Support Holderness Park

Downtown Holderness is growing rapidly with many new private construction and renovation projects. As the town continues to grow, the community would benefit greatly from an outdoor public park area in the center of town. This area would include a natural playground for children, picnic tables, public bathrooms, and provide much needed additional parking.

The property at 832 U.S. Rt. 3 is an ideal candidate for such a park. It is a large 0.77-acre lot in the downtown area that could be transformed into a space the residents of Holderness would be proud of. The building is currently in disarray as the renovation has been abandoned, there is garbage strewn all about the property, and the building has been vacated by all tenants. The property was put up for sale in the summer of 2018 but no transaction was completed.

We are confident that the Town of Holderness, combined with local fundraising efforts, could raise the funds necessary to purchase and transform this property. It is suitably located between the Squam Lake MarketPlace, the Public Library, Walter's Basin Restaurant, and the Post Office on the west side of town, and the Golden Pond Country Store, Squam Lake Inn, and The Manor on Golden Pond on the east side of town. As such, the park would be easily walkable from all areas of downtown Holderness and provide a convenient place for families to enjoy. Current sidewalks on Rt. 3 are already in place to accommodate easy access to the park.

There have been casual discussions about the possibility of this property among residents and town officials in recent years. We fear the time will pass and the opportunity to develop this property for the best interest of the town will be gone if we don't act soon. Holderness Park would make our town a better place for visitors, residents, and businesses alike.

If you are a resident of Holderness and would like the town to investigate the possibility of acquiring and transforming the property at 832 U.S. Rt. 3 into a public space, please show your support and add your name to this petition. Help show our town officials that the residents of Holderness would be in support of this project.

We will be presenting this idea and the results of this petition to the select board on May 28th. Please include your address with signature, and any feedback would be greatly appreciated!