John F. Kennedy Park is a five-acre riverfront memorial park at the foot of JFK Street in Harvard Square, built on former MBTA car-barn land and dedicated in 1987 as the Commonwealth's official monument to President Kennedy. It has a terraced granite fountain inscribed with Kennedy quotations, an allee of shade trees, lawn, and walking paths along the Charles River.
What to expect
Trails
Adjoins the paved Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path along the Charles River, plus internal walking paths through the park
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Fountain
Granite memorial fountain with a laminar water flow over engraved Kennedy quotations, designed by John Gustafson
Benches
Built-in stone benches around the sunken terrace plus additional park benches
Common questions
Is John F. Kennedy Park free to visit?
It's a free public park with no entry fee.
What is the fountain at JFK Park inscribed with?
The granite fountain carries quotations from President Kennedy's speeches, selected by the Kennedy family.
Is there an entry fee at John F. Kennedy Park?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to John F. Kennedy Park?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).