Bradley Palmer State Park: Difference between revisions
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{{Geobox Protected Area |
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{{Infobox protected area |
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<!-- *** Name section *** --> |
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| name |
| name = Bradley Palmer State Park |
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| iucn_category = |
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| other_name = |
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| photo = IpswichRiver.JPG |
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| photo_caption = [[Ipswich River]] from the park's footbridge |
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| category_local = [[List of Massachusetts state parks|Massachusetts State Park]] |
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| map = USA Massachusetts#USA |
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| map_size = 280 |
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| map_caption = Location in Massachusetts |
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| image_caption = The [[Ipswich River]] from the footbridge in Bradley Palmer |
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| relief = 1 |
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<!-- *** Etymology *** ---> |
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<!-- location --> |
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| etymology_type = Named for |
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| location = Topsfield, Hamilton, [[Essex County, Massachusetts|Essex]], Massachusetts, United States |
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| nearest_city = |
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| country = United States |
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| coordinates = {{coord|42|38|00|N|70|53|43|W|display=inline,title}} |
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| state = Massachusetts |
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| coords_ref = <ref name=gnis/> |
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| region = [[Essex County, Massachusetts|Essex]] |
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| location = Asbury St, [[Topsfield, Massachusetts]], [[United States|USA]] |
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| width_km = |
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| area_acre = 736 |
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| area_ref = <ref name=2012acreagelist/> |
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| lat_s = 12.8994 |
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| elevation = {{convert|131|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=gnis>{{cite gnis|606976|B W Palmer State Park}}</ref> |
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| lat_NS = N |
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| visitation_num = |
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| governing_body = [[Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation]] |
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<!-- website, embedded --> |
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| highest location = |
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| website = [http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/bradley-palmer-state-park.html Bradley Palmer State Park] |
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<!-- *** Nature *** --> |
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| management_body = [[Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation]] |
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| free_type = Nearest city |
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| free = [[Topsfield, Massachusetts]] |
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<!-- *** Map section *** --> |
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| map = Massachusetts Locator Map.PNG |
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| map_caption = Location of Bradley Palmer State Park in Massachusetts |
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| map_locator = Massachusetts |
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<!-- *** Website *** --> |
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| website = [http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/brad.htm Bradley Palmer State Park] |
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}} |
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'''Bradley Palmer State Park''' is a [[ |
'''Bradley Palmer State Park''' is a public recreation area covering {{convert|736|acre}} on the [[Ipswich River]] in the [[New England town|towns]] of [[Hamilton, Massachusetts|Hamilton]] and [[Topsfield, Massachusetts|Topsfield]], [[Massachusetts]]. The [[state park]] was once the estate of noted attorney [[Bradley Palmer]]. In addition to an extensive system of multi-use trails, the park features Palmer's restored Willowdale Mansion. The mansion is now home to [http://willowdaleestate.com/ Willowdale Estate], a premier event venue. Bordered on the north by the [[Ipswich River]] and [[Willowdale State Forest]], the park is managed by the [[Department of Conservation and Recreation (Massachusetts)|Department of Conservation and Recreation]].<ref name=dcr/> |
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== |
==History== |
