Downes Field

Harry Flint

Best track in Brookline, crowded often during the weekdays.

Panos G

The Harry Downes Field in Brookline along with the big field at corner of Aspinwall + Brookline Ave are without a doubt 2 of "The Best" fenced-in & enclosed dog parks in the Boston metro area. Each of these is Huge at approx. 4 acres+ for Each field. Our doggie is a medium sized hound and abs luves to run at her max pace. She manages to somehow always find a playmate as long as enuf ppl are present. Having said that, the City of Brookline charges a hefty $150 annual fee for their so called "Green Dog Program", & for that tidy yearly sum your doggie gets issued a dog tag that designates them as " allowed to visit their fields" .. ( for Brookline residents its less than that, that is for non residents of Brookline). In actuality the Brookline park dept doggie ppl, rarely if ever come around checking, from 2016 - 2022 we only ever seen the Brookline park dept doggie officers only once and we go often, almost daily, and these 2 fields are cherished by us and our hound. Now, what really puts a dent in the program, besides the yearly fee, is the unexpected closures, from springtime thaw closures to getting bumped for Amy reason (ppl games.. Etc.. ) There's been many a time wen we've arrived only to find the field off limits.. Still, I rated it at 3 stars for above reasons, however if you show up & either field is open and your hound is ready to trot and roam free, its always a 5 star experience.. The other off-leash field we really like is "Cat Rock" in Waltham.. But read the parking reviews first prior to going to Cat Rock, once you figure out the local Waltham.streets that allow parking, its also grand!!

Drew Edwards

One of the finest running tracks in all of Boston. Step onto this oval office to do some track work and do so with relative peace and a place never devoid of energy. You may have to calmly yell at the casual lacrosse player standing on the sideline more interested in standing in lane 1 than being on their own field, but also do so with the charm of beautiful oak trees and in the presence of a charming neighborhood. If you are lucky you might just run into one of a few olympians and professionals who come here to do workouts each week.

Victoria B.

Great athletic field and overall place to workout. Biggest downsides are how busy it can get (especially on weekends) and that it doesn't have a pull up bar. Pros: + Lots of space +Quality track and football/soccer field with nice nets, good equipment + Nice benches and playground + Friendly to bring your own equipment. Can even use the goal weights as sand bags. + Close to park space which makes for nice scenery and a lovely warm up for Sprints Cons: + Since it's a widely used space it's not always friendly to those seeking a regimented workout/those needing dedicated space. Sometimes there are little kids running across the track and people walk all over it. General track rules such as fastest runner on the inside are not practiced. Be smart about what time you choose to go and you'll be ok. + Sports teams and their parents/spectators can take over the space. There are rarely official games but often several teams. + Great place to be creative with workouts and equipment. No dedicated parking spaces but there is some street parking if you want to bring your own gear.