Town to dedicate new King Oak Hill Park at Emery Estate, Oct. 22nd

king oak hill park
Pavilion at King Oak Hill Park

Weymouth, MA – On Monday, October 22nd, 2018, Mayor Robert Hedlund will join with Planning Director Robert Luongo, Recreation Director Steve Reilly, and residents from Emery Lane and other surrounding neighborhoods for a special dedication event to celebrate the completion of King Oak Hill Park, a new 17.9-acre passive recreational park and outdoor events venue developed on the grounds of the Emery Estate in East Weymouth. All are welcome to attend.

WHO:             
Mayor Robert Hedlund
Robert Luongo, Planning & Community Development Director
Steve Reilly, Recreation Director
Nicholas Bulens, Former Administrative Services Coordinator
Pam Shadley, Shadley Associates Landscape Architects
 
WHEN:
Monday, October 22, 2018, 2:00 pm, Rain or Shine
 
WHERE:
King Oak Hill Park
End of Emery Lane
Weymouth, MA 02189
Lot parking on site. Additional parking available at Legion Memorial Field.    
 

King Oak Hill Park encompasses more than three quarters of the expansive public property known as the Emery Estate in East Weymouth. The Town acquired the property for the preservation of open space in 2011 using $1.9 million in Community Preservation funds. The property was home to the Emery family for nearly a century before its purchase, serving as a secluded family retreat and, for many years, a working farm. The land consists almost entirely of untouched open space, which is concentrated at the summit of King Oak Hill and equivalent in area to nearly 18 football fields.

Between 2017 and 2018, the Town undertook approximately $1.7 million in renovations to improve public access to the Emery land, enhance opportunities for passive recreation, and create a unique venue in the community for residents and local groups to host outdoor gatherings and special events. Mayor Hedlund and invited guests will cut a ceremonial ribbon at the upcoming dedication to formally open the park and celebrate its transformation.

The new King Oak Hill Park features a quarter-mile looped walking path, a 500-square foot restroom and utility building, and a 1,500-square foot pavilion with a polished concrete base, two-tiered gable roof, and permanently affixed electrical outlets and overhead lighting for programed activities and events. Other improvements completed in support of the park include a drainage swale and stormwater infiltration area, two parking areas for 54 vehicles, and the reconstruction of Emery Lane, including new sidewalks, curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, decorative street lights, wayfinding signage, and a vehicular gate.

The park also includes an interpretive panel, which highlights the natural and cultural history of the landform known as King Oak Hill.

King Oak Hill Park was completed in partnership with the Massachusetts Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program. The Town secured a $400,000 PARC Grant in fiscal year 2017 to support development of the public space. The grant will assist in paying down a $1.7 million bond used to finance the project’s construction.

king oak hill park invitation