![[Jamaica Pond]](jp-sign1.jpg)
Pond Links
Google
map of Jamaica PondBoston
Park Rangers CenterCourageous
Sailing ProgramMass.
Div. of Fisheries & WildlifeHeart of the CityMarathon
Sports Running MapTaylor House Bed and
Breakfast
Jamaica Pond is in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, and was first included in Boston's "Emerald Necklace" of parks in 1892. Many people enjoy walking or running on the 1.5 mile path around the pond. Street parking can be found on Perkins Street, on the pond's west side.
A natural "kettle" depression formed by glacial action, the pond itself covers about 68-acres, and has an average depth of 25 feet; it is 53 feet deep near the center. Fishing is allowed with a Massachusetts fishing license. The pond is stocked each year by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
During the summer, sailboats and rowboats can be rented at the Jamaica Pond Boat House, which is administered by the Courageous Sailing Center. The Boat House is open every day from 9am - 6pm. Rowboats usually are rented whenever the boathouse is open ($10 per hour/$5 per hour with a current fishing license). Sailboats are available for rental 3:30-6pm on weekdays, and 9am-6pm on weekends ($15 per hour). Courageous Sailing offers youth sailing programs for Boston residents. For more information, call the Boat House at (617) 522-5061.
The Boston Park Rangers have a Nature Center at the pond, a 1-room space that hosts nature exhibits and other activities.
The Pond is the site for many different community events, including the Lantern Parade held every October. (To have your community event mentioned here, send email to the address below.)
A hundred and fifty years ago, wealthy Bostonians had country homes around Jamaica Pond. The pond was a source of ice and a popular place to skate in the winter.
Bufford, J.H., lithographer. "Jamaica Pond, West Roxbury, Massachusetts."
Color lithograph. 1859. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.
Signs posted around the Pond announce rules: the park closes at 11:30; the path is for pedestrians only; no swimming or wading, alchoholic beverages, or unauthorized vehicle access; keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them; and use trash barrels. Check the signs for more details.