1496 Commercial St, Weymouth, MA 02189, USA
Weymouth Parks/Trees/Grounds: (781) 337-5100
Owned By: Town of Weymouth
The Stephen Rennie Herring Run Park is a very small property in Weymouth’s Jackson Square. It features benches, picnic tables and views of the fish ladder on Herring Run Brook. Located right next door to Lovell Field, and around the corner from Herring Run Pool Park, another excellent spot to watch the annual herring migration.
Features
Stop here in the springtime to view the annual migration of thousands of river herring as they swim upstream to spawn. The journey begins in the ocean. The herring swim up the Back River to Herring Run Brook, up several fish ladders, and eventually into Whitman’s Pond. This is one of the largest river herring runs in Massachusetts. Other spots nearby to view the herring run include Herring Run Pool Park and Iron Hill Park.
Prior to 2020, this section of the herring run was an impediment to migrating fish. But a 2020 redesign improved access. The project was funded by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the Town of Weymouth.
This land is within the region of the Massachusett (or Massachuseuk). To learn more about local Native American tribes, we encourage you to interact with their members. The Mattakeeset band of the Massachusett, and the Massachusett tribe at Ponkapoag, both share information on their websites.
Trail Description
No trails, other than about 0.1 miles of concrete extending from Commercial and Broad Streets to Lovell Field, next door. Extend your walk along the 0.3-mile paved walking trail at Lovell Field.
Habitats and Wildlife
There are a few trees and some shrubbery in the park, but the main feature is the river. Herring Run Brook, a tributary to the Weymouth Back River, flows through the park. This is a great spot to view the fish ladders, which aid migrating herring.
The Weymouth Back River rises from several ponds and swamps, including Whitman’s Pond in Weymouth. It flows for about 10 miles, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Hingham Bay, just south of Grape Island and Slate Island.
Historic Site: No
Park: Yes
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 0.3 acres
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Parking: Park at Lovell Field, immediately adjacent.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Facilities:
Benches, picnic tables, trash receptacle, views of the fish ladder.
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash. Scoop the poop!
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Herring Run Brook (Weymouth Back River watershed)