A roughly 6.8-acre riverfront park in South Norwood along the Neponset River and Hawes Brook, opened in May 2025 with rock-dust walking trails, river overlooks, an outdoor classroom and a nature-based play area, next to Eliot Park and Balch Elementary School.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Hours
Not posted; assume dawn to dusk as with other Norwood conservation land
Accessibility
Described as featuring wheelchair-accessible trails and green stormwater infrastructure
Managed by
Norwood Trails Advisory Committee / Conservation Commission
781-762-1240 x6054 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Details unconfirmed
What's here
On site
Trail
Meandering rock-dust (crushed stone) walking trails with river/brook overlooks and benches
Playground
Nature-based play area and outdoor classroom rather than a conventional fenced playground
Not here
No restrooms
No restroom facility reported
Common questions
Is Bernie Cooper Park the same as Eliot Park?
No, they are adjacent, separate parcels; Bernie Cooper Park is the newer riverfront addition next to the older Eliot Park behind Balch Elementary School.
Bernie Cooper served as Norwood's assistant town manager and civil defense director for 49 years before his death in 2021, and the park was named in his honor.
Where do I park at Bernie Cooper Park?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Bernie Cooper Park?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Bernie Cooper Park?
Not confirmed
Is Bernie Cooper Park wheelchair accessible?
Described as featuring wheelchair-accessible trails and green stormwater infrastructure