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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

There Is A Lot to Like About Lowell -- Shedd Park and Rogers Fort Hill

"There is A Lot to Like About Lowell" is the city slogan.
(See tab on right side called "Lowell Series" for many more articles about Lowell.)



Shedd Park and Rogers Fort Hill


Shedd Park and Fort Hill Park are separate parks, but adjoin each other. Shedd Park has fifty acres to provide a wonderful place for families to go for their outdoor activities. Hiking, tennis, huge playground, sledding in the winter, picnic fun and other activities are available. There is a complete history report in the Forgotten New England blog, seen HERE.
Corner of Boylston and Roger Streets.




Shedd
Playground
----
A Gift To the
City of Lowell
By
Freeman Ballard Shedd
A. D. 1910
"Rogers Fort Hill Park has 11 acres of grass, a fountain, paths and gardens, and 23 acres of woods.  Today, the park is being restored to its former glory. The vision is to bring back the features of the original design. Part of the lower park is already restored, and, in time, a restored Spring House at the base of the hill, and benches and walkways will grace the park land. There will also be a west side pergola.
The park will have a commemorative garden, to recognize the original settlers of the area, who were Native Americans. It will also commemorate the life of Senator Paul Tsongas, who is dedicated to the park. The park will be linked to a Greenway and a Blueway trail system, with a stairway down to the river. There will also be a play fort for kids and a restored Spring House." "In the 1900s, the park had activities including a zoo and winter carnivals. The park slipped into a decline in 1960, however, because of budget cuts, but this trend is being reversed with the help of the City of Lowell and many volunteers. The Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999." (This was new to me, so I'm glad I found this site, seen HERE.) Because this is a genealogy blog, I must mention that the Lowell Cemetery is next to both parks.
 
 Rogers Street to the left of the park, center of the park is below.

Top of Fort Hill.

Me, late 1960s at the top of Fort Hill.
 Sledding down Shedd Park's hill (Feb. 2017).