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The park is the former [[Estate (house)|estate]] of [[Bradley Palmer]], an [[Lawyer|attorney]] of the early 20th century. Originally, the dense forest that composes the modern park would have been farmland, which Palmer both cultivated, and used to build his impressive [[Steeplechase (horse racing)|steeplechase]]. During Palmer's lifetime, Palmer hosted regular horse races for the [[Myopia Hunt Club]]. Palmer was an active member in the [[Topsfield, Massachusetts|Topsfield]] community, owning approximately 10,000 acres in Topsfield, [[Hamilton, Massachusetts|Hamilton]], and [[Wenham, Massachusetts|Wenham]] areas. Palmer often rode his favorite horse, Rifle, around the towns, smoking a cigar sticking straight out of a pipe. Near the end of his life (between 1937 until 1944), Palmer willed his lands "“to the people of Massachusetts as a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of river, woods, fields, and hills”.<ref name=mansion/> |
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[[File:Entrance sign.JPG|thumb|left|200px|Sign at the Topsfield entrance gate]] |
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[[File:BradleyPalmerEntrance.jpg|thumb|Plaque at entrance to Bradley Palmer State Park]] |
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Bradley Palmer State Park is a {{convert|721|acre|km2|sing=on}} park that features [[meadow]]s where blueberries can be picked, equestrian runs, stands of climax [[white pine]] and [[hemlock]], and a central paved road lined with white pine and in one stretch of a few hundred yards of [[rhododendrons|rhododendron]] and [[mountain laurel]] thickets. The estate is bordered on the north by the Ipswich River and Willowdale State Forest. Some of the land there is private but the park has contiguous access to the ruins of Willowdale Mill, a colonial structure. |
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;Training center |
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During the 1960s and '70s the park was the location of the Massachusetts Civil Defense Training Academy. The academy utilized the rooms of the Willowdale Estate as classrooms, dormitory and mess facilities. A disaster town was constructed in a clearing apx. One-quarter mile east of the mansion consisted of a burn house, five story rappelling tower, shed class rooms and four collapse building simulators.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} |
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==Natural features== |
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The [[Discover Hamilton Trail]] loops through the park. [[Willowdale State Forest]] is just north of Bradley Palmer. |
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[[File:Trail damage 1.JPG|thumb|right|175px|Erosional trail damage in the park]] |
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The park features [[meadow]]s where blueberries can be picked, equestrian runs, stands of climax [[Pinus strobus|white pine]] and [[Tsuga|hemlock]], and a central paved road lined with white pine and in one stretch of a few hundred yards of [[rhododendrons|rhododendron]] and [[Kalmia latifolia|mountain laurel]] thickets.<ref name=dcr/> On its northeast edge, the park has contiguous access to the ruins of Willowdale Mill, a former textile mill.<ref name=mill/> |
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==Activities and amenities== |
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Besides being open to public at will, the park has many structured uses. It is currently used as the home field for meets of the [[Masconomet Regional High School]] Cross-county Team. In the autumn the neighboring horse farms conduct fox hunts (they bring their own fox). Sometimes equestrian meets are held there. Numerous hurdles are in evidence in the equestrian runs, which are periodicaly mowed. Horses brought in by trailer at will may usually be seen on any non-winter day, more so toward the autumn. |
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;Mansion |
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The Bradley Palmer mansion, a stone manse built in the [[Arts and Crafts movement|Craftsman]] and [[Jacobean Revival]] styles. During [[Bradley Palmer|Palmer's]] life, the mansion hosted many events such as Palmer's [[Harvard]] class reunions, business and governmental meetings, and races for the nearby [[Myopia Hunt Club]], of which Palmer was a member. Between 1997 and 2007, the building was restored by the Forsythe-Fandetti family as part of the state's historic curatorship program. It opened in 2007 under the name Willowdale Estate and may now be rented for a variety of different events including weddings and corporate occasions. Willowdale Estate also hosts a variety of public events each year including historical tours and holiday events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://willowdaleestate.com/|title=Willowdale Estate - Event and Wedding Venue in Topsfield MA|website=Willowdale Estate|access-date=16 April 2018}}</ref> |
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;Trails |
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==History== |
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Park trails are used for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The park is crossed by the [[Bay Circuit Trail]] and Discover Hamilton Trail.<ref name=baycircuit/><ref name=ecta/> To the park's north, trails in [[Willowdale State Forest]] can be reached via footbridge over the Ipswich River.<ref name=hazard1/> |
