Fireman’s Common sits at a central crossroads in town where several sidewalks meet, making it one of Groton’s most visited and visible public spaces.

 

Once home to a bandstand and mature shade trees, it remains an important landmark and gathering place. Today, one of Groton’s original horse watering troughs stands at the tip of the common, and the large blue spruce known as the Community Tree anchors the space. Each holiday season, the tree is decorated with festive lights. The historic watering trough is maintained by the Garden Club’s Watering Troughs Committee.

 

Originally called Flagpole Common, the area was the site of Groton’s primary American flag. It was later renamed Charles Gordon Square in honor of Charles Gordon, who died serving in World War II. A memorial plaque marks his sacrifice, and in 1982, an Eagle Scout project added a stone honoring Groton’s firefighters, further strengthening the site's civic significance.

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Fireman’s Common is one of the club’s true shade gardens. The mature canopy creates a cool retreat on sunny days and supports layered shade plantings that differ from many of the club’s sunnier sites. With its seating areas and central location, the Common offers a place to pause, reflect, and connect.

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The Fireman’s Common Garden Committee cares for the beds and seasonal displays throughout the year, including the recent addition of red and white whiskey barrel planters and expanded native plantings to support pollinators. This committee was recently refocused to enable participation by members who work outside of Groton and therefore could not attend weekday meetings. Work sessions are held in the evenings and on weekends, opening the door to anyone who wants to serve the community, garden alongside others, and take part in stewarding one of Groton’s most visible public spaces. If that sounds like you, we would love to have you join us.