Tower Hill Waterfront
The Tower Hill Waterfront project will transform a 12-acre city-owned site into a vibrant, community-centered destination along the Merrimack River. At its core is a new multi-use path between Doyle Street and Bay State Road, providing residents a safe, off-road route for walking and cycling.
The path will open up improved access to the Merrimack River waterfront and eventually connect to the Lawrence Manchester Rail Trail near Broadway — currently under construction and anticipated to open in 2028.
Beyond the path, the project will weave community priorities into a newly designed park, incorporating landscaping and tree planting, stormwater drainage, lighting, seating, and other amenities shaped through the public planning process. The project area spans the corridor between the solar panels near the Lawrence water treatment plant, Water Street, the Merrimack waterfront, and Broadway.
We want to hear from you. Use the button below to share your ideas and help shape the future of the Tower Hill Waterfront.
Project map
Project vision
The Tower Hill Waterfront project will create a new community corridor park — an accessible, welcoming green space that connects the Tower Hill neighborhood to the Merrimack River waterfront and the Lawrence Manchester Rail Trail.
The park will be designed for people of all ages and abilities, offering a safe and comfortable route for walking, bicycling, and rolling. The landscape will be ecologically restored and naturally resilient, with native plantings selected to support local habitat, improve stormwater management, and create a living, green corridor along the waterfront.
The design will look beyond the immediate site, considering future connections to nearby destinations and neighborhoods, while providing amenities that invite people both to move through and to linger — a calm, natural setting in the heart of the city.
We encourage you to share your feedback on this draft vision using the button below.
What is a project vision?
A vision is a broad statement about the goals of a project. Project goals are general statements about what path users and neighbors hope to achieve with the completed multi-use path project.
How did we craft the project vision?
During the development of the last two open space and recreation plans we received hundreds survey responses, comments at in-person events, and additional feedback during remote meetings. This feedback focused on the development of walking paths and the creation of waterfront parks.
The latest
May 2026
Multi-Use Path: The waterfront path should be wide enough to provide safe passing for cyclists, joggers, walkers, and rollers. Consideration should be given to a two-path system with secondary paths for different types of users (Bayamón precedent). Meandering paths are important to guide views and control design speed. Consider different trail surfaces because it is nicer to run on a natural surface. Provide bike fix-it stations like the Methuen Rail Trail. Continue the path along the river to the rail trail near Broadway and toward Methuen to link up with Riverside Park.
Parking + Arrival: Key questions to resolve as the park concept advances include: where will people park, how much parking should be provided, should a fee be charged for parking to minimize neighborhood impacts
River Access & Waterfront Experience: Opportunities for the park take advantage of the waterfront and activities unique to the river. Activities may include mini-pier for fishing, beach volleyball, swimming (?), sunset viewing, places to read, and relax and enjoy the river.
Recreation: A range of passive and active recreation opportunities have been suggested. This includes seating along the river for friends to enjoy together. Opportunities for evening strolls to get fresh air and observe nature. Active recreation ideas include an informal multi-use grass field, work-out opportunities (like at Reservoir Park), running route (current resident runs to Riverside Park along Water/Riverside Dr), beach volleyball, playground, basketball courts, and equa-volley. club at end of Doyle St.
Education: Bilingual educational signage on ecology, history, etc. Garden beds in partnership with Boys & Girls club / food forest, edible plants.
Safety, Operations + Maintenance: Lighting w/ timers / seasonal timing. Provision of pet waste stations. Safe passing widths on paths. Planning for parking impacts on neighborhood. Addressing encampments as they develop by providing case management and housing solutions.
Ownership Considerations: Questions regarding Essex Company ownership along river edge/dike. Case by case consideration of encroachments on city land.
Paseo Lineal de Bayamón – Puerto Rico
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