The Friends of the Public Garden is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks. Now in its second year, the Fund is awarding grants to ten community-driven projects that enhance, restore, and activate public green spaces across Boston’s neighborhoods.
The 2026 project awardees represent a diverse range of initiatives, from increasing park seating and other enhancements in Roslindale to preserving history in Downtown Boston and boosting ecological health in Dorchester. Established to honor the legacy of Henry Lee, the Friends’ founding President and a lifelong champion of urban parks, the Fund supplements City of Boston resources with private dollars to empower local parks stewardship and advance projects that are priorities to local communities.
- Saint Marks Area Civic Association – Adams–King Playground, Dorchester
- Adams Park – Roslindale Village Main Street
- Friends of Ronan Park – Dorchester
- Friends of Hayes Park – South End
- Thetford Evans Playground – Mattapan
- Friends of Titus Sparrow Park – Titus Sparrow Park, South End
- The Boston Food Forest Coalition – Norwell Radcliffe Open Space in Dorchester
- Cocoanut Grove Memorial Committee – Statler Park, Back Bay
- Speak for the Trees – Loesch Family Park, Dorchester
- Old North Illuminated – 18th Century Garden, North End
“The Henry Lee Fund is about more than just financial support; it is about championing the vision of neighbors who care deeply for their public green spaces,” said Liza Meyer, President of the Friends of the Public Garden. “This year’s projects reflect the vital role Boston’s parks play in making our city healthier, cooler, and more welcoming to people and pollinators. We are grateful to be able to help other park stewardship groups turn their ideas into reality.”
Ultimately, the Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks is a tribute to the lasting impact of grassroots effort and dedication. By channeling resources directly into the hands of neighbors, the Friends is fulfilling Henry Lee’s original vision: a city where every park, regardless of size or location, is cherished and actively cared for. The above ten projects exemplify the commitment of dedicated Bostonians to their urban environment and community green spaces.
The Friends launched a $2 million Henry Lee Fund endowment campaign in 2024 to ensure annual grantmaking. To date, over 100 generous individuals, foundations, and local organizations have contributed more than $1 million of the goal, and the Friends provided a founding gift of $250,000. The Friends is actively seeking support for the Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks and welcomes your support. To make a gift to the Lee Fund or to discuss support opportunities, click here, or contact Nika Trufanova, Director of Development, at nika@friendsofthepublicgarden.org or 617-723-8144 x204.