Shaw Park – South Natick

Shaw Park, located in South Natick, is not a grand park in the monumental sense. Yet, it is a space with a profound sense of intention as captured in the words that accompanied its gift to the town of Natick:

“For the use of the Public Forever”

These words were written by Isabella Hunnewell Shaw. Isabella was a member of the prominent Hunnewell family, long associated with South Natick and the stewardship of land along the Charles River. The Hunnewells were known not only for their resources, but for a deep sense of civic responsibility. In a time when land along rivers were often fenced or developed, she chose a different path, one rooted in access and beauty.

In the late 19th century, the Hunnewell property in South Natick included a hotel and resort complex, known as the Hunnewell Hotel. The hotel sat on what is now Shaw Park and was part of a broader pattern of river-side retreats popular at the time.

In 1906, the Hunnewell Hotel was destroyed by fire. At a time when many families would have rebuilt, the Hunnewells made a deliberate decision. The land was to be allowed to return to open space and towards permanent public benefit. Isabella Hunnewell Shaw’s legacy aligns with a 19th and early 20th century tradition of New England philanthropy that emphasized public good over personal recognition.

Today, Shaw Park remains a living expression of the Hunnewell values. The park continues to serve exactly as she wrote: “for the use of the public forever”.