Fall Walk in the Park

A couple of weeks ago, daytime temperatures were perfect for a late fall walk in the park. It wasn't our usual walk in the very large Mine Falls Park, but in another city park.

Greeley Park is the largest inner city park in Nashua, NH extending 125 acres from the Merrimack River, across Concord Street to Manchester Street. The property was originally bought in 1801 by Joseph Greeley, who passed it on to his son after his death. The land was deeded to the city of Nashua in 1896 by Joseph Thornton Greeley, the grandson of the original Joseph Greeley. Upon his death in June 1881, it was announced that well-to-do farmer Joseph Thornton Greeley, grandson of the original Joseph Greeley,  had bequeathed his Concord Street farm to the city for future recreational space.

The growing city decided to utilize the land as a large park, which would provide relief and open space to the dense workforce housing near the river and enhance property values of mansions along Concord Avenue. 

A couple of years later, a parks commission was appointed and provided with funding. The city gave the commission $500 to start the process of turning the farm into a park. This was a huge undertaking for the funds allocated. Trees needed to be cut down, farm buildings had to be razed and a site work had to be completed. The parks commission became overwhelmed by the scope of the project and little was done. 

Progress stalled until 1908 when wealthy businessman and industrialist John Cotton, a city resident, donated $5,000 to build a fountain and pavilion with public bathrooms from stone found on the estate grounds. The donation was matched by city funds and progress was made to change the Greeley Farm into a public park with a gravel walk and flower beds and picnic tables in later years.

Back at the turn of the century, five thousand dollars went a long way towards making the park a reality. Back then, a local newspaper editorial chided city officials for the long delay while praising Cotton for jump-starting the project. 

Greeley Park hosts many citywide events, most are free to attend. These include the Fairy Tale Festival, Halloween Fright Night and an annual art show. Plays and music festivals are held at a bandstand in spring and summer months. The park includes hiking trails, horseshoe pits, ball fields, tennis courts, and a community garden area.

We were lucky enough to visit on a day when the daytime temperatures were in the mid-50s and not all of the trees had lost their leaves. The park is heavily populated during warmer months, but the day we walked there were only a few other visitors.