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The park is used as the home field for meets of the [[Masconomet Regional High School]] cross-country team. In the autumn, the neighboring horse farms conduct fox hunts (they bring their own fox). Sometimes equestrian meets are held there.<ref name=hazard2/> Numerous hurdles are in evidence in the equestrian runs, which are periodically mowed. Horses brought in by trailer at will may usually be seen on any non-winter day, more so toward the autumn.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} |
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The park is the former [[Estate (house)|estate]] of [[Bradley Palmer]], a noted [[Lawyer|attorney]] of the early 20th-century. |
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During the 1960s and '70s the park was the location of the Massachusetts Civil Defense Training Academy. The academy utilized the rooms of the Willow Dale estate as classrooms, dormitory and mess facilities. A disaster town was constructed in a clearing apx. One-quarter mile east and consisted of a burn house, five story rappelling tower, shed class rooms and four collapse building simulators. |
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;Other |
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==Recreational opportunities== |
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The park also offers picnicking,<ref name=hazard3/> canoeing, and fishing<ref name=hazard4/> in addition to handicapped-accessible wading pool and restrooms.<ref name=dcr/> The former barn and garage facilities have been turned into a headquarters and maintenance center. Also on the grounds is a colonial farmhouse currently being restored and a caretaker's house.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} |
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==References== |
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*Running (Cross-Country) |
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{{Portal|Massachusetts}} |
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*Wading pool and fountain |
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{{reflist|30em|refs= |
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*Canoeing |
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<ref name=2012acreagelist>{{cite web |url=http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/ld/acreage.pdf |title=2012 Acreage Listing |publisher=Department of Conservation and Recreation |date=April 2012 |access-date=February 7, 2014}}</ref> |
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*Fishing |
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*Hiking |
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*Horseback Riding Trails |
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*Biking |
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*Picnicking |
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*Restrooms |
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*Skiing (Cross-Country) |
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*Walking Trails |
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<ref name=dcr>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/bradley-palmer-state-park.html |title=Bradley Palmer State Park |work=MassParks |publisher=Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs |access-date=August 7, 2013}}</ref> |
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==Park hazards== |
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[[File:Trail damage 1.JPG|thumb|left|200px|Erosional trail damage in the park]] |
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Many of the trails over the hills were constructed environmentally improperly straight up and down slope instead of following the contours. Consequently erosion has turned them into dry stream beds or ravines dangerous and unsuitable for hiking due to loose boulders and gravel and uneven terrain. Despite many efforts of the park attendants to level, fill and mulch, these trails remain in bad condition. This long-standing problem remains to be solved. Some are closed to the public, which is warned by signs against their use. |
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<ref name=mansion>{{cite web |url=http://willowdaleestate.com/about-willowdale/the-bradley-palmer-estate-boston-ma/ |title=Bradley Palmer and the Estate |publisher=Willowdale Estate |access-date=March 9, 2017}}</ref> |
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In the autumn group equestrian events are more frequent. The pedestrian is cautioned to be alert for galloping horses and not depend entirely on the alertness of the riders. Also in the autumn the privacy of the unsuspecting visitor is likely to be unexpectedly interrupted by teams of cross-country runners. |
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<ref name=mill>{{cite web |url=http://www.ecga.org/explore_our_properties/view_property/1121-willowdale_mill_reservation |title=Willowdale Mill Reservation |publisher=Essex County Trail Association |access-date=March 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312042014/http://www.ecga.org/explore_our_properties/view_property/1121-willowdale_mill_reservation |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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Poison ivy grows extensively in the picnic areas. |
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<ref name=ecta>{{cite web |url=http://www.ectaonline.org/trails/discover-hamilton-trail |title=Discover Hamilton Trail |publisher=Essex County Trail Association |access-date=March 9, 2017}}</ref> |
