Kennard Park and Conservation Area
Overview
This is a post-agricultural forest grown up on 19th century farmland. The mixed and conifer woodlands reveal colonial stone walls, a red maple swamp with century-old trees, and a Sensitive Fern marsh.
The park has a wooded hillside with puddingstone and Brighton Volcanic outcrops. Pigeon Hill is a woodland with a circular stone wall. The conservation area protects the South Meadow watershed. The house is the headquarters of the Newton Parks and Recreation Department, and is not open to the public.
Size: Park: 16 acres; Conservation area: 32.2 acres Longest Walk: 1.7 miles, on loop including Lost Pond Acquired: Park: 1982; Conservation area: 1978
Maps
Get here by MBTA: see Lost Pond page for directions by MBTA
Other maps and aerial photos:
Bing Maps bird’s-eye view
Newton Assessor
Connects to:
Lost Pond
GPS Enabled Trail Map
To see your location, press the location icon while viewing the map on your smartphone.
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
1906
Dr. Harrison Kennard bought the land. Previous owner used to shoot passenger pigeons on Pigeon Hill and sell them at Faneuil Hall.
1978
City acquired 32.2 acres from the Kennard family.
1982
More land and the house were willed to the city by Dr. Kennard for Kennard Park.
Features
Conservation Area, Geologic Features, Meadow, Woods Trail
Additional Information
Newton Assessor’s Map ID: 82004 0023 and other parcels
ADVOCATES & CARETAKERS:
Friends of Kennard Park
Managed by Kennard Park Board of Trustees.
