Bella Pomeroy & Megan Richard July 8, 2010 16:10:27 (EDT)

I watched Dane Cook go on about Benson's animal Farm, and i wanted to see if he was joshin us! So, we checked out the site, and Benson's isn't going anywhere! And neither is the hospital!

Erik Federowski July 6, 2010 19:16:07 (EDT)

I used to go to Benson's every summer growing up. My family had a camp on a lake in Hampstead and we'd go to Benson's and Canobie every summer. I was so sad when it closed.
If you want to see what it looks like now go to google earth and put in coordinates 42 46'09.07'N, 71 24'20.03'W

Ann July 4, 2010 09:38:50 (EDT)

Benson Park Clean-up
Sat., July 10th
9AM - 2PM
Bring Weed whackers, Brush mowers, etc. - tools for removing recent overgrowth in previously cleared areas.

Liz L July 3, 2010 17:12:50 (EDT)

I used to frequent Benson's Wild Animal Farm as a kid living in the Boston area. (family and school trips) I was wondering what the hours were to check out all the great work they have done.

carol& eman lheureux July 3, 2010 16:55:30 (EDT)

My daughter. Eman and will volunteer next sat the 10th just need to know the time. Thanks carol and eman

cheryl June 23, 2010 13:29:20 (EDT)

Along with the update on Liz, is a nice picture of her.

Her meds are expensive !

you can help.
www.elephants.com

Lisi June 22, 2010 16:25:56 (EDT)

There is a nice update on Liz at the Elephant Sanctuary. Keep your fingers crossed that she improves!

http://www.elephants.com/elediary.php

Mark Nelson June 21, 2010 09:25:08 (EDT)

The regular parking area is just before the Handicapped area, if you're approaching from Hudson up the hill. There's a small green sign that says "Benson Park" and half a metal gate on each side of the entrance.

Took my parents to see the park yesterday and they loved it. A good number of people were there walking, biking, fishing and reminiscing. Watched a mama + baby birds in a nest inside the A-frame and saw several chipmunks here and there, so it's still a "wild animal park", just animals of a much smaller stature...

Sarah June 21, 2010 07:37:26 (EDT)

Does anyone know where the parking is? I only see the handicapped parking area. Can we park on the side of Kimball Hill rd? thanks!

Sirena June 20, 2010 13:48:05 (EDT)

I remember weekend trips to N.H and Maine as a child. My most vivid memory of Benson's involves feeding Mr. Elegant (the giraffe). I was feeding Mr. Elegant when he wrapped his long slimy purple tongue around my hand lifted his poweful head and elegant neck, taking me onto my tippy toes...and bit me! Ahh, good times!

Kathryn Kidney Einig June 19, 2010 21:59:15 (EDT)

Now that I have a child and have been thinking of the fun things to do with her, I began to think back over my childhood fun times. That is how I ended up here.
So sorry to know that the farm is gone. I guess I should not be surprised,it's been likely thirty years since I was there. I have fond memeories of feeding goats and I want to say even monkeys, with bottles (they would swing down from above and steal the stuff you just bought for another animal). AND YES!!, the poop throwing gorilla, threw a big old handful at my mom after she said he was lazy, she had her toes pecked at by the swans the same day too! That wasn't the best visit for her but we had many and I ALWAYS had a great time. Then on the back side was the rides...THE SCRAMBLER was my fav. Then just out of the park, out back was the salt water taffy place, where you could watch it being made thru the glass window and buy all kinds of it.
Some cherished summer days there. I think if I had know it was closing in 1987 I would have made the trek over to say goodbye....I hope someday the pictures we had from there show up.

Debbie June 17, 2010 11:53:14 (EDT)

What a beautiful and serene place. Everyone has worked so hard to make it such a wonderful place. The shoe looks fantastic and the signs of what used to be at what spot are a great addition. I can't wait to go back!!!

Debbie June 17, 2010 11:47:11 (EDT)

My daughter and I went to the soft opening in the fall and we went again recently. What a beautiful job everyone has done since I went last fall. It is such a calm and peaceful place to be. The signs add a great touch to the place. The shoe looks fantastic. I can't wait to go again!!!

Dana Sion June 15, 2010 12:42:38 (EDT)

Michelle,
I imagine you have already been sent several responses to your post, however just in case you had not the park is now open to the public 365 days a year.

hours:
April 1 to October 31
5:00 A. M. to 8:00 P.M.
November 1 to March 31
5:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M.

The park is a municipal passive recreational park operated by the town of Hudson, NH with support of The Friends of Benson Park and many wonderful dedicated volunteers. There are no usage fees, see link below for full details.
Please enjoy the new park and making new memories!

Below is a link to the " Benson Park " brochure:

http://www.hudsonrec.com/Portals/0/Park Brochure & Map.pdf

Dana Sion June 15, 2010 12:32:24 (EDT)

Someone mentioned a guided audio tour, that is a great idea and is something that could be worked into the park once the elephant barn is converted into a Benson history museum in the future.

kimberly June 14, 2010 12:17:29 (EDT)

i loved visting benson's as a kid early teen and i hated leaving..i was there yesterday and was happy to see it back(kinda) it was raining so i wasnt there long..but iam definitely going back soon... ohh the gorilla who used throw poop at you the rides the animals ...oh the memories and how i miss it.

Mike Todisco June 13, 2010 18:22:36 (EDT)

I went to the park today with my son and daughter. The view of the pond with the trees is beautiful. This park and track of land is such a treasure to Hudson and our citizens. This is something we all can be proud of.

Maureen June 12, 2010 17:05:38 (EDT)

Had a great visit down memory lane today when we visited the park. My husband isn't from the area so I acted as guide giving him the background on all the fun and memories from the park. The "shoe" is amazing. One of my most fond memories from childhood. We'll be back and we'll be making a contribution toward all your hard and much appreciated work on the farm today.

Joan Seller June 12, 2010 15:28:18 (EDT)

Nora T.--Please E-mail me as it is now clear that you failed to receive two relevant E-mail messages, one from me and a follow-up one from my husband, Tom. Thanks.

--Joan S.