Mystic River Reservation

Medford, Somerville, Everett
617-727-5380

Open year round, dawn to dusk. The banks of the Mystic River are almost entirely publicly owned, from the Amelia Earhart Dam at the mouth of the Mystic Lakes, making it one of the Commonwealth's best protected streams. The river has been much altered since the 1800's when its shores were largely saltmarsh.

Mary O'Malley Park
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Acquired from the federal government after the closing of the historic Chelsea Naval Hospital, the park has striking views of the harbor and the Tobin Bridge over the Mystic River. A boat landing and shelter are located on an historic granite pier and a wind sculpture by William Wainwright enlivens the waterfront. Tennis courts and a large open lawn area for concerts and picnics are also available. The park is open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Torbert Macdonald Park
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Macdonald Park honors a United States Congressman who served the district for 21 years. The park was built on a reclaimed dredge spoiled area left after the construction of Route 93. The award-winning landscape design of the meandering paths, trees and open lawns provides space for rest and enjoyment as well as bicycling, jogging, walking and informal games in a riverside setting.

Draw Seven Park
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The Draw Number Seven Railroad Bridge, which once crossed the Mystic River, gave this park its name. Built in cooperation with the MBTA, this park provides much needed field game space for Somerville and adjacent communities. Draw Seven Park offers 9 acres of parkland including two soccer fields, a bikeway/walkway, a picnic area with shelter and beautiful landscaping.

Mystic Lakes
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In 1893, when the Metropolitan Park System was established, large estates lined the shores of the Mystic Lakes. In part through generous gifts of land, the eastern became part of the park system. The western shores were never acquired and were subdivided into smaller house lots. Today the Mystic Lakes are popular for freshwater swimming at Sandy Beach. Special sailing programs are available at the Tufts University Boathouse. The Upper Mystic Lake is for non-powered boats only. The Lower Mystic Lake is for power boats with no wake. For information about Sandy Beach call (617) 727-5380.

Directions:
MBTA: Commuter rail to W. Medford or Wedgemere stations for access to Mystic Lakes. Orange line to Wellington Station for access to Mystic River. Bus lines to Medford Square provide access to bikepath.

By Car: Mystic Valley Parkway. Fellsway access to Lower Mystic Reservation