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Conference moira::parenting

Title:Parenting
Notice:Previous PARENTING version at MOIRA::PARENTING_V3
Moderator:GEMEVN::FAIMANY
Created:Thu Apr 09 1992
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1292
Total number of notes:34837

771.0. "Mass State Parks" by DKAS::MALIN::GOODWIN (Malin Goodwin) Thu Jun 30 1994 09:09

Walden Pond in Concord Ma. has lowered their price on season passes
this year, $15 (down from last years $30!). 

The pass is not valid only for Walden Pond but for any state park in MA.

What other state parks are well worth visiting in the MA area?
I'm looking for recommendations on places for walks or swimming.


Thanks,

/Malin




By the way the pass is a sticker you put on the back of the mirror 
in you car, i.e. can not as easily be used in several cars. 

T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
771.1CNTROL::JENNISONDo you hear the people sing ?Thu Jun 30 1994 09:289
	I always enjoyed Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA as
	a kid.

	I'm hoping to go there tomorrow. 

	I don't have directions, perhaps someone else could provide them ?

	Karen
771.2some ideasCHORDZ::WALTERThu Jun 30 1994 09:3425
    I used to go to Hopkinton State Park, off of Rte 85.  They have dam
    that you can walk over and inbetween two areas for swimming (although I
    would imagine you could swim anywhere) but the two have lifeguards and
    areas to lay out, picnic tables and grills.  Its a nice place for
    children because the water is somewhat clean (cleaner than most lakes
    in the area I have found) and the incline in small so small children
    are safer.  They also offer sailing, but no motor boats.  There are
    plenty of areas to walk and its not as crowded as Walden.
    
    Salisbury State Park is pretty clean for the ocean and well equipped
    with facilities.  At least its nicer than Hampton and Salisbury
    "boardwalk" areas.
    
    And I believe that Horseneck Beach is a state owned.  This is up by
    Rhode Island and has warmer water than New Hampshire areas.  Although
    this beach is not as clean, if you go away from the restroom area and
    food stand, you can find a nice spot away from the crowds.  Just check
    for red-tide warnings before you go.  The waves are great, better for
    bigger children and adults.  Lots of dunes that you can still climb on
    also (from what I know anyways).
    
    Anyone else have any info?  For $15 I will definately get a state pass.
    Thanks for posting the note!
    
    cj
771.3ELWOOD::GLYNNUse your imagination...Thu Jun 30 1994 10:209
    
    Leominster State Park has a pond and many hiking trails.  Never been
    swimming there, but I've seen others.  
    
    Usually they give you a booklet that lists all the state parks and
    what they offer when you purchase the season pass.
    
    There are some beautiful parks in Western Ma. also!  North Pond, South
    Pond, Windsor Jams, Savoy Mountain...
771.4Harold Parker State ForestCSLALL::DKYMALAINENThu Jun 30 1994 11:009
    There is Harold Parker State Park which is between Middleton, N.
    Reading and Andover.  They have an area for swimming that is equipped
    with picnic tables, and they also have an area for fishing.
    
    If you are into camping, this park also offers a place to camp for the
    weekend.
    
    Donna
    
771.5Mass state park stickers $15WMOIS::DICASTROFri Jul 01 1994 13:4219
    
    Massachusetts has indeed dropped the price of the season sticker from
    $30 to $15. The Saturday before father's day I went to Leominster
    state park and purchased 2 stickers, one for each car. The one time
    admission is $2. My family and I frequent Leominster, Horseneck and
    Salsbury.
    
     Last year we stayed at the Hampton Inn in Westport for 2
    nights, Horseneck beach is about 10 minutes down the road. The rates
    where reasonable (make sure you ask for a corporate discount), We
    got a King size bed, and the sofa had a pull out double bed, this was
    perfect for my husband, myself and 2 kids (5 & 6). They provided a
    breakfast buffet in the lobby (cereal, fruit, muffins, bagels) and
    in the afternoon had chowder and cheese & crackers. It was a very
    inexpensive getaway (no cooking/cleaning, cable TV and Airconditioning)
    Horseneck is my favorite, though it is a bit of a drive from Fitchburg,
    I cannot do it as a day trip.
    
    Joan
771.6Never found Elle's for dinnerCHORDZ::WALTERWed Jul 06 1994 11:0616
    I went to Horseneck yesterday.  I left Stow MA at 9:15 and got there at
    10:30 a.m.  No, we didn't speed but there was little/no traffic and
    parking lot was 1/3 full when we arrived. 
    
    The park is dirtier than ever, but if you go left at the gate you get
    less crowds and less trash.  NO lifeguards, small waves but real clean
    water.
    
    They have bird santuary's wired off, but the little ones were
    constantly collecting shells in the area.  We tried our best to tell
    them "no" but the parents got mad at us and told us to "butt out".
    
    Day parking was $2.00  Well worth it but as -1 said, not a good day
    trip because of driving.
    
    cj
771.7directions, please!!ZENDIA::DONAHUE"Prioritize and act accordingly"Wed Jul 06 1994 14:476
These state parks all sound wonderful. I would love to try them with my 3 1/2 
year old son this summer.

Directions would be a GREAT help!! Any one willing to post them?

Norma
771.8directions to Horseneck Beach State ParkCHORDZ::WALTERThu Jul 07 1994 11:307
    I go from 495 South to Route 24 South to Route 24 South
    to Fall River and then head East on I-195. Take the first exit 
    (Route 88) and it'll take you right to the beach.
    
    cj

771.9swim with lifeguardsNODEX::MMCKENNAWed Jul 13 1994 10:0016
    
    >The park is dirtier than ever, but if you go left at the gate you get
    >less crowds and less trash.  NO lifeguards, small waves but real
    >clean water.
    
    Please be careful about going to the left of the beach, where there are
    no lifeguards. I live 15 minutes from horseneck and go there quite a
    bit. The surf and undertow(SP) can be dangerous at times. It usually
    isn't a problem and is a fairly SAFE beach for kids. I was there on
    July 1, and the waves and undertow were INCREDIBLE! They finally closed
    the water (pulled everyone out) because of the "unsafe conditions".
    They were rescuing people left and right! To be fair, I've lived
    there most of my life and have only seen this happen twice. But would
    recommend that if you have kids, stay in the posted areas.
    
    Marcie-the-worry-wart