John F. Kennedy Park

Riverside Location

John F. Kennedy Park in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a thoughtfully designed five-acre park located along Memorial Drive, adjacent to the Charles River. Conceived in 1976 and completed in 1987, the park serves as a memorial to the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy.

The design, led by the landscape architecture firm Carol R. Johnson Associates, integrates the park into its natural surroundings and historical context, creating a serene space for visitors.

Features and Design

The park features open lawns, pathways, and shaded areas formed by honey locust and sycamore trees, providing an inviting environment for leisure and reflection.

A focal point of the park is the granite memorial fountain designed by John Gustafson, which includes engraved Kennedy quotations selected by the Kennedy family. The fountain, set on a raised, terraced platform, symbolizes continuity and inspiration, though it has faced maintenance challenges in recent years.

Historical Connections

The park's layout is intentional, with an allée that forms a visual axis to Harvard Square and aligns with Gore Hall, where Kennedy resided during his time at Harvard University.

Stone pillars engraved with Kennedy's words mark the entrances, adding to the memorial's historical significance.

Visitor Experience

The park is a popular destination for Harvard students, locals, and tourists, offering views of the Charles River and spaces for both active and passive recreation.

Despite its understated simplicity, the park's design exhibits a strong connection to its environment and cultural heritage, emphasizing its role as a meaningful public green space in Cambridge.