100 Years of Newton Parks and Rec

On January 30, 2020, Newton Conservators Board of Director, Michael Clarke, presented a lecture at the Newton Free Library entitled “100 Years of Newton Parks and Rec,” covering the years 1912-2012.

Historic Newton Presents: 100 Years of Newton Parks and Recreation:

Newton was a foremost player in the parks, playground and organized sports movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Mike Clarke’s talk traces this history, led in part by Newton mayor Edwin O. Childs and its first and longest-serving superintendent of playgrounds, Ernst Hermann. Period photographs illustrate their philosophy of the role of play in children’s development. Part of the Newton History Series. Co-sponsored by Newton Conservators.

View a Video of the Presentation 

View a slide show of the presentation