Birdie’s Corner

Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. Puritan colonists purchased the land rights to the Common’s 44 acres from the first European settler of the area, Anglican minister William Blackstone.

Peters Park is named after George and Sadie Peters, two prominent members of the Syrian-Lebanese community that resided here from 1880 until 1966 when the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) took possession of the property as part of its South End Renewal Plan.

Once a landfill, Pope John Paul II Park now offers picnicking, trails, athletic fields, and more. This is also a good place to look for birds and wildlife, which have also benefited from the restoration.

At Middlesex Fells, you can hike, bike, fish, or let your dog run free in the off-leash area. Boat rentals only. Rent a canoe or kayak to explore Spot Pond.

Stoddard's Neck Dog Park is a fun place for dogs. It is surrounded on three sides by water, and on the front by a 4-foot rock wall. The park is grassy and has trails for you to walk on, woods to romp in, and hills to roll down. The swimming is great too! People bring their own water (there are bowls everywhere) and poop bag stations are located throughout the park. Most people there are friendly and responsible, and there are benches and picnic tables for them to socialize at as well! Stoddard's Neck is even easy to get to.

Danehy Park is a big community park in North Cambridge that has a variety of sporting amenities along with other things to do and is a great place for both dogs and kids. With 3 soccer fields, Danehy Park is a great place to find pick-up soccer games in Cambridge. The number of fields also makes it great for ultimate frisbee. There is an area with picnic tables near where the public grills are located.

Fido is welcome on the Nahant Dog Beach from October 1st through March 31st as long as he is leashed. Dogs are strictly prohibited for the rest of the year. Located at the public beach, the dog-friendly area is sectioned off from the main area by a causeway.

This public beach offers a seasonal snack bar, lifeguards, a small fenced-in toddler playground, and restrooms. It is a popular access point for paddlers and swimmers. Trails through the sand dunes lead to the South River. It is also the location of the historic marker for Old Mouth, the former (prior to 1898) mouth of the North River. Located at the end of Standish Street, with resident and non-resident parking.