Overview:
Situated in a bowl, the perimeter of Longwood Playground is lined with mature trees. The slopes of the land dictate the location of the field, and all other facilities are located around the field. There are many pleasant seating areas throughout the park. During the week, the park serves as the venue for the Lawrence School's recess, physical education and after-school programs. The school does not own the park. The park is developed with 2 separate play areas, one designed for school age children and the other for toddlers. Three tennis courts are located at the eastern edge of the playground. Two short combination softball and youth baseball infields are provided. Awell-developed pedestrian path system exists around the field.
Park History:
The property was a deep marsh that was filled in, taking many years to settle. Olmsted and Eliot were hired to improve it in 1895. In 1928, Town Meeting authorized the Selectmen to petition the General Court to allow a small area of the playground to be taken for the school building. Atennis field house was constructed in 1929.
Deed/Title Restrictions
Samuel McLean transferred 57,031 square feet of the property to the Town in 1873. The Town purchased 170,099 square feet from Henrietta W. Thomas in 1891 and another 27,629 square feet from Charles H. Stearns et. al. in 1898 with the stipulation that "no building shall be placed within 20 feet...no building of a value less than $45,000, no apartment house, no building for carrying on any mechanical trade or for manufacturing purposes.² The Town acquired 18,150 square feet of the property from Knights of Columbus/Building Corporation in 1959. Original deed was not available, only a duplicate certificate of Title from 9/30/1977 was available.
