Overview

Surrounded by family homes and often hosting community events, Emerson Park is not only a beautiful site but also a gathering point for residents. The diverse perimeter plantings and clearly marked, inviting entrances render a gardenesque character to the park. The park has specimen trees, interesting shrubs, and a circular path around a grassy space. Bench groups are located near the spray pool and at intervals around the walk. Playground facilities include Brookline's first spray pool, and a colorful ship in the toddlers' lot.

Park History

Emerson Park was formerly the site of the estate of Elijah Emerson who owned much of the land in the area. In 1908, it was designated as Emerson Garden. The Park Commission asked the Playground Committee to remove the volleyball net because it decided that the grounds and shrubbery were damaged by organized play and voted not to permit any organized play that involved the use of apparatus, including croquet and volleyball.

In 1995, the park and equipment were renovated. The park is located in the Cypress - Emerson Historic District and is on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Deed / Title / Restrictions

The town purchased the property from Sarah C. Davis et al for $45,000 in 1907 with the stipulation that no building exceeding 600-square-feet ground area to be erected for 25 years, and must be for the purpose for which tract was purchased. The park is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Additional Information

• Category: Neighborhood Park
• Size: 2.05 acres
• Protection: Article 97, NR, SR
• Manager: Brookline DPW, Parks and Open Space Division
• Location: Davis Avenue
• Precinct: 6
• Inventory Date: October 09, 2004, revised February 1, 2005
• Vicinity: Surrounded by Davis Avenue and Emerson Street