“What story does this park hold?” I often wonder as I stroll through. Saltonstall Park adds valuable green space to Watertown’s busy business district. It is a place cherished by residents and the Watertown Boys and Girls Club.
Saltonstall Park spans 4.2 acres. It has trees, benches and a playing field. The park hosts many community events. These include the Faire on the Square and the Summer Concert Series. The park also hosts the September 11th Remembrance and Memorial Day Festivities.
Currently, Saltonstall Park is undergoing improvements. These began in October 2024 and will continue until Spring 2025. The upper park area is closed during construction. Upgrades include new walkways and a permanent stage. The project aims to enhance the park’s beauty, safety and accessibility. Landscaping upgrades are planned. Pedestrian walkways will be improved. The streetscape will gain benches and dark sky compliant lighting.
Saltonstall Park is next to City Hall. It serves as a gathering place for city events like the Farmers Market. The project will enhance current events and enable new ones. The DPW worked with the Veteran’s Office to renovate the flag poles plaza. This added a flag for the new 6th service branch.
The park was once known as Main Street Park. It has long been a focus of the Town Council. In 1881, there was a call to construct a monument. It would honor those from Watertown who served in the Civil War. In 1889, the Town Council allocated $3600. The monument was completed in five months. The dedication on October 31, 1889, was a “gala day”. Local residents gathered in large numbers to celebrate. Businesses closed. The Town Hall was decorated with flags.
The Watertown Enterprise reported that the structure was a handsome tribute. It was admired by all who passed through town. The venue was then named Saltonstall Park. In 1894, the Improvement Association wanted it landscaped. It would become the “handsomest spot this side of Boston”.
In 1895, the Watertown Park Association formed. They removed sewer pipes and construction materials. A maintenance man cared for the “little plot” around the monument. Further improvements were recommended. These included lighting and benches. In 1908, a “tasty bandstand” was erected. The American Watch Company Band provided open-air concerts. In 1920, the old bandstand was removed. A new water fountain was installed.
The park was redesigned in 1921. In 1924, emergency repairs were needed for the cannon mounts. In the 1930s, the statue was relocated. This allowed for the construction of the present Town Hall. The Soldiers’ Monument in Saltonstall Park was restored in 2013. Jon Spector led the project. The intricate veining of the granite was visible after cleaning. Artisan David LaRocca replaced the soldier’s cap, rifle, nose and hand.
On November 11, 2013, the Soldiers’ Monument was rededicated. Over 200 people attended. The Historical Society of Watertown worked with the Town. They conducted a fundraising campaign. Contributions came from residents, banks and businesses. The statue was made by the Hallowell Granite Company of Maine. The design is not unique. Similar statues are in Castine, ME, and Beverly, MA.
The cannons are 32-pounder Navy guns. They were made by Cyrus Alger and Co. in 1849.
Saltonstall Park stands as a testament to Watertown’s history. It honors its heroes and provides space for community events.