BLAIR SQUARE PARK

Located in Holliston, MA, along the Upper Charles Rail Trail, Blair Square serves as both a welcoming rest stop and a vibrant community gathering space. In collaboration with a COLLAB design team and Beals + Thomas, IDDLA worked closely with municipal committees and landscape contractors throughout the design, public engagement, and implementation of this successful park.

The key to its multi-functional design was ensuring the safe, uninterrupted use of the popular rail trail—even during events. Subtle changes in trail surface, curvature, and elevation help calm bike traffic, while a natural block seat wall separates the trail from passive park users. The Milford Pink granite wall stones, reclaimed from the old Charlestown Bridge, likely “road the rails” through this site in the 1890s when it was a station on the historic “Pink Granite RR Line.”

With the Town sourcing water from its own aquifer, on-site stormwater management was a priority. Permeable paving and three rain gardens efficiently handle runoff, while a predominantly native plant palette minimizes water needs.

Now an integral part of daily community life, the park welcomes walkers, joggers, cyclists (including long-distance riders on the East Coast Greenway), students gathering after school, and local shop patrons enjoying coffee, ice cream, or lunch. It also hosts seasonal events, including the annual First Night Trail Walk & Festivities, races, music and dance performances, and even weddings.

* This project won Hardscape North America’s 2023 award in the category: Concrete Paver - Commercial (size less than 15,000sf)

TEAM: IDDLA w/ EMN Landscape (COLLAB) & Beals + Thomas Engineering
SCOPE:  Schematic Design, Design Development, & Construction Administration
LOCATION:   Holliston, MA