Callahan State Park

Raymond J. Callahan State Park
Massachusetts State Park
Eagle Pond
Named for: A local journalist
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Middlesex
Municipalities Framingham, Marlborough
Elevation 410 ft (125 m) [1]
Coordinates 42°20′35″N 71°26′55″W / 42.34306°N 71.44861°W / 42.34306; -71.44861Coordinates: 42°20′35″N 71°26′55″W / 42.34306°N 71.44861°W / 42.34306; -71.44861 [1]
Prominence Gibbs Mountain
 - elevation 499 ft (152 m) [2]
 - coordinates 42°19′55″N 71°28′58″W / 42.33194°N 71.48278°W / 42.33194; -71.48278
Area 958 acres (388 ha) [3]
Established 1970
Management Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Location in Massachusetts
Website: Callahan State Park

Callahan State Park is a public recreation area covering 958 acres (388 ha) mostly in Framingham and Marlborough, Massachusetts, with a small section in the adjoining town of Southborough.[4] The state park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[5]

History

The park opened with 435 acres in 1970.[6] It was officially named in honor of local newspaperman Raymond J. Callahan by an act of the Massachusetts legislature in 1971.[7]

Flora and fauna

The park is home to a wide variety of trees both coniferous and deciduous. Wildlife include snapping turtles, spotted turtles, red bellied turtles, white tail deer, water snakes, tree frogs, most New England frog and toad varieties, minks, fisher cat, red fox, coyote, largemouth bass at Eagle Pond, various common trout, sunfish and blue gills, herons, egrets, bobolinks, goldfinches, orioles, red tail hawks, mocking birds, sparrows, swifts, swallows, grackles, cow birds, cat birds, barred owl, other various birds of prey, robins, cardinals, and blue jays. Deer flies, ticks, and mosquitoes are common. Garter snakes can be seen basking on dirt paths in spring and summer.

Activities and amenities

The park has 7 miles (11 km) of trails for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.[5] Dog walking is a common activity.[8] The Bay Circuit Trail crosses through the park. Parking areas are situated on Millwood Street, Edmands Road, and Broadmeadow Road.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 "Richard Callahan State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ↑ "Gibbs Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  3. ↑ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Trail Map" (PDF). Callahan State Park. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  5. 1 2 "Callahan State Park". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  6. ↑ Harris, Randy. "A Timeline of Framingham History". Framingham.com. Retrieved February 27, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Chapter 489" (PDF). Acts, 1971. Massachusetts Legislature. July 1, 1971. p. 343. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Callahan State Park". Callahan Dog Owners Group. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Callahan State Park". New England Mountain Bike Association. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
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