I will forever love the res! It is truly my all-time favorite route for a walk or a jog. Whether I'm having the best or worst day ever, a loop or two around always leaves me so grounded and at peace. It is well kept (maybe besides in icy conditions in the winter), full of great people-watching, and just as beautiful when you walk it for the 300th time as it was the first. It is about a 1.5 mile loop for those interested in tracking their mileage. For those who don't live in the area, it is a short walk from the closest T-stop and it really worth the trip. In the warmer seasons, expect to see some wildlife (lots of birds & turtles). When colder, expect gorgeous icy views. Tip: If you like taking a stroll with a coffee in hand, grab a coffee at Starbucks or Eagles Deli nearby before you loop! read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Turtles! - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Sunsets, peaceful, community, cleanliness, all the things. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir is my my all-time favorite place to go for a walk or run. I've been coming here since middle school and it still remains as one of my absolute favorite places. Look at these pictures! It's so well-kept there's never any trash. There is one small stretch of geese droppings but the path is so wide you can easily maneuver your way around them. :) It's located right in between Boston College's campus and Cleveland Circle so there's always some action and people around (but is never too overwhelmingly crowded). A happy medium of crowded and empty for sure. At one point you're overlooking Cassidy Playground that usually has something going on-- be it softball games or grass volleyball games for example. It definitely gives you some entertainment to look at while you walk! The views are everything. It's a 1.55 mile loop and there's benches along the way that people use for all kinds of reasons (to read a book, take a phone call, chat with a friend, stretch, soak up the sun and look out at the water, etc.). I love coming here around sunset and seeing the sky change and light up on the whole reservoir. Magical. Hands down one of my favorite places to be! read more

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This is a beautiful spot, whether for a jog or date night activity. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir is easy to access, right at Cleveland circle and borders Boston College. There is lots of 2-hour street parking--just make sure to read the parking signs throughly as sometimes parking is dependent on whether there is a game. There are views of the majestic Waterworks museum, as well as the Boston skyline in the distance. A lovely place to experience the sunrise or sunset. I highly recommend the Reservoir for your next hot girl walk or heart-pumping run. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Reservoir from the Boston College side - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

This place is so beautiful and peaceful in the morning! A lovely place to watch the sunrise or enjoy a walk or jog. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Sunrise at Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

On a warm day that was more summer than spring, it was wonderful to see the joggers and the walkers out this evening. Chestnut Hill Reservoir is more of a park than a water supply with a 1.5 mile loop that runs around the water. The trail is nice and flat and well maintained. I took a bit to rest, reflect and look out at the water which was surprisingly calm and offered a lovely reflection of the structures on the other side. read more

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I love this quick loop. It is smooth and easy to walk on and is just a nice area to walk in. During winter, the trail is not maintained so beware of ice. It can get kind of busy at times but there is plenty of parking available. Definitely recommend if you want to get a bit of exercise or take on the loop a couple of times. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Gorgeous spot for walking and running and just chilling during spring-fall. Easily can take a few laps of the lake. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Running trail - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

What an amazing little "hidden" gem near Cleveland Circle. Having just moved to the area, I was so excited to have a beautiful park and place to run. The trail around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir is wide and well maintained. There are always people out running, walking, biking, and enjoying the benches along the path. Half of the trail has a decent amount of shade and gets good breezes, depending which way the wind is blowing. The other half of the trail can get a little warm on a hot day with the sun beating down and little shade to escape from it. (I always finish my runs on that side of the trail). The water is clean and there are plenty of birds to watch. On one side of the reservoir you have Boston College as the backdrop and on the other, you can spot downtown Boston and the Prudential Tower. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir is a nice break from the city life and place to just gather your thoughts and get some exercise. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Cleveland Circle - at Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Perfect time to come here in the fall and spring time! We took our pup here and walked around the reservoir. I believe it is close to a 2 mile loop. There are so shady areas for the pup. I can't imagine how cold and "frozen" this place is during the winter. There are lots of people walking, running, biking, and walking their pup around the reservoir. read more

