The Emerald Necklace is an evocative name for a series of parks and green spaces that weave some 7 miles through Boston, from the Boston Common to Franklin Park. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 19th century, the Emerald Necklace treats city residents to a bit of fresh air, green grass and flowing water, right within the city limits. It’s well suited for cycling, so hop on a bike and go for the green.
Olmsted Park features a paved path that hugs the banks of Leverett Pond and Ward's Pond in Jamaica Plain. The idyllic spring-fed Jamaica Pond , on the west side of the Jamaicaway, is more than 50ft deep and great for boating, fishing, jogging and picnicking. Beautifully landscaped and wonderfully serene, the Arnold Arboretum will appeal not only to green thumbs and plant lovers, but also to anyone who can take time to smell the roses. Check the website to see what’s blooming when you’re visiting.
Franklin Park , at 500-plus acres, is an underutilized resource – partly because it borders a sketchy neighborhood, and partly because it is so huge. Still, on weekend afternoons the park is full of families from the nearby neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain, Dorchester and Roxbury. Take the orange line to Stony Brook, Green St or Forest Hills and walk about a half-mile east to the park's edge.The Franklin Park Zoo is also contained within the park.
North of Jamaica Plain, other green links in the Emerald Necklace inlcude the Back Bay Fens , the Commonwealth Ave mall and the Public Garden , with the terminus at the Boston Common .
