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Celebrating A Century of Generosity
Celebrating A Century of Generosity
One hundred years ago, George Batchelder honored his wife Victoria by dedicating his land at the top of Po Hill to the town of Amesbury as Victoria Batchelder Park.
Back in 1925, a new bandstand and flag pole were erected at the summit.
Today, the bandstand is only a distant memory, and invasive weeds have taken hold.
A well-deserved makeover
A well-deserved makeover
Starting this fall, Lake Gardner Assocation is beautifying and improving the park. This is a multi-phase project, funded by donations to the Lake Gardner Association.
Removing invasive weeds
Removing invasive weeds
We'll be cleaning up the park's perimeter; clearing weeds back to the original boundary, and removing the broken chain link fence.
Planting native species
Planting native species
A tranquil garden of beautiful native trees, bushes and flowers will ring the park, strengthening its resiliency and inviting nature to thrive.
Pathways to public art
Pathways to public art
Accessible pathways will lead visitors to more than just gardens. An improved entrance and summit stage are among the features being planned.
Phase 1 - Brush Removal
Phase 1 - Brush Removal
Starting December 2025, removal of the vines and brush surrounding the field will begin.
To make way for plantings and a pathway, brush around the edges of the park will be taken away.
Crews will also remove the broken chain link fence.
Phase 2 - Pathway
Phase 2 - Pathway
In Spring 2026, landscaping professionals will install a meandering walkway around the perimeter. This will be done largely in the area that is currently brush. Garden beds will be prepared for planting.
Phase 3 - Planting
Phase 3 - Planting
Now the fun part! Shrubs and flowers will be planted in new garden beds. Shade trees will grace the new picnic grove.
"One Generation Plants the Trees, and Another Gets the Shade" -Proverb
FAQ
FAQ
Q: What about the benches and the overlook?
A: Batchelder Park is technically just the levelish rectangular area at the top. The sloping area where you turn right to see the view with the benches is outside of the project area.
Q: Will there still be a big grass area?
A: Yes, the new path and gardens will be in the area that's currently brush (mostly bramble and posion ivy.)
Q: Will the park be open during the rennovations.
A: There might be times when parts of the park are closed due to crews working.
Q: Wait, who's paying for this?
A: It's funded by donations to Lake Gardner Association. You can help! DONATE
Contact
Contact
For more questions, contact ken@amesburytrails.net
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