Features

With fields, large trees, walking paths, basketball courts, and a pond, there’s something for everyone at Buttonwood Park. Active local residents love the park for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation close to home.

Buttonwood Park is also a historical treasure. In 1895, Frederick Law Olmstead’s architectural firm created the park’s original master plan. Today, the Friends of Buttonwood Park, an all-volunteer community group, maintains the park’s trees and gardens in the spirit of Olmstead.

Trails

At Buttonwood Park, you can walk, jog, or bike ride along nearly two miles of walking paths. The paths trace the park’s perimeter past the zoo, pond, and playground. They’re paved and flat, which makes them easy and accessible for all.

For a wilder adventure, we recommend you investigate the trails through the wetland buffer garden (located between the zoo and the pond next to the greenhouse). This area offers a short, nature-filled jaunt that’s perfect for active adults and families with small children.

Take a walk through the wetland buffer garden at Buttonwood Park, which is a certified wildlife habitat along Buttonwood Brook.

Habitats & Wildlife

Although it’s in an urban setting, Buttonwood Park is a refuge for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals. The grassy lawn is home to an arboretum with beautifully managed trees, including elm, sycamore, and sweetgum.

The wetland buffer garden is a certified wildlife habitat, which means you’ll find a variety of park-dwelling animals living here along Buttonwood Brook. You may not know it, but this brook flows all the way to Apponagansett Bay in Dartmouth, which leads to Buzzards Bay!

Property Owned By

City of New Bedford