Mayor Michelle Wu Announces Transfer of Care and Custody of Franklin Park Bear Dens to Boston Parks Department

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~ Boston, MA- In a move that reflects her commitment to expanding green space and parkland in Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu announced today that care and custody of the Franklin Park Bear Dens will be returned to the Boston Parks Department. This decision comes after years of management by Zoo New England and a unanimous vote by the Boston Parks Commission on Monday.

According to Mayor Wu, Franklin Park is the "crown jewel" of green space in Boston and it is important to preserve and enhance it for future generations. The transfer of the Bear Dens to the City presents an opportunity to invest in this corner of the park and work with the community to carry out the Franklin Park Action Plan.

John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England, acknowledged the historical significance of the bear dens to both Franklin Park Zoo and the City of Boston. He stated that it has been over 50 years since they were last used and he looks forward to seeing how this space will be creatively re-used in the future.

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The Franklin Park Bear Dens are located in the Long Crouch Woods area within Franklin Park and were built between 1911-1912. They were once home to black bears, grizzly bears, and polar bears as part of the original zoo's exhibits. Although they have not been utilized since the 1970s, they remain a unique architectural feature in the park that offers visitors a glimpse into its history.

Interim Parks Commissioner Liza Meyer expressed excitement about having the bear dens return to the care of Boston Parks Department. She believes this transfer opens up possibilities for restoring and reimagining this space in ways that honor its legacy while meeting current community needs. The department plans on engaging with residents as they develop plans for transforming the Bear Dens into a welcoming destination for all.

Rickie Thompson, Board President of Franklin Park Coalition, also shared enthusiasm about this transfer. He believes it will allow for much-needed safety improvements and restoration to begin. The site has the potential to be a beautiful landscape feature that honors an important part of the park's history, dating back to 1912.

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This transfer aligns with the goals of Boston's Franklin Park Action Plan, which was completed in 2022. The plan aims to amplify magnet destinations in the park, including restoring the Bear Dens and integrating new space for programming within its framework. After immediate safety and structural improvements, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will work with community members to gather ideas for future programming and additional improvements.

For more information about the Franklin Park Bear Dens, please contact the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505. Stay updated on news, events, and park improvements by signing up for their email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails and following their social media channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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