Much-anticipated Trapelo Road park to open this weekend

City workers are trimming the edges and mending the fences of the new 200 Trapelo Road recreational space in anticipation of its opening weekend. 

The 120-acre recreational space — located at the site of the former Walter E. Fernald Developmental Center — will have its grand opening ceremony this Saturday at 10 a.m. Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy as well as city councilors and other officials are expected to attend the festivities.

The city will be opening what it is calling the Universal area, which will prominently feature a playground for all ages and abilities, a seasonal spray park, a seasonal 18-hole mini golf course, and much to the delight of neighborhood families, the apparent return of sledding to Owl Hill. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Memorial Area — which is also set to open this Saturday — will feature an open field space, walking path and adult fitness area. The Memorial Area is expected to include signage encouraging visitors to “reminisce on activities at the property.”

Kim Hebert, the city’s director of recreation, is among those eagerly anticipating the space’s grand opening. She said city workers are racing to get the property set for its big weekend. 

“I’m really excited to share this facility with the people of Waltham,” Hebert said. “It’s taken a village to get us to where we are today.”

As visitors drive through the entrance of the property, Hebert said they can expect one of the largest universal playgrounds in the Commonwealth featuring inclusive design for all ages and abilities. The playground will include elements of climbing play, early childhood play, motion play, upper body play, and swing play. 

Visitors this weekend will have a “one-time only” experience. According to Hebert, an electric train will run along the 18-hole mini golf course, but only for the opening weekend. First-time riders will receive free conductor hats courtesy of the city, Hebert said. Although plans for a permanent train on the property were presented to the public last year, the city appears to have scaled back those plans. 

Amid the fun, the grand opening is expected to draw protesters. Some of the signage in the Memorial Area, officially called a “retrospective look on the history of recreation” on the property, has drawn scrutiny on social media for downplaying the property’s checkered past while it was a school for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Ground broke on the project in March 2024 following a decade of inaction by the city. Phase 2 of the 200 Trapelo Road project, which includes plans for an athletic complex and an amphitheater, is expected to be open to the public by 2027, Hebert said. 

While much of the recreational space will be opening this Saturday, the property remains a public safety concern. The abandoned buildings that remain on the property have elicited multiple arrests over the years for trespassing and vandalism. Waltham Police are actively investigating two recent arsons on the former Fernald Center campus. As the buildings continue to crumble from decay, the safety risk increases for trespassers and for public safety officials called to emergencies on the property. 

The 200 Trapelo Road recreational space will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The city is requesting that the general public attend the space during regular hours only, Hebert said.