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
Parking
Not confirmed · unconfirmed
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town or agency pages before you go.
What'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
Picnic area
Picnic tables in the shaded lawn area
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.
How do I get to JFK Park by T?
The closest stop is Harvard Square on the Red Line, roughly a 10-minute walk away.
Is there an entry fee at John F. Kennedy Park?
Yes, free