Boston CommonInLine Skating in Greater Boston |
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Terrain Beacon Hill Surface Smooth with some gravel Scenery Urban park with trees and people Auto Traffic Light Pedestrian Traffic Moderate Distance 1-2 miles |
Boston Boston Common offers a unique set of challenges. These include tourists, ducks, swans, a hill, water fountains, and an occasional pothole. While you are there, you’ll take in a little history and culture. The Boston Common has been an important part of Boston since its founding. Originally, the land was owned by William Blaxton. He used the land to pasture his Brahma bull, which on occasion he would ride through the city. In 1634 the 48 acres of land were purchased by the city to be used as a public cow pasture and as a military training ground. The land was also to be used for public punishments, executions, and fairs. Grazing was allowed until 1830. Today the Boston Common is a popular tourist attraction. It is often a gathering spot for tours of the Freedom Trail and other activities.
The best way to get to the Boston Common is by T, as parking can be difficult and expensive. (Note that wearing skates on the T is not allowed.) From wherever you are, take the Red or Green Line and get off at the Park Street exit. If you are traveling from outside the city, get on the T at one of the suburban stops, such as Alewife (on the Red Line), where parking is inexpensive. From the T exit, your first stop should be the Visitor’s Center. Spend some time getting acquainted with the lay of the land and then head toward the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. (Avoid skating in the Formal Public Gardens, where skating is prohibited). After a few laps around the Common, go around the Gardens, cross Arlington Street, and skate up tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue. This will put you close to Back Bay Fens, which is another interesting place to skate. Copyright ©2000-2003 |
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