The Benson Park Advisory Committee met on Dec. 18 to discuss the structure of a proposed warrant article aimed at clarifying the scope of the Benson Park Capital Reserve Fund. With debate over next year’s budget already underway, committee members sought guidance on how best to approach the fund’s purpose and future use.
“A suggestion was made by the Town Engineer to add $25,000 toward the fund for other buildings,” said Committee Chair Madden, noting that the original request had been for $10,000. Selectman Liaison Heidi Jakoby emphasized that the main goal for next March is to narrow the scope of many reserve funds in Hudson.
“Many of the capital reserve funds that we have in town have really brief definitions of their use,” said Jakoby. “One of the first ones we took on was the Benson Park Capital Reserve Fund. What we’re doing is strictly going to be to better define that fund. It’s not going to be requesting any funding this year.”
She described the revised warrant article as a “reaffirmation” to clearly define the lot, property, and purpose of the Benson Park Fund.
“We’re being clear that this fund is not only the Hazelton Barn, but it’s the Train Depot, it’s the gorilla cages, it’s the property – it’s everything under that lot – so that it’s much clearer for the future and much clearer for the residents,” explained Jakoby. “It also gives opportunity for anyone who wants to support the park to add to that fund. The town can also take donations directly, so we’re really clear where that money is being spent and so you, the taxpayers, know where that money is.”
Finance Director Laurie May reminded residents that, per town policy, donations between $500 and $10,000 in cash or other personal property must be approved by the Board of Selectmen, and the donation’s purpose must be included when requesting approval.
Emphasizing that the financial health of Benson Park relies heavily on donations, the Advisory Committee welcomed a potential contribution from the Lions Club, which expressed interest in helping restore and display two historic stone lion statues.
“I have a date – we’re going to talk about possibly them helping us with restoring the lions, which we currently have back at the park,” explained Committee member Sue Clement. “We now want to get those lions out on display for everyone to see. Right now, they’re hidden, and they need to be fixed.”
Alongside restoration efforts, the committee debated how best to protect the Benson stone lions from weather damage and vandalism. Both statues are original to Benson’s Wild Animal Farm.
Friends of Benson Park member Natalie Newell announced an important milestone for the park.
“2026 is the 100th anniversary of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm opening to the public. It opened in 1926,” said Newell. “We’re going to plan some events around the centennial for Benson Park.”
While no concrete plans have been finalized, Newell and Clement mentioned a poster design contest as a possible event. Jakoby suggested organizing a community-wide commemoration.
“I don’t know what that might look like, but it would definitely be appropriate for this committee to make a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator on how we as a town need to recognize this significant milestone,” said Jakoby. “I’m thinking of ways to celebrate the community and to really bring everyone out.”
The Benson Park Advisory Committee is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Cable Access Center.
