Mary Ellen Welch: The Eastie Trailblazer Who Transformed a Neighborhood

Boston Parks and Recreation is celebrating Women’s History Month with the local women who have helped shape Boston’s parks and open spaces. Recently, they posted a profile on Eastie’s own Mary Ellen Welch.

Mary Ellen Welch was a lifelong East Boston resident, a dedicated educator at O’Donnell Elementary, and a fierce advocate for the neighborhood she loved. She fought for affordable housing, stronger public schools, and environmental justice while taking a stand against Logan Airport’s ever-growing footprint.

Her vision? A true buffer between the airport and East Boston’s communities. And thanks to her relentless efforts, an abandoned rail line was transformed into what we now know and love as the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway. 🌳

Because of her advocacy, the Greenway has become a vital link between some of Eastie’s most treasured open spaces—Piers Park, East Boston Memorial Stadium, and Belle Isle Marsh—offering a scenic and accessible corridor for walking, biking, and community connection. Mary Ellen’s legacy lives on in every step taken along that path, reminding us of the power of grassroots activism and a deep love for home.

Visit the Greenway this spring and check out the Friends of @MaryEllenWelchGreenway to learn more about her legacy.

Photo by Gilbert E. Friedberg, Boston Globe