Mayor Robert Hedlund to dedicate Osprey Overlook Park as newest segment of Back River Trail

Weymouth, MA – Mayor Robert Hedlund will join members of Weymouth’s Community Preservation Committee on Tuesday, October 17th to dedicate Osprey Overlook Park as the newest segment of the Back River Trail. This new park offers panoramic views of the Back River’s waterways and wildlife, particularly the osprey that fish and nest along the river in the spring and summer.

Osprey Overlook Park is a recovered, natural setting that overlies the Town’s capped landfill. The park offers intimate access to the Back River’s natural environment and is within walking distance of residential neighborhoods, Great Esker Park, and the East Weymouth MBTA Commuter Rail Station. The project was funded with $350,000 in local Community Preservation funds and a $175,000 reimbursable grant from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The park includes a looped walking trail connecting to Great Esker Park, an ADA-accessible overlook with views of the Back River, and an interpretative panel that educates visitors on the characteristics and history of the osprey. Other park elements include new fencing, guardrails, parking, plantings, seating, and signage. 

Osprey Overlook Park is the third installment of the Town’s Back River Trail Master Plan, which envisions a multiuse trail system running the length of the Back River and Herring Brook to Whitman’s Pond. Earlier installments of the trail include Herring Run Pool Park in lower Jackson Square (completed in 2010) and the Kibby Property on Route 3A, adjacent to Abigail Adams State Park (completed in 2016). In anticipation of future phases of the trail, the Town’s Department of Public Works has repaved Wharf Street at the entrance of Osprey Overlook Park, and will install a sidewalk, connecting the park to the platform of the East Weymouth MBTA Commuter Rail Station.

Correction: Due to a staff reporting error, this Announcement included an incorrect date and rain date for the dedication of Osprey Overlook Park in its original version, released on September 29th, 2017. The dedication event will take place Tuesday, October 17th, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, and the rain date for the event is Wednesday, October 18th, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.