WESTFIELD-While visitors to Stanley Park are familiar with the Carillon Tower and the Rose and Flower Garden, as well as the dinosaur tracks, duck ponds and playground, there are so many additional treasures to be found while walking the grounds.
“There is something for everyone to enjoy here at Stanley Park,” said Robert McKean, Stanley Park’s managing director. He has served in that role for more than 12 years.
Now in its 72nd year, Stanley Park is a gem in the city, and on a recent golf cart tour around the park with McKean, he noted there are “so many reasons” to visit the park.
For someone seeking a quiet space, visit the Edward F. Piela Wildflower Garden at Stanley Park in Westfield. (LORI SZEPELAK PHOTO)
A totem pole with intricate carvings is one of the many treasures to discover at Stanley Park in Westfield. (LORI SZEPELAK PHOTO)
“It truly is an honor and joy to come to work every day,” said McKean, noting the legacy of Frank Stanley Beveridge, founder of Stanley Home Products and Stanley Park, lives on when one takes the time to walk the trails and pathways and discover so many intricate details waiting to be discovered.
“We are thankful to Frank Stanley Beveridge for providing this wonderful park for so many generations to enjoy,” said McKean.
A map of Stanley Park lists 39 points of interest, as well as parking, picnic areas, restrooms, tennis courts, children’s pavilion and Beveridge Pavilion, and the Veterans’ Memorial. A map can be downloaded by visiting stanleypark.org. Additionally, a downloadable map of the Frank Stanley Beveridge Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary is available that details the 160 acres of managed trails and land along the Little River. As a note to those trekking through the wildlife area, persons are reminded to wear appropriate foot gear and that cell phone coverage in the sanctuary is unreliable.
On your next visit to Stanley Park, check out some of these hidden treasures:
- The Walkway of Success – “honors those Stanley dealers, leaders and sales managers who have had outstanding success in sharing the Stanley opportunity. Each engraved bronze star set here gives enduring recognition to that individual’s ability and willingness to help others to enjoy a better way of life.”
- The Totem Pole – read the stories of “Jack and the Totem Pole” and “The Tree and the Totem Pole” adjacent to the structure that was a gift from Jack Jeneral.
- The Enchanted Oak and a younger version of that mighty oak tree – read the story of Beveridge and his grandson Phil and the times they spent in the park.
- The Edward F. Piela Wildflower Garden – featuring plants native to eastern and midwestern North America.
There are placards and engraved stone monuments throughout the park that detail the countless treasures waiting to be discovered – and enjoyed – by the finder’s eyes.
“It is indeed a distinct honor to have my position and with our great ‘team’ will continue to do our best to insure the many generations after us will also enjoy this special gift – Stanley Park,” said McKean.
The Walkway of Success can be found in the Rose and Flower Garden at Stanley Park in Westfield. (LORI SZEPELAK PHOTO)
Stanley Park is open to the public with no admission fee. The park opens at 7 a.m., with closing times posted daily at Gates 1 and 2 (approximately 30 minutes prior to dusk). The season will run through the last Sunday in November. For more information on park amenities, visit www.stanleypark.org or call (413) 568-9312. For programming updates, check out Facebook posts too.
On a related note, Stanley Park offers a Partner in Preservation program that ranges from an individual membership of $50 to a patron for $1,000. From an individual membership to being a patron, there are benefits including receiving your own personal tour of the park. For information on the tax-deductible program, call the Office of Development at (413) 568-9312 ext. 108 or 112.
Throughout Stanley Park, there are multiple placards and engraved stone monuments with stories to tell. (LORI SZEPELAK PHOTO)
“We also sincerely thank so many other board members, staff, volunteers and generous supporters over the years who have helped us to continue to preserve Stanley Park over the years and continue for many more to come,” said McKean.
