callista September 8, 2010 22:23:26 (EDT)

we just visted the benson park, my husband used to go to the Benson animal park in the late 70's early 80's it was one of his favorite places to go with his family, all the people who have been doing clean up are doing an awesome job, my 3 yr old loved the place, the reindeer(right when you enter the beginning of the park in the woods) should be out and placed in a garden area or maybe wrap solar lights around it to glow in the dark, i love seeing all of the old areas of the park and restoration is going great, i still dont really understand why the board wants to move away from the Benson animal park when thats exactly what it was, why wouldnt you want to have those awesome memories forever its ridiculous and sad...maybe someday they will have a carnival or something similar over the summers to come...what an awesome place, cant wait to go back! we traveled from laconia to check it out :)

Eric Ford September 7, 2010 14:09:45 (EDT)

_Yellow Jacket Alert_ _Yellow Jacket Alert_ _Yellow Jacket Alert_

All users of Haselton Trail, Please be advised: There is a ground-nest of Yellow Jackets near Trail Marker #8. It is located about 20 feet off the trail at a point about 40 yards from marker #8 in the direction of marker #9. My two-year-old son found the nest for us on 9/6/10. He was not stung.... My six-year-old son and I got the honors of one sting each. We're both fine, but we are concerned for the safety of other folks on the trail.

All bees are VERY aggressive at this time of year, so it's another good reason to follow the rule of staying on the trails. Even on the trails, please be alert to natural hazards and threats at all times!

Michael Morin September 7, 2010 11:33:08 (EDT)

I am posting all sorts of photographic memorabilia on Benson's Wild Animal Farm fan page on Facebook. Come check it out. I have link-backs to this site, too.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hudson-NH/Bensons-Wild-Animal-Farm/95994648393?ref=ts

Kathleen September 7, 2010 11:27:46 (EDT)

How much are the rides at Benson's?

Dana Sion September 7, 2010 10:47:04 (EDT)

The old roller coaster from New England Playworld(benson's) is in operation at Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH but has been re-themed from a lady bug to a reindeer.

http://www.santasvillage.com/public/explore/rides/rudys_rapid_transit.cfm

Nathaniel September 6, 2010 00:43:57 (EDT)

Many memories of field trips to Bensons as a little boy. I would like to be part of the celebration the end of this month, but now live in Pennsylvania. I will be at Knoebels Amusement Park on the 26th and will take a ride on the Galleon pirate ship there to celebrate. The ship was bought by Knoebels from Bensons during the auction after it was closed. So, anytime you are near Elysburg, Pa stop by Knoebels and check it out. Does anyone know where any of the other rides ended up?

Peter September 4, 2010 16:38:10 (EDT)

Thank you SO much to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves. When the politicos give their inevitable speeches, let's not forget who actually did the work.

Michelle September 4, 2010 16:29:01 (EDT)

The town and volunteers have done and ARE doing a fantastic job on the park. We regularly go for walks there and are always finding more areas cleared out and fixed up.

Kudos to all those putting time and effort there.

Dana Sion September 3, 2010 19:26:48 (EDT)

Very few of the animal cages from the old zoo & amusement park remain, and few buildings remain for that matter. However volunteers are still finding bases and remains from old cages/exhibits.

The gorilla house/cage is still standing and is being repaired, the elephant barn is in the park with a new roof and one cage still mostly there(NH-DOT removed many of the bars from it before the town purchased the park) that is about it. The wall from the old bear area is still there and has recently been re-painted by volunteer painters.

The new passive recreational park is a wonderful place to visit and relax.

j September 3, 2010 18:22:39 (EDT)

are the animal cages currently still up?

Concerned townie September 3, 2010 15:45:52 (EDT)

Wow the park has made press again, sadly not in the best light. Make sure to leave comments there also.

http://www.lowellsun.com/ci_15911503?IADID=Search-www.lowellsun.com-www.lowellsun.com#ixzz0yC5ouvnW

http://www.hudsonnh.gov/boards/selectmen/members

Concerned townie September 3, 2010 14:52:11 (EDT)

Grand opening news of Benson Park:
The board of selectmen have decided unanimously against the Communications Sub-committee of the Benson Park advisory committee who is organizing the grand opening on Sept. 25th to have cake for all guest and only a small "fancy cake" for dignitaries as it will be too complex and costly to figure out how much cake to purchase or have donated.

HOWEVER the scouts offered to donated water/soda and that is still approved.

Mr. and Mrs. Provencher (last owners of the park) have also been be changed from " Guest of Honor " to " invited guest " by the board of selectmen with selectman Roger Coutu leading this motion and to have the commission of the NH DOT added as a " guest of honor " with unanimous select board approval.

\ September 3, 2010 14:33:30 (EDT)

Ref, Mark's post.
For more Info. on Disc Golf follow the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_golf

Mark August 31, 2010 23:48:54 (EDT)

Can we put at Disc Golf Course in the park plans? I know I'm asking for plans pretty late. But it literally requires minimal start up costs (Trail making and Disc Golf Catchers on each "hole") and upkeep is virtually non existent. We could make it an activity for the Boy Scout troops, or even make it a nice volunteer plan! I know some of my friends and myself would love to help! There are only a few disc golf courses in the area (Dover, Pelham) and they are sub-par to the potential that Bensons has to create one. It would make a lot of outdoorsy people happy to make use of the woods by creating an activity field like this while also ravaging the natural beauty of the area and keeping wildlife safe and happy. I think it is an awesome idea! The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is really picking up in the New England area, and it gives something fun and free for people of all ages to do! Thanks!

Lee M. Lavoie August 29, 2010 19:56:11 (EDT)

You will not see animals in cages, but you will see animals (deer, snakes, turtles, ground hogs,hawks,fish, cranes,ect.this is what my children and I have seen) some people have reported seeing a bald eagle. It is not the same park that we knew as kids , but to my children it is much better place. Please go to the park you will enjoy it and it is free. Lee

Kathy Mc August 26, 2010 08:58:58 (EDT)

Wow...this is great! I can't wait to check it out!
I'm very happy that we can take our Pooches for a beautiful walk. Please everyone who walk you dogs...bring bags and clean up after them. Let's all do our part to keep the park clean and enjoyable for all!!!

Dana Sion August 26, 2010 08:09:31 (EDT)

Don't forget about the " Benson Park " grand opening celebration with cake and refreshments for all. We can't wait to see you at the greatest park the state has seen on Sat. September 25th @ 09:00, 23 Kimball Hill Rd Hudson NH 03051 USA.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135444989810257

steve August 13, 2010 21:08:53 (EDT)

Black Bear

ann August 12, 2010 23:44:28 (EDT)

‎"Silent Auction" for a prized map/poster of Benson's Wild Animal Farm in 1980 kindly donated by Arthur Provencher (the last owner of Benson's)) to the Friends of Benson Park at Hudson's Old Home Days' celebration this weekend. At present the bid stands at $60 and will continue until Sunday at 5PM. This could be yours - don't let it slip away. (Size - 23.5" x 35.5")