Unlike Fresh Pond in Cambridge, the Town of Brookline hasn't wrapped the Chestnut Hill Reservoir in a prison-issue chain link fence, so you and the water have a much better chance of establishing a meaningful relationship. Also unlike its Cambridge neighbor, the Chestnut Hill Reservoir is T-accessible and never crowded. No mothers with SUV-sized baby strollers; no herds of dogs sniffing one another's asses. No Under Armour-clad Lance Armstrong wannabes knocking over old ladies as they pedal their overpriced Treks with reckless douchebaggery. Here, it's just a handful of joggers, a few strolling old people, and more Canadian snow geese than you can stand. If you squint properly, you might even find a few vistas where, for a few moments, you could almost convince yourself that the past hundred years have been naught but a dream. I especially like the view from Commonwealth Avenue across the water to the Richardson Romanesque waterworks on Beacon Street. In the right mood, I can almost imagine I've stepped into a Jack Finney novel; or, perhaps, "Somewhere in Time," with less disastrous results. (Yes, I know these references are a bit esoteric. Deal with it.) read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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While I love this greenspace for its long and winding path, its numerous waterfowl species (mergansers, ruddy ducks, and cormorants alongside Canadas and Mallards) and its easy access, I see aspects to be improved upon. Let me begin by stating this: it is required by Massachusetts State Law (chapter 140, section 173) and a Boston City ordinance (Section 16-1.9) that dogs be leashed on public property. Fees for a violation are $50 first time, $60 the second time, and $100 the third time in one calendar year. The city of Boston could seriously profit from policing the Reservoir. It is appalling how inconsiderate many of the local dog owners are by letting their pets off leash. This entitled attitude to do as they please results in dogs swimming in the reservoir, chasing wildlife, and running up to elders, adults and children who have a right to enjoyment of the Reservoir without another's dog running up to them. I myself was nearly bowled over by a large labrador. Dogs may behave unpredictably--in another location, my first dog was wounded by an unleashed dog, and a friend's dog was killed by two unleashed dogs. Just the other day, a Great Blue Heron was killed at the Arnold Arboretum. I firmly believe that this situation needs to be monitored at the Reservoir. Finally, what is with the weekly mowing of the grass between the path and the rocks that lead to the pond? Milkweed, wildflowers and grasses contribute to the beauty and ecology of the place. I thought this was a park, not a sterile running track. The Vegetation Plan of the Reservoir states that this is to prevent plants from encroaching upon the view of the Reservoir, but this current practice seems to me rather extreme. Also, why are there people fishing here in the evening? Perhaps I am mistaken, but this location is not explicitly listed at the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/recreational-activities/fishing.html So, while I see much potential in this place, I am a little disappointed by the lack of care others take to preserve it and share with others. If you click on the photo below, you'll see an unleashed dog running free, a typical scene at the Reservoir. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - One of the many illegally unleashed dogs I have seen here, posing a risk to people, wildlife, other dogs, and the dog itself. - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

There is nothing more important to me in a city than having places where I can go to sit and look at water. Pond, lake, reservoir--it doesn't matter to me. It is just soothing to be around. I like to hop on the 86 to get here (because I'm too lazy to walk the whole way) and then stop at Moogy's to get a hot veggie sub and then walk to the reservoir to have a picnic lunch. There are a few great places to sit up on the hillside and look at the water. It is also fun to walk or run around, although it is so big I have never been all the way around it. My only complaint--I wish there were a restroom. Update-- I did make it all the way around, and found the portopotty. Ha! You have to work for it! read more

The Chestnut Hill Reservoir, or "The Res" as it's called by Boston College students, is a great place to come and watch 5K races, workout, or lounge around and enjoy the beautiful view. Most beautiful in the fall and spring, The Res offers a quiet, serene location at the edge of Boston College campus and Cleveland Circle. Located near multiple outlets of the T's Green Line and college-student-stuffed-restaurants, The Res is the perfect place to come and unwind, have a run, and enjoy oneself. The path is dirt/gravel and is about 1.5 miles around the reservoir. The path is lined with benches, tall trees, and a small little (locked) lake house. There are no obstructions in the reservoir, nor on the path. The winter causes The Res to freeze over, cooling BC and Cleveland Circle even more than normal. In short, it's extremely cold in the winter. When the reservoir is thawed out, it is not meant for any forms of swimming, rowing, paddling, or the like. It's a pure reservoir with no human interaction. TL;DR: A cool spot to get your workout on or relax. 1.5 mile path around and it's extremely pretty. Always come back here. read more

