Nahanton Park
Overview
The park includes riverfront, community garden plots, meadows, wooded hillsides, wild blackberry bushes, wetlands, a pond, and an open plateau overlooking the river valley. The park is used for walking, jogging, canoe launching, fishing, field games, kite flying, picnicking, nature study, cross-country skiing, sledding, and birding. The park is known to attract birders who come from far and wide to observe uncommon birds, particularly during spring and fall migration.
Boating in Boston has a rental facility in the park.
Accessibility:
Florrie’s Path, a handicapped-accessible path along the Charles River, starts by the nature center building where many summertime programs for children are held.
Size: 57 acres    Longest Walk: 1 mile    Acquired: 1890 and 1980
A Bike Loop Around the Charles in Needham, Dedham, Boston, and Newton
Maps
Â
Scan this code using the camera or QR code app on your smartphone for quick access to maps and other information on the property.
Get here by MBTA:
Other maps and aerial photos:
Connects to: Helen Heyn Riverway
Nearby: Cutler Park
GPS Enabled Trail Map
To see your location, press the location icon while viewing the map on your smartphone. If the blue location dot doesn’t appear when you open the map, come back to this page and click here.
Owner & Administrator Websites
Photo Gallery
First three photos shown here. Click a photo to view the complete slideshow or click here to browse the complete gallery.
History
1890
City of Newton purchases 25 acres on Winchester St. from Thomas Ranney, Thompson Baxter et al., and Ellen Doyle for the Almshouse and Poor Farm.
1899
Almshouse moves from Waban to a new building constructed by the City.
1964
The Almshouse and Poor Farm operate at this site until 1964 when the Almshouse (then known as the City Infirmary) closes.
1968
The site is transferred to the Recreation Commission for a playground, known as the Winchester Street Recreation Area.
1980
The City takes approximately 30 acres of land abutting the Winchester Street Recreation Area from the Working Boys Home with partial funding from the Massachusetts Urban Self-Help Program. The new park is called Novitiate Park.
1983
The Jewish Community Center opens on adjacent land.
1980-1987
The City makes extensive improvements to the Winchester Street Recreation Area and Novitiate Park with funding from a second Urban Self-Help grant.
1987
Features
Accessible Trails, Biking, Birding, Boat Launch, Canoe & Kayak Rental, Charles River Walk, Cross Country Skiing, Farm or Garden, Historic Site, Meadow, Picnic Tables, Pond, Sports Fields, Toilet Facilities, Vernal Pool, Woods Trail
Â
Additional Information
Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 83035 0004A and other parcels
Advocates & Caretakers:
Woodcock Meadow and Birding Information:
Help save the Nahanton Park Woodcock Meadow
Woodcock Meadow update December 2017
Birding in Nahanton Park, by Alison Leary
Bird News from Nahanton Park blog
Other Information:
Natural Resources Inventory and Management Plan (Mass Audubon Society, 2011)
Study done, now it’s time to work
Newton’s Almshouses, by Michael J. Clarke
Use of the park for dumping snow and Christmas trees in 2011
Park to receive temporary fire station, permanent conservation restriction
June Doin’ in 2015
Â
Report a Problem
Â