Kenney Park is located on the edge of Davis Square just behind the Rosebud Diner at the corner of Highland and Grove. It was most recently renovated in the mid-90's and features a large basketball court. Additionally, the park has swings, things to climb on, hang from and slide down. It's occasionally the site for community activites as well; call the phone number below for more information.
This spacious public park resides next to Trum Field and offers a playground in addition to large rest and shade areas.
Established in 1900 at the peak of Somerville's turn-of-the-century population boom, Lincoln Park is one of the city's oldest public green spaces. It's also one of the largest. Today, the spacious grounds offer newly upgraded soccer/football fields, several basketball courts and two baseball diamonds, as well as plenty of benches, shade trees and a well-equipped playground.
This venerable park is held so dearly in the hearts of many long-time residents that it has its own Facebook page for reminiscing.
Fun fact: When it was built in 1900, it cost just $15,000 to create the park.
Originally built as a YMCA in 1904, this building has character to spare. The adult program list is extensive and includes activities such as swimming lessons, yoga, karate and an array of dance classes. Senior citizens can loosen up with water aerobics courses, many of which are free to members. Memberships are reasonably priced for individuals and families. Other programs include a pre-school, child care, outreach and youth day camp.
This spacious public park resides next to Trum Field and offers a playground in addition to large rest and shade areas.
This expansive park is marked by swanky modernist signage and plenty of open space. The typical kid-friendly playground monstrosities are surprisingly absent and are replaced by artistically abstract equipment meant for esoteric bouncing. Also highlighted, an army of benches and a vast expanse of dog-friendly grass, ready to be used for a rousing game of catch or pickup soccer.
Tufts University generously shares this triangle of land with the public—and we the public make good and full use of it. Pointing at Powder House Circle like an arrow, the grounds are simply a wide open green space. Maples and evergreens line the edges as does a chain-link fence. The only "structure" is a single steel trash can.
But on weekends the field fills with young children's soccer teams that bring their own nets. At other times, sunbathers, casual soccer skirmishes and Frisbee fans sprout up. Others simply come to play catch. Though formerly an unofficial dog park, where owners met to let their dogs off-leash, dogs are no longer allowed.
In a way, Nathan Tufts Park all began with a windmill. In the early 1700s, French immigrant Jean Maillet built a windmill atop a hill in what is now Somerville. He couldn't have known that the 30-foot-tall stone structure would one day play a role in the American Revolution—or that two centuries later, it would become Somerville's most prominent landmark and the crowing feature of a park.
After Maillet stopped milling grain, colonists began storing gunpowder within the mill's thick stone walls. When the British raided the cache in 1774, the colonists were so enraged that historians consider the event a trigger of the revolution. After the war, a farming family named Tufts purchased the land and in 1892 gave it (and the mill/powder house) to the city. A park was created and named for Tufts family member Nathan Tufts.
Today, the park retains the graceful curving paths and stately landscaping intended by the original designers. (One path follows an old carriageway.) Used mostly for passive recreation—walking, playing quietly, and relaxing—it offers a peaceful respite from busy Powder House Square. Others make use of the small basketball court. A stone field house, built during the Great Depression as part of the WPA (Work Project Administration) Project is now used for youth programs and community meetings. And not only is the park on the National Register of Historic Places, the powder house is pictured on the Somerville city seal.
Fun fact: The powder house has stored more than gunpowder. In the 1800s, a pickle maker found it to be the perfect, cool place for storing his "Old Powder House" brand pickles. For a wonderful brochure on the park filled with similar fun facts, click here.
International Driving School, in business since 1974, offers lessons Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. More recently, IDS has added drivers' education classes to its services. It's best to call, as instructors only stop in the office between lessons.
In June 2010, this newly renovated park reopened with a brand new design and loads of fun play equipment—including an accessible swing seat for children with special needs. An expanded ball field is also set to open in fall 2011 once the grass fully grows in.
A sand "river" for digging and such divides two play areas: one for tots, the other for big kids. Youngsters can enjoy tot swings, a playhouse and a pint-sized jungle gym. Big kids get their own swings, climbing rock and jungle gym. All of it sits atop a soft surface surrounded by plenty of picnic tables and shade trees. Accessibility is well-planned as well. Entrances are wide, a picnic table leaves space for a wheelchair and paths around play areas provide easy access.
Meanwhile, the new baseball diamond sports shiny new bleachers and an extended field now deep enough for tournament play. But town officials promise the pretty new turf will be open to all. So get those Frisbees and picnics ready.
Swings, slides and all manner of climbing fun await at this well-planned park, which also offers plenty of black-top space, two soccer fields, a basketball court and shaded seating.
The playground sets an example for thoughtful planning. It's designed to make independent play easy for children in wheelchairs. The jungle gym area leaves wide open paths for easy access and transfer, and one picnic table also leave space for a wheelchair to scoot up.
The park sits between the Capuano Early Childhood Education Center and the Glen Community Garden.