Ipswich River Park, North Reading
Ipswich River Park is the Town of North Reading's 49-acre recreation park at the junction of Haverhill, Central and Chestnut Streets, with a paved two-mile walking path, a canoe launch on the Ipswich River, playgrounds, picnic areas, courts and ball fields. It is a town park, not the Mass Audubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield. Groups of 10 or more, and anyone who wants a field or pavilion to themselves, need a town permit.
Ipswich River Park at a Glance
What Is at the Park
The park's own site, run by North Reading's recreation department, lists the finished features:
- A paved two-mile walking path, plus parking areas.
- A canoe launch on the Ipswich River.
- A conservation area with restored wetlands and wildflower meadows.
- A gazebo and flagpole, playgrounds and picnic areas.
- Tennis and basketball courts, a street hockey rink and horseshoe pits.
- Softball, baseball, soccer and all-purpose fields.
The adjacent five-acre Wheeler property was added in 1998, so the park covers about 54 acres in all.
How the Park Was Built
The town's history of the park says the land was taken by eminent domain and settled for $1,450,000. The idea came from North Reading's Hillview Commission in 1992. In 1994 and 1995 the town won $1,000,000 in development grants from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and the state Urban Self-Help Program, plus $25,000 from the Public Access Board for the canoe launch. The town matched $724,000, half from the Hillview Enterprise Fund and half from fund-raising led by the Land Utilization Committee. The finished park is described as a $3.2 million facility dedicated to all North Reading residents.
On the River
The canoe launch puts paddlers on the Ipswich River. MassWildlife lists the Ipswich River in North Reading among the waters it stocks with trout each spring. Anyone 15 or older needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license; see fishing for costs.
Summer Concerts
North Reading's Parks and Recreation Committee and the Friends of North Reading Parks and Recreation hold a free summer concert and barbecue series at Ipswich River Park. In 2026 it ran five Wednesdays, June 24 to July 22, starting at 5 p.m., with weather cancellations posted on the Friends' Facebook page.
Renting Fields and the Pavilion
The town requires a permit for exclusive use of any area of a North Reading park, for organized use by a group of 10 or more, and for any fee-based program, photographers included. To reserve, call Parks and Recreation at 978-357-5216. The park's posted rental fees:
- Soccer, baseball or softball field: $90 for up to two hours.
- Open field: $25 for up to two hours.
- Gazebo with electricity: $75 for up to three hours.
- Pavilion (30 by 60 feet): $100 for up to three hours.
- Street hockey rink: $40 for one hour, $60 for two.
- Basketball court: $20 an hour per court.
Impact fees apply above 50 people: $75 for 51 to 100, $125 for 101 to 150, $175 for 151 to 200, and a call to the parks department above that.
Ipswich River Park and Harold Parker
The two make an easy pair. About 7 percent of Harold Parker State Forest lies in North Reading, and DCR's Sunday birding walks in 2026 met at the dirt lot across from 33 Salem Street in North Reading. Ipswich River Park offers what the state forest does not: paved paths, playgrounds and ball fields. Harold Parker offers 35 miles of woods trails, 11 ponds and a campground. See Harold Parker State Forest and things to do near Andover.
Not to Be Confused With
- Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon's property in Topsfield, a different place.
- Ipswich River Park is a town-owned active-recreation park; its rules and fees come from the Town of North Reading.
Contact
North Reading Parks and Recreation: 978-664-6016, recreation@northreadingma.gov. Online registration for town programs is at northreadingma.myrec.com.
Ipswich River Park FAQ
Where is Ipswich River Park in North Reading?
At the junction of Haverhill, Central and Chestnut Streets in North Reading. It is the town's 49-acre recreation park, plus the adjacent five-acre Wheeler property.
How long is the walking path at Ipswich River Park?
The town describes it as a paved two-mile walking path.
Can you launch a canoe or kayak at Ipswich River Park?
Yes. The park has a canoe launch on the Ipswich River, built with a $25,000 grant from the state Public Access Board.
Do I need a permit to use Ipswich River Park?
Only for exclusive use of a field or facility, organized groups of 10 or more, or fee-based programs. Call North Reading Parks and Recreation at 978-357-5216.
Is Ipswich River Park the same as the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary?
No. Ipswich River Park is the Town of North Reading's recreation park. The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is a separate Mass Audubon property in Topsfield.