New Day for Andover - Unfettered access to the Shawsheen River

In his remarks, Steve Golden of the Shawsheen River Greenway Association encouraged everyone to spread word about the benefits and beauty of areas like the greenway to others in the community. And he echoed Timko's enthusiasm about procuring and managing the community's natural resources.

"This is a new day for Andover,"  he said. 

Eagle Tribune, April 25, 2016

Photo from blog Bay Circuits: A 2014 trip on the original trail 

Great news and congratulations to all the folks who have worked hard to put together these properties for all to enjoy. Andover's open spaces are built over time by dedicated volunteers, much like this blog's previously profiled Harold Rafton, who painstakingly acquire pieces of land that eventually form trails and water access points.

Help Harold Parker celebrate 100th birthday!

The Friends of Harold Parker have put together a terrific website that lists upcoming events. There's a full moon hike on April 22nd at 7pm, still early enough for the kids. Harvard botanist Walter Kitteredge leads short informative hikes and there's one scheduled for April 24th. Best of all, though, if you want to get a good look at the Lorraine Park Campground at HPSF go to the Centennial Celebration on Saturday, April 16th between 11am and 3pm for all sorts of fun.

Boston media hip to Andover's outdoor opportunities

Andover’s beautiful open spaces have been mentioned twice in the past week in Boston news sources.

Boston.com reports in their real estate column 5 Things to Know About Living in Andover: "There are a variety of outdoor spaces to get your nature fix around town." The post highlights Ward Reservation, Harold Parker and the Bay Circuit Trail.

This Sunday's Boston Globe has an article on the merits of suburban camping in the greater Boston area that includes our own Harold Parker State Forest. Wonderful quote by the director of Massachusetts State Parks Priscilla Geigis, "I truly believe I would not be the director of State Parks and Recreation if it weren't for my family camping adventures."

The Red Pines of Harold Parker, planted by the CCC, photo courtesy of Margaret Stein