If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic on I-93 south of Boston, you’ve looked right at it. That sprawling green space tucked between the highway and the Neponset River? That’s Pope John Paul II Park. Most people treat it as a blur of grass seen through a windshield. Honestly, they’re missing out.
It’s 66 acres of "wait, this used to be what?"
From Trash to Trails: The Wild History of Pope John Paul II Park
The land wasn't always this pretty. Far from it. Decades ago, this spot was the Hallet Street dump. It was a literal mountain of trash. Right next to it sat the old Neponset Drive-In theater, where people used to watch movies in their cars while the smell of the landfill wafted nearby.
In the 1970s and 80s, the state started buying up the land. They had a vision, but it took forever. We're talking years of delays and funding fights.
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The name isn't random, either. It commemorates the Pope's historic 1979 visit to Boston. That was the first time a Pope ever celebrated Mass in the U.S., and he did it right here in the city. By the time the park officially opened in 2001, the transformation was staggering.
What You’ll Actually Find There
You’ve got options. If you’re the type who likes to move, there are roughly 1.5 miles of paved paths inside the park itself. These loop around and connect to the much larger Neponset River Greenway, which can take you all the way into Milton or over toward Tenean Beach if you’ve got the legs for it.
Soccer, Birds, and a Very Specific Mural
Basically, the park is split into a few "vibes." You have the athletic side with soccer fields that are almost always busy on weekends. Then you have the quiet, marshy side.
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- The Wildlife: Because the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) restored the salt marshes, the birds came back. It’s kinda wild to see a Great Blue Heron or a Snowy Egret standing still in the water while cars are literally screaming by on the highway 100 yards away.
- The Art: Keep an eye out for the murals. There’s a new one as of late 2024 near the tunnel that passes under I-93. It was a community project involving local students and an artist named Ashley Jin. It adds a splash of color to the concrete underbelly of the park.
- The Playground: It was refurbished around 2021, so it’s not some rusty 90s deathtrap. It’s got that modern rubber flooring and plenty of climbing structures.
Is It Worth the Stop?
I’ll be real: the noise is a thing. You are right next to the highway. If you’re looking for total, silent immersion in nature, this isn't it. But if you want a place where your dog can sniff a thousand things, your kids can burn off energy, or you can get a flat, scenic run in? It’s perfect.
The views of the Blue Hills in the distance are surprisingly good on a clear day. Plus, the parking is free—a rarity in Boston—though the lot off Hallet Street can fill up fast on a Saturday morning when there are youth soccer games.
Planning Your Visit
Don't overthink it. Just go.
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Location: Gallivan Blvd and Hallet St, Dorchester (right off Exit 11 on I-93).
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Facilities: There are restrooms (usually portable ones, so set your expectations accordingly) and plenty of benches.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Tide: The Neponset is tidal. If you go at low tide, the salt marsh looks a bit muddy; high tide is much more picturesque for photos.
- Bring Binoculars: Even if you aren't a "bird person," seeing a hawk or a heron up close is pretty cool.
- Bike the Greenway: Start at the park and head south toward the Lower Mills area. You’ll pass the old Baker Chocolate Factory buildings—it’s one of the best bike rides in the city.
- Pack a Picnic: There are several gazebos and plenty of open grass. Just remember it's "carry in, carry out" for your trash.
If you’re a local who has driven past the Pope John Paul II Park sign a thousand times without stopping, let this be your sign to finally pull over. It’s a testament to how even a literal dump can become something beautiful for the neighborhood.