Westfield's Stanley Park

Where can you find free gardening workshops, children's storytelling, weekly outdoor concerts and 275 acres of natural beauty? In Westfield, Massachusetts, there is one answer: Stanley Park.

This considerably large park, located parallel to Western Avenue, started off as only twenty-five acres in 1949. Its founder, Frank Stanley Beveridge, was born in Canada in 1849. He traveled from Nova Scotia all the way to the Mount Hermon in Northfield, Massachusetts. When he arrived, he had only a dime, a quarter, and one Canadian dollar. How did this man accomplish opening a park in his name? After studying at Mount Hermon, Frank got married and settled in upstate New York. He became a successful businessman and in 1933 established Stanley Home Products in Westfield. By the late 1940s, he had established a trust that enabled the founding of Stanley Park.

The park is open from May until October, although in the winter months you will find people snowshoeing on the grounds. It's a great place to meet friends, hang out with your family, or just take the weight off your feet on a secluded park bench. For the athletic type, there are numerous sports fields. On any weekend you'll be sure to find willing players for a pick-up game of soccer, baseball, ultimate frisbee or basketball. If you're not into sports, you can spend an afternoon wandering through covered bridges, relaxing in the Japanese teahouse, or enjoying the fragrance of the carefully manicured rose gardens.

Dozens of children's activities make Stanley Park one of Westfield's top family destinations. Sign your kids up for weekly storytelling, Friday morning theater productions, or a children's nature workshop. Enjoy the melody of bells at the carillon tower during the park's monthly bell concerts. From May to October you can listen to live music on Wednesdays and Sundays. Kids are drawn to the rustic water wheel in the duck pond, and they love to spot croaking frogs on lily pads. Several playgrounds and a variety of picnic areas make Stanley Park a place where you can spend the entire day with your family.

The park offers educational workshops for adults as well. Free gardening and nature workshops take place weekly during the park season. If you attend one of these workshops, you may also be invited to a community breakfast or a charity walk-a-thon taking place on the park grounds. The locale teems with activity on weekends and most afternoons.

If you happen to be in or around Westfield, Massachusetts, Stanley Park is a wonderful place to spend your down time. Thanks to founder Frank Stanley Beveridge's trust, it doesn't cost even a penny to visit.

Stanleypark.org