About Us
Our Mission
Protect the Past, Preserve the Present, Plan for the Future
The Friends of Buttonwood Park is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that serves as stewards of Buttonwood Park, the largest and most visited public park in New Bedford, Mass. We are dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the park in the spirit of Frederick Law Olmsted, whose famed landscape architectural firm laid out the first plans for Buttonwood Park in 1895.
Our mission is to maintain a peaceful park where people can relax and escape the stresses of urban life. We focus on projects like tree plantings, gardens, and better recreational facilities that help improve the well-being of local residents who visit the park. We also support activities that preserve the park as a historic landscape.
The work of The Friends of Buttonwood Park is made possible by people like you. Because of your support, we can keep improving the park and providing you with a calm natural retreat to enjoy right here in the city.
Board members for The Friends of Buttonwood Park volunteer their time to ensure that local residents have a peaceful and beautiful park to enjoy.
Our Accomplishments
Since 1986, we've made a difference to improve, protect, and maintain Buttonwood Park.
Buttonwood on the Move
We’re working to improve recreational facilities & encourage exercise in the park.
Tennis Courts
Down the road, we have our eyes set on restoring the tennis courts. Tennis players used to flock to Buttonwood Park, but these courts haven’t been maintained properly. They need our help so a new generation can safely play tennis in the park.
Board of Directors
The Friends of Buttonwood Park is guided by a dedicated, all-volunteer Board of Directors.
Richard Leary
President
Frank Farrell
Vice-President
Laura McLeod
Treasurer
Sharon Pinho
Recording Secretary
Susan Barnet
Robert Bromley
Sylvia Daley
Dan Goulart
Deborah Kelley
Dianne Logan
Lorraine Perry
Carlos Sarria
T. J. Thomas, Jr.