Look Memorial Park (aka Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park) is a privately run non-profit park that…read moreopened in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1930. Located in the village of Florence, the 150 acres of land were given to the City of Northampton by Mrs. Fannie Burr Look (widow of Frank Newhall Look). Mr. Look had been a long-time resident of Northampton and the chief executive of the Prophylactic Brush Company. Operation and maintenance are dependent upon the trust fund, visitor fees, grants, and gifts. Owned by the city but operated as a non-profit organization, Look Park receives no funding from the city or state. The park contains a number of notable features including walking paths, an outdoor amphitheater, tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds, a miniature golf course, paddle boats, playscapes, a spray park, a wildlife center, a sweet shoppe, covered picnic areas, covered bridges, and a miniature railway. I recently visited Look Memorial Park with my family. I first visited the park last summer with my older son. We had so much fun that we decided to return this year with my wife and younger son. We first set out to visit the park's 5,000-square-foot spray park. It was a hot day and my two sons had a blast exploring the various ground jets, bucket dumps and water umbrellas. After a change of clothes, we explored one of the playscapes and the wildlife center. What we were most looking forward to was a ride on the park's miniature steamer train. Manufactured by Wichita, Kansas-based Chance Rides, the miniature train is a replica of the circa-1863 C.P. Huntington steam locomotive. The train runs every half hour on the weekends and rides last about 10 minutes. The train is transformed into 'Santa's Train' during the Christmas holiday season and it can also be rented for birthday parties. The train ride was easily the highlight of our park visit. We look forward to visiting Look Memorial Park again and again!

I planned a fun birthday picnic today, only to find out after paying to get into the park that half…read moreof the services were closed. I wish management would be more proactive about notifying incoming guests that many park services are closed before paying to get in. We also went to the sweet shop to get root beer floats, and paid $11 for two root beer floats that were actually half full. I would recommend the place for people looking to enjoy the scenery, but apart from that the experience was lacking.

medium size park needs a little bit of reservation but overall this is a nice place for a walk or…read morefor your kids

what I love about this park, is the family atmosphere, stuff for children, slides, etcread more

This park was a staple for my family and I growing up in the area! It's a playground and dog park…read morecombined by a large field that stretches the entire street. The street parking nearby is free, and there are bike racks for anyone that needs them. The neighbors in that area were always very kind to me, but it's also important to be aware of their families and privacy. It's not a place for large group gatherings or non-residents to host events. There are water fountains, waste disposal, and lots of seating, but there are not picnic tables or public restrooms. It's a beautiful park and I always make it a stop on my walks!

What an enjoyable time we had strolling around the park on a gorgeous autumn day…read more We found our way to the hiking trail which was predominantly flat and low impact, just beware of the occasional tree root. We walked over a wooden bridge and followed the gray trail through the woods next to the Westfield River. The park wasn't too crowded, and we marveled at just how beautiful and peaceful and quiet the woods were. We also saw a gorgeous meadow with half a dozen pedestal grills, just perfect for picnics and family gatherings. We also saw a small strip of sand that was actually a beach!! Somewhere along the hike, we got our lower legs and sneakers covered in prickly stickers, so be careful where you walk. Those suckers were hard to dislodge!!

Not a fan. I went around 2 pm and spent 3 hours here. The dirt paths are short. I did a few loops…read more The road and pathway was closed just past the pond. Also didn't help I didn't have cell service in the park. So trying to find a decent trail to walk was impossible. Maybe better if the road was open past the pond. ‍ I won't be back here. I'd rather go back to the Ashley reservoir.

Awesome park…read more Great playground for both smaller and older kids. Basketball court, 4 tennis courts, multiple baseball and softball fields, plus a hidden soccer field (way down on the right). Gazebo with picnic tables (can also be reserved through the town for special occasions). Bathroom and a few different water fountains. You can bring a dog, leashed (and if you pick up after them). But not allowed in the playground area.

This is a cute park on a triangle of land surrounded by quaint houses. There is a dirt pathway you…read morecan drive into and park. It was originally dedicated on the bicentennial in honor of 200 years of America. In the park itself, there's a gazebo with stairs I would recommend being cautious on (but the rest of the gazebo seems sound). There are also benches along a stone wall, which divides the park in two. On the other side of the wall, there is an enclosed space I saw people playing with a very happy dog in. Right now it's a little muddy from the snow melting, but it must be nice to picnic in the fall! John E Julian seems to have been a lifelong Stafford resident and prominent citizen. He was a Korean War Veteran, and went on to politics. He served as State Representative from 1974 to 1978, and then as First Selectman of Stafford from 1977 to 1987, and again from 1993 to 2001. He served on a whole bunch of committees and clubs, and seems to have really made his mark during the time he had.

Tree in honor of my uncle who owned property in town along with a marker. Peaceful spot on a…read morebeautiful spring afternoon!

Skinner State Park really surprised me. The drive up was beautiful and the view at the top over the…read morePioneer Valley made me stop and just take it in. I also liked reading about the old Mt. Holyoke Summit House and the incline railway that used to bring people up the mountain. I'm a sucker for places with a bit of history mixed in with the views And of course I loved seeing it with our friends we met on a cruise 24 years ago!

Iconic set of rolling wooded hills over looking the Connecticut River and surrounding lowlands…read more Skinner State Park is approximately 3,000 acres once privately owned now overseen by the Mass DCR. There are an intertwining network of trails from the base, along the ridge, and through the wooded parkland. Bring a GPS and trail maps are available at the gates and in the Summit House. This was my first time hiking here. A life long buddy & hiking pal encouraged me to join him. He was excited to try out his new hip on some varying terrain. He drove in from Vermont, me from CT. Both of us aging (gracefully) we each used an adjustable pair hiking sticks, which did come in handy both ascending and descending the hills. We found the trails were all very well maintained and well traveled. There's a system of trail markers and blazes to follow. Keep in mind bikes and horse are allowed, so hikers, keep your eye open and give way to wheels & hooves. The Summit House does have access too by vehicle, but (!) parking is very limited up top and DRC Rangers control traffic flow. We parked very close to Hockanum Road (Rte 47) and hiked up. Views at the Summit House stunning 360 degrees. If the House is open (seasonally) take time to tour the former residence and Lodge. View from the House decks are even better. My foot recently repaired foot & my buddies new hip passed the test!

This is small park was donated to the town of Simsbury in 1946 by Henry and John Ellsworth; this…read morewas done as a memorial to their sister, Annie Ellsworth Schultz. This park has many types of trees and plants, located near the Simsbury Town Hall. There is no parking lot; I would park across the street at the shopping plaza. The garden is maintained by the Simsbury Beautification volunteers. There's a paved pathway through the park. A notable landmark is the gazebo, don't forget to look up at the ceiling; there is a map of all the trees in the park. There were benches throughout and a sign showing what types of trees that were planted. Overall, a cute park if you're in the area and love nature.

In the heart of Simsbury's central business district, right next to Town Hall and across the street…read morefrom J. Foster Ice Cream you will find this beautiful hidden oasis of greenery. There's a brick pathway that takes you around the property, and as I walked it this morning, I saw gorgeous landscaping, flower beds, at least six benches, a picnic table, a water fountain and a nice gazebo. One very cool feature I saw is a map legend identifying the dozens species of bushes and trees all around the park. To complete your educational experience, there are dozens of individual signs identifying the various trees and shrubs on the property. It's a destination for wedding photos and public gatherings, and its quite beautiful.