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Jamaica Pond
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
34 reviews for Jamaica Pond
Another one of Boston's great running spots. The pond trail is just a bit longer than a mile for one lap so it's an easy way to keep track of how far you've gone.
I only give it four stars for the lack of parking and the fact that some parts of the path are not very well lit.
The stars say it best. This place is A-OK. I mean, how can you not have fun on a boat, right? Plus, the prices are reasonable - $10/hr for a rowboat (fits 4) and $12/hr for a kayak (fits 2 I believe, but double check if you plan on renting one). They also have sailboats for rent, but you have to know how to sail, so they conveniently offer sailing lessons!
If you're used to rowing on a big lake (which I am) or even in the ocean, don't go here for an intense outdoors experience. But, here are some things that definitely make the experience great on the pond:
- Being with friends or your very special someone
- Slipping a couple brewskies onto the boat (shh)
- Playing pirate ship. If you designate a captain, first mate, and crew, you can have quite the ridiculous role playing experience, matee!
Some people are addicted to coffee or heroin but I am addicted to Jamaica Pond. Any fair weather day is substantially more lovely with a trip to the pond. I can't believe that something that adds so much to my life charges no admission. The joy I feel after half-hour's run and then collapsing on the grass beneath a tall, leafy oak tree is greater than words can describe.
When you're in love, it's hard to think rationally, to put it into clear language. So forgive me, gentle reader, as I try to explain the charms of this of this body of still, slightly shimmering water and the surrounding scene, with its trees, ducks, geese, swans, children, fishermen, joggers, sailboats, and peace.
Renting boats for sailing or rowing is $10 - $15 for an hour but nothing is more idyllic than setting out on a short trip to the middle of calm, friendly pond on a day with blue skies, breezes, and gentle sunshine. The water is clear, clean, and (in mid-summer) not freezing. For those more inclined to use their legs, you can run or walk a 1.5 mile lap around for free on well-maintained paved path.
Maybe the most surprisingly delightful thing about the pond is that it closes at 11:30 pm, not at sundown. If you're not scared of the dark or paranoid about people out to get you, walking around the park at night is a different type of happiness from rising with dawn to jog the pond before the workday, retreating to the pond's shade to escape the afternoon heat, or nabbing a good to bench to watch the sun go to sleep behind the trees.
Another mysterious fact about the park is that it's almost completely litter-free. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it. It's enough to revive your belief in the human race.
One teeny, tiny drawback is a relative lack of land for playing games like badminton or frisbee.
Still, the bottom line is that it's well-nigh perfect.
Way back when I used to live near Forest Hills and the man lived on Perkins Street, Jamaica Pond was part of my daily run. I'd park at the Arboretum at o-dark-o'clock, run down and around the Pond, continue down the Jamaicaway and then circle back. Loved loved loved it.
What I didn't love, however, were the creepy men lingering around at the time, who would occasionally attack solo women. Thankfully, I was never a victim and only had pleasant experiences.
I love this place. I cross town on the weekends, just to take my dog here. I like the circular pond walk because it's paved and my dog, being a chihuahua and close to the ground, likes to walk on pavement (less dusty). There's also some open areas surrounding the park, that are more grassy in case you have a more "rompy" kind of dog. I especially like that there's no bikers on the path (I don't think they're allowed, but not sure), so you don't have to worry about getting run down.
In the summer, it's a nice shady walk. Lots of ducks, and even some fishies in the pond.
If you possibly can, stop here and walk or jog around. It is one of the nicest, most scenic spots in boston and of course near the arboretum so you could do both.
The pond is 1.5 miles around so the place is not huge but it is beautiful. If you are a tourist, drive around the area b/c there are some nice, old,, huge (by boston/city standards as opposed to the burbs) homes on the arborway and on most surrounding side streets.
In season, you can also rent small boats from the boat house and ride the pond.
And of course, check out centre st in jp for some great shops and restaurants.
Awesome place to jog in the morning! Swans and geese chill out in the water, friendly folks jog or walk their dogs. . . it's a really pleasant way to wake up.
Free parking is on Perkins St, and I haven't had a problem getting a spot before 8am.
For some reason, I spent more time at the pond than the Arboretum when I first moved to JP, even though the Arboretum was mere blocks away rather than the mile or so to the pond. I really enjoy walking the pond, and I do want to rent some canoes and spend time on the water someday.
We took the puppy here, and he LOVED it. There's a small shallow area where dog parents take their dogs. The pup jumped right in and started swimming - which shocked us. The down side? All the goose/duck poop that he ate. Yeah, enough said.