This was my favorite place to run over the summer (before I moved to Somerville). Go figure; the park surrounding the now retired water supply was designed by none other than Fredrick Law Olmsted. Translation: it's freaking gorgeous! Nearly the entire loop (totaling just over a mile and a half) is lined with trees and greenery, and where it's not you get fantastic views of the Waterworks Museum and other historic buildings. For me this is a welcome distraction when I get a stitch in my side or can't stop thinking about the couch at home. I can only name two drawbacks of this runner's haven. First, the reservoir was over a mile away from my apartment in Brookline, so I really had to motivate if I was going to run around it. The second drawback is the population of geese that live there. When the scenery wasn't distraction enough, I could always resort to moments of deep prayer, hoping I wouldn't be attacked as I whizzed by gaggles of them. They're big, they're many and they OWN that path! read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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A great place to walk or run (alone or with a friend). Just watch out for the bugs flying all around (I think they are nits). They are harmless, but there are SWARMS of them that you end up running/walking right through - "dangerous" when walking/talking with a friend! A few loops around is great exercise all year round! read more

This is a gorgeous park at sunset but hardly worth going out of your way to visit if you aren't in this area of Boston. If you're a local, though, shame on you for not checking this park out yet! It's basically a looped path around the reservoir where many residents walk or run. I also see dogs every once and awhile. Sometimes I think the geese are ready to attack, but it hasn't happened yet. read more

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It took me almost a year before I even hear about this place. It was about 1.5 miles away from my apartment in the opposite direction of school so it was not on my radar until one of my good friends told me about it. This place is amazing. The distance around is about 1.5 miles and the track is mostly gravel, which is much easier on your body than running on the sidewalks. There is a good amount of wild life here, including swans, geese and turtles and is a great place to walk a dog. There are benches scattered throughout, so if you want to take a rest or just read a book, there are great places to do that as well. It's easily accessible off both the B and C lines and right across the street from Cleveland Circle. Love this place! read more

I moved to the area at the beginning of August, and to be honest, the Reservoir was one of the reasons I chose the apartment I did. I feel so lucky to have such a beautiful place to run just steps from my door. There are always lots of people out running, walking their dogs, riding bikes, sitting on the benches reading, etc. There is a gorgeous breeze off the the water and a good balance of sunshine and shade from the trees. I love that people treat this area as a gym; it's not unusual to see people doing tricep dips on the benches or doing lunges down the gravel path. It certainly makes me feel motivated to get off the couch and go join all of these healthy, active people! I was "training" for a half marathon (until my work schedule shot that idea down...and I was able to find other excuses to skip days on the training plan), but this area is perfect for both short and longer runs. It's 1.5 miles around and has a stretch of a paved path if you want a break from the gravel. The one down side is that sometimes there is a LOT of goose crap, but they do a pretty good job of keeping the place extremely clean. I love love love the Reservoir and if you live in the area and haven't gone for a walk/run around there yet, do it :) read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Beautiful evening at the Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I love coming to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. The trail around the reservoir is wide and very well maintained. There are constantly people running and walking around it and lots of benches to sit and people watch on. It gets busy on warm days and at night when people are exercising. I come here fairly often to run or to give my dogs a nice long walk. The reservoir itself is beautiful with lots of fish, turtles, and birds to watch. There's also the occasional rabbit hopping along in the nearby woods. In the winter, the trail sometimes gets a little icy in the shaded spots but that is to be expected from the dirt trail. Spring and summer are a little rough with the amount of geese poop as well so be wary and watch where you step. Overall, it's a great staple in Cleveland Circle and really makes the neighborhood feel homey in the middle of an urban setting. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Kevin walking the girls - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

