Kennedy Park (Fall River, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kennedy Park
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fall River, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1868 |
| Architect | Olmsted Brothers; Vaux & Co. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Shingle Style |
| MPS | Fall River MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000686 |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1983 |
Kennedy Park is a large, historic park in Fall River, Massachusetts. It covers about 57 acres (23 hectares). You can find it in the southern part of the city, surrounded by South Main Street, Bradford Avenue, Middle Street, and Bay Street. This area used to be part of Rhode Island until 1862.
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A Look Back: The Park's History
Kennedy Park was once a farm owned by John Durfee. It was created in 1868 and was first called "South Park." The park was designed by famous landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. They are known for designing many beautiful parks, including Central Park in New York City.
In 1904, the park was updated by the Olmsted Brothers, who continued their father's work. The park was renamed in 1963 to honor President John F. Kennedy after he passed away. Kennedy Park offers a big open space in a busy part of Fall River. It is surrounded by many older apartment buildings and the historic Catholic St. Anne's Church.
Exploring Kennedy Park Today
Kennedy Park is divided into three main areas. The top part is flat and often used for baseball games and other fun activities. The middle section slopes down and gives you amazing views of Mount Hope Bay. The lower part of the park is a bit more wooded and sits right along the Bay.
The park was added to the National Historic Register in 1983. This means it is recognized as an important historical place. Kennedy Park was also restored in 2001, making sure it stays beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Events and Activities
Kennedy Park has always been a popular spot for public events in Fall River. In September 1996, over 25,000 people gathered in the park. They came to see then-President Bill Clinton during a visit for his re-election campaign.
Every August since 1986, the park hosts the Great Holy Ghost Feast of New England. This is a big celebration of Azorean culture. It attracts more than 200,000 people each year! It's a wonderful way to experience the traditions and food of the Azores islands.
A Playground for Everyone
In 2014, a special "inclusion playground" opened at Kennedy Park. This playground has equipment that children with disabilities can use easily. It helps all kids play together. The park also has a partially fenced playground area with slides, a seesaw, and mini monkey bars. There's even an empty ice skating rink that kids can use for riding bicycles.
