Quincy Shore Drive

Quincy Shore Drive is a four-mile parkway along the shore of Quincy Bay, one of eight ocean parkways in Boston's metropolitan park system. It has three segments: two tree-lined residential connectors and a central shoreline stretch with views toward Boston and the harbor islands. Planning followed arguments that public ownership of the shoreline would protect access and keep the coast free of encroachment. The Metropolitan Park Commission acquired most of the land by 1900 and began construction in 1903. Early work included a roadway and piers for two yacht clubs. Later work added a concrete bridge over Blacks Creek in 1915-1916 and tide gates installed in 1911, which controlled water flow into the adjacent marshes. Contributing features include the bridge, tide gates, dam, medians and tree plantings. Later additions such as wing walls built in 1963 are not counted. The parkway is listed as a district for its role in providing public shoreline access.