Visitors to Benson Park could soon see updated maps, improved trailhead kiosks and new points of interest highlighted throughout the property as the Benson Park Advisory Committee reviews revisions designed to make the park easier to navigate and more accessible for visitors.
At its most recent meeting, the committee discussed plans to update the park’s maps and informational kiosks, including changes to trail information, park amenities and visitor guidelines.
“We’ve talked about changing the kiosk map, ‘Dos and Don’ts,’ and changing the signs in the park,” explained Chair Sue Clement. “One of the big things we’ve been talking about is creating a map that includes the same trails along with points of interest. That’s where things have changed.”
Among the proposed updates is the addition of Hudson’s Firefighter Memorial to the park map, as well as nearby destinations such as the senior center to help visitors better orient themselves within the area.
“We also asked for the bathrooms to be added,” said Clement. “Basically, the maps are a little more colorful and a little more updated with what we have in the park. We’ll have them sealed so they’re not going to get ruined or weathered over the years, and we’ll have the same ‘Dos and Don’ts’ list using icons so people who can’t read English can still understand the rules.”
The “Dos and Don’ts” list outlines expectations for park visitors, including staying on marked trails and avoiding feeding wildlife.
Committee members also discussed where the updated maps would be placed throughout the park.
“Are you just putting the map at the main entrance, or are you replacing them throughout the park?” asked committee member Matthew Pelletier.
Clement indicated that the initial plan focuses on entrances, though she agreed that additional locations throughout the park could benefit from updated maps.
The discussion then shifted to unofficial trails that have emerged over the years, creating questions about which pathways should appear on official park maps.
“I remember that a few years ago there was a new connection from the Haselton Trail to a nearby development,” said committee member Jan Horvath. “You can get to the apartment development from the trail, and it was never officially acknowledged.”
Horvath noted that the pathway appeared to have developed informally, prompting debate among committee members over what should be recognized as an official trail. Some unofficial paths have even conflicted with the park’s intended design, including one near the main parking lot where a fence was reportedly knocked down to create a shortcut.
“The trails work was all done by volunteers,” said Pelletier. “At the entrances to the Oakdale Condominiums, there was some controversy about access when it first opened. There was supposed to be a barrier so people couldn’t get into the park from that side, but they kind of ignored it. I think they created their own trail.”
Committee members acknowledged that additional development near the park could lead to more informal pathways in the future, creating an ongoing need to monitor trail conditions and visitor access.
“That’s something we’ll have to keep track of,” said Clement. “But over the years, there might be more things added.”
The current Benson Park map is available on the Town of Hudson website.
The next Benson Park Advisory Committee meeting is set for Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the HCTV Center Meeting Room.
