“History within history” is how some describe Doherty Playground. This is a fitting description. Doherty Playground is more than just swings and slides. It’s a green space with a story. This Charlestown park began as Charlestown Heights. It was designed in 1891 by Frederick Law Olmsted. He also designed Central Park and Boston’s Emerald Necklace.
Charlestown Heights was once the William Dehon Estate. The City of Boston acquired it. Olmsted designed three distinct areas. First, there was a promenade along Bunker Hill Street with a fountain. Next, a central lawn for recreation. Finally, a hillside overlooking the Mystic River. Curving pathways and granite steps completed the design. Roxbury pudding stone was an Olmsted signature.
Charlestown Heights opened in 1895. Olmsted described it as having views over the Mystic marshes. Today, the view includes scrap metal. Yet, it remains one of the best parks in the city.
In 1942, Charlestown Heights became Doherty Playground. It was named after Ensign John J. Doherty Jr. He was a bomber pilot on the USS Enterprise. Doherty was among the war’s first casualties. He received the Purple Heart and the Navy Flying Cross.
In 1945, a wading pool was added. The Clougherty Pool complex followed three years later. As kids, locals did arts and crafts near the playground. The park also had administrative offices and changing rooms. They bought lunch from a blind man’s concession stand. It was located above the Clougherty Pool. They watched swimmers and divers while they ate.
Between the 1960s and 1990s, the park changed. It became a play space. Basketball courts and swings were added. A concrete shade structure and a playground appeared. A new spray pool replaced the wading pool.
Years of constant use took a toll. The Roundies, overlooking the Mystic River, showed distress. Stairway steps became broken and dangerous.
In 1992, the Friends of Doherty Park formed. They rescued the park. The city hired Walker-Kluesing Design Group. They created a Master Plan. The Roxbury pudding stone was restored. Walls and granite steps were repaired or replaced.
In 1998, the park joined the National Register of Historic Places. It was supported by the Friends. Doherty Playground provides respite from the overcrowded city. Olmsted wanted a mix of recreation and serenity. The promenade offers a relaxing green space. The central area provides active fun. The pathways invite exploration.
The Friends of Doherty Park continue their support. They hope to restore the granite fountain. The fountain stonework needs repair. The basin is filled with concrete. The park stands between Bunker Hill and Medford Street. It was built between 1891 and 1895. Frederick Olmsted designed it. He wanted a place of fun and serenity. Today, Doherty Playground remains true to his vision.