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Dolan Pond Access

Located in West Newton, this 8-acre area is accessible from the ends of Cumberland Road, Stratford Road, Auburndale Avenue, and Webster Park. Parking is allowed on all abutting roads except Auburndale Avenue.

Dolan Pond History and Features

Dolan Pond, like all of Newton, was once occupied and cared for by the Massachusett tribe, descendants of whom continue to live and make new history in the area.

The City of Newton acquired Dolan Pond in 1979 from Charles Dolan (western end), and Catherine Quinn (eastern end). In 2003, installation of the wheelchair accessible paths and boardwalks began. In 2008, Irene Forte’s property was purchased, then given to the Conservation Commission.

The conservation area has not one but four ponds, connected by wooded wetlands and an intermittent stream. The area hosts a diversity of plants, animals, and insects. Plants include swamp red maple, round-leaved sundew, royal fern, and swamp milkweed. Notable wildlife includes snapping turtles and over 130 species of resident and migratory birds.

The trail leading in from Webster Park crosses the stream near Banana Pond on a boardwalk. After crossing the stream, the boardwalk forks right toward Auburndale Ave. and Stratford Rd (through dense wooded wetlands and past Quinn Pond) and left the boardwalk ramp towards Cumberland Road, passing Dolan Pond with a large overlook “dock” that provides a quiet place for nature-watching.

Dolan Pond Trail Characteristics

Dolan Pond has significant segments of Generally Accessible Trails accessed from Webster Park and Cumberland Road. Other trails are Natural Trails with greater steepness and more challenging conditions.

Newton’s Generally Accessible Trails are relatively flat, they have a firm, level footbed, and are mostly free of tripping hazards. They are wide enough to accommodate many mobility devices. 

Newton’s Natural Trails are unimproved and may have steep, uneven, or rocky/rooty footbeds; elevated plank “bog bridges”, or other obstacles that make the trails challenging to negotiate.

More info from Newton Conservators