Fellsmere Park Parkways, Historic district parkways in Malden, Massachusetts.
Fellsmere Park Parkways is a historic district featuring a central pond surrounded by carefully planned roads and green spaces. Two main border roads, West Border Road and Boundary Road, define the eastern and western boundaries of this landscape structure.
The parkways were designed by the Metropolitan Park Commission in 1913 as part of a larger network of green spaces connecting the Boston metropolitan area. This project reflected the era's focus on creating accessible outdoor spaces for communities.
The parkways reflect Frederick Law Olmsted's vision of landscape design, where natural elements are arranged to encourage outdoor recreation. Walking through the area, you notice how the roads frame the landscape to create a sense of connection with nature.
The parkways are easy to walk through, with clear pathways surrounding the pond and connecting the main border roads. The area is maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation working with the City of Malden, ensuring regular upkeep of the grounds.
The land came from a donation by Elisha Converse after his rubber factory burned, and he initially intended to use the area as a water reservoir. This unexpected path from industrial disaster to public recreation space reveals a surprising origin story that few visitors know.
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