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Although the Ipswich River has had swimming holes in the past, swimming from the bridges is not currently permitted. In places the currents are dangerous. In the spring and autumn the swift flood currents are hazardous. |
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<ref name=baycircuit>{{cite web |url=http://www.baycircuit.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Map-2.pdf |title=Bay Circuit Trail Map 2 |publisher=Bay Circuit Alliance |access-date=March 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312033434/http://www.baycircuit.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Map-2.pdf |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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<ref name=hazard1>Many of the trails over the hills were constructed environmentally improperly straight up and down slope instead of following the contours. Consequently, erosion has turned them into dry stream beds or ravines dangerous and unsuitable for hiking due to loose boulders and gravel and uneven terrain. Despite many efforts of the park attendants to level, fill and mulch, these trails remain in bad condition. This long-standing problem remains to be solved. Some are closed to the public, which is warned by signs against their use.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}</ref> |
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<ref name=hazard2>In the autumn group equestrian events are more frequent. The pedestrian is cautioned to be alert for galloping horses and not depend entirely on the alertness of the riders. Also in the autumn the privacy of the unsuspecting visitor is likely to be unexpectedly interrupted by teams of cross-country runners.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}</ref> |
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<ref name=hazard3>Poison ivy grows extensively in the picnic areas.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}</ref> |
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<ref name=hazard4>Although the Ipswich River has had swimming holes in the past, swimming from the bridges is not currently permitted. In places the currents are dangerous. In the spring and autumn the swift flood currents are hazardous.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}</ref> |
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}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons|Bradley Palmer State Park}} |
{{commons category|Bradley Palmer State Park}} |
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*[http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-north/bradley-palmer-state-park.html Bradley Palmer State Park] Department of Conservation and Recreation |
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*Trail Map (Summer): http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/BradleyPalmer_summer.gif |
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* |
*[http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/parks/trails/bradpalm.pdf Bradley Palmer State Park Trail Map] Department of Conservation and Recreation |
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*[http://willowdaleestate.com/ Willowdale Estate] |
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*Discover Hamilton Trail map: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/hamiltonTrail.gif |
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<br> |
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{{Protected |
{{Protected areas of Massachusetts}} |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:State parks of Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Massachusetts natural resources]] |
[[Category:Massachusetts natural resources]] |
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[[Category:Bay Circuit Trail]] |
[[Category:Bay Circuit Trail]] |
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[[Category:Topsfield, Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:Topsfield, Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Parks in Essex County, Massachusetts]] |
[[Category:Parks in Essex County, Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:1944 establishments in Massachusetts]] |
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[[Category:Protected areas established in 1944]] |
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Latest revision as of 05:57, 1 August 2023
| Bradley Palmer State Park | |
|---|---|
 Ipswich River from the park's footbridge | |
  Location in Massachusetts  Bradley Palmer State Park (the United States) | |
| Location | Topsfield, Hamilton, Essex, Massachusetts, United States |
| Coordinates | 42°38′00″N 70°53′43″W / 42.63333°N 70.89528°W[1] |
| Area | 736 acres (298 ha)[2] |
| Elevation | 131 ft (40 m)[1] |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Bradley Palmer State Park |
Bradley Palmer State Park is a public recreation area covering 736 acres (298 ha) on the Ipswich River in the towns of Hamilton and Topsfield, Massachusetts. The state park was once the estate of noted attorney Bradley Palmer. In addition to an extensive system of multi-use trails, the park features Palmer's restored Willowdale Mansion. The mansion is now home to Willowdale Estate, a premier event venue. Bordered on the north by the Ipswich River and Willowdale State Forest, the park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.[3]
History[edit]
