Park Section

Welcome to Park Section, a vibrant and diverse green space located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, at the Back Bay Fens. This park offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Explore the many attractions within Park Section, including jogging the track at Clemente Field, visiting the enchanting Kelleher Rose Garden, shooting hoops on the basketball courts, and picking up a park map at the historic Shattuck Visitor Center. Discover a piece of history with the 17th century Japanese Temple Bell, and stroll through the serene paths of the Victory Gardens, a living reminder of Boston's community spirit during World War II.

The park's location, surrounded by Boston's leading educational, cultural, and medical institutions, offers a unique mix of formal and community gardens, ball fields, memorials, and historic structures. Whether you're interested in gardening, sports, or bird watching, Park Section provides a range of experiences for passive recreation and active pursuits.

The Shattuck Visitor Center, originally designed by renowned architect H. H. Richardson, now serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the Emerald Necklace. This beautiful park is also home to memorials for World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War, providing a peaceful picnic site for residents and a playground at Mother’s Rest that attracts children from near and far.

The park's history dates back to 1878 when Frederick Law Olmsted transformed a stagnant saltwater marsh into a scenic freshwater marsh with the damming of the Charles River in 1910. Landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff later enriched the Fens with features like ball fields and the Kelleher Rose Garden, reflecting the formal landscape style of the early 20th century.

Park Section is supported by a network of dedicated partners, including the Colleges of the Fenway, Fenway Alliance, Fenway CDC, Fenway Civic Association, Fenway Garden Society, and the Boston Parks & Recreation Department. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy, which oversees the park, proudly holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, ensuring that donors can give with confidence.

Visit Park Section today and experience the harmony of nature, history, and community in one of Boston's most beloved parks.