Franklin St Park

Did you know Franklin Park is Boston’s largest park? It’s a sprawling 527 acres a true urban oasis. Imagine Frederick Law Olmsted and his son John Charles Olmsted. They designed this magnificent space in the 1880s. Their vision was to create a “central” park for Boston a green heart beating within the city. Originally called West Roxbury Park it was renamed in 1885 to honor Benjamin Franklin. The Olmsteds’ plan divided the park into two sections. The Country Park with its rolling hills and peaceful meadows. The Ante Park dedicated to active recreation. The Country Park boasts Scarboro Hill a prominent feature Olmsted described as “a lovely dale gently winding between low wooded slopes”. This was intended to be a picturesque retreat a space for quiet contemplation. The Ante Park on the other hand was meant for lively activities. It features the Playstead a large meadow used for athletic fields. The Olmsteds envisioned a promenade called “the Greeting” extending from Blue Hill Avenue. This never came to be but the Playstead opened in 1889. A stunning 500 by 300-foot terrace called “the Overlook” was built. It’s made of boulders found right here on the site. The Olmsteds’ design masterfully used the existing topography. They incorporated native Roxbury puddingstone and vegetation. This ensured a cohesive Picturesque feel throughout the park. In 1896 a nine-hole golf course opened. This was Boston’s first public course and among the earliest in the nation. Over time Franklin Park has seen many changes. The Playstead Overlook Shelter burned down in 1948. The Art Deco style George Robert White Schoolboy Stadium was built in its place the following year. Thirteen acres were even lost to the construction of Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in 1954. Despite these alterations Franklin Park retains much of its original charm. It remains a testament to the Olmsteds’ vision. It’s a place of beauty a space for recreation and a vital part of Boston’s history. So take a moment breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the grandeur of Franklin Park a true gem in the heart of Boston.