Lion Statues to Make Their Return Back to Benson Park

The June 20 meeting of the Benson Park Committee of Hudson opened with an update regarding a set of historic stone lions recently donated to the park.


“There is a woman whose parents had purchased the lions at an auction back in 1991. The lions were originally in Benson Park, and they are cast concrete statues,” explained Committee Chair, Jack Madden. “What we are proposing to do is place them right next to the southwest corner of the kitchen barn area.”
As the lions harkened back to the former Wild Animal Farm, Madden wanted the lions in a spot where they would be visible to visitors. The Benson Park Committee was in the process of finding the best spot for the statues, although it will be up to the Department of Public Works to physically move the heavy lions into place.
“DPW will ultimately make the decision on where they will go and that’s fine with us as long as they don’t block the area around the Elephant Barn structure,” said Natalie Newell from the Friends of Benson Park. “That’s going to be under construction for the next couple of years.”
When completed, the Elephant Barn will be renamed the Benson Museum and Discovery Center.
With the rise of vandalism in the area, members also wanted to keep the statues safe from damage, whether intentional or accidental.
“I like the idea of it being somewhat in the easy viewing from police or just people driving by,” added Vice Chair, Judy Brouillette. “I think we could probably buy some of those lawn signs that say ‘Please do not climb’ and hopefully if parents see the sign, they might be courteous.”
The lions are currently at a home on Highland Street in Hudson.
Member, Gary Willaims, also made a donation of giraffe statues to Benson Park.
“These statues were not original to the park, although the park had giraffes,” said Madden. “It could a nice addition.”
According to Willaims, the statues “need a little work,” possibly including new primer and bodywork. An earlier attempt to repaint the giraffes was unsuccessful.
“We thought they would go great at the playground and then we all decided, talking to a few people, it was not a good idea because everyone’s going to climb on them. They’d be wrecked in a couple of days,” Williams explained. “We were thinking, maybe a fenced in area or an indoor area. I think that would be ideal to protect them.”
The Chair raised the possibility of putting the giraffes inside the Elephant Barn.
“Would it be conducive to help explain the story of the park by showing some of the animals that were in it? Or do you think it’d be too overwhelming?” asked Madden.
Newell was unsure whether there would be enough space.
Committee members expressed interest in moving forward with both animals, although the donations still need formal approval from the Board of Selectmen.

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