The park is the former estate of Bradley Palmer, an attorney of the early 20th century. Originally, the dense forest that composes the modern park would have been farmland, which Palmer both cultivated, and used to build his impressive steeplechase. During Palmer's lifetime, Palmer hosted regular horse races for the Myopia Hunt Club. Palmer was an active member in the Topsfield community, owning approximately 10,000 acres in Topsfield, Hamilton, and Wenham areas. Palmer often rode his favorite horse, Rifle, around the towns, smoking a cigar sticking straight out of a pipe. Near the end of his life (between 1937 until 1944), Palmer willed his lands "“to the people of Massachusetts as a place to enjoy the peace and beauty of river, woods, fields, and hills”.[4]
- Training center
During the 1960s and '70s the park was the location of the Massachusetts Civil Defense Training Academy. The academy utilized the rooms of the Willowdale Estate as classrooms, dormitory and mess facilities. A disaster town was constructed in a clearing apx. One-quarter mile east of the mansion consisted of a burn house, five story rappelling tower, shed class rooms and four collapse building simulators.[citation needed]
Natural features[edit]
The park features meadows where blueberries can be picked, equestrian runs, stands of climax white pine and hemlock, and a central paved road lined with white pine and in one stretch of a few hundred yards of rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets.[3] On its northeast edge, the park has contiguous access to the ruins of Willowdale Mill, a former textile mill.[5]
Activities and amenities[edit]
- Mansion
The Bradley Palmer mansion, a stone manse built in the Craftsman and Jacobean Revival styles. During Palmer's life, the mansion hosted many events such as Palmer's Harvard class reunions, business and governmental meetings, and races for the nearby Myopia Hunt Club, of which Palmer was a member. Between 1997 and 2007, the building was restored by the Forsythe-Fandetti family as part of the state's historic curatorship program. It opened in 2007 under the name Willowdale Estate and may now be rented for a variety of different events including weddings and corporate occasions. Willowdale Estate also hosts a variety of public events each year including historical tours and holiday events.[6]
- Trails
Park trails are used for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The park is crossed by the Bay Circuit Trail and Discover Hamilton Trail.[7][8] To the park's north, trails in Willowdale State Forest can be reached via footbridge over the Ipswich River.[9]
The park is used as the home field for meets of the Masconomet Regional High School cross-country team. In the autumn, the neighboring horse farms conduct fox hunts (they bring their own fox). Sometimes equestrian meets are held there.[10] Numerous hurdles are in evidence in the equestrian runs, which are periodically mowed. Horses brought in by trailer at will may usually be seen on any non-winter day, more so toward the autumn.[citation needed]
- Other
The park also offers picnicking,[11] canoeing, and fishing[12] in addition to handicapped-accessible wading pool and restrooms.[3] The former barn and garage facilities have been turned into a headquarters and maintenance center. Also on the grounds is a colonial farmhouse currently being restored and a caretaker's house.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "B W Palmer State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Bradley Palmer State Park". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
- ^ "Bradley Palmer and the Estate". Willowdale Estate. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ^ "Willowdale Mill Reservation". Essex County Trail Association. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ^ "Willowdale Estate - Event and Wedding Venue in Topsfield MA". Willowdale Estate. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
- ^ "Bay Circuit Trail Map 2" (PDF). Bay Circuit Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 12, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ^ "Discover Hamilton Trail". Essex County Trail Association. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
- ^ Many of the trails over the hills were constructed environmentally improperly straight up and down slope instead of following the contours. Consequently, erosion has turned them into dry stream beds or ravines dangerous and unsuitable for hiking due to loose boulders and gravel and uneven terrain. Despite many efforts of the park attendants to level, fill and mulch, these trails remain in bad condition. This long-standing problem remains to be solved. Some are closed to the public, which is warned by signs against their use.[citation needed]
- ^ In the autumn group equestrian events are more frequent. The pedestrian is cautioned to be alert for galloping horses and not depend entirely on the alertness of the riders. Also in the autumn the privacy of the unsuspecting visitor is likely to be unexpectedly interrupted by teams of cross-country runners.[citation needed]
- ^ Poison ivy grows extensively in the picnic areas.[citation needed]
- ^ Although the Ipswich River has had swimming holes in the past, swimming from the bridges is not currently permitted. In places the currents are dangerous. In the spring and autumn the swift flood currents are hazardous.[citation needed]
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bradley Palmer State Park.
- Bradley Palmer State Park Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Bradley Palmer State Park Trail Map Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Willowdale Estate
