“Historic remnants” don’t even begin to describe what we’re about to witness at the Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens. These silent enclosures whisper tales of a bygone era. Imagine a time when these dens echoed with the roars and shuffling of bears.
The Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens date back to 1912. This was when the Franklin Park Zoo first opened its gates. Each cage was designed to house a different bear species. Black bears, grizzlies, and polar bears all called this place home.
The original vision for a zoo in Franklin Park came from Frederick Law Olmsted. He was the park’s landscape designer. His concept included a naturalistic area for local animals. Arthur A. Shurtleff expanded on Olmsted’s ideas. He included exotic animals.
For many years the Franklin Park Zoo thrived. Over two million people visited in 1920 alone. However, the Great Depression and World War II brought hard times. The zoo fell into disrepair due to lack of funds.
In 1958, the Metropolitan District Commission took control. A plan was developed to downsize the zoo. A fence would separate the zoo from the rest of the park. This allowed an entrance fee to be collected ensuring sustainability.
When the fence went up, the Old Bear Dens were left outside. The dens have been abandoned since 1971. But today they offer a unique look into the past.
Mayor Michelle Wu recently announced that the Boston Parks Department would take care of the Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens. This transfer reflects a commitment to expanding green space. It also makes Boston the best city for families.
The Old Bear Dens sit in Long Crouch Woods. Finding them is quite easy. The location is marked on Google Maps.
A grand staircase leads to the cages. Up the stairs are two more cages. The larger one was once divided into two enclosures.
The rusted iron and stonework create an impressive sight at the Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens. The cages have old swimming pools. Now they are filled with weeds instead of water. Angled spikes run along the dens. These ensured no bears escaped.
The most striking visual is on the back wall of the main cage. It features the 1912 Boston seal held aloft by two bears. Rickie Thompson from the Franklin Park Coalition highlights this detail. It is an important part of the park’s history dating back to 1912.
Exploring the Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens allows you to truly imagine the zoo in the early 1900s. It offers a fascinating window into the park’s history. The fact that a scene in the 2003 film Mystic River was filmed here adds to its mystique.
The Franklin Park Action Plan details goals to restore the Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens. It aims to stabilize and restore its defining features. The city plans to integrate new space for programming within the framework of the dens.
As we leave the Franklin Park Zoo Old Bear Dens let’s remember their story. They were once a major attraction now a silent reminder of a bygone era. The city hopes to transform the Bear Dens into a welcoming and accessible destination for all.