Rockland is home to over 20 acres of waterfront parks, the expansive Rockland Bog Preserve, a variety of playgrounds, community gardens and orchards, swimming areas, sports fields, and a growing number of multiuse and walking trails. Explore ways to get outside by browsing the City’s directory of parks, playgrounds and trails below.
Parks
Harbor and Buoy Parks
Location: 1 Harbor Park
The site of many of Rockland’s events and festivals, and adjacent to the Public Landing and Harbormaster’s office. Visit food trucks at Buoy Park in the summer and connect to the Harbor Trail via the boardwalk.
MacDougal Park
Location: 338 Broadway
Home to Rockland’s public community garden and orchard, a walking track, the Eliza Steele Memorial Garden, and Rockland’s first inclusive playground.
Sandy Beach
Location: 9 Scott Street
Along the Harbor Trail, with public charcoal grills, picnic areas, and access to Sandy Beach. Note: climbing stairs is required for beach access.
Snow Marine Park
Location: 51 Mechanic Street
Rockland’s biggest south end park, with a public boat launch and boat trailer parking, seasonal kayak storage, and lots of waterfront greenspace.
Gilbert & Adams Central Park
Location: 3 Park Drive
Beautifully kept gardens maintained by longtime City volunteer Susan Beebe, with views of Rockland Harbor.
Marie Reed Park at Rockland Breakwater
Location: 34 Samoset Road
Shady picnic area on Rockland Harbor, with access to the Rockland Breakwater: a walkable 0.9-mile jetty punctuated by the historic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Johnson Memorial Park at Chickawaukie Pond
Location: 151 Lake View Drive
Public boat launch, picnic area and swimming area along the shore of Chickawaukie Pond.
Playgrounds
Rockland Community Playground
Location: 73 Limerock Street
Features: swing set, monkey bars, climbing structures, slides, balance beam, green space
MacDougal Inclusive Playground
Location: MacDougal Park, 338 Broadway
Features: swing set, spinner, accessible play equipment, green space
Ocean Street Playground
Location: 35 Ocean Street
Features: swing set, slides, climbing equipment, spring riders
Warren Street Playground
Location: Kiwanis Park, 48 Warren Street
Features: swing set, slides, climbing equipment, spring riders, see saw, green space
Trails
Rockland Breakwater
Trailhead: 34 Samoset Road
Distance: 0.9 miles out and back
Walk almost a mile out to sea to visit the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in the middle of Rockland Harbor! The breakwater is constructed of large granite blocks and there are significant gaps between blocks. Use caution and plan for low tide; a section of the breakwater is frequently overtopped during high tides.
Rockland Harbor Trail
Trailhead: 51 Mechanic Street
Distance: 3.5 miles out and back
Walk the in-progress Rockland Harbor Trail for a great stroll along Rockland Harbor! The Harbor Trail passes through Snow Marine Park, Sandy Beach Park, Harbor Park and Buoy Park. The trail is variably paved, gravel, and boardwalk. Stop at the El Faro Salute! public memorial along the way.
Bog Overlook Trail
Trailhead: 181 Bog Road
Distance: 0.25 miles out and back
Take a short hike to get a great view of the diverse Rockland Bog ecosystem, managed in partnership with Georges River Land Trust. The trail terrain is packed forest floor, and there are some roots and rocks to look out for.
Georges Highland Path
Trailhead: 11 Farwell Drive
Distance: 7 miles out and back
Explore the expansive Georges Highland Path trail network through the Rockland Bog by foot or mountain bike. The path connects to Thomaston through the Rockland Bog and is maintained by Georges River Land Trust.
