A Park in Our Midst... Back to Nature for a Few Hours by Shirley Rabb

(Photos by The Melrose Mirror)

Pine Banks Park is a 107.5 acre park located in the cities of Malden and Melrose, MA. It was donated by former Mayor of Malden Elisha S. Converse to be used “forever as a public park”. The area was once inhabited by the Wampanoag Native American tribe. It was later the home of the Lynde family in the early 1700’s and then became the public park that it is today.   The structure of Pine Banks was formed millions of years ago when volcanoes and earthquakes shaped the area. As a result, there are rocky cliffs throughout the park. In addition to that, thousands of years ago, receding glaciers formed an esker, which can be seen at the park as an elevated path.   The largest cliff, which is made of solid bedrock, rises 40-50 feet straight up to form Mount Ephraim, which overlooks the whole park. There is a small shallow pond just south of Mount Ephraim that is sometimes called Island Pond. The pond’s banks are fairly marshy, making it a good home for frogs, turtles and snakes. In addition to the pond, there are other small creeks and wetlands throughout the park.   Some of the natural features of Pine Banks Park are hundreds of large evergreens, especially white pines and cedars.

In addition to being a natural forest area, Pine Banks is also a recreational park.   Centered in the park near the pond is a child’s playground. There are picnic tables and BBQs that may also be used. There are five softball fields, a full size baseball field, and a football field. All with sufficient lighting for night games. There was once a zoo but that has been removed; and the removal of the golf course has made room for the fields.

A walk through the park especially before the summer crowds makes for a pleasant day. Few people can be seen particularly during A walk through the park especially before the summer crowds makes for a pleasant day. Few people can be seen particularly during mid week and the dog can go unleashed along the paths. There are ducks and Canada geese and the sounds of birds in the trees. Newly cut trees and those that have long since toppled cast wonderful shadows on the fallen leaves. Back to nature and the peace and quiet of the woods makes Pine Banks a relaxing trip for a few hours. It is only a few miles from home so come for a walk when you can. Information from http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Banks May 2, 2008