Brooklawn Park
Brooklawn Park: 85 acres of New Bedford's green space with trails, a playground, and a charming duck island.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Brooklawn Park
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brooklawn Park: 85 acres of New Bedford's green space with trails, a playground, and a charming duck island.
"Weekends can get chaotic, but weekdays offer a peaceful escape with a great playground and nature."
Avoid Weekend Chaos
Steer clear of Sunday afternoons; it can get wild with cars and crowds. Weekdays are much calmer.
Bathroom Check
Park bathrooms may be closed. The library is often open for restroom use. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Duck & Goose Island
Central Pond
A charming island habitat that captivates children and adults alike with its feathered residents.
Community Center & Playground
Main Park Area
Features artificial greenery, large slides, and a parkour-themed play area for active fun.
Wooded Trails
Park Perimeter
Explore serene walking paths winding through 85 acres of lush green space and trees.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Warning
Amenities Update
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Weekend Chaos
Steer clear of Sunday afternoons; it can get wild with cars and crowds. Weekdays are much calmer.
Bathroom Check
Park bathrooms may be closed. The library is often open for restroom use. :toilet:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The duck/goose island is a hit with kids! Great for spring, summer, and fall. :duck:
Splash Pad Note
Splash pad is nice for summer heat, but can sometimes have debris. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Weekend Chaos
Steer clear of Sunday afternoons; it can get wild with cars and crowds. Weekdays are much calmer.
Bathroom Check
Park bathrooms may be closed. The library is often open for restroom use. :toilet:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The duck/goose island is a hit with kids! Great for spring, summer, and fall. :duck:
Splash Pad Note
Splash pad is nice for summer heat, but can sometimes have debris. :droplet:
Community Events
Keep an eye out for community events like #PetalItForward! :flower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brooklawn Park offers a pleasant green space with a popular playground and duck island, ideal for family outings. However, weekend afternoons can be extremely chaotic and noisy, with reports of dangerous driving and a general lack of order, making weekday visits highly recommended. Some visitors also note the inconvenience of closed park restrooms.
"Maybe skip the weekends. I made the mistake of taking my 1-year-old because it looked gorgeous on Google. Big mistake. In reality, it felt like we stumbled into a "Fast & Furious" audition meets a zombie apocalypse. Cars doing donuts, mysterious people puffing on who-knows-what, and enough chaos to make you question your life choices. For context, this was at 2:30 p.m. on a Sunday—prime toddler nap time, not prime survival mode. If you can, just pretend this place doesn’t exist."
ZacksyOWG
"My mother used to take me to this park as a child. The old school sprinkler was much better and bigger, however, this one is cute, but I wish it were much bigger. It's very small for the number of children that go to that park, more benches or even some grills would be nice."
K.K
"Always a good place to bring your kids. My son's obsessed with the duck/goose house island. It's beautiful there. The park is nice & open and wide. There lot of things to do especially in the spring, summer & fall. Only down fall right now is that the bathrooms aren't open and they haven't been since the pandemic started. But the library is open to the public to use the bathrooms."
Aysha Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brooklawn Park is located in the north end of New Bedford, Massachusetts. It's an 85-acre park with wooded trails and green spaces. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is a common method.
Parking is generally available, but can become congested, especially during busy weekend hours.
Information on direct public transport routes to Brooklawn Park is limited. It's advisable to check local New Bedford transit schedules for nearby stops.
To avoid potential traffic and crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Weekend afternoons, particularly Sundays, can be very busy and chaotic.
The park has walking trails and open spaces. Accessibility details for specific areas like the playground or restrooms should be confirmed on-site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Brooklawn Park is a public park and does not require an admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors. :moneywithwings:
As a public park, Brooklawn Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for facilities like the community center may vary.
While generally open, the park can experience overcrowding and disturbances on weekend afternoons, leading to a less pleasant experience.
Information on booking specific areas for events is not readily available. It's best to contact local New Bedford parks and recreation for details on permits or reservations.
The splash pad is a free amenity within the park and does not require tickets for use during operational hours. :ticket:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Brooklawn Park offers a playground with slides and parkour elements, walking trails, a pond with a duck/goose island, and a splash pad for summer fun.
Yes, there is a playground featuring artificial greenery, large slides, and a parkour-themed play area.
Park bathrooms have been closed since the pandemic. The nearby library is often available for public restroom use.
Yes, picnic areas are available, offering a peaceful escape. Grills might be a welcome addition, according to some visitors.
Dogs are generally allowed in Brooklawn Park, and it's a popular spot for dog walking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no permanent food vendors or restaurants within Brooklawn Park itself. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics.
Absolutely! Brooklawn Park is a great spot for picnics, so feel free to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy.
While picnic areas are available, the presence of public grills is not consistently mentioned. It's advisable to check on-site or bring portable grilling equipment if needed.
The surrounding North End of New Bedford likely has various local eateries and casual dining options. Exploring the neighborhood can reveal nearby cafes and restaurants.
As with any outdoor setting, it's important to store perishable food properly to avoid spoilage, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The duck/goose island, the wooded trails, and the playground area offer picturesque scenes. Aerial shots can capture the park's expanse. 
Yes, with its 85 acres of green space and wooded trails, it's a great spot for capturing local flora and fauna, including wild turkeys.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's recommended to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
The park is beautiful year-round, from snowy landscapes
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the park's various photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Important Tip: Avoid weekend afternoons, as they can be very chaotic with cars and crowds, making it less enjoyable for young children.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Dog Walkers
The park is also a popular destination for dog walkers, offering plenty of space for your furry friends to roam. Recommendation: Visit during weekday mornings for the most serene experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty without the weekend crowds.
📸 Photographers
+1 The park's seasonal changes, from snowy winter scenes +1 to colorful autumn foliage, provide diverse backdrops. Tip: Consider an early morning visit for softer light and fewer people, which can enhance your photographic endeavors. Aerial shots can also showcase the park's expansive layout.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Brooklawn Park's History
The park's evolution includes features like an old-school sprinkler system that some visitors fondly remember, contrasting with the current splash pad. Community involvement plays a significant role in the park's life. Events like #PetalItForward, where free flowers are distributed, highlight the park's function as a community hub.
Organizations like Mass Audubon also partner for nature-focused trips, emphasizing the park's ecological value. This blend of historical significance and ongoing community engagement makes Brooklawn Park a cherished local asset.Navigating Park Amenities and Challenges
A central pond with a duck and goose island is a particular draw for younger visitors. However, visitors should be aware of certain challenges. Restroom facilities within the park have been closed since the pandemic, with the local library often serving as an alternative.
Seasonal Beauty and Wildlife
+1 Spring brings new life to the wooded trails and green spaces, while summer offers opportunities for cooling off at the splash pad. Fall paints the park in vibrant colors, making it ideal for scenic walks. The park is also home to various wildlife. Visitors have spotted wild turkeys, adding an element of nature observation to their visit.
The pond's duck and goose island provides a consistent habitat for waterfowl, delighting many park-goers. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit