Statler Park

A Piece of History

Tucked away at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Stuart Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Statler Park is a tiny urban park that packs a lot of character into its modest 0.23 acres. This pocket-sized green space sits in the shadow of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and carries a story that dates back nearly a century.

The park came to life in 1927 when Ellsworth M. Statler, the founder of the neighboring Statler Hotel (now the Boston Park Plaza), gifted this land to the city. He wasn't just being generous - he had a vision for creating a more beautiful urban environment right outside his hotel's doorstep.

Charming Elements

The park's centerpiece, added in 1930, is the elegant Statler Fountain designed by sculptor Ulysses Anthony Ricci. With its bronze figure of a woman and distinctive Art Deco styling, the fountain gives the space a touch of artistic class - though fair warning, it's not always running.

What really makes this place special is its calm atmosphere. Amid the surrounding commercial bustle, you'll discover meticulously maintained flower beds, lush greenery, and thoughtfully placed benches that invite you to pause and breathe.

A Quiet Retreat

While it might not have the fame of Boston Common or the Public Garden, Statler Park offers something equally valuable - tranquility in the heart of downtown. It's become a favorite spot for office workers on lunch breaks, readers seeking a peaceful nook, and tired shoppers needing a moment to rest their feet.

Its location also makes it perfect if you're waiting for a show at the nearby Wang Theatre or Emerson Colonial Theatre. Just grab a bench and enjoy some people-watching before curtain time.

Preservation Meets Modern Needs

In 2010, the park underwent thoughtful renovations that earned it a Preservation Achievement Award. The redesign managed to honor the park's historical character while making it more functional for today's city dwellers.

There's a bit of geographical history here too - this land was once actually part of Boston Harbor's shoreline before the 19th-century filling project that created the Back Bay neighborhood we know today.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 11:30PM. You'll come across trash cans throughout, but no public restrooms, so plan accordingly.

Dog owners can bring their four-legged friends as long as they stay leashed (and you clean up after them, of course). If you're feeling peckish, several cafes and takeout spots are just a short walk away - well-suited for improvising a little outdoor meal.

In a city full of grand parks and famous green spaces, Statler Park offers something different: a small, thoughtful breathing space that connects you to both Boston's past and its present.