Can you believe it’s been FIVE YEARS since Friends of Albemarle was founded by a small, committed group of volunteer residents and park users who wanted to ensure the accessibility and sustainable use of this incredible open space resource?
It’s true! This community nonprofit, with hundreds of members from all 8 wards across Newton, has done a lot. Check out this high-level timeline:
2020 – Mobilization
-Grassroots movement launched to protect Albemarle.
-Residents’ concerns lead the city to declare no building on parks; FOA forms as a 501(c)(3) with a volunteer board to inspire change.
2021 – Collaboration
-Partnerships forged to shape Albemarle’s future.
-FOA, city officials, and community members meet to prioritize improvements and plan long-term upgrades.
2022 – Investment & Planning
-First $10M committed by the City of Newton.
-Collaborative design work advances for pool, splash pad, and traffic safety; residents help shape a more accessible, safer park.
2023 – Groundbreaking
-Construction begins on the new Gath Pool.
-20 MPH speed limits, bike lanes, and back-in parking implemented, making the area safer for all users.
2024 – Grand Opening
-Pools and splashpad welcome 30,000+ visitors in first season.
-Field redesign and flood mitigation planning launched; second $10M in funding secured to support next phase.
2025 – Second Groundbreaking
-Construction kicks off for fields, paths, wetlands, and flood mitigation.
-Momentum continues toward a revitalized and resilient Albemarle.
As you can see, it’s been a very productive, full and active five years. It landed us with a $20 million dollar investment in Albemarle and fantastic, enhanced assets. Even with lots of additions and significant work on flood mitigation and wetlands restoration, the same basic mix persists that we all love:
Outdoor pool, multiple playing fields, a much-loved basketball court, awesome playgrounds, Avery Woods, open sky, and joyful community gathering.
But we’ve worked very hard to make it safer to get there, to make each aspect sustainable for the long term, and to think about what the future should be for this jewel of Newton’s north side neighborhood.
Nothing about it is easy.
But open space for community connection is always worth the investment.
Please consider making a donation to Friends of Albemarle to cover operating costs and field and wetland initiatives to honor five years of care, time, and love for our outdoor gathering place.
We’re celebrating with custom TOTE BAGS – limited edition!!
Yes, high-quality cotton tote bags with the beautiful FOA logo emblazoned on the side. Show your support before they run out! Roomy and long-lasting, they are the perfect way to tout (tote?) your jubilation at the success and future of Albemarle along with all you’ll need at the park.
$20 for each tote, or get one free with a $75 donation: details here.
Happy Fifth, everyone! Together, we did it!
Friends of Albemarle 