Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh recently announced the city of Boston has signed a contract with Boston Garden Development Corporation (a subsidiary of Delaware North) as the vendor to enhance Boston’s City Hall Plaza.
Under Delaware North’s management, City Hall Plaza will become a year-round destination, beginning with winter activities such as New England’s first custom-designed outdoor skating path and a European-inspired holiday shopping market. Skaters of all ages are welcome to try this new twist on the traditional ice rink – a nearly 11,000-square-foot outdoor ice path that will be open after Thanksgiving through February 2017.
At the free outdoor holiday shopping market, visitors can experience seasonal delicacies and interactive
attractions in a celebratory winter atmosphere. The market is set to open after Thanksgiving and continue through New Year’s Day 2017, with a mix of local and international vendors and food and beverage offerings housed in individual chalets.
“We are truly excited to move forward with this partnership with the City of Boston and get activations started on City Hall Plaza,” said Charlie Jacobs, CEO for Delaware North's Boston Holdings. “City Hall Plaza is the heart of the city, and we share Mayor Walsh’s vision to provide a welcoming, enticing communal space that better serves the residents and visitors of Boston. Delaware North is committed to Boston, and our team is actively working to create an engaging winter experience for the plaza as well as unique activations for every season.”
To kick off the partnership, Boston Garden Development Corporation worked with the city’s property management department to test new seating options and will be installing shaded picnic tables on City Hall Plaza that will provide gathering spots for commuters and visitors. Delaware North will also join Walsh and the Main Streets Foundation, which supports local business districts in Boston, to sponsor the “Beer Garden on Bricks” programming moving forward.
“I am pleased about this important next step in our efforts to activate City Hall Plaza, and I thank the Boston Garden Development Corporation for their partnership and creativity in this effort,” Walsh said. “This endeavor is the beginning of a joint venture that will help transform the plaza into a year-round destination, inviting the people of Boston to see the plaza come to life in new and exciting ways.”
This past spring, the city of Boston selected Boston Garden Development Corporation’s response to a request-for-proposals to improve City Hall Plaza. The three-year contract officially began Sept. 1. More information on upcoming events at City Hall Plaza and vendor information for the holiday shopping market will be posted soon at: www.Facebook.com/BostonCityHallPlaza.