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Prospect Hill Park

The Early History of Prospect Hill Park

This Photo was taken from the very top of what is called Boston Rock because of the view. This was quite the surprise for I had never seen it nor did I know it was even here. and I was born and raised in this area, wonders never cease. I have gathered some information about this little bit of history for anyone interested. I also set up a link with the Title Prospect Hill Park at the top of the post where there is all the information about the City of Waltham Ma for all to check out.

The life history of humanity has proved nothing more clearly than that crowded populations, if they would live in health and happiness, must have space for air, for light, for exercise, for rest, and for the enjoyment of that peaceful beauty of nature which, because it is the opposite of the noisy ugliness of towns, is so wonderfully refreshing to the tired souls of townspeople.

Mr. Charles Eliot, Landscape Architect for the Metropolitan Park Commission, Boston 1893.

In Waltham, to the north-westward of the centre of the city's population, lies the noble eminence of Prospect Hill, the greatest elevation in the neighborhood of Boston after the Blue Hill.

Created in 1893, Prospect Hill Park covers 250 acres, entirely within the City of Waltham. At this size, it is a significant open space, and "perhaps the largest municipally-owned park inside the loop of Route 128." The park covers a ridge which features two significant peaks. At 485 feet above sea level, the higher of the two is the second highest point in the vicinity of Boston, only the Great Blue Hill stands taller. This peak has been called Great Prospect, but is more often referred to as Big Prospect, while its smaller associate, which stands at 435 feet, is known as Little Prospect. Both peaks provide excellent views of the Boston basin.

Check out this map click to enlarge

The Metropolitan Park Commissioners were Charles Francis Adams, Philip A. Chase, and William B. de las Casas. They hired Sylvester Baxter as a secretary interested in the subject and familiar with the ground to be covered, whose duty it would be also to collect documentary information along with Charles Eliot, an associate of Frederick Law Olmsted, as a professional landscape architect, to devise a practical scheme of development and prepare the maps, plans and report to explain it.

The Commissioners published their report in January of 1893. In it they stated their belief in the importance of a metropolitan park system: The provision of ample open spaces for public recreation and the promotion of public health is now universally regarded as an essential feature in the proper equipment of urban communities. In all parts of the civilized world the leading cities are recognizing this necessity. The younger cities are perceiving the wisdom of providing amply for the future in this respect by securing lands in suitable locations and in sufficient amount, to be developed with the growth of their population. The older cities, like London, Paris and Berlin, though long possessed of extensive reservations of this description, are to-day finding their amount of open spaces inadequate, and are taking measures for securing extensive areas in addition that will meet the needs of the future. This report reviewed the numerous suitable locations for parks within the metropolitan area, and included a map revealing both existing and proposed public open spaces. Among the proposed open spaces was a park which would have included both Prospect Hill and nearby Bear Hill. Despite their interest, the Metropolitan Park Commission chose not to involve themselves in the acquisition of Prospect Hill. This was in part due to the fact that Prospect and Bear Hills both lay entirely within the City of Waltham, and thus Waltham's own Park Commission, formed in 1892, was already making plans to acquire the land that would eventually form the park.

Picnic Area 1/2 way up the hill

Charles River Walkway

I wanted to start off by asking what people think of the new look of my template. I decided to make a change from the all black it used to be, to the 3 shades of gray. I also switched to the new blogger beta and think I have made a mistake because I have not seen any new comments at all since I switched over. I sure could use some help by getting some comments to see if it is working, It will be greatly appreciated.

The weather this morning seemed really nice compared to this past week which has been lousy. So we took a walk around the Charles River Walkway for some much needed exercise and fresh air. I took several pictures on the way. I am glad we chose to check this walkway out because I really like it and find it to be a great change from the treadmill routine. I find I am starting to like being back home to where all my roots are and will have to make a point of going out exploring more often. I had started to feel hungry and then decided to go to a really good restaurant named Bertucci's which I always enjoy. I have a link set up at the Title of the post Charles River Walkway just click it for the menu and more information about Bertucci's. After our feast of Italian food I just sat there and realized just how lucky I am in this life to have someone to share all this with and that would be my better half Judy. I do not ever seem to let her know. How thoughtless of me I will make it a point to change this part of my way of thinking and doing things with the LOVE of my life.

Waterfalls under the moody street bridge Waltham Ma

View from other side of moody street bridge

This building used to be the Grover Cronins department store and was converted into condos and apartments for lease.

In Memory

A Legacy Of Love Francisco Bourdier 1960 to 2001

I'm sure all who knew or even had the pleasure of meeting Francisco at #2 Twin Towers where he worked as a security guard for the Deutsche Bank will always remember how he greeted everyone with a friendly smile and a thoughtful good morning or good day. Best wishes and regards to his wife Erma and daughter Francesca. May God bless and keep you always. To view more tribute postings click on the Title at the top of this post In Memory.