Lawrence Heritage State Park

Lawrence Heritage State Park
Visitor Center
Lawrence Heritage State Park Location in Massachusetts Show map of Massachusetts Lawrence Heritage State Park Lawrence Heritage State Park (the United States) Show map of the United States
Location	Lawrence, Massachusetts, United States
Coordinates	42°42′24″N71°9′27″W / 42.70667°N 71.15750°W / 42.70667; -71.15750
Area	50 acres (20 ha) [1]
Established	1980
Administered by	Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Website	Official website

Lawrence Heritage State Park is a history-themed public recreation area dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of Lawrence, Massachusetts. The state park comprises three separate units on or near the Merrimack River. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. ^[2]

Park history

The development of the state's heritage parks program began with the allocation of $35 million in 1978 for the creation of eight urban parks throughout Massachusetts. The program's aim was to create quality urban space, celebrate the communities' cultural heritage, and stimulate private economic investment. Lawrence Heritage State Park opened in 1980. ^[3] The restoration of the park's visitor center was completed in 1986. ^[4]

Activities and amenities

• Visitors Center: The visitors center is located in a restored 1840s boarding house and offers exhibits which detail the life of 19th-century mill workers and the industrial history of Lawrence and the surrounding region.
• Pemberton Park: The 5-acre (2.0 ha) urban park offers views of the city's mills and historic dam while providing opportunities for fishing and boating.
• Lawrence Riverfront State Park: The westernmost section of the park runs along the Merrimack River ^[5] and has group facilities, playing courts for basketball, tennis, and street hockey, and wooded walking trails. Sailing lessons are given during summer months at the Bashara Boathouse.

The park also offers bike paths, picnicking facilities and public programs that include concerts, theatrical events, and the annual Bread and Roses Festival. ^{[2] [6]}

See also

• Massachusetts portal

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Lawrence, Massachusetts

References

1. "2012 Acreage Listing". Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
2. "Lawrence Heritage State Park". Department of Conservation and Recreation. July 12, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
3. "Lawrence History Timeline". Lawrence History Center. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
4. "Annual Report: Fiscal Year 1986". Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
5. "Park Map". Department of Conservation and Recreation. Archived from the original on February 7, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
6. "Bread & Roses Heritage Festival". Bread & Roses Heritage Committee. Retrieved March 21, 2017.

External links

• Lawrence Heritage State Park Department of Conservation and Recreation