Back Bay Fens

Back Bay Fens is cared for by City of Boston Parks and Recreation

With the Back Bay Fens, Olmsted's challenge was to restore a saltwater marsh to ecological health. Devoting himself to combining landscape transformation with sanitary engineering, he turned a foul-smelling tidal creek and swamp that periodically flooded into "scenery of a winding, brackish creek, within wooded banks; gaining interest from the meandering course of the water."

The Fens, like all landscapes, has changed over time. The damming of the Charles River in 1910 turned the area into a freshwater marsh. Noted landscape architect Arthur Shurcliff added new features such as The Kelleher Rose Garden and ball fields, employing the more formal landscape style popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

Within the Fens is the oldest remaining wartime "Victory Garden" (1941) planted by citizens. Today it is a well-loved Community Garden of flowers and vegetables. A favorite picnic site for local residents, the World War II, Vietnam and Korean War Memorial, can be found tucked behind the Kelleher Rose Garden. The playground at Mother's Rest is also a perfect spot for children to come and play after school or on the weekend.

Park Features:

Basketball Courts
Baseball Fields
Running Track
Kelleher Rose Garden
Community Gardens
World War II, Vietnam and Korean War Memorial
O'Reilly Statue
Mother's Rest Playground
Walking/biking paths
Open space for picnics
Dogs are allowed on leash
T accessible:
-Green E Line: Northeastern University and Museum of Fine Arts
-39 Bus: Northeastern University and Museum of Fine Arts