Taylor Square Park

Tiny But Mighty

Taylor Square Park holds the distinction of being Cambridge's smallest park, spanning just 57 square feet. Nestled at the bustling intersection of Sherman Street, Garden Street, and Huron Avenue, this pocket-sized space sits proudly in front of the Engine 8, Ladder 4 Fire Station. Despite its diminutive size - comparable to a postage stamp - it manages to pack in all the traditional park elements: a curb, grass, an engraved bench, decorative fencing, and even a flagpole.

The adorable park with its bench and flagpole sits in front of a firehouse building

An Artistic Statement

This tiny park is actually a permanent work of public art designed by artist Paul Ramirez Jonas. What makes this space truly special isn't its features but its powerful concept about accessibility and ownership of public spaces.

At first glance, the park appears locked and exclusive. But there's a fascinating twist to this story. When the park was established, 5000 engraved keys that open the gates were mailed to nearby residents. These keys aren't meant to be kept private, they're designed to be copied and shared freely.

Sign at Taylor Square honors Frank J. Taylor, a serviceman killed in World War I

Keys to the City

If you're interested in visiting, additional keys are available at the adjacent Fire Station. Inside the park, the granite bench features an inscription of two keys - one labeled "Taylor Sq" and the other "Copy Me" - a clear invitation to share access with others.

Perhaps the most clever feature is that while the park is always locked from the outside, it remains unlocked from the inside. This thoughtful design creates a powerful statement: public space truly belongs to the public.

Everyday Life

Despite its artistic significance, the area sees relatively little recreational activity. Most people passing by are commuters heading toward Route 2 from Harvard. Yet this unassuming spot continues to challenge our perceptions of public space in quiet but meaningful ways.