Martin’s Park Interim Flood Protection Project
This project installed deployable flood barrier infrastructure in Martin's Park. When deployed, the barrier will block the flood pathway that passes through the park from the Fort Point Channel.
Project Phase
Project Information
During a coastal flood event, the City will deploy this flood barrier to help protect the northern part of the Fort Point neighborhood. This effort is part of a citywide coastal flood resilience plan.
The deployable portion consists of one removable post and 18 aluminum stop log panels. The permanent components are two concrete pillars blended into the existing landscape and a concrete pad onto which the stop logs clamp down during a flood event. When deployed, the stop logs span the width of the walkway beneath the pedestrian bridge and stand approximately 4 feet tall. During that time, the Harborwalk will remain accessible from the Children's Museum and the entrance beneath the Seaport Boulevard Bridge.
The tidal trigger for deploying the flood barrier is 14.4’ (MLLW), as reported by NOAA. The City’s Office of Emergency Management can recommend deployment to the Mayor, who may then give approval. Then, the flood barrier post will be set up by the Parks and Recreation Department, and panels will be added as needed.
The Planning Department managed the project's design and construction in collaboration with:
- the Office of Climate Resilience, and
- the Parks and Recreation Department.
Temporary construction of the infrastructure that supports the deployable barrier took place from April to August 2026. All impacted features were restored or enhanced.