Back Bay Fens

Back Bay Fens is a sprawling park within Boston's Emerald Necklace system that includes rose gardens, athletic fields, memorials, and community plots. The space brings together multiple recreation areas and local growing areas in one green landscape.

Frederick Law Olmsted transformed this former saltwater marsh into a designed landscape starting in 1879 to manage water pollution and offer recreation to the city. This work was part of his larger vision to bring green spaces throughout Boston.

The Fenway Victory Gardens show how neighbors came together during World War II to grow food, and they continue to serve as a gathering place where community members tend their own plots today. The space reflects shared responsibility and local connection that has lasted generations.

The park is open year-round, though the rose garden operates seasonally from spring through fall with regular daily hours. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to have a quieter experience.

A 17th-century Japanese Temple Bell sits among the green spaces, an unexpected artifact in this park. Three war memorials honoring veterans from different conflicts are placed at quiet spots throughout the grounds.