Open Space Acquisitions by Neighborhood: Hyde Park
As Boston grows, protecting and expanding open space remains a priority. Through the Open Space Acquisition Program, the City acquires properties that can become parks, playgrounds, urban wilds, and other open spaces.
The acquisitions below highlight recent investments in open space in Hyde Park, helping create greener, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods across the city.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Parks and Recreation
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02118
SPRAGUE POND URBAN WILD
Location: 0-4 Lakeside Avenue, Hyde Park
Acquisition Type: CPA & PARC Grant Funded Acquisition
Size: 1.2 acres
The Sprague Pond Urban Wild is a shoreline property that sits at the far southern reaches of Boston along the Hyde Park/Dedham line. This property was acquired in 2023 for its exceptional environmental and historical significance using Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding, and is now permanently protected under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and a conservation restriction. Both the fresh water pond and the upland area are located within a state-designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
Based on its size, Sprague Pond was also formally designated a "Great Pond" by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in 2022, thereby ensuring permanent public access and use of the site for fishing and boating. From an historical perspective, Sprague Pond is considered "Archaeologically sensitive" in part due to the site's frequent use by indigenous people for fishing. Additionally, Sprague Pond housed Camp Meigs, a Civil War-era training camp where the Massachusetts 54th and 55th Volunteer Regiments trained. With amazing views of the Great Blue Hill to the east, this natural area provides a tranquil and scenic setting for bird watching, fishing, and boating.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Parks and Recreation
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
3rd FloorBoston, MA 02118
