Heartbreak Hill Park at Waban Hill Reservoir in Chestnut Hill is a former MWRA drinking-water reservoir on a hill overlooking Boston College, decommissioned in 2013 and converted to a 5-acre city park in 2015 with an accessible perimeter trail and a small grass playing area. Despite its name, it is not in the Waban neighborhood, and the reservoir itself is fenced off and not open for swimming or boating.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free · unconfirmed
Entry fee
None; free to enter. checked Jul 15, 2026
Dogs
Dogs permitted on leash; a dog-waste bag/trash station is provided.
Hours
Dawn to dusk (city park convention); no posted gate hours found.
Accessibility
The perimeter trail is described as accessible.
Managed by
City of Newton Parks and Recreation Department
617-796-1502 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Waste-bag dispensers
Dog-waste bag and trash station.
Not here
No picnic area
No picnic facilities reported; the site is a scenic overlook and small grass playing area.
Common questions
Can I swim or boat at Newton Reservoir?
No. It is a decommissioned former drinking-water reservoir with no public swimming or boating; it's now a scenic walking loop.
Where do I park at Newton Reservoir?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at Newton Reservoir?
None; free to enter.
Can I bring my dog to Newton Reservoir?
Dogs permitted on leash; a dog-waste bag/trash station is provided.
Is Newton Reservoir wheelchair accessible?
The perimeter trail is described as accessible.
What rules should I know at Newton Reservoir?
Biking is prohibited on the perimeter trail.