Dunn State Park is a Massachusetts

Massachusetts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...

 state park

State park

State parks are parks or other protected areas managed at the federated state level within those nations which use "state" as a political subdivision. State parks are typically established by a state to preserve a location on account of its natural beauty, historic interest, or recreational...

 located in Gardner

Gardner, Massachusetts

Gardner, Massachusetts is a city in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 20,228 as of the 2010 census. Gardner is home to Dunn State Park, Gardner Heritage State Park, Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mount Wachusett Community College.-History:Named in honor of...

. The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation

Department of Conservation and Recreation (Massachusetts)

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is a state agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, situated in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. It is best known for its parks and parkways. As of May 24, 2011 the Commissioner of the DCR is Edward M. Lambert, Jr...

 (DCR).

History

The land for Dunn State Park was originally donated to the city of Gardner, MA by John Ainsworth Dunn

John Ainsworth Dunn

John Ainsworth Dunn was an American furniture maker.He was the ninth child of John and Abigail Dunn. In 1837, his family moved to Petersham, Massachusetts. He began what was to become his lifelong career in chair manufacturing in 1852. He worked in a factory in East Gardner, Massachusetts...

 upon his death in 1915. Dunn was the owner of the John A. Dunn Furniture Company, which went out of business during the Great Depression

Great Depression

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...

. The land was later transferred to the state.

Description

Dunn State Park is a 119 acre (0.48157634 km²) park offering multiple recreation opportunities. The 20 acres (80,937.2 m²) Dunn Pond is a feature of the park.

Dunn Pond is located on Rt. 101 (on Pearl St.) just off 140 and Rt 2. It is frequented by Picnic goers and family swimmers. There is a picnic area with almost a dozen picnic tables and fireplace grills. There is a nearby grassy knoll which is great for playing games or sports like Frisbee. A trail that encircles the pond has exercise, "Vita Courses" along the way. There are also little trails that veer off the main path for adventuring, fishing, or just to get a better view of the parks natural scenery.

There are several locations around the lake to sit on a bench, and there are even more docks to fish from. One such location is accessible by car via Betty Spring Road. Visitors can drive up and park behind the lake and sit on the benches, the fishing dock, or visit the wooden bridge. Every year, the lake is stocked with fish, and fishing derbies are held, (usually on Sundays). The state also hosts a myriad of events at the pond; from cross country races, to log rolling and chain saw contests.

During the summer, you can often catch the ice cream truck, which sometimes stops here. This is great for the kids, as are the two playgrounds by the public swimming area. There are Life guards on duty during daytime hours in the summer. At times, you can rent a paddle boat or canoe and take it out on the water. In the fall, runners from the nearby Gardner High School use the recently built bike trail. This is a great place to run or walk your stroller, dog, or friend for some exercise, and is a scenic and serene trek through the forest.

The winter season is less frequented by visitors. At times the city does clear the ice for skating however, which is very nice because of the lodge on the Dunn park grounds. There is a warm fireplace and couches to sit on. Vending machines and public bathrooms are also in the lodge and available year round for changing or snacking. Park rangers are around all year to answer any wildlife or activity questions.

Fees

The following Information is taken from the official Department of Conservation and Recreation website:

• All activities offered by the park are accessible to people with disabilities.

• Parking fees are in effect

• Vehicles bearing a HP or Veterans license plate or placard as well as Massachusetts seniors who are 62 years of age or more and have a Mass. Senior Citizen Pass from the DCR are allowed in free of charge as long as space is available.

Directions

Dunn State Park is located in the northern part of central Massachusetts.

From east or west: Rte. 2 to exit 24 (Rte. 140 north), left at second light onto Rte. 101 south. Park will be on the left.

From the South (ie from Worcester): take 190 North to Rte. 2 West. Follow East/West Directions above.

From the North ( ie from New Hampshire): take Rte 12 South to Rte 140 South to the traffic light in Gardner at Pearl Street and Rte 101, turn right. The park entrance is 1 miles (1.6 km) on the left.

Recreational opportunities

• Publicly guarded swimming area
• Picnic area
• Wheel Chair Accessible
• Boating (non-motorized)
• Pay-per-ride Paddle Boating
• Boat Ramp
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Skiing (Cross-Country)
• Visitor's Center
• Walking Trails
• Ice Skating (sometimes)

External links

• Park Website: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/dunn.htm