A seven-acre village park split by the Catacunemaug Brook: a bandstand gazebo and lawn on one side, a mature forest and the old Indian Trail along a steep bank on the other. It opened in 1978 and has stayed quietly underused since, but a 2025 ADA grant is now funding an accessible path to the gazebo and a loop trail around the restored mill pond.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Dogs
Shirley requires a dog on Town property be kept under its owner's control, on leash or off; the bylaw sets no numeric leash length, but a dog that runs at large or becomes a public nuisance is a violation. Owners must pick up and remove…
Hours
Shirley has no townwide ordinance setting closing hours for its parks, playgrounds, or conservation land as of mid-2026; access stays open unless a specific site posts its own gate or hours.
Accessibility
Not step-free yet. The town is building an ADA-compliant stonedust path to the gazebo and an accessible loop around the pond, funded by a 2025 earmark; until that's finished the nature trail stays a natural dirt path.
Managed by
Shirley Greenway Committee / Conservation Commission
978-512-1297 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Benches
recently added along with new signage
Info kiosk
interpretive signage marking the park's history
Common questions
Where do I park at Fredonian Park & Nature Center?
Free lot (free).
Is there an entry fee at Fredonian Park & Nature Center?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Fredonian Park & Nature Center?
Shirley requires a dog on Town property be kept under its owner's control, on leash or off; the bylaw sets no numeric leash length, but a dog that runs at large or becomes a public nuisance is a violation. Owners must pick up and remove pet waste from public parks, recreational fields, and…
Is Fredonian Park & Nature Center wheelchair accessible?
Not step-free yet. The town is building an ADA-compliant stonedust path to the gazebo and an accessible loop around the pond, funded by a 2025 earmark; until that's finished the nature trail stays a natural dirt path.
What rules should I know at Fredonian Park & Nature Center?
Open containers of alcohol and smoking or use of marijuana are banned on any Shirley public way, park, playground, or other land under town control.