The Patios is a part of “Boston Seasons presented by Berkshire Bank,” a three-year plan created by Boston Garden Development Corp. and the city of Boston Property Management Department to revitalize the existing plaza at City Hall and create a vibrant public space for all.