Jamaica Pond Park, "Emerald Necklace" - Boston, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 18.936 W 071° 07.057
19T E 325489 N 4686989
Jamaica Pond Park, part of Boston's Emerald Necklace, features a large pond surrounded by wooded paths, and has a boathouse/ranger station.
Waymark Code: WM74TP
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 09/01/2009
Views: 3
In the Jamaica Plain section of Boston, near the border with the town of Brookline, is a scenic park that features a large pond with wooded paths providing views of it at every turn. The waymark is centered on the boathouse/ranger station, which provides the best view of the pond and is visible from the Riverway. Parking is available along Perkins Street on the complete other end of the pond from the boathouse.
The park was established in 1892 as part of the "Emerald Necklace" plan. The pond itself is a natural 'kettle' pond (a body of water that formed where a chunk of glacial ice rested on the ground and melted) that is about 50 feet at its center and covers about 68 acres. A walk around the pond on the pathways is a 1.5 mile loop.
According to Jamaicapond.com, you can rent boats at the boathouse. The operations are run by the Courageous Sailing Center and hours and rates are found on the site as well as the link to the center. There is a nature center with exhibits in the ranger station at the same location. The pond is also stocked for fishing.
One of the most moving events is the Lantern Parade which is held annually in October. Thousands gather together and walk around the pond in the evening. Many carry candle-lit or soft glowing lanterns, often hand-made, which provides an amazing ring of light around the pond.
Sources and For More Information:
JamaicaPond.com
(
visit link)
Boston Parks and Recreation Commission:
(
visit link)