The Former Nike Site is the capped, 18-acre location of Cold War Nike missile battery B-63, part of the Ridge Hill conservation cluster in western Needham. After decades of vacancy the site was capped with clean fill from the high school renovation and is now used for the town's off-leash dog park and the Needham Community Farm's raised garden beds.
What to expect
Entry fee
Needham charges no parking sticker at its ordinary parks and fields; only the Rosemary Recreation Complex runs a paid resident swim-pass program. No parking sticker or permit required. checked Jul 24, 2026
Dogs
Site of the town's fenced off-leash dog recreation area
Dog Walking(Off-Leash)
Allowed
Managed by
Needham Conservation Commission / Park & Recreation
781-455-7550 · WebsiteWorth knowing
- The site was capped with clean fill from the Needham High School renovation project to seal in any remaining contamination from its military use.
Common questions
What was here before it was a park?
Three of the nation's Nike Ajax anti-aircraft missiles were hidden on 18 acres here starting in 1953; the battery was decommissioned after the SALT I treaty and the site sat mostly vacant until it was capped and repurposed.
Is there an entry fee at Former Nike Site?
Needham charges no parking sticker at its ordinary parks and fields; only the Rosemary Recreation Complex runs a paid resident swim-pass program. No parking sticker or permit required.
Can I bring my dog to Former Nike Site?
Site of the town's fenced off-leash dog recreation area