The Polly Hill Arboretum was founded in 1958 by horticulturalist Polly Hill. Today, her mission of sharing knowledge of plants and scientific procedure through educational programs, research, plant conservation and exploration is at the core of the Polly Hill mission. Open year round, the 60+ acre grounds includes rare trees and plants from around the world as well as many acres of native meadowland.
Sandy Neck is a barrier beach and a designated Massachusetts' area of Critical Environmental Concern. The beach is home to several endangered species. It is also a Cultural Historical District because of its cottages. The diverse beach has 4,700 acres of dunes, maritime forests and marshes. There are many recreational and educational activities available.
With it's rolling hills, sprawling playground and sweeping views of the Boston skyline, Robbins Farm is a true Arlington treasure. Before becoming a park, the land was farmed for generations by members of the Robbins family, the last of whom, Nathan Robbins, was known to invite town children to play in his fields and orchards. The park was established in 1942 and rededicated in 2003 after significant renovations.
These days, one of the park's top attractions for Arlington children is a pair of long slides built into the hillside above its sprawling woodchip playground, which includes swings, slides and several unusual features, including a child-sized tractor and barn made of wood. Uphill from the playground, park goers will find basketball courts, a baseball diamond and large level playing field for soccer. The farm is also adjacent to the Brackett School playground, which is closed to the public during schools hours.
A popular site for kiting, Robbins Farm also plays host to summertime movies and the town's Fourth of July celebration. The park is supported by the Friends of Robbins Farm Park, which maintains a Web site www.robbinsfarmpark.org. The site includes updates on renovation projects as well as information about the various far-off points visible from the park.
The park is also home to the Robbins Farm Garden, a cooperative agriculture education project. The group maintains a Web site at www.robbinsfarmgarden.org.
Organized teams must request a field permit from the Arlington Recreation Department by calling 781-316-3880 before using town fields.
Cannonball Park, sometimes referred to as Memorial Park, occupies a small median between Upper Main Street, Cooke Street and Edgartown-West Tisbury Road. The park was dedicated on July 4, 1901 to 70 island soldiers who died in the Civil War and features multiple cannon and cannonball statues, benches and an obelisk.
Like its neighbor the Boston Common, the Public Garden is known for breaking historical ground. When it was created in 1837, it was credited as America's first public botanical garden. Because it's right next the the Common, the two are often indistinguishable and most tourists and even some residents don't realize they are visiting two different parks.
Together with the Common, the Public Garden makes up nearly 75 acres of green space in the heart of downtown Boston. Most tourists flock to the Garden for a spin around the pond in the famous Swan Boats, in operation since 1877. The boats welcome riders between April and September every year. But the Public Garden's charms are much more varied and deep than the Swan Boats -- the impeccable landscaping and peaceful, timeless atmosphere provides Beacon Hill residents with a year-round urban oasis. But for $2.75 a pop, a Swan Boat ride could be a worthwhile 15-minute reprieve even for native Bostonians.
Saturdays, especially during the summer, are exceptionally busy at the Garden -- and watch out for ubiquitous newlyweds and their snap-happy wedding photographers ignoring signs not to walk on the grass!
No cycling or rollerblading and definitely no walking on the grass!
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary has several miles of nature trails and features guided tours and organized events for children and adults. Felix Neck is known for its children's nature classes, guided kayaking tours and stargazing. Admission to this Audubon Society property is $4 for non-members and $3 for members, children 12 and under and seniors.
The Esplanade stretches nearly three miles along the bank of the Charles River, from the Museum of Science to the Boston University Bridge. Nearly 3 million people visit the park each year.
Runners, walkers and bikers enjoy the six miles of pathways, with various community races and fundraisers throughout the year. It's available for sailing, picnicking and enjoying the river on a sunny day.
It's probably most known for the Hatch Shell, its outdoor stage, and the annual Fourth of July fireworks display featuring a performance by the Boston Pops. In addition, the park contains docks and landings, boathouses, playgrounds, a wading pool, soccer and softball fields, a tennis court, memorials and statues and concession stands. It's managed by the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation. The city's Esplanade Association friend group formed in 2001 to restore and care for the park.