I would like to spend more time here, but now that the puppy and I have discovered the Arboretum, we just don't come down this way anymore.
For anyone who has young kids this is one the best places in JP to make memories. They offer all sorts of activities for both adults and children all through the year.
My dad brought me here when I was about 8 to go fishing on the pond. We rented a row boat and while he rowed I listened to the Cocktail soundtrack on my Walkman. He had bought me my own fishing rod and I was excited to give it a try. My dad loved his fancy fishing pole and tried to go fishing as much as he could so I was so psyched that he finally brought me along. We got out to about the center near the little island and dad helped situate me so I could start fishing. I still remember that first cast into the water. It was so cool and I couldn't wait to pull up that giant fish that was waiting for me. Well, of course after bobbing the rod up and down for a few minutes I started to get bored. My dad was busy reeling in and casting again so I thought I would try it again. So there we both are sitting with the lines in the water and Pow! my dad jumps up in the boat and starts struggling with the fishing rod. Before I could even get a grasp on what was going on my dad sent out a line of explicits as the fishing pole went barreling out of the boat and disappeared under the water. I was in a bit of shock and I think my dad was too, so I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. After a few minutes of silence my dad explained that it probably got caught in a shopping cart. Now that made no sense to me so he went on to say that since he was a kid he had heard that there was cars, bikes, carts and even a giant sea turtle that lived inside the pond.
To this day I still stare at the pond every time I drive by just waiting to catch a glimpse of the pond monster that ate my dads fishing pole.
Again, this is one of those quintessentially Boston places that makes this city one of the best places on earth to live. The pond has been around for tens of thousands of years - it's a natural kettle depression created by glacial withdrawl - and covers around 70 acres. It's been a park since 1892 and has changed little since that time. Thankfully, both the town of Brookline and city of Boston have seen to protect it and have kept the surrounding area from becoming overdeveloped.
It's a bit over 1.5 miles around, has a paved path suitable for walkers, strollers and runners. I am one of the latter, and can testify that, despite looking flat, it's actually a challenging course. There are a few rises and flat areas that test a runner's ability to change speeds, and I've frequently used it for a tuneup just before a 5K.
While running or walking, visitors enjoy stunning views, encounter geese and ducks, and experience what the area was like a hundred years ago. There are also sailboats and fishing (with a permit). Swimming is not allowed, however, as there is no beach area and the dropoff from the surface is very steep and trecherous. All told, though, it's a great urban getaway and one of Boston's shining gems.
Here's a little history of the pond. During the Colonial era, Jamaica Pond was considered by law a Great Pond - that is, larger than 10 acres. As a result, the public was guaranteed access for "fishing and fowleing." Perkins street goes back to at least 1662, but Pond street (now the Jamaicaway between Pond and Eliot sts) wasn't officially accepted until 1825, though it is probably older than that. There was a grist mill that used water flowing from the Great Pond to Ward's Pond, across Perkins st. The second-last Colonial Governor, Francis Bernard, had an estate bordering the pond, with a mansion and large hall for entertaining. British soldiers used to come out from Boston to visit the pond. Around the same time, wealthy Bosotn men began buying estates and building summer homes along the pond's borders. The owner of the grist mill sold his water rights to the Jamaica Plain Aqueduct Company, which laid log pipes to supply much of Boston with water. The Aqueduct Company shut down when Boston turned to Lake Cochichuate for its water. At that time, ponds were being harvested for ice each winter, and Jamaica Pond had ice houses that could hold 30,000 tons of ice.
Ice skating on the pond probably began in the 1700s, and during the 1800s, as many as 5,000 people would come out from Boston in carriages and horse streetcars to skate on winter days. People were still skating on the pond in the 1930s. Regattas and swiming races were held on the pond, and the Jamaica Plain 4th of July celebrations were held at the pond from the late 1800s until the 1970s.
A fun and relazxing place to go for a walk. The paved path around the pond is well over a mile and is quite diverse place.
Some of the things you may encounter:
Ducks and Canadian geese buy the hundreds. \
People fishing.
Joggers
Asian people doing ti-chi.
Sail boats (Summer only)
Lovers of all kinds.
All kinds of moms and baby strollers.
Homeless people
Drug dealers.
Trash
Go early or late but be careful ladies, as many woman have been mugged.
