Explore the scenic east branch of the Westfield River at C.M. Gardner State Park. (Photos by Amy Porter)
HUNTINGTON – The word is slowly getting out that the Charles M. Gardner State Park on Route 112 in Huntington has reopened. The park, located along the scenic east branch of the Westfield River, was closed last year due to Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) budget and staffing shortages.
Following a visit to the park in November by DCR Commissioner Leo Roy and Western Regional Director Dom Sacco, where more funds were pledged to Western Mass for 2018; the DCR assigned three seasonal staffers to oversee C.M. Gardner State Park to perform daily operations.
DCR staffers Jack Lajoie and Nicolas McClaflin.
C.M. Gardner State Park is now staffed and open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day. Two of the three DCR staff members, forest and park supervisor Nicolas McClaflin and laboror Jack Lajoie, who were there on a quiet Thursday, said they weren’t sure how many people know that the park has reopened.
Underscoring its reputation as a hidden gem, McClaflin, who is from Chester and Lajoie from Blandford, both said they had never been to the park before they started working there last month. McClaflin said their crew also takes care of Sanderson Falls and Boulder Park, the open section of the Chester-Blandford Campground which has remained closed.
Pavilion and grilling area.
C.M. Gardner features a picnic area and grills for cooking, walking trails, birdwatching (the area is a favorite spot for bald eagles), fishing, and river access for canoes and kayaks. The park also has porta pottys and dumpsters, and is cleaned every day. McClaflin said they will provide garbage bags to people who need them, as well as smaller ones to clean up after dogs, who are permitted on leashes.
The cost is $5 per car for Mass. residents, and $10 for out-of-state residents. Season passes allowing unlimited access to all state parks may be purchased for $60 for Mass. residents, and $120 for out-of-state residents. Massachusetts seniors age 62 and older can also purchase a lifetime pass to all state parks for $10. More information on passes is available at www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-parking-pass-for-massachusetts-state-parks. Passes are also available for purchase at the park.
McClaflin said weekends are starting to get packed at C.M. Gardner. “Weekends are when it gets lively,” he said, adding that on the 4th of July Wednesday, 77 cars were squeezed into the lot, a record for the park.
Picnic on the Westfield River.
During the week, however, it remains quiet and is a great destination for a picnic and fun with family and friends. Bring your canoe or kayak (and make sure you have a ride back), hiking shoes to explore the river bank, a fishing pole, and something for the grill. “The more the merrier – at least on weekdays,” McClaflin said.
