fred July 28, 2010 09:37:50 (EDT)

Where is it?

Rob July 27, 2010 20:30:50 (EDT)

I had a ticket to bensons from 1987 on our knick-knack shelf for years .. I wonder what ever happened to it. Glad folks liked the pics we took of the park when it was closed, it shows what a few years can do to a place and it's great to see all the hard work folks have done to clean it up !

Jen July 26, 2010 08:50:51 (EDT)

I'm glad this area was reopened for recreational use...but I'm also glad there are no plans to reopen as a zoo. The sad gorilla in the small enclosure made me sad as a kid and pretty much turned me off from zoos.

Benson Fan July 25, 2010 12:57:04 (EDT)

Mark: That was are-run of last years Chronicle

Mark Nelson July 24, 2010 17:07:11 (EDT)

I heard someone else mention the "Chronicle" piece the other day. Was this a new segment or a re-run of last year's coverage of the display at the Hudson Library (with accompanying history)?

Dana Sion July 24, 2010 10:35:47 (EDT)

Dear Rachel B.
Responding to your post about the park re-opening in the future as a zoo & amusement park... sadly it can not happen.

The property was bought from the NH DOT and the NH DOT sold it with a very strict deed that they still enforce the terms of and will into the future. The park will continue to work on removing vandalism, restoring the buildings that the DOT left and working on enhancing the wonderful free passive recreational park that Benson Park now is for all to enjoy into the future.
-Dana
dsion@bensonpark.org

Dave Dube July 21, 2010 19:24:14 (EDT)

Wow isn't this just a piece of heaven. I was one of the wippers as George used to call us from the rides area late 70's early 80's. Probably the most fun and by far some of the best people I have ever worked with. I didn't realize how much I missed Bensons until I saw it now on Cronicle the other night so sad to see the property now. anyway Hi to everyone and the other day I saw a Post from Wendy from rides, I hope you remember me, I would to talk to you and see how your doing and what you have been up to. I have some photos also when Larry Sawyer worked there and some other people but I have to find them but not sure how to post them. all the best to everyone

Mark Nelson July 21, 2010 00:38:45 (EDT)

The pond looked pretty "full" to me when I last visited about a month ago.

cheryl July 20, 2010 18:22:41 (EDT)

The Great Frogboat Recovery Mission must have been some adventure !

Does the pond have much water in it these days?

Toni Gorveatt July 20, 2010 09:20:35 (EDT)

I just returned from a visit to NH and had the opportunity to walk through the park. It was wonderful!! Thanks to all the volunteers - all your hard work has transformed Benson's into a beautiful space once again. Brought back so many memories....

Dwaine H. July 20, 2010 05:52:01 (EDT)

During the time I was working there one of the frog boats was stolen (dragged from the park by ATV we figured) and I happened to find it at Miles Swamp on a fishing trip.I told Jay Crowley and he let me take the stake-body truck and a bunch of my ride crew after closing one day and we slogged thru the mud with ropes and carried that thing back out of there and back to the park. We called it "The Great Frogboat Recovery Mission" I'd love to have the boat mentioned in Dennis's post.

Rachel B. July 19, 2010 21:19:16 (EDT)

Are there any plans to bring Benson's animal farm back to once it once was?

Cindy Provencher July 19, 2010 20:31:24 (EDT)

Dear Desjardins; there is only wildlife in the park now, frogs, turtles, birds ect. Benson's is now a recreational park, no amusements, but I bet if you and your family come and walk the park, the memories of all the good times will come flooding back. Its beautiful. Sincerely Cindy Provencher

Gail M. DeMarco July 19, 2010 19:50:53 (EDT)

I have such fond memories of Benson's. Not only did I go there, I also brought my kids when they were little. We were all so sad to see it close.

Dennis July 19, 2010 18:18:44 (EDT)

I have one of the original frog paddle boats from Bensons .Needs some work to make sea worthy.Would make a great planter Anybody interested.

Robert and Garnar Desjardins July 19, 2010 15:30:55 (EDT)

We would like to know if there are any animals as of yet.
We would like to bring our great grand daughter as we had so much fun bringing our children. What is the fee.
Thank you so much for your help.
The Desjardins

jennifer July 19, 2010 11:48:24 (EDT)

Hi, Went over to Benson's this past weekend and it seemed unreal since I always went there as a kid.
The sign says that there is an actual dog park inside...where inside is it? I could not find it! Thanks!

Bret July 18, 2010 09:16:10 (EDT)

I had the opportunity to stop in for a brief visit and walk thru of the property last week. Met up with several old friends & Bensons' coworkers. It was great to stroll thru and stir up some memories. The property looks great!!. VERY impressive work done by all. Great to see you Bruce, Cindy, Dennis, Rachel and Kathy.....at the 'sort of' 2nd annual Benson Reunion.

Richard (Dick) Kimball July 17, 2010 11:00:03 (EDT)

I worked at Benson's Wild Animal Farm when I was a teen-ager. I started working there when I was 14 and worked every summer until I turned 20. I lived in New Mexico, but spent every summer in N.H. I worked in Concession Stand #4 next to the Windmill and the lucky cement elephant.