Everyone knows how lovely Jamaica Pond is in the spring-summer-fall: sailboats, rowboats, languorous picnics, couples engaging in PDA (yes, even though there's grass and water and it's pretty, it's still public, folks), joggers, dogwalkers, ducks, geese, cormorants (they dart, they dive, they hang out on the island), etc., etc.
But the pond is really a hidden-in-sight treasure in the winter, when the fair weather masses skedaddle to gyms and the privacy of their own homes. Ah, winter! There are still a few joggers, but they're the hardcore, drawn-faced, bundled up ones. Dogwalkers? Yes. Hardy older New Englanders? Yes. The secret that makes all of this possible is that the city plows and sands the sidewalk around the pond almost immediately after a snowstorm and regularly thereafter. If you can navigate the icy-slushy sidewalks and streets and make it to the pond, you're pretty much good to go. And it's beautiful in that wintry, still, austere, breathtaking (really, when it's 4 degrees F) way.
Oh, and there are sledding hills. And the albino squirrel is still there, she just blends in with the snow. The ducks, geese, and swans are still there too. The cormorants...I think they head south.
Sure I'll be happy in the spring when I can stroll around the pond wearing one layer instead of four, but for now I'll relish this time of year when I can jog around the pond in a snowstorm without fear of falling on my ass. Thanks, Public Works!
Jamaica Pond is an almost perfect Park. Lovely scenery. Got it. Sailboats for rent. Got that. People watching. Terrific. Jogging Trail. Done.
My favorite thing is playing spot the giant carp. There's a couple of carps that are easily 4 feet long. I'm afraid they are going to be caught one day by folks fishing.
I hope they continue to lazily swim around the North End of the Pond, and grow to heroic proportions, inspiring Monster Legends, and Jamaica Pond Serpent Tales for Future Generations.
Visited a friend in JP recently, and she brought me here, where she brings everyone who visits her. It was really surprising to me to find such a nice, green space so close to the city! I'd love to come back here for a walk or a picnic, although I live kind of far away. It'd be so neat to live near this, I tend to forget how nice nature is living in such an urban area and Jamaica Pond is a great escape from the world of the city. How I yearn to take my runs here instead of through Somerville and Medford!
A beautiful place to walk , jog, or have a picnic.
Rating nature on a scale of 1-5 is pretty tough, rating a park maintained by a under funded state agency is much easier to do. I love the pond for some pretty sound reasons:
1. always clean
2. bathrooms open to the public
3. working water fountain
4. wide, clear walking, running and cycling paths
5. cool little sailing center
6. good little beaches for dogs to cool off on during the summer months
7. plenty of parking
8. a short walk to tons of good stuff to do in JP
But there are a couple of things that i just cant shake:
1. people drown there nearly every year, seriously dont swim here it is infested with all sorts of underwater hazards
2. there are some bums and drunks that hang out on the far side of the pond at night, i don't think they are dangerous but stick to the paths
3. to get to the pond you need to use a cross walk across the Jamaica Way which is like playing with matches and gasoline so be VERY careful
Overall, it's a great spot and very safe and clean. I personally come here at least once a week with the dog and sometimes humans too.
The best feature of living in JP is by far the Pond. I try to head here at least 2-3 times a week to enjoy a brisk jog, the weather (when it's not storming!) and the scenery. So when is the best time to visit the Pond? Right before sunset, it's breathtaking. The Pond is consistently filled with families, joggers, walkers, dogs and tons of ducks (just don't feed them, please). The Pond can help anyone relax, unwind and appreciate the beauty that makes New England so unique.
I will sadly miss my trips to the Pond as I am returning back to the West coast, so if you have a chance, take as many opportunities to enjoy the Jamaica Pond.
This is my favorite place to run in the entire Boston area -- maybe with the exception of the Charles River. I lived nearby the pond for almost five years and never got tired of circling it in almost any weather.
It's 1.4 miles around and makes a decent training location if you're preparing for long road races. On really nice days it will get crowded by noon, so it's best to go out early in the morning if you are looking to do some serious, uninterrupted running.
The pond itself was incorporated into Boston Emerald's Necklace park system in the late 1800s, and a boathouse was later added. If you're not into walking, running or biking, you can always take a row boat out to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The pond is surrounded by trees and green fields, as well as some big historic houses to peek at.
Here's a good resource if you're interested in general J.P. history: http://en.wikipedia.or...
Did you know that baby ducks can run on water or that they jump up and eat bugs?
The Pond (used to be used for cutting ice) is a great place to go after dinner or early in the morning for a nice walk. Just make sure that you pay attention to what is going on because there can be some petty crime going on here.
