Dana Park

History & Origins

Dana Park, located in the Cambridgeport neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a small yet cherished urban green space with a rich history. It was originally gifted to the city in 1856 by Edmund Trowbridge Dana, the son of Chief Justice Francis Dana, under the condition that it would remain a public park planted with trees.

Over the decades, the park has undergone periods of neglect but was notably improved with modern renovations, the most recent occurring in 2004.

Park Features

The park serves as a hub for community activities and recreation. It features a central oval lawn, surrounded by a wide, circular pathway flanked by garden benches and picnic tables.

The space is well-shaded, thanks to the park's mature tree canopy, making it an inviting spot for relaxation. A playground on the eastern side of the park includes equipment such as swings, slides, and climbing structures, as well as bronze waterplay fixtures designed by artist David Phillips.

For sports enthusiasts, the park offers a full-size basketball court. The pathways and benches provide a tranquil setting for leisurely walks, while the picnic areas invite family gatherings.

Cultural Elements

Dana Park also carries subtle artistic and literary elements, with light pole discs displaying quotations from various writers along the perimeter of its central lawn.

This combination of nature, recreation, and culture positions the park as a significant gathering place for the Cambridgeport community.