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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:
Wheelchair iconFlorrie’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

Maps

 

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Trail Map


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GPS Enabled Trail Map

Access City of Newton GIS Map


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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

Nahanton Park opens.

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
 

Additional Information

Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 83035 0004A and other parcels

 

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