Peter Marotta
Meander along trails that pass through woodlands, fields, and gardens, all parts of an elegant former estate.
World traveler, philanthropist, and environmentalist Louise Doyle—whose father amassed a fortune in the plastics industry—was a lifelong champion of open spaces for everyone. When she donated her family estate to The Trustees, her only request was to “do something important” with the gift. What resulted was the creation of Doyle Community Park and Center.
With woodlands, open fields, meadows, formal gardens, and parklands, the Community Park offers an oasis amidst the bustling urban centers of Leominster and Fitchburg. More than three miles of trail—including one and a half miles of accessible trail—wind through the landscape, which encompasses ten acres of the original cultivated estate grounds. The LEED Gold-certified Doyle Center built in 2004 is now home to a portion of Trustees administrative offices.
More than three miles of trails meander through Doyle Community Park—including one and a half miles of accessible trails—bringing you past woodlands, open fields, meadows, formal gardens, and parklands. For a dose of picnicking and play, pause at Pierce Meadow, a 10-acre gem with huge specimen trees and open space.
WHEN TO VISIT
Daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of one hour.
ADMISSION
FREE to all.
464 Abbott Avenue
Leominster, MA 01453
Telephone: 617.542.7696
E-mail: info@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
By Car
From the West: Take Route 2 East to Exit 99/Route 12 South. At the first light turn right onto Lindell Avenue. Continue 0.75 miles and turn right onto Abbott Avenue and then left into the Doyle Conservation center parking lot.
From the East: Take Rt. 2, take Exit 99A to Rt. 12 South. Turn right at 1st set of lights onto Lindell Ave. Follow for 0.75 mi., and turn right onto Abbott Avenue, then left into Doyle Center parking lot.
By Train
Take the Fitchburg line (from Boston) to North Leominster (see www.mbta.com for fares and schedule). You can ride your bicycle, walk or take a cab to the Doyle Conservation Center. Local taxi cab companies include Ken’s Taxi (978.534.5570) and Leominster Taxi (978.537.6331). Walking and bicycling directions from North Leominster Commuter Rail Station (approximately 2 miles or 35 minutes) are below. The route does not provide ideal walking conditions as there aren’t sidewalks on every road.
Upon exiting the train, turn right and walk downhill out of the parking lot and along Hamilton Street toward to stop light.
At the intersection cross Route 13 South at the light and continue on Hamilton Street—the street sign is missing, but when you see the fire station that says “Kendall Hall” you know you’re on Hamilton St.
Walk pass Gear Works (bike shop) on your left, then Global Fitness up on a hill on your right, then the bridge over Route 2.
After Hamilton St. crosses over Route 12 (big intersection with lights) the street becomes Lindell Ave.
Go 0.75 miles up Lindell Ave and take your first right on to Abbott Ave and first left into the Doyle Conservation Center.
By Bus
The local bus service is the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) (click here for fares and schedules). Routes 1 and 3 have a Doyle stop along their routes, offering easy access to the Doyle Community Park. These two bus routes begin and end at the two main terminuses of MART, the Intermodal Center near the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Station in downtown Fitchburg (click here for fares and schedule), and Monument Sq. in downtown Leominster. The Doyle Conservation Center is a short walk from the bus stop:
Indicate your request to stop at Doyle Community Park & Center on either Route 1 or 3, near the intersection of Merriam and Lindell avenues.
You may either walk east through Pierce Meadow on the east side of Merriam Ave and follow a trail to the Doyle Center. This trail is located on the north side of Pierce Meadow and runs behind the Boys and Girls Club.
Or walk up Lindell Ave and turn left on to Abbott Ave at the next intersection. Take the first left into the Doyle Center.
Accessible Features
1.5 miles of crushed gravel accessible trails begin from the main parking lot and travel through Pierce Park in one direction, or loop through the estate core after crossing over Abbott Avenue.
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you visit.
Louise Doyle (1912 – 2007) was world traveler, philanthropist, environmentalist, and practicing Buddhist. Her family owned the plastic factory in town and her father was the mayor of Leominster in the mid-1920s.
Beautiful park in Leominster Ma. Small enough to enjoy with young kids. The grounds are beautiful. We enjoyed a leisurely walk around the area.
– Afshan U, Trip Advisor
