Boston, MA (December 12, 2025) – Courageous Sailing, a leader in youth sailing education and community waterfront access, today announced that the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) has awarded tentative designation for its proposal to redevelop Charlestown’s Pier 5 into a world-class public amenity and community center focused on year-round waterfront access, recreation, education, and climate resiliency.

Courageous Sailing’s proposal envisions transforming Pier 5, which has been vacant and unused for over 30 years, into a vibrant year-round waterfront destination that would serve residents and visitors from across Boston and beyond. The facility would feature an ocean-fed swimming pool, an interactive learning lagoon with tidal pools, indoor and outdoor educational spaces, an immersive maritime gallery, rooftop green space, and shared marine science research facilities. All major spaces would serve dual purposes, supporting expanded Courageous programming and public access.

“This is a pivotal moment for Courageous Sailing and Boston’s waterfront,” said Bill Jacobson, Courageous Board Member and Project Chair. “For decades, Pier 5 has been a fenced-off eyesore. Our vision is to create a legacy project that serves as a true public amenity where families from every neighborhood can swim, learn, play, and connect with Boston Harbor. We’re committed to working with the community to refine this proposal and deliver a facility that reflects Boston’s values of equity, education, and environmental leadership.”

The proposal directly addresses the city’s RFP priorities of equitable waterfront access, education, and climate resiliency. As a living laboratory, the project would support both K-12 learners and marine science researchers while actively promoting STEM careers among underrepresented youth. The design emphasizes universal accessibility and climate resiliency, incorporating sustainable materials, green stormwater management solutions, nature-based wave protection systems, and embedded monitoring technology that will serve as both functional infrastructure and educational tools for understanding rising sea levels and climate adaptation.

“We’re deeply grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received throughout this process, from local families to educational partners to elected officials,” said Courageous Sailing’s Executive Director Dave DiLorenzo. “So many people share our commitment to making the waterfront a vibrant, accessible place for everyone. We know that this is just the beginning, but we’re thrilled to have reached this important milestone.”

The tentative designation follows an extensive public process that included community meetings, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation by the BPDA’s Interdepartmental Evaluation Committee. The proposal received strong support from local community members, elected officials, neighborhood groups, local schools, educational institutions in the coastal and maritime industries, and science organizations.

During the tentative designation phase, Courageous Sailing will work closely with BPDA staff to address feedback from the public process, including enhancing public access features, refining traffic and parking plans, and strengthening the project’s financial framework. The organization will incorporate these improvements into the design before proceeding through Article 80 permitting and advancing to final designation.

The proposal directly responds to the city’s RFP priorities for equitable waterfront access, climate resiliency, and educational programming. To learn more about the proposal please visit courageoussailing.org/pier5.