An oasis of nature and outdoor recreation, Buttonwood Park is conveniently located in New Bedford’s West End. This family-friendly park provides a lovely natural setting where you can walk, bike, and spend time outside with friends and family.
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.
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!
Details & Amenities
Things to Do
Trail Maps
Image Gallery
An oasis of nature and outdoor recreation, Buttonwood Park is conveniently located in New Bedford’s West End. This family-friendly park provides a lovely natural setting where you can walk, bike, and spend time outside with friends and family.
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.
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!
