Overview of the Back Bay Fens
History of the Back Bay Fens
Boston’s Back Bay Fens, within the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood, is an outdoor gem adorned with formal gardens, athletic fields, memorials, and historic landmarks. Established in 1879 by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park was designed to address a public health crisis caused by stagnant waterways.
In 1910, the damming of the Charles River transformed the Fens into a freshwater marsh, leading to changes in Olmsted’s original plantings. This prompted landscape architect Arthur Schurcliff to revamp the area, introducing sports fields and the now-famous Kelleher Rose Garden.
The Back Bay Fens is part of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining Boston’s green spaces.
What to Do & See
The Fenway Victory Gardens represent the only remnant of the World War II victory gardens, initiated in 1941 to boost food supplies. Today, it spans 7.5 acres, featuring over 500 gardens maintained by the community.
The Kelleher Rose Garden, established in 1931, is a favored venue for weddings and offers stunning displays of roses that face the Museum of Fine Arts. Originally expanded in 1932, it was officially named in 1975.
Back Bay Fens also boasts various athletic fields, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy basketball, tennis, soccer, and more. Additionally, the park features a playground, jogging track, and walking paths, perfect for family outings.
Moreover, memorials honoring veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are scattered throughout the park, providing opportunities for reflection. Bird-watchers will also appreciate the diverse bird species that inhabit the area.
How to Get There & Location
The Back Bay Fens is conveniently located at 100 Park Avenue, an easy GPS destination for car travelers. Alternatively, Boston’s public transportation system offers numerous ways to access the park, including the Green Line to Hynes Convention or the Museum of Fine Arts stops, with only a short walk from each. The #39 and #1 MBTA buses are also viable options.
Activities & Sights Nearby
Located in the Fenway neighborhood, the Back Bay Fens is in close proximity to Fenway Park. Visitors can catch a Red Sox game or a concert at the park. Even without attending an event, the area offers vibrant bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys for a lively atmosphere.
Additionally, art lovers can explore two of the city’s most renowned museums, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, both within walking distance from the Fens.
Boston is also home to picturesque college campuses, including Emmanuel College, Simmons University, Northeastern University, and the Berklee College of Music, all lying near the park. Furthermore, the Back Bay neighborhood offers some of Boston’s best shopping on Newbury and Boylston Streets.
100 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Phone: +1 617-635-4505
