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Newton Park and Conservation Lands
SIZE: 8 acres
LONGEST WALK : 0.4 miles
ACQUIRED: 1979
ADMINISTERED BY: Conservation
Commission
FEATURES:
This is a wetlands area traversed by paths,
boardwalks, and foot bridges. There are four small ponds in all.
Walking, bird watching, nature study. A biodiversity
study in 2000 found 120 plant, animal, and insect varieties. Red
maple swamp with netted chain fern, round-leaved sundew, swamp milkweed,
poison sumac, and cotton grass abound. Birdwatchers have spotted
over 130 speices of birds near Dolan Pond.
 ACCESSIBILITY:
The boardwalk and trail system is wheelchair-accessible.
HISTORY:
The western part was owned by Charles Dolan.
The eastern end of Quinn Pond (Secret Pond) was owned by Catherine
Quinn. The area was at one time slated for housing plots and city
maps show lots laid out.
| 1979 |
The City took
by eminent domain the privately owned portions with partial
reimbursement from state self-help funds.
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| 2003 |
Installation of
new wheelchair-accessible paths and boardwalks.
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| 2004-7 |
CPA funds used to acquire additional land from the Forte estate to be added to the park; CPA funds also used to support work by Habitat for Humanity to rehabilitate Forte home and build additional affordable housing |
ADVOCATES & CARETAKERS:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
 Acquisition of Forte property:
History of acquisition
November 2003 update
May 2004 update
Nature at Dolan Pond
Habitat project
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