Concerned October 13, 2009 21:05:34 (EDT)

The town of Hudson can not afford a few gallons of paint, thought they had been saving money for years to help with the park???

Cindy Provencher October 12, 2009 22:17:23 (EDT)

If anyone out there has sheet rock, plywood, 10gallons of red Exterior Paint hanging around we could use it at the park to help clean up the barn and gorilla house for the soft opening coming up on Oct. 24 and 25. If you do and are coming to help clean up this weekend bring it with you.

Jerry D. October 12, 2009 17:57:53 (EDT)

we had so much fun at the clean-up this last weekend, that we are going to have another clea-up this weekend sat.Oct17and sun. Oct 18 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Bring two friends and we'll have three times the fun!! Hope to see you all there.

Noah Quinn October 11, 2009 19:02:53 (EDT)

My four years at Benson's was one of the most memorable and wonderful times of my life. I recognize many of the faces in the reunion photo. Arthur looks exactly the same. I think the Knox family used to babysit me. Bruce Ashmore and I worked together at The Zoo, Gulf Breeze. Nice to see everyone.

Benson Fan October 8, 2009 06:45:07 (EDT)

Arguements, in-fighting, backstabbing, lost opportunities,
crazy emails, tantrums, wasted resources. Nope, this isn't a reality TV show or the day in the life of Paris Hilton. This is the Town of Hudson Board of Selectmen and their bumbled handling of the historic Benson property. Very sad waste of time, energy, a historic photo display and enthusiasm. It is unfathomable how poorly handled and mismanaged this historic project has been. The Town of Hudson and the State of New Hampshire is watching a rare opportunity being perpetually fumbled away. Lost opportunities in property renovations, volunteers, free publicity and even a huge photo and memorabilia collection are now being lost. Definitely not days to be a 'proud' Hudson BOS member.

Susan M October 7, 2009 09:13:34 (EDT)

Wonder where is the totem pole ? Will it bring back ? And also christmas soldiers bring back or leave at the same place ?

Jerry D. October 5, 2009 18:42:05 (EDT)

another big clean-up comming up this weekend at the Park.
Sat. Oct. 10th & Sun. Oct 11th. 8:ooam to 2:00 pm
come on down and join the fun!

Andrea October 4, 2009 15:17:05 (EDT)

Does anyone remember the miniature circus that was on display from around 1985 until the farms closing in 1987? I am the granddaughter of the creator of that miniature circus and my family is wondering what happened to the circus. Any information would be appreciated.

Bill September 29, 2009 07:42:50 (EDT)

http://meltingpotofhudsonnh.blogspot.com/

April September 28, 2009 19:22:36 (EDT)

My 5th grader has a school requirement to perform 5 hours of community service for a non-profit organization. We don't live in town, but this would be perfect for him. We can't make it this weekend, will there be other dates for further clean up? I loved this place as a kid and can't wait to take a trip down memory lane.

Bret September 28, 2009 14:21:09 (EDT)

Wow..I thought this was a big deal but not 'apocolyptic'. By partial, I meant a portion of the grounds/buildings. Safety and logistics, of course, should be addressed. However, I believe a little bit of something is better than a lof of nothing. My sentimental/personal interest is to see this place preserved and utilized in whatever positive ways possible. It sounds like everyone involved needs to work together to come up with "A PLAN". If I lived closer, I would like to help out. Based upon the 'dramas', I'm kind of glad I simply get to visit and reminisce. I'm optimistic that it is still possible for this property to evolve into something the Town of Hudson and State of New Hampshire can be proud of. That is the goal..right?

Laurie September 28, 2009 06:38:51 (EDT)

Yes, the Benson Park Committee has been working hard.
But, a crucial piece you missed, Bret, is that the four horsemen of the Apocolypse (aka BOS) have ordered it be opened PERMANENTLY starting in October. Not partially.
The Benson Committee, minus one, who has been trying to stir the pot since before their first mtg, wanted SOFT OPENINGS, let the people in, sure, but then close again to work. It is not any where close to looking like a park we should be proud of, and there are a lot of safety issues. Not to mention no rules posted, no signage...one BOS got lost in there...what about kids???
They were way out of line to do this and shows they are just power hungry. It was a slap in the face to the committee and, full disclosure, yes, my husband, who was ill and didn't make it to the mtg. Read BOS minutes...they are hypocrites all.

Bret September 28, 2009 06:18:44 (EDT)

Great work Benson Committee and the many volunteers! This partial opening is a great step forward. This historic park will now again have boundless opportunities, to evolve as a recreational site, museum, etc. Great way to keep the momentum and enthusiasm brewing. Many, many folks are very thankful for your work and efforts.

Jerry D September 27, 2009 20:27:55 (EDT)

There will be a volunteer cleanup at Benson Paek this weekend, Oct. 3rd and Oct. 4th from 8am to 2pm.
Volunteers are welcome to bring Brooms, Rakes, weed whackers, wheel barrows, brush hogs, heavy duty grass mowers, Etc.
This cleanup is in preperation for the opening of the Park in October, Per the order of the Board of Selectman.

Susan M September 27, 2009 11:44:31 (EDT)

It is on Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, NH

carol September 27, 2009 11:16:19 (EDT)

Hi,
I'm trying to find the exact location of the park. Would anyone have an address??

Kathy September 19, 2009 11:48:01 (EDT)

Let's hear it for the local officials once again!!!! They turned down the offer for the FREE lion cage that attached to the elephant barn by saying that a cage would be bad???
Did you forget what Benson's WAS? Did you not restore the Gorilla cage? I was thinking a nice open top concept for the lion cage, with bird feeders etc. It was a part of my home in the Ele barn. Thanks for nothing.

joyce j September 18, 2009 14:09:21 (EDT)

i remember benson's from when i was a kid, i used to love it. i miss the mighty mouse sign. how do i found out about helping cleanup i'd love to help.

Susan M September 16, 2009 15:36:28 (EDT)

Are you plan to put up the new name of the park ? Umm, John Benson Park ?