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Webb Memorial State Park

Webb Memorial State Park
Map showing the location of Webb Memorial State Park
Map showing the location of Webb Memorial State Park
Location in Massachusetts
Map showing the location of Webb Memorial State Park
Map showing the location of Webb Memorial State Park
Webb Memorial State Park (the United States)
LocationWeymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States
Coordinates42°15′33″N 70°55′26″W / 42.25917°N 70.92389°W / 42.25917; -70.92389
Area59 acres (24 ha)[1]
Elevation33 ft (10 m)[2]
Established1980
Named forWilliam K. Webb
OperatorMassachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteWebb Memorial State Park

Webb Memorial State Park is a public recreation area located on a peninsula that extends nearly half a mile (800 m) into the Hingham Bay area of Boston Harbor in Massachusetts.[3] It is composed of three connected drumlins and a low marsh area.[4] The state park forms the only mainland portion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.[5]

History

In the 1860s, the peninsula became part of the Bradley Fertilizer factory and was used for dumping industrial waste. In the 1950s, it housed the missile launchers for a Nike missile site. The IFC (Integrated Fire Control) and radar systems for this site were located on Hog Island (now called Spinnaker Island) on the other side of Hingham Bay. The missile site was deactivated in 1974. In 1977, it was transferred to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and work started on its conversion into a state park. Webb Memorial State Park opened in 1980.[4][6] It was named for Weymouth police officer William Webb.[7]

Activities and amenities

Boston skyline from Webb Memorial Park beach
Boston skyline from Webb Memorial Park beach

The park offers skyline views of Boston, fishing, picnicking, and walking trails.[3]

References

  1. ^ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  2. ^ "Upper Neck". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  3. ^ a b "Webb Memorial State Park". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Webb Memorial State Park". Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. National Park Service. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  5. ^ "Boston Harbor Islands Complex". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  6. ^ "Nike Sites of Boston". Retrieved August 23, 2006.
  7. ^ "Webb Memorial State Park". Boston Harbor Beacon. April 19, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2017.