new england
In the heart of one of America’s oldest streetcar suburbs, green space is hard to come by. The Allston and Brighton neighborhoods of Boston are extremely dense, reflecting their origins before cars became the predominant mode of transportation in the US. When one comes across a hidden gem in one of these neighborhoods, it’s quite a pleasant surprise. Chandler’s Pond is one such stop. When you read the signage it’s clear this is a place people live for a long, long time, a tried and true Boston stereotype.
The park is small and quaint but packs some lovely views of old American architecture. it’s also a popular spot for geese and ducks to hang out. You cannot, however, walk around the entirety of the pond edge. The northern side is lined with private homes and there is no public thoroughfare on that side. It won’t take long too explore the whole park by foot, but it’s an ideal, quiet spot to relax outdoors or partake in photography.
The pond is overlooked by an incredible mansion to the east, previously owned by Malcolm Chandler himself. He purchased the pond, a man-made body of water, to expand his ice-collecting business before the advent of refrigerators. The pond is the only one left in Brighton of 20 such man-made ponds. The Hammond Pond site, which I previously wrote about, was another ice harvesting location but is a natural pond.
If you are lucky, you may end up at the park on a day of festivals, bird watching events, park cleanups, ice skating groups, and perhaps more. This is a place of true local community and character. There is no parking lot here if you come by car, but there is typically plenty of street parking in the area. The pond is also a short walk from the Boston College T Station on the B Green Line Train if public transport strikes your fancy.