New Bedford's largest and most-visited park, a 97-acre green space in the West End with a pond, gardens, an arboretum, walking paths, ball fields, basketball courts, and a playground. The city-owned Buttonwood Park Zoo sits inside the park but is run and priced separately.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Paved walking paths loop the pond and arboretum; a designated nature trail is also referenced by the park's friends group. No mileage figure confirmed.
Dogs
Dogs are described as welcome on the park's paths (outside the zoo grounds); the citywide leash rule (6 ft max) applies.
Hours
Dawn to dusk daily citywide; park use is not permitted between 10pm and 5am under the city's general park rules.
Accessibility
Unconfirmed; no ADA-specific detail found for paths, playground, or restrooms.
Managed by
Parks, Recreation & Beaches Department
508-961-3015 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Picnic area
Historic benches and picnic-style seating throughout the park.
Common questions
Is the zoo included when I enter Buttonwood Park?
No. The park itself is free and open dawn to dusk, but the Buttonwood Park Zoo inside it is a separately run, separately priced attraction with its own gate and hours.
Can I let my dog off leash?
Not in general. New Bedford's citywide rule caps leashes at 6 feet in city parks; Buttonwood isn't a designated off-leash dog park.
Where do I park at Buttonwood Park?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Buttonwood Park?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Buttonwood Park?
Dogs are described as welcome on the park's paths (outside the zoo grounds); the citywide leash rule (6 ft max) applies.
Is Buttonwood Park wheelchair accessible?
Unconfirmed; no ADA-specific detail found for paths, playground, or restrooms.
What rules should I know at Buttonwood Park?
Drivers should obey posted speed limits and yield to pedestrians on park roads. No firearms, firecrackers, or fireworks in city parks. No alcohol, gambling, open fires, or vending without a permit in city parks. Park use is not permitted between 10pm and 5am. No feeding ducks and geese; no picking…