0 Emery Ln, Weymouth, MA 02189, USA
Weymouth Recreation: (781) 682-6124
https://weymouthma.myrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=13103
Owned By: Town of Weymouth
24-acre hilltop park with views of the Boston Skyline. Features a 0.25-mile paved walking loop and a shade pavilion. Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. Very close to Legion Memorial Field.
Features
This land is within the region of the Massachuseuk (or Massachusett) Native American tribe.
Before European settlement of Weymouth, a junction within an important Native American trail network stood atop King Oak Hill. Both the Massachusett and Wampanoag tribes used these trails. The hill probably also served as a lookout for hunting.
As European settlement spread through Weymouth in the 17th and 18th centuries, the use of this hill became agricultural. In 1903, William H. Binnian constructed a Georgian Revival home on top of the hill. Allan C. Emery, a prominent wool merchant, became the owner in 1916. His family owned and farmed the estate for nearly a century, until the town purchased it in 2011.
The 1903 Georgian Revival Emery Estate (not open to the public), modeled after George Washington’s Mount Vernon, still stands on the property. Two purple leaf plume trees stand in memory of police Sgt. Michael Chesna, 41, and Vera Adams, 77, a longtime teacher. Community Preservation Funds, as well as a Massachusetts PARC grant, supported the construction of the park.
Trail Description
A 0.25-mile paved walking trail extends around the perimeter of the park.
Habitats and Wildlife
The grassy park sits atop a drumlin hill, formed by retreating glaciers. There are oak, maple, and birch trees around the perimeter, as well as some cedars. A stately row of cedars extends across the top of the hill.
The park is located within the watershed of the Fore River. The Fore River serves as the boundary line between the towns of Weymouth and Braintree. It flows for about 3 miles, into Quincy, where it meets Town River, and then flows for another 2 miles into Hingham Bay.
Historic Site: No
Park: Yes
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 24 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Located on Emery Lane, across the street from Legion Memorial Field. Ample on-site parking (55 cars).
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Informational kiosk, paved walking loop (0.25 miles), benches, bicycle rack, 1500-square foot shade pavilion, seasonal restrooms, trash and dog waste receptacles.
Dogs: Dogs must remain on 6' leash at all times. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Fore River watershed