Frank Stanley Beveridge, the founder of Stanley Home Products fulfilled his lifelong love of nature by creating a refuge of physical and spiritual beauty where people could enjoy gardens, trails, music, educational, sporting and cultural activities in secure and peaceful surroundings, as well as retain a habitat for wildlife. That refuge is Westfield’s own Stanley Park. Originally situated on 25 acres on upper Western Ave., today the park encompasses almost 300 acres, and includes formal gardens, a landmark carillon tower, pavilions, playing fields, a colonial-era village, an ADA-compliant children’s playground, a 200-acre wildlife sanctuary, and a recently completed accessible trail through the Asian Garden.
The park’s 200-acre wildlife sanctuary has been GPS mapped by Westfield State University with trail markers and trail brochures that make the area more easily navigable. Often described as a “public estate,” Stanley Park welcomes guests from throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond. The park hosts civic and cultural events, and in recent years, managing director Victoria Connor has made efforts to broaden, deepen, and diversify community participation by introducing a range of arts, educational, and recreational programming sponsored by the park or in collaboration with other organizations. Notable events are the Sunday Night Concerts, Garden and Nature Workshops, and the popular Friday morning Children’s Series. Having such a beautiful outdoor space in the city draws many Westfield organizations to host events at Stanley Park, including Westfield State University, the City of Westfield, the YMCA, the Westfield Athenaeum, the Boys and Girls Club, and others. Nonprofit organizations in the area use the grounds for fundraising and consciousness- raising events.
According to Connor, what makes Stanley Park special is that it is a free, private, nonprofit park. It is not supported by taxpayer dollars as most parks are. Connor said Stanley Park is the largest, free non-government park east of the Mississippi. “It’s unique,” Connor said. All programs are funded by donations, sponsorships or grants. “Donations help keep all the great programs offered available and the park free to everyone,” she added.
Connor said Stanley Park has a lineup of events planned for the 2025 season, starting with a Whimsical Fairy Walk on opening day, May 3 and May 4. This enchanting two- day event celebrates nature and creativity, offering fun for all ages. The monthly Carillon Concerts will return beginning on Mother’s Day, May 11. The season will also feature six guided park tours, garden and nature workshops, which include bird walks and gardening tips from the Stanley Park greenhouse staff. Several events with a focus on health are planned, including Zumba, Tai Chi, Chakra Dance, and yoga classes, walks around the park, and sound bath meditations.
Stanley Park hosts private events as well – there are four pavilions that can be rented for birthday parties, baby showers, and corporate meetings. The park is a beautiful setting for weddings, with endless photo opportunities. Ceremonies can be held at one of the park’s several scenic spots with receptions at the Beveridge Pavilion, which includes a state-of-the-art kitchen. For a more rustic look, there is the Pavilion Annex. The recreation field is also available to rent for sporting events.
There are so many unique features about Stanley Park, Connor said. In particular, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary with miles of trails for a pleasant hike through peaceful woods and along the Little River. Visit the Stanley Park website for an interactive map to view all the trails and points of interest along the way. A complete list of events and other park information is on the website as well. “Every day I am inspired by the park’s natural beauty and the joy it brings to our visitors. It is incredibly rewarding to see families, friends, and individuals connect with nature and create lasting memories here,” Connor said.
What makes Stanley Park special is that it is a free, private, nonprofit park. It is not supported by taxpayer dollars as most parks are