Prospect Hill, Waltham, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prospect Hill Park |
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| Location | Waltham, Massachusetts |
| Area | 273 acres (110 ha) |
| Elevation | 485 feet (148 m) (maximum) |
| Created | 1893 |
| Operated by | City of Waltham |
Prospect Hill is a tall hill in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. It's the third-highest spot within about 12 miles (19 km) of downtown Boston. You can find the hill inside Prospect Hill Park, on the west side of Waltham. It's close to Route 128. Only Great Blue Hill and Chickatawbut Hill in the Blue Hills Reservation are taller.
Prospect Hill has two main peaks. The taller one is called Big Prospect, standing at 485 feet (148 m). The other is Little Prospect, which is 435 feet (133 m tall). Both peaks offer amazing views of the Boston area. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Monadnock, which is 54 miles (87 km) away! The hill and the land around it make up the 273-acre (110 ha) Prospect Hill Park. This park is Waltham's oldest and largest public green space. It has many hiking trails and places for picnics.
Park History
Waltham first bought about 75 acres (30 ha) for the park in 1893. This land included both peaks and the areas right around them. Over many years, more land was added. By 1927, the park grew to 219 acres (89 ha).
In the early 1900s, the park was well cared for. New trails, picnic spots, and fences were built. Workers also cleared dead trees and planted thousands of new ones. By 1997, the park reached 250 acres (100 ha). Today, it is 273 acres (110 ha) in size.
In 2021, the main entrance to the park was closed for a while. This was for a big project to add new fun features. These included a water spray park, a playground for kids, a new picnic area, and a pavilion.
Skiing Fun
In 1948, more land was added to the park to build a ski slope. Volunteers did most of the work to build the slope. They even added lights so people could ski at night! For many years, there wasn't enough natural snow. So, in 1968, they added snow-making machines. A T-Bar was also installed to take skiers up the hill.
The ski area was very popular, especially for people learning to ski. It was also great for those who wanted to ski after dark. The ski slopes were open from 1949 to 1987. They briefly reopened in 1989–90 but have been closed since then. The city of Waltham ran the ski area until 1985. After that, private companies took over.
Buildings Near the Park
The building of Route 128 very close to the park led to new office buildings. These buildings were built right next to the park's western edge.
The old main office of the Polaroid Corporation was next to the park. This area was empty for many years. Then, in 2013, work began on a new project called "1265 Main." This project includes shops and offices. The first part opened in 2016, with stores and the US office for Clarks footwear. More construction started in 2019.
Water Tanks
In 1974, the city of Waltham built two large water tanks near the top of Big Prospect. These tanks can hold eight million gallons (30 million liters) of water! Because they are so high up, they help make sure there is good water pressure all over the city.
Other Towers
In 1917, a fire tower was built on Big Prospect. This tower helped people spot forest fires from far away. Later, in 1951, the United States Air Force started using Big Prospect for research. They put up a huge dish antenna in 1963. This meant the fire tower had to be moved to Little Prospect. This tower also became home to the city's fire radio transmitters. Later, equipment for the Waltham Amateur Radio Association was added there too.
In 1997, the Air Force left Prospect Hill Park. By 2002, all the radio equipment was moved to Big Prospect. This equipment helps Waltham's fire, police, and public works departments communicate. It also helps the Massachusetts Army National Guard, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Waltham Amateur Radio Association.
Gallery
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A park building in 2011
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Boston seen from the park
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View to northwest includes Cambridge Reservoir
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Picnic area
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Glacial boulder
