Dolan Pond
Guidebook Section: North
Location
Get here by MBTA: A 10 minute walk from West Newton, which is served by commuter rail and many bus lines.
Other maps and aerial photos:
Bing
Newton Assessor
Overview
This is a wetlands area traversed by paths, boardwalks, and foot bridges. There are four small ponds in all.
Walking, bird watching, nature study, and ice skating. 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 species of birds near Dolan Pond.
The boardwalk and trail system is wheelchair-accessible.
Size: 8 acres
Longest Walk: 0.4 miles
Acquired: 1979 and 2004
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
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.
1979
The City took by eminent domain the privately owned portions with partial reimbursement from state self-help funds.
2003
Installation of new wheelchair-accessible paths and boardwalks.
2004-2007
Community Preservation Act 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 the Forte home and build additional affordable housing.
Dolan Pond Map
Features
Accessible Trails, Birding, Conservation Area, Ice Skating, Pond, Vernal Pool, Woods Trail
Additional Information
Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 33017 0015 and other parcels
Advocates & Caretakers:
Friends of Dolan Pond
24 Henshaw Terrace
West Newton, MA 02465
dolanpond@aol.com
Acquisition of Forte property:
May and September 2004 updates
Other Information:
Hidden Gem of West Newton (Fall 2017 Newsletter article)