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Boston Common: The Frog Pond

 
The Frog Pond sits at the heart of the Common. During winter the Pond is converted into an ice rink where you can skate. In the spring and fall the pond serves as a relaxing reflecting pool, where families and friends gather. In the summer the pond is a spray pool with a children’s carousel close by. Furthermore, you can buy refreshments at the Frog Pond Café.

The Frog Pond has a long history, it is the only of the three ponds found in the early Common to survive today. During colonial years a ducking stool was used to submerge sinners of all kinds.

The Frog Pond was once a mere mud hole that was curbed to create a miniature lake. The Pond was reshaped from its original form in 1826 and in 1848, a splendid fountain with a jet of water 90 feet high was added.[1]
 
No wonder why in 1848, the citizens of Boston felt the Frog Pond was the perfect place for the Water Celebration.  This was an activity to commemorate the city’s inauguration of  the public water system and it was extravagantly observed at the Pond. 

[1] The Boston Common Brochure
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