Buttonwood Park

A Historic Green Oasis

In the 1890s, Charles Eliot of the prestigious Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot firm designed Buttonwood Park, creating a thoughtful landscape that's still enjoyed today across 97 acres in New Bedford's west end - making it the city's largest public space.

What makes Buttonwood special isn't just its size - it's the thoughtful balance between lively recreational areas and peaceful natural spaces. And kudos to the park planners for making accessibility a priority; visitors with mobility challenges can navigate and enjoy the grounds with ease.

Nature's Canvas

At the heart of Buttonwood sits a seven-acre pond, where ducks and geese glide across the water, sometimes joined by elegant swans. While boating, fishing, and winter skating have become less common over the years, the pond remains the park's centerpiece - a reflective mirror for the changing seasons.

Well-maintained walking paths wind around the water and through the park's arboretum, where elm and sycamore trees (among many others) provide welcome shade. The paved, well-lit trails make for perfect morning jogs or leisurely afternoon walks with the little ones in tow. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the wetland garden, a certified wildlife habitat that adds ecological significance to this urban green space.

A pond and walkway near the entrance to Buttonwood Park Zoo

Photo: LEONARDO DASILVA (CC BY 2.0)

Play and Recreation

If you're looking to stay active, you'll find recently refurbished tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and ball fields that host friendly competitions throughout the warmer months.

The universally accessible playground is popular with families. Kids of different ages have their own dedicated play areas featuring swings, slides, a wooden train, a maze, and an impressive bridge structure. The playground's shady location is a blessing during summer heat waves, and there's plenty of room for children to run, climb, and imagine.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is compact but well-regarded among small zoos. Here you'll discover Asian elephants, black bears, red pandas, bobcats, and many other fascinating creatures. Kids (and the young at heart) get particularly excited about the Black Bear Express train ride and the Wildlife Carousel - both offering smiles and memorable moments.

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Community Heart

Buttonwood serves both as a recreation spot and community gathering place. The Great Lawn and scattered picnic areas offer space for quiet reading, family gatherings, or larger community events and seasonal celebrations.

Saturday mornings bring a vibrant farmers market where locals browse fresh produce and artisanal goods. Dog owners stroll the grounds with their leashed companions, exchanging friendly nods with regular faces they've come to recognize over time.

Within the park, monuments and gardens add beauty while honoring the area's history. Buttonwood Park balances ecological preservation and heritage with recreational opportunities, and has long been an important part of life for New Bedford residents.