Lovely place for a brisk walk - definitely a neighborhood spot Beautiful when spring blossoms and when leaves fall. If you're tired of pounding the pavement and want something a bit more cush this is a great little spot. Scenic, plenty of parking nearby, always friendly people out exercising and enjoying the weather. The path is looped and about 1.5 miles around. No uphill climbs but there are stairs if you're feeling determined to push yourself you can run up and down those for a while + stretch in the grass nearby. Everyone seems friendly, nice neighborhood spot. Dog owners all seem very responsible when it comes to cleaning up. So you won't have to worry about wearing your bad running shoes. Date Rating: 8 Pick up Scale: 6 Strong Suggestion: bring your pet if you have one :) and remember... no fishing. read more

A nice, popular place to walk/run around and is very dog-friendly. Not so good if you want to lay out in the summertime as there are bajillions of bugs and very little grassy areas or benches. A word of caution...its notoriously dangerous at night - a place females (or really anyone) should not be walking around or through alone. Actually, last year a BC undergrad was attacked during the day when cutting through the reservoir area alone. Thankfully she got away physically unharmed. If I remember correctly, she was going through a side path, not on the main loop (which is very open), but still. I know danger is always all around no matter where you are, but BC students are constantly reminded about being cautious, with reason. Still, its a very nice walk, that I often take (alone. im a hypocrite). Its right in Cleveland Circle, next to BC's campus, but it manages to be something of an escape. read more

Flat, spongy ground make this a perfect place for a run for someone like me, getting over shin splints. Gorgeous views if you are an early bird and can catch a sunrise over the water, or a night owl and want to watch the sunset as you run! Two loops make it an enjoyable 5k, seriously, time flies when you know exactly how far you are running and don't have to worry about cars and bikes and masses of people at street corners waiting to cross. Stairs are great for when you want to do a mini Rocky impersonation (I do that on any about average length of stairs I can find)! And there is a flat area to do some crunches and stretching (please stretch). It is also around the corner from a 7-11 for when you need that post run water and Powerbar! Things to watch out for... BUGS! They seem to congregate at the curvy areas. Get ready to hack some up as you run through. KILLER GEESE! It is a body of water with all of the appropriate water fowl in the water and on the path. That said seeing swans while you run is nice, and I love scanning the water for my favorite bird, the loon! read more

A place of grace and serenity. One can find peace with oneself here. The reservoir is surrounded by a walkway that is wide enough for two cars to pass through. Boston College is on one side of the reservoir, Cleveland Circle is on the other side. Trees and hills also surround it, giving it an isolated feeling. Many people come here to jog or walk or to have a time of self reflection. I used to come here to run laps around and just think about life. The air is very crisp and fresh, especially because it is winter in Boston most of the time. However, when the weather becomes warmer, it becomes very pleasant. Even more plesant than it already is. The view when the sun sets is breathtaking. The sun paints the sky with hints of orange, pink, and violet. I usually just stop what I am doing to appreciate the view. It reminds me of how great nature can be amd brings a sense of peace. Come here to think! It's a wonderful place to jog or walk your dogs or for self reflection :) read more

4.5 stars, but I'll round up to 5. I'm in no way an athlete or a hardcore runner. Rather I'm quite the opposite. But I enjoy being able to find a nice area to walk/jog around and not feel intimidated by others around me. I can go at my own pace without feeling any pressure. 2 loops is actually the perfect workout for me here, measured at approx. 1.5 miles each loop. I like it because unlike a track, I can't just stop and go home when I'm tired. It actually pushes me because I have to get to the other side if I want to go home. The beautiful reservoir is easy on the eyes. Sometimes it can be tough when the suns out, so be sure to bring your shades. The path is not too hard nor too soft of a surface. In the summer, beware of the swarms of gnats that may congregate in the air. In the fall, watch out for the fallen twigs and tree branches. read more

