Esplanade Champion Jeryl Oristaglio Steps Down

From the Esplanade Association:

After 10 years of service and countless contributions to The Esplanade Association and the historic , Jeryl Oristaglio, co-founder and former president of the organization, has stepped down from its board of directors. 

Jeryl, along with co-founder Linda Cox, started The Esplanade Association (TEA) in 2001 to help restore and enhance the now 100-year old park.

“Jeryl has brought unmatched passion, energy and creativity to a 10-year effort to improve the Esplanade,” said Margo Newman, board chair.

The list of Jeryl and the Oristaglio family’s contributions is long and includes the hard work of raising funds to rebuild the Stoneman Playground and Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields and replace rotting docks. Jeryl has been a strong advocate for improvements to visitor’s amenities, including the replacement of exercise equipment and water fountains, repair of historic benches and installation of solar trash compactors.

“We can’t thank Jeryl enough for giving so generously to the Boston community,” said Sylvia Salas, TEA’s Executive Director.  “Not only has Jeryl been instrumental in the park’s restoration, she has brought enriching and fun programs to the park for children and adults of all ages." 

This summer, hundreds and hundreds of children and adults participated in park games on Sundays and a host of exercise programs, including Zumba, Yoga and Tai Chi, throughout the week. Jeryl introduced the popular Kids Fishing and Boston Model Sailing programs several years ago.

She has been particularly successful at recruiting dozens of volunteers from community organizations, schools and businesses to help run these free programs at the Esplanade. Without Jeryl’s hard work, passion and dedication The Esplanade Association would not exist. Because of her vision ten years ago, the Charles River Esplanade today is a healthier and greener park.