Designed by Pressley Associates Landscape Architects of Boston,[1] the 6.5-acre (2.6 ha) park was conceived to reclaim a condemned industrial pier for recreational use, allowing residents and visitors direct access to the waterfront.

The park consists of multiple trails paved in brick and granite from the pier's original 1870 seawalls; native salt-tolerant New England plants; more than thirty-two tree varieties; seasonal flowers; ornamental shrubs; and a 600-foot (180 m) meandering brick pedestrian promenade with four smaller shade pavilions.

[4] There is also a play area and spray pool for children; a small exercise station; an amphitheater; and a community boating program, Piers Park Sailing Center.

[9] In 1966, under direction from then Governor John Volpe, MassPort had made a commitment to replace the recreational facilities that would be lost to the sacrifice of the Olmsted park.

By 1975, Massport had again expanded the airport, consuming the Bird Island tidal area,[9] and the promised park had yet to be produced.

"[11] DeAngeles and other neighborhood advocates ultimately proposed the transformation of Massport's three derelict piers, an 11-acre site that included the condemned building that had once served as the historic East Boston Immigration Station, for the new park.

After much negotiation, MassPort agreed to cede a 6.5 acre parcel toward the site's west end for what has become known as phase I of the park.

[15] The existing Piers Park (phase I site) consists of multiple trails paved in brick and granite from the shore's original 1870 seawalls; native salt-tolerant New England plants; more than thirty-two tree varieties; seasonal flowers; ornamental shrubs; and a 600-foot meandering brick pedestrian promenade.