This is another great place in Boston to experience the seasons. It's peaceful and relaxing and beautiful. It's a great place for runners, walkers, or people who just want a nice view. If you're coming for the view, I recommend to come during sunset. I promise you, it is especially gorgeous in the fall. It's pet-friendly. There are plenty of benches. The path around the reservoir is well-kept. There are also other paved pathways that go through the trees. They are well-kept as well so don't worry about getting lost. Come with a lover, a friend, or your mother. This place is wonderful. read more

1. Its dirt, so its a lot better on joints and such than the road would be. 2. Yeah the geese crap on the path but it isn't a crazy amount. Brings a change of shoes. 3. The bugs, at certain times of day(on the veggier side) can be a little rough. Sun glasses and keeping your mouth shut should help. 4. If you're going in the winter, the wind coming off the water can be painful, dress accordingly. 5. Parking - Much of the area is surrounded by resident parking, but if you turn into BC's campus there's an access road with a handful of spots that are 3 hour parking. 6. No bathrooms. I think that's everything. read more

I heart the chestnut hill reservoir! So much that I feel extremely lucky to live right down the street from it. It is about a mile and a half around the entire thing. It is a soft dirt path so good for runners who don't like the pavement so much. As soon as it starts to get nice out there are tons of people running/jogging or simply strolling around the res. The atmosphere is great especially at sunset. I love going around this time, it is quiet, peaceful, and so pretty with the sun dropping behind the gorgeous BC buildings. read more

While it may seem odd to review a body of water, I felt like giving my two cents on this green haven stuck between the B and C lines. As other Yelpers have already contested-- this is a great place to go for your daily run/walk/stroll/whatever. You've got water on one side, trees on the other-- almost makes you forget you're in the city (except for the fact that you can occasionally hear the squeal of the T as it jutters on by). However, I wasn't interested in running when I ventured out there. I was looking for a little expanse of grass to lay out a blanket, have a picnic, and do some weekend studying. And, whoa, space was LIMITED if you wanted to sit by the water (there's a park/playground nearby, but, really, who wants to go there). My roommate and I were able to find a nice little patch underneath a tree, far enough from the runners, just big enough for our two little tushes. Definitely made for a wonderful Sunday afternoon. read more

You know, it's really hard for me to get motivated to work out. The gym is far (and the treadmill sucks), it's cold, there's too many hills in my neighborhood and no space in my apartment. ALWAYS an excuse. Now that I've been spending time at Chestnut Hill Reservoir, I've lost all my excuses (except for the cold one - that might still stand). It's a 5-minute warmup/cool down walk from my apartment, the trail is flat, soft, and easily measurable, I feel safe with all the people out there (just stay off the side trails girls!), and it is IDYLLIC. Have you been here during a sunset? It's incredible. So pop on your headphones or grab a friend and enjoy the scenery. And get your ass in shape! After all, there's no better place to do it. read more

I LOVE this place! I can't believe it took me this long to review this place... I first jogged here in 2011 and I fell in love quickly. It's a great place to walk or jog or just relax. Most recently I drove by here at night and it was so beautiful with the city lights reflecting the water. I haven't been back here as often as I'd like but will definitely return now that the weather is getting nice again. There's lots of parking nearby, which is a plus because I don't live nearby. read more

Have to work off all the cheap beer somehow! Chestnut Hill Reservoir, also known as/surrounded by Reilly Memorial Park, is one of my favorite places to run. It's a little piece of outside paradise in Brighton. The run distance around the reservoir is a bit less than 2 miles, but you can cut it short if needed by cutting down one of the many side paths to Comm Ave or Beacon Street. There's a really mixed running crowd there - people trudging by, the running superstars, and regular runners like me. Oh, and I shouldn't neglect the people out for strolls! It's never too crowded and watching the wildlife (geese, swans, puppies) keeps me entertained. read more

Terrific place for a workout. The loop is 1.7 miles around. The part that is not shaded can be tough during the dog days of summer, but the view is great. In the winter, there is nothing blocking you from the wind, so it is extra cold and windy. It's good to know this going into it. It's a popular spot, so there are a lot of people during peak exercise hours. This isn't bad, though, in fact it is a nice touch. read more

Chestnut Hill Reservoir - Parks Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

