In a decision to invest in public green spaces, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has approved transferring the Franklin Park Bear Dens back to the Boston Parks Department. This announcement, made today, ends years of care by Zoo New England. According to a statement obtained by the City of Boston, the plan to enhance and preserve green space in Boston continues, with the Bear Dens included in this effort.
"The transfer of the Bear Dens to the City is an opportunity to invest in a corner of the park with great potential," said Mayor Wu in the city's announcement. Her words indicate a goal to guide Franklin Park, referred to as the green crown of the city, through its next phase of transformation. Involving the community in the project is a key aspect of the initiative. The Boston Parks Commission unanimously approved the transfer on Monday, allowing the Bear Dens to become another family-friendly area in Boston's recreational offerings.
The Bear Dens hold historical significance as part of the park's evolution. Black bears, grizzlies, and polar bears once inhabited these stone structures, built in the early 1900s. Although they fell out of use in the 1970s, they remain an architectural feature within the Long Crouch Woods area of Franklin Park. "It’s been more than 50 years since the bear dens, which are well outside the current perimeter of the Zoo, have been in use," noted John Linehan, CEO of Zoo New England, "and we’re looking forward to the creative re-use of this space in the future," in a statement obtained by the City of Boston.
The city plans to transform the Bear Dens into a space that honors its historic significance while addressing current community needs. This transfer creates opportunities to restore and reimagine the area in ways that reflect both the park's legacy and today's community needs, according to Interim Parks Commissioner Liza Meyer. The Franklin Park Coalition also supports this, with Board President Rickie Thompson noting the potential for safety improvements and the conversion of the Bear Dens into a notable landscape feature that acknowledges the park's history.
The plans for the Bear Dens align with the goals of the Franklin Park Action Plan, created last year, which focuses on enhancing park attractions. After making structural improvements for safety, discussions will be held with residents to outline future programming and possible upgrades for the Bear Dens. For more information, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department can be contacted through their hotline, and city park updates are available via their newsletter and social media channels.
