Beat the Heat
This early 1900s postcard features a quaint summer scene of children playing in the wading pond at South Park, now known as Kennedy Park. The cool water was no doubt a welcome relief during a hot summer’s day in the south end of Fall River!
In 1871, Fall River commissioned Olmsted, Vaux & Company to design an idyllic park with pathways, playgrounds, ponds, and grassy spaces for the city’s residents to enjoy throughout the year. Comfort Stations and shelters would provide protection from the elements while allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of Mount Hope Bay and the surrounding area.
Frederick Law Olmsted is considered the Father of American landscape architecture, having designed valuable green space in urban areas, such as New York City’s Central Park in 1858. Three of Fall River’s parks are attributed to Olmsted: North Park, South/Kennedy Park, and Ruggles Park.
By 1902, the city decided to redesign sections of South Park and hired Olmsted Brothers. New pathways were added as well as updates on the wading pond and playgrounds. Water fountains were installed throughout to provide fresh, clean water to visitors as they frolicked through the grounds.
Over the years, South Park adapted to fit with the times. Tennis and basketball courts were installed both to the upper and lower sections of the park, while the outdated Comfort Stations eventually shuttered their windows and doors. Today, you can find folks playing games, riding bikes, and even skating on the frozen wading pond during winter.
Perhaps the most notable change was the name, from South Park to Kennedy Park. John F. Kennedy spoke at South Park while campaigning for U.S. Senator, and after his assassination, the park was renamed to honor him in 1963.
Regardless of the name, South/Kennedy Park has provided decades of outdoor enjoyment for Fall River residents. What’s your favorite memory of the park?