I'm kicking myself for not having come here before this weekend, but now that I've been, I know I'll definitely be back. It's a gorgeous place to go for a walk with your canine friend (even if he does end up splaying himself out in the middle of the path amidst other walkers/runners...), or go for a run with your iPod. It's cooler here, since it's right by the water, but you're still able to soak up the sunshine. The path lends itself to a comfortable run, and is shaded in some parts from the trees, which is nice when you're running in the sun and you need that tiny bit of solace. There are even benches strewn about so you can take a breather to just watch the geese/swans/seagulls do their thing in the water. It doesn't even feel like 1.5 miles because there's so much to watch and take in as you go around the path. You can also use the benches for push ups, sit ups, etc., and if you're gutsy enough, maybe use a tree for some pull ups. I'm not saying I'm the gutsy type, but I've seen it done so I know it's possible! Overall, a wonderful place to get some fresh air and awesome exercise while you're at it. Can't wait to come back! read more

I love running here and my dog Mia loves it too!!! She gets so excited when she realizes we are running and going to this place(as opposed to taking other routes); she literally is jumping of joy. Very peaceful and beautiful any time of year!! Wish it had more trashcans so I don't have to run half a mile with my doggie "trash" in my hand. I think running here my favorite thing of living in Cleveland Circle. read more

I love walking here. I love running here. I love being here. It's just a lovely, cool place to work out or go for a walk. It's a big enough distance around to get a decent workout. And the environment gives me energy (except that yellow house. I can see it from the other side of the reservoir and I always think I'm so close to it and then I'm not so when I run by, I yell I HATE YOU YELLOW HOUSE. It makes me feel good and gives me a boost. Don't judge me.). Oh, and watch out for those geese! read more

I just moved to Cleveland Circle an needed a place to jog (well walk mostly) to take the place of the very aesthetically pleasing Charles River where I once lived. I was so excited when I learned that the Reservoir was right up the street and could now serve as my outdoor treadmill. The Reservoir is absolutely gorgeous, it is almost too pretty to be located in the otherwise dull and boring Cleveland Circle. I like that its not too big and right by my house so when I am tired and out of breath after my first lap I can just run right back home in no time flat. My favorite part is all of the wildlife which is definitely hard to come by in the middle of the city. It is definitely very peaceful being by the water and watching all the swans, baby geese, ducks and bunnies (yes Ive seen bunnies). It also has a decent view of the city from one side, if you're into that sort of thing which, of course, I am read more

I know that a runner isn't supposed to do the same course every day. So it's probably a good thing I don't live closer to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir...because if I did, I'd find myself zipping around it whenever I could. It's a neat, 1.5 (approx) track suitable for both runners and walkers that never seems to be overcrowded and, despite recent renovations, is still friendly to sore ankles, feet, and knees. The course is not particularly fast...the surface isn't forgiving and in some places a runner needs to dig hard into the ground in order to get traction. At certain later hours shadows can darken the path rather dramatically, forcing runners to slow down and playing havoc with one's pacing. However, these are occupational hazards that all runners need to deal with and for which they should be prepared to encounter on any course. Overall, state employees have this place kept up pretty well, considering its length, configurations, and the amount of use that the running surface gets. Wish it had more in the way of facilities. I hate having to improvise while out running, but that's another occupational hazard for runners. Really nice views, a well maintained surface...the Reservoir is a treat for any runner. read more

Wow this is great! I had no idea you could review such places on Yelp... :) I've been coming to this reservoir for a few years now. It's a great place to jog, exercise, nature watch, write poetry, paint a picture, people watch, talk to random old folks walking around, etc. It's 1.5 mile laps so you can get a pretty good run. Some times you can challenge yourself by avoiding geese... They can get pretty rough. I would give it 5 starts if it wasn't for poop. Sooo yea, I recommend this place. read more

i actually went there to fish last Saturday, 05/31/09 and there was good fishing for sure, only pickerel though, no bass =/ Beautiful place to jog for sure, Pretty girls all around, god i love the summertime =] read more

Nice place to walk if you live in the area. I used to live a couple blocks away and spent a lot of time here