May Newsletter – Improving Communities Through Park Projects, Bike Trails, and Public Works
May 27, 2026
Parker’s River Landing Park and Boardwalk Opens in Yarmouth
The Town of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, officially opened Parker’s River Landing Park and Boardwalk earlier this month, transforming the former West Yarmouth Drive-In Theater site into a new public waterfront destination that prioritizes recreation, resiliency, and environmental stewardship.
BETA partnered with the Town to help bring the vision to life through landscape architecture, engineering, and environmental design. The project features walking trails, scenic overlooks, a playground, kayak launch, restored salt marsh habitat, and an elevated boardwalk designed to enhance public access while protecting the surrounding coastal environment.
Parker’s River Landing is also being recognized through the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) APEX Awards and is currently in the running for the EBC Community Choice Award. Help support the project by casting your vote!
Celebrating Bike Month Through Trail Design
Bike trails serve as critical recreational amenities, connecting neighborhoods, supporting local economies, and expanding transportation options for communities across New England.
At BETA, trail projects come to life through a multidisciplinary approach that combines transportation and structural engineering, environmental science, and landscape architecture. From the Cochituate Rail Trail in Natick to the Norton/Mansfield Rail Trail Extension and the Connecticut Riverwalk North, our team helps communities create trails that are safe, accessible, resilient, and designed for long-term use.
This Bike Month, we’re highlighting how thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and community-focused design work together to create connected outdoor spaces that people rely on every day.
Reflecting on National Public Works Week
Last week, communities across the country celebrated National Public Works Week, recognizing the dedicated professionals who keep our cities and towns running every day. This year’s theme, “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community,” reflects the commitment we see from our municipal partners across New England to support and strengthen the places where we live and work.
From maintaining roads, bridges, and parks to managing the critical infrastructure that often operates behind the scenes, public works employees provide essential services that have a lasting impact on daily life.
While National Public Works Week has come to a close, our appreciation for our public works partners and the important work they do continues year-round.
Massachusetts Funding Spotlight: FY27 Community One Stop for Growth
If you’re planning your next infrastructure, housing, or downtown revitalization project, now is the time to act.
The Massachusetts FY27 Community One Stop for Growth is an integrated grant application process that streamlines access to a wide range of funding opportunities for municipalities and other public entities. This comprehensive approach supports economic development, housing, transportation, and community planning projects through a single entry point.
What’s Included:
The One Stop aggregates several state grant programs, including:
- MassWorks Infrastructure Program – for public infrastructure that supports housing and job creation.
- HousingWorks Infrastructure Program – focused on affordable housing production.
- Brownfield Redevelopment Fund – for environmental assessment or remediation of municipally owned or controlled sites.
- Downtown Initiative Program, Site Readiness Program, Community Planning Grants, and more.
Key Dates:
- Full Applications are due by June 3, 2026.
- Early application submissions are encouraged to ensure eligibility and technical assistance.
Ready to join our award-winning team?
BETA will challenge you with interesting work and offers the potential for growth and advancement. We are currently looking for talented staff across many of our disciplines in offices throughout New England. Browse our current job openings.
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