Franklin Park
About
Franklin Park is Boston’s largest park and the crowning jewel of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. Designed by Olmsted in the 1890s and long known as the city’s “country park,” it sits at the geographic center of Boston where Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester meet. Woods and scenic views cover hundreds of acres, with miles of trails, playing fields, playgrounds and historic features.
Notable spots include the historic Bear Cages, Scarboro Pond, the William Devine Golf Course, a well-known cross-country running course, the Elma Lewis Playstead, White Stadium and the Franklin Park Zoo. The City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department maintains the park and, with the Franklin Park Coalition and neighbors, has created an action plan to restore its landscapes and keep it welcoming. Projects include restoring the Overlook and transforming White Stadium for Boston Public Schools athletics.
What to Know
- More than 200 acres of natural areas are being restored by the city’s Urban Wilds team.
- Planned upgrades include expanded tennis courts at the Shattuck Picnic Grove and traffic calming on Circuit Drive.
- The park is listed as a site for parades, festivals and special events.
- The city offers an email list for updates on park projects.
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