Ward Two Points of Interest…
From Quincy Point to Penn’s Hill, Ward Two is a historically rich district that remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Take a moment to learn more about Ward Two by checking out what the district has to offer.
Fore River Shipyard & the USS Salem
Quincy's proud shipbuilding history began in the early 1900s. The shipyard served as an economic engine for the City and spurred a wave of immigration that helped strengthen our community. The shipyard built many submarines, ships, and equipment that helped the United States claim victory in WWI and WWII. Today, the USS Salem, a Cold War-era heavy cruiser and the last wartime ship built in the Quincy shipyard, serves as home to the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum. The museum offers visitors a chance to experience life on the former flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Visit https://www.uss-salem.org/ for more information on the museum.
Faxon Park
Faxon Park was first created when Henry Hardwick Faxon deeded 26.8 acres of land in 1885. Fifty years later, Faxon's son Henry Monroe Faxon added an additional 19.6 acres and, five years later, another 8.2. From the 1990s to the mid-2010s the City bought 38 acres of land surrounding the park through three separate purchases.
The property now totals more than 90 acres of mostly-untouched land and offers as a small escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park currently boasts two little league fields, a softball field with lights, a basketball court, a tot-lot, a picnic area with pavilion, a formal walking path (the Red Diamond Trail), and many informal walking paths.
U.S.S. Des Moines Anchor
Serving as the City’s welcome sign in the middle of the Route 3A rotary at the base of Fore River Bridge, the U.S.S. Des Moines Anchor speaks to Quincy’s shipbuilding history. The U.S.S. Des Moines was one of the several heavy cruisers that were built in the Fore River Shipyard during the height of ship production there. The 22,500 pound anchor is the only remaining piece of the U.S.S. Des Moines. A plaque sits in front of the anchor to commemorate its significance.
Avalon Beach
Avalon Beach is a long narrow beach located on Avalon Road in Quincy Point. From Washington Street, turn left onto Washington Court and then bear right onto Avalon Road. It borders Twin Rivers and the Marina. With approximately 150-200 yards of beachfront, it offers swimming, park benches, shade trees, and picnic tables. On-street parking is available and the M.B.T.A. has a bus route close to the beach.
Abigail Adams Cairn
On June 17, 1775, Abigail Adams and her seven year old son, John Quincy, walked the short distance from their farm to the top of Penn’s Hill, where they observed the smoke and fire of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The cairn, an ancient form of commemoration, was erected by the Daughters of the Revolution in 1896. The cairn’s stones came from private properties and historic sites. During historic preservation work in 2008, a time capsule was discovered. The Cairn is located at 340 Franklin Street.
Fore River Clubhouse Field and Playground
Children’s playground equipment, two little league baseball fields, and a basketball, street hockey, and tennis court are adjacent to the Fore River Clubhouse, and located along the Town River. One of the baseball diamonds was named for Ray Dunn, a coach and mentor to thousands of Quincy Point youngsters. There is also a memorial stone in honor of David and Stephen Pitts, two Quincy Point brothers who fought in Vietnam. The clubhouse is utilized as a community center and home of the Ward Two Civic Association. The facilities are located at 16 Nevada Road.
Town River Yacht Club
The Town River Yacht Club boasts 350 members, a 200+ boat marina, junior floats for over 25 sailboats, and land facilities for the winter storage of all these boats-a far cry from our humble beginnings 100 years ago.
Under the leadership of Mr. Eugene R. Stone, a former mayor of Quincy, 20 local boat owners decided to form a boat club under the name “Town River Yacht Club”. Learn more at https://townriveryachtclub.com/.
Flynn Playground
Located at the intersection of Elm Street and South Street in Quincy Point, the one acre lot features a basketball court and tot-lot. The park is named for William H. Flynn, a Ward II City Councilor in the early 1900's. He was renowned for supporting park and playground projects and was active in youth and semi-pro baseball.
Christ Church Burial Ground
Historically significant as the site of the original building and cemetery of the First Church of England in Braintree, the oldest Episcopal parish in Quincy and the second formed in Massachusetts (the first being King’s Chapel in Boston), this historic cemetery has 200 gravestones. The site is located at 54 School Street.
Mound Street Beach
Mound Street Beach is located on Mound Street in Quincy Point. Mound Beach is a moderately sized beach that has close to 180 yards of beachfront. It is one of the City's largest sandy beaches and offers swimming, benches, picnic tables, adjoining soccer fields, and playgrounds. There is parking and the M.B.T.A. has a bus route that will drop you close to the beach.
Bradford Street Playground
Located on Bradford Street, the one acre lot features a grassy open space with a basketball court and tot-lot.
Joy Hanlon and Malcolm MacNeil Soccer Fields
The two soccer fields play host to Quincy Youth Soccer's U10's throughout the spring and fall. One field is named after Joy Hanlon, a young girl who died tragically near the field; the other is named after Malcolm MacNeil, one of the founders of Quincy Youth Soccer. The field is located at the intersection of Cleverly Court and South St.
Captain’s Cove Marina
Families, friends, and fun in the sun start right at Captain’s Cove Marina. Captain’s Cove is a pile-anchored deep-water marina. Slips are available for vessels up to 80′ in length with drafts up to 20′ in depth. Captain’s Cove is located in a protected inlet and transient boaters often take shelter at Captain’s Cove during storms. The marina hosts gatherings and events along with fishing tournaments for their customers and guests.
Bay Pointe Marina
Whether you drive or cruise into Bay Pointe Marina for a visit, you’ll always feel welcome. The Marina offers everything a boater could ask for, including an on-site service center, 50-ton Travel Lift, waterfront dining, fuel dock, pump-out services, and more! With nearly 300 slips, Bay Pointe Marina offers amenities and a full array of yacht and boating services, coupled with an atmosphere of relaxation and hospitality. The Marina is located at 64 Washington Court.