Special to the Sun
The Emerald Necklace Conservancy has announced that Party in the Park, the city’s beloved annual luncheon to raise awareness and funds for the Emerald Necklace parks, will take place on Wednesday, May 17, at Franklin Park.
All proceeds from the fundraiser support the 1,100-acre park system that serves as a backyard for residents and a destination for more than 1 million park users each year. The Conservancy stewards the Emerald Necklace through advocacy, maintenance and restoration, education, access improvements, public programs and the promotion of park stewardship through youth education and volunteer programs.
”We’re looking forward to welcoming civic leaders, greenspace advocates and Emerald Necklace supporters and advocates to Franklin Park for this year’s Party in the Park. As always, we’ll be bringing energy, style and fun to the tent — rain or shine — to raise funds for the vital work the Emerald Necklace Conservancy does to maintain Boston’s largest park system,” saAlex Ablon and Emily Derr, co-chairs of the 2023 Party in the Park, said in a press release.
This May, Party in the Park returns to Franklin Park, the largest in the Emerald Necklace at over 500 acres – considered the park system’s crowning jewel park system by its designer Frederick Law Olmsted. Party in the Park will feature the presentation of the Liff Spirit Award, given to an individual or individuals whose leadership, commitment to cities, passion for public places, dedication to the democratic ideals fostered in urban parks and ability to inspire public servants and private citizens to join in common cause best reflects the spirit and legacy of Justine Mee Liff, Boston’s Parks Commissioner from 1996 to 2022. This year’s awardee will be announced soon.
“Party in the Park, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s signature fundraising event, funds essential tree care and capital projects in the parks,” Karen Mauney-Brodek, president of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, said in a press release. “It also supports our education programs, free public programming, resources for park users, advocacy efforts and special initiatives. We are extremely proud of the work the Conservancy has done for the past 25 years to steward and improve the Emerald Necklace, and to connect all Bostonians and visitors to these parks – your parks. The Necklace’s 1,100 acres, stretching from Dorchester to the Back Bay, are such an important part of our city and our collective efforts to manage climate change.”
Founded in 2003, Party in the Park attracts the area’s most generous greenspace supporters and civic leaders for a stylish tented luncheon in the Emerald Necklace. Guests don their finest millinery at this “must-attend” fundraiser to herald the coming of spring to Boston. From picture hats and fascinators to cloches and pillboxes, every conceivable type of headgear will be on display. Festive spring décor, including stunning floral arrangements by DiCicco Design, will grace the venue while attendees enjoy a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception, crafted by Max Ultimate Food, followed by a seated luncheon and program.
For more information and tickets, visit www.emeraldnecklace.org/party-in-the-park.