Rosemary Lake is a small mill pond formed in 1902 by damming Rosemary Brook, now ringed by a roughly one-mile wooded walking trail near the Rosemary Recreation Complex; open-water swimming ended in 1970 due to silt and runoff, so pool swimming has moved next door to Rosemary Pool.
What to expect
Parking
Not confirmed · unconfirmed
Dogs
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail; the town considered but ultimately declined to create a pilot off-leash dog area around the lake after concerns from abutters.
Walk Trail
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Needham Park & Recreation Department
781-455-7930 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town or agency pages before you go.
Common questions
Can I swim in Rosemary Lake?
No, swimming in the lake has been closed since 1970 due to silt and runoff; the town instead offers pool swimming at the adjacent Rosemary Pool.
Is there ice skating on the lake in winter?
This was not confirmed in any town or listing found, so it is left unconfirmed rather than assumed.
Is there an entry fee at Rosemary Lake?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Rosemary Lake?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail; the town considered but ultimately declined to create a pilot off-leash dog area around the lake after concerns from abutters.
What rules should I know at Rosemary Lake?
No swimming in the lake itself. Dogs must be leashed on the Rosemary Lake trail; an off-leash pilot area was proposed but rejected after resident pushback.