Buttonwood Park

Imagine the "green lungs" of New Bedford—this is Buttonwood Park, the largest and most visited public recreation area in the region. Spanning 39 hectares, this park is a true masterpiece of landscape art. It was designed in the late 19th century by the famous firm Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot, whose founders are considered the fathers of American park architecture.

The park features a unique L-shaped layout and is harmoniously divided into several functional zones. Here you will find dense wooded areas, a scenic pond of about 3 hectares, and vast open lawns. Due to its historical significance and unique design, the site was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

For residents and visitors alike, Buttonwood Park is more than just a place for a stroll—it's a vibrant cultural hub. Under one "roof," it hosts a nature preserve, sports arenas, and even one of the oldest zoos in the country. It is a place where history meets nature, creating the perfect setting for outdoor recreation.

To find out more about park walks or events, you can use the official contact details.

Every visitor will find something to enjoy at Buttonwood Park. Quiet-seekers can spend hours wandering the winding walking paths, enjoying the shade of century-old trees and the fragrance of flowers. The focal point of the park is the picturesque pond: in summer, you can see boats and go fishing, while in winter, when the water freezes, it transforms into a natural open-air ice rink.

For those who prefer an active lifestyle, the park offers excellent sports infrastructure. It features a historic baseball field, tennis courts, and modern basketball courts. Children will love the universal play area, and picnic enthusiasts will appreciate the spacious Big Lawn, a perfect spot to relax on the grass on a sunny day.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo, occupying the southwestern part of the grounds, deserves special attention. In this charming zoo, you can meet a variety of animals, and a special farm zone with horses and cows will bring joy to both children and adults. Don't forget to stop by the Barnard Monument and see the historic Warming House, built in the 1930s.

Getting to this scenic spot in New Bedford is easy. The park is located at Rockdale Ave, New Bedford, MA 02740, west of the downtown area. Its territory is bounded by Kempton Street, Rockdale Avenue, Hawthorne Street, and Brownell Avenue.

If you prefer to drive, the trip from the city center takes just a few minutes. Convenient parking areas for visitors are provided within the park. You can also use taxi services for a comfortable and quick transfer directly to the main walkways.

For those choosing public transport, bus routes run regularly from the city center toward the park. Stops are located within walking distance of the main entrances, making the park accessible to all residents and visitors.

The history of the park dates back to the late 19th century. A preliminary plan for this green space was prepared in 1895 by Charles Eliot of the renowned firm Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot. These masters of landscape architecture sought to create a harmonious environment combining forest, a pond, and open meadows.

Interestingly, even before the plan was officially approved, a small collection of local animals was established here in 1894. Over time, this modest beginning grew into a full-fledged zoo, which is now considered the seventh oldest in the USA. In the early 20th century, the area continued to add sports facilities: a baseball field was laid out in 1896, and tennis courts in 1909.

In 2000, Buttonwood Park and its surrounding residential neighborhood were listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Today, the volunteer group Friends of Buttonwood Park is responsible for preserving the park's historical heritage and flora. Thanks to their efforts, more than 250 new trees have been planted here, including beautiful cherry blossom alleys that restore Eliot's original vision.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Buttonwood Park, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. If your goal is a leisurely stroll along the pond and relaxing on the lawn, a couple of hours will be quite enough.

However, if you plan to visit the Buttonwood Park Zoo with children, it's worth allowing an additional 1.5–2 hours. Time will fly while you observe the animals or enjoy activities on the sports fields. It's an ideal place for a half-day family outing.

Buttonwood Park is open to visitors daily, making it easy to plan a visit any day of the week. The operating hours are consistent and convenient for everything from early morning runs to evening sunset strolls:

• Monday — Sunday: 08:00 – 19:30

Please note that the hours for the zoo located within the park may differ, and access to certain sports facilities or the pond may depend on weather conditions and the current season.

Exploring the park's surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of the region. New Bedford is famous for its rich maritime heritage and architectural landmarks, many of which are located just a couple of kilometers from the park.

Here is a list of interesting places to visit nearby: