Shaped By Nature

Sustained By Community

A Journey Through Time

Glacial Origins

  • Jamaica Pond is a kettle pond, formed by retreating glaciers during the end of the last Ice Age.

  • As the Laurentide Ice Sheet melted and retreated across New England, large blocks of ice broke off and became buried in glacial debris (sand and gravel).

  • When these ice blocks eventually melted, they left behind depressions in the ground—called kettle holes—that filled with water over time, becoming ponds or lakes.

  • Jamaica Pond is the largest kettle pond in Boston, covering 68 acres with a maximum depth of about 53 feet.

Humanity in Nature

  • Before European colonization, the area around Jamaica Pond was inhabited by the Massachusett people, part of the larger Algonquian-speaking nations.

    • The pond and surrounding woodlands were part of their seasonal rounds, providing access to:

      • Freshwater for drinking and daily needs

      • Fishing for freshwater species like perch and pickerel

      • Hunting and gathering in the surrounding forests

    • Waterways like Jamaica Pond were often used as part of travel routes, connected to the Stony Brook watershed and other nearby ponds and streams.

    • Ancient Fishweir Project:  Native people over 5,000 years ago built 4 foot high fishweir fences in the tidal flats of the back bay which later became the Emerald Necklace parks to catch herring, alewife, smelt and salmon.  Details: HERE

  • When English settlers arrived in the 17th century, Jamaica Pond became part of the colonial town of Roxbury and later Jamaica Plain.

    • It was valued for:

      • Freshwater supply

      • Fishing and small boating

      • Ice harvesting in the 19th century — Jamaica Pond was known for producing some of the clearest, cleanest ice, which was cut in winter and stored in ice houses for local and even international use.

    • The pond also served as a recreational spot for 19th-century Bostonians, leading to its eventual integration into Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace, preserving its natural beauty for public use.

Jamaica Pond’s Ice:

Industry and Recreation

Jamaica Pond Park

Established 1891

"a natural sheet of water with quiet graceful shores… favoring great beauty in reflections and flickering half-lights.” - Frederick Law Olmsted

Unlike other parks around the nation and in Boston’s Emerald Necklace, Olmsted saw little need to change the natural landscape of Jamaica Pond and the surrounding area. He chose to preserve much of the existing vegetation, enhancing the area with thoughtfully placed tree groupings, shrubs, and pathways that framed the pond and supported public enjoyment.

Friends of Jamaica Pond

Established 1983

Christine Cooper, Charlie Hauck, Stephen Baird, and Gerry Wright established Friends of Jamaica Pond in 1983 under the initial name of The Jamaica Pond Project. From left to right, Charlie, Christine, and Gerry can be seen here celebrating the 100th anniversary of Jamaica Pond Park in 1991.

Christine’s Legacy at Jamaica Pond


Growing up in the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, Christine spent much of her childhood visiting Jamaica Pond. As a young adult, she was disheartened by the park’s deteriorating condition and took it upon herself to begin cleaning up the area. Her efforts led to the founding of The Jamaica Pond Project, a community-driven initiative that helped reopen the Jamaica Pond Boathouse, improve park safety, promote environmental stewardship, and expand equitable access to the space.

Christine served as Project Director of the Jamaica Pond Project from 1983 to 2004, dedicating 21 years to revitalizing the area. In that time, she wore many hats:

  • Director of the Sailing School and Open Classroom

  • Manager of boathouse concessions and public boating programs

  • Information specialist and welcoming presence to thousands of visitors

  • Coordinator of facility maintenance and parkland clean-up efforts

  • Leader of major restoration initiatives and advocate for public investment

  • Partner with Boston Police, Municipal Police, and State Police to improve public safety

  • Collaborator with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and Boston Public Schools to connect students and educators to the park

Christine was a friend to hundreds and a greeter to thousands—an ambassador of the pond and its promise. Through her lifelong learning and deep passion, she became a powerful voice in preserving and carrying forward the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted.  Each year Friends of Jamaica Pond presents the Park Keeper Award to honor Christine Cooper's legacy and the on-going stewardship required to protect and preserve the park and environment.

Preserving Helenic Hill

Friends of Jamaica Pond has successfully prevented development on Helenic Hill, preserving its natural beauty and protecting this important watershed. Sign up for our newsletter to learn about our efforts to make these protections permanent.