Although the area is not a big and green as the Arboretum, I love coming down to the pond to relax, sit on a bench and read, watch people or feed the ducks (although I have to admit that the constant stream of joggers always makes me feel guilty for being so lazy - but you'll see: one of these days you'll see me running too...).
It is a beautiful and serene place, and you can even go sailing on the pond!
I've sort of taken up "running." Those who have seen me understand why I use the quotes. I'm perhaps the slowest person in the world (any slower and I'd be going backwards). Maybe you're thinking you've seen me by that description. Let me make it clear. I'm the tomato-faced girl. As soon as I start exercising, my face turns bright red. Always has, and I assume it always will. Yes, it's normal. Don't worry, I see you looking at me, probably thinking I'm about to keel over. But I'll be ok.
I love this place. :)
This pond is what I love about living in JP. A must for residents and visitors, alike. Get ice cream from JP Licks and burn it off walking around the pond!
much has already been said- lovely place to take a stroll. i love living so close by!
This has got to be my favorite thing about JP. Living 3 blocks from the JWay and 5 from Jamaica Pond makes it worth every bit of ghetto I have to endure. My dog loves to run around there and make friends. It's a safe and lovely place for a jog anytime of the day. And I've been so lucky recently...being out there at 7am when the fog hasn't lifted on the pond yet and the air is so thick you can't see 30 feet in front of you save for the trees makes me feel thankfully detached from busy boston living. It's serene, and i'm certain that without giant green spaces nearby i would have lost my mind already. I'm actually heading there this morning for a long bike ride down to Roslindale and back. If you live in JP and haven't been over to the pond, make the time to go explore. It's a crime not to.
I jogged around Jamaica Pond a few times. Ok, it was mostly walking and it was once. But that was the only time I wasn't thrilled with Jamaica Pond in the hundreds of times I've gone to hang out at the Pond. Because the place is awesome. It's gorgeous (unless you're too distracted to notice on account of your wheezing) and the perfect place to go relax with some crosswords and go "awww" at other people's dogs. People are friendly and diverse, and they smile. The benches are plentiful and don't usually get full, if they do they're full of people reading or whatever, not sleeping. The lantern festival is fun too, just gets crowded. But seeing all those babies dressed up for halloween is pretty adorable, and making your own lantern is fun. A lot of people seem to like jogging around the pond too. I admire them, but I just don't understand those people.
Perhaps the most serene spot I've found in Boston. Definitely worth a trip.
Great place to walk around. Sit with a coffee and watch life pass you by. I love that it is measured out 1.5 miles. So if I am feeling ambitious I walk or run around and I know how far I'm going and can time myself accordingly. Always lots of people walking or running or fishing. Sometimes if I go consistently, I see the same people and that is comforting. Good place to bring visitors, the houses are amazing around there.
Lovely and amazingly peaceful spot. Fun with kids or for a solitary walk. Not far from Allandale Farm either. Small boat rentals available in season.
It is with a bit of hestitation that I post about sailing on Jamaica Pond, lest it be overrun with people. That said, this is one of the most wonderful things to do in Boston. For only $10, you can rent a rowboat or a small sailboat at the boathouse (Courageous Sailing runs the operation) and head out into JP Pond. Whether it is an active sail or a leisurely glide, for me the experience is heaven. It is peaceful, beautiful and a feast for the senses with the wind and the people watching and the dogs and the swans......(sigh).
I love Jamaica Pond! Always a nice little serene treat from city life. There are always people walking their dogs and excising in the spring summer and fall. It's an amazing place to get away too!
I just finished enjoying the last of our warmth for a while by jogging around the pond. Those of us who are lucky enough to live within walking distance of the pond should really take advantage of it. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and super cute dogs. I can't for spring so i can do this more often.
God I've run around this lake probably 3,000 times or more. One of my favorite spots in Boston. When I lived in JP I would be here every-other day. Minus a star because they cleared out a lot of the trees and bushes that surrounded the lake which I personally liked..(now it's a bit spartan), but still it's gorgeous. You can catch an amazing sunset here...and there is an albino squirrel that occasionally makes an appearance from one of the trees. I also like the lamps that line the front area...very pretty.
love that this is in JP and there is a dog bowl where dogs play. my dog loves coming here, it's one of her favorite places to go, so I am here several times a week. always a nice little serene treat from city life. lots of people walking and exercising, concerts in the summer, soccer, so much to do!
