The historic bear dens at Franklin Park Zoo are set to receive significant upgrades following a unanimous vote by the Boston Parks Commission on Monday. The dens, which have been managed by Zoo New England for years, are being transferred back to the Boston Parks Department, as announced by Mayor Michelle Wu’s office.
Mayor Wu described Franklin Park as the “crown jewel of green space in Boston” and reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing the park’s natural beauty. “The transfer of the Bear Dens to the City is an opportunity to invest in a corner of the park with great potential,” she stated. “We look forward to working with the community to further implement the Franklin Park Action Plan at the Bear Dens and throughout this historic area.”
Originally built between 1911 and 1912, the bear dens were once home to black bears, grizzly bears, and polar bears. Though they have been out of use since 1970, the city acknowledges that the dens remain a unique architectural feature within the park. “The site has the potential to be a beautiful landscape feature honoring an important part of the park’s history,” said Rickie Thompson, President of the Franklin Park Coalition Board, highlighting a bas relief of two bears encircling the city seal.
The revitalization plans are guided by the Franklin Park Action Plan, released by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department in 2022. Interim Parks Commissioner Liza Meyer expressed enthusiasm about the transfer, stating, “This transfer opens exciting possibilities to restore the space and reimagine it in ways that reflect both the park’s legacy and the needs of the community today.” She emphasized the importance of community engagement in developing plans to transform the Bear Dens into an accessible destination for all.
Key proposals in the action plan include safety and infrastructure improvements aimed at making the bear dens a flexible multi-use space. Ideas under consideration feature splash pads inspired by the historic bear pools, which could also serve as event spaces. Additional upgrades would enhance wooded areas for improved tree canopy cover and introduce new lighting for nighttime events.
The plan draws comparisons between the bear dens and the Schoolmaster Hill Shelter, which regularly hosts community events such as outdoor yoga. “Stabilizing this important park feature presents a prime opportunity for imaginative new uses that respect the historic fabric while integrating elements of fun and play,” the plan notes, highlighting the potential for gatherings and smaller programs benefiting the Roxbury side of the park.
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