Buttonwood Park

Buttonwood Park, located in the west end of New Bedford, Massachusetts, spans a vast 97 acres, making it the largest and most visited public park in the city. Designed by Charles Eliot of the renowned Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot firm in the 1890s, the park is an exemplar of historical landscape architecture. It is celebrated both for its recreational facilities and its natural beauty, offering a harmonious blend of active spaces and serene natural elements.

The park features a mix of landscapes, including expansive open lawns, wooded areas, and a seven-acre pond. The pond, partially designed to allow boating, fishing, and ice skating (though some of these activities have diminished over time), is a centerpiece of the park. Surrounding the pond, visitors can enjoy walking paths that provide scenic routes through the park’s arboretum with its diverse tree species, such as elm and sycamore. Additionally, the wetland garden serves as a certified wildlife habitat, contributing to the park's ecological value.

Buttonwood Park caters to a wide array of interests through its many recreational facilities. Athletic-minded visitors can utilize the tennis courts, basketball courts, and ball fields, some of which have been recently refurbished. Families are drawn to the diverse offerings for children, including a universally accessible playground and the Buttonwood Park Zoo, renowned as one of the finest small zoos in the United States. The zoo houses animals from various continents and provides interactive educational experiences through features like the Black Bear Express train ride and the Wildlife Carousel.

Beyond recreation, the park serves as an important community hub for relaxation and social gathering. The Great Lawn and picnic areas offer spaces for quiet reflection and community events, such as fairs and seasonal festivities. Monuments and gardens throughout the park contribute to its aesthetic appeal while also reflecting its historical significance. Buttonwood Park stands as a shining example of a multi-use urban park, balancing ecological preservation, historical heritage, and modern recreational needs.