I prefer to sat Twenty-Twenty-WON! We are bound and determined to WIN this year. The last year has been hard on everyone and that includes the park. We stepped back about 4 years as fr as the financials go and that says a lot. 
I arrived here on March 16th, 2016 and the date rings strong for me in many ways. March is a tumultuous month for weather and the park's financial condition reflected that state. I am not being coy when I say the park was certainly in jeopardy of closing at that time. We were staggering payments for oil and electricity to get through that winter. Much of the condition, if you recall, was fading and it wasn't because the park didn't want to, but couldn't. They had fought back and breathed life back into the museum with so much sweat equity of the "Friends of Harrybrooke" who were a group of dedicated volunteers. The money raised from that was truly collective of that group who all contributed personally. It was the foundation of what would begin when I arrived. Had it not been for those Friends, we likely would have closed the gates before I had even arrived.
Also the date of 3/16 reflects me to 3:16. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The piece that grabs me is "eternal life." I believe it's our job as a generation, to care for Harrybrooke Park. To preserve this park for the next generation and they for the following and so on. 
While Frank Harden tried to prepare his former estate to live on as a park for all to enjoy, the financial times of 1965 and for 2021 are far different. Now we must have our events and fundraise in order to make the dream continue. 
Now 2020 didn't beat us, but it beat us up, that's for sure. We intend to bounce back and allow a place for your children and grandchildren to learn to ride their bikes, for family picnics and for exploring the river trail and learning about nature. 
I al so very proud of the work over the last (almost) five years here. We have collected about 10,000 hours/year, EACH year, in volunteer hours. We have created events that have made us all laugh and workouts to better ourselves. We have been inclusive of other nonprofits and helped them collectively. 
Harrybrooke is again a part of the community as intended in Frank Harden's Will. If you grew up here, you likely have a story or two about Harrybrooke. It has changed and not changed. It is the same as when I was a kid and so much more now. 
In the next 361 days, I hope you will come by for a walk, an event, and if you're lucky, even a wedding. We are fighting every single day to remain open for your enjoyment. For fresh air and exercise. For your children and grandchildren. For those struggling with life's concerns. we are here as a refuge from "real life." Most importantly, we are here for you because you have allowed that to happen with attending events or making donations. 
Harrybrooke is the PEOPLE'S PARK and it remains so because of such an outstanding community of people. We are forever grateful and hope to show you that among the 48 acres here. 
​Happy New Year. 

Some may know that Harden House Museum is listed with the Connecticut state register of historic places. Within you will find thousands of treasures, each screaming with a story of art, life and sincere interest and intrinsic value. While the majority of the art, furniture and collections of the museum are original to the Hardens themselves, on rare occasion we are thrilled to add a piece to the museum.
Today is one of those days and it comes with a lovely story. 
First and foremost let us thank Mr. Joe Cats who donated this piece from his personal and private collection. Mr. Cats sits as President of New Milford Historical Society. His deep love and general curiosity of the town's history (both bold and quiet) makes him an asset to the historical preservation of this town. What's more is his love for sharing this history with you and me and frankly any person who shows the interest. I have had MANY lengthy conversations with Joe where we could each teach the other something and more so, Joe has taught me quite a bit more. Today he teaches us of the Wannopee Pottery Company which was here in New Milford in the early 1900's. Much of their pottery gained recognition as "lettuce leaf" pottery made famous by Mrs. Jackie Kennedy owning quite a few pieces while in her stay at the White House. 

First and foremost we hope that this finds you and your family safe. This is paramount in every decision made ... safety first.
Many people have called, emailed, facebooked (is that a word?) and stopped us in the park to inquire about our efforts. We appreciate the conversations. Completely! Communication is critical to any smooth operation. your questions have mostly surrounded our being open and the social distancing within the park so we thought we would share a few points to keep you as safe as we can.

1. The only way for all of us to be completely safe from exposure is to simply stay home. Have food delivered and keep yourself away from as many other humans as possible. Quarantine is effective in fighting a highly contagious viral spread. 
2. Physical fitness is incredibly important to keeping your healthy in mind, body and spirit. With 48-acres, we offer a tremendous amount of space for you to walk, run, ride a bike or even to do your workout outdoors. 
3. Fresh air is quite effective for your overall healthy life. The fresh air provided in the park, as long as you stay away from other humans, is wonderful for you, both mentally and physically. 
4. Bring your mask. The Governor has asked everyone to wear a mask that can't be 6-feet away from other people. Most of the time here, you can easily do that. Just in case you might feel uncomfortable of people being close, you should have your face covering with you. 
5. IF you show up and say "there are too many cars" we'd like you to keep two things in mind. One, it IS 48-acres and people spread out rapidly here. 20 cars in the front lot looks packed but it's really not.  Two, you're welcome to drive through the park to see just how busy it is and make the decision to stay or go. you determine if it's right for you and you can always come back later on, or the next day. 
6. Finally, nature brings a smile to so many of us. A walk in the park can make you happier. Spring is here and flowers are blooming. The trees are budding. It's a very happy place for so many people. Share that joy with a smile or a wave. It goes. long way for someone who may be facing some issues being locked in most of the time. 

We understand that the park is important to many of you as it is to us. We want people to enjoy it. Our volunteers and staff are working hard to ensure it is safe and beautiful for you. We are limited in what we are able to DO at this time, but rest assured your safety and enjoyment (in that order) are our first priorities here in Harrybrooke Park.
Stay healthy, stay safe and God bless. 

This is difficult for some and easy for others. For huggers, let's face it, this is Dante's new 9th level of hell. But we are doing this for the greater good. I won't get into decisions or politics about this. It's not the place for it. I want to talk about why the park is, well, essential. 
My Grandmother always used to say "Go get some fresh air. Nothing is better for you than fresh air." She's right. A walk, a hike ... fresh air and some light exercise is good for you in so many ways. We have to keep moving and walking circles in our livings rooms while binge watching Netflix is the mind and cardio equivalent of chewing sugarfree gum. Theres nothing there. Just flappin your jaw. 
Two, turn off that phone when you do. A lot of people walk the park with earbuds and music or a good podcast (I know a few myself that I love) but it's so important to just take it all in one in a while. We have red-shoulder hawks that you can hear call to their young. The rumble of the train going by or even the sound of the wind in the trees holds different emotions for us all. Take it in. 
Three, the park is a place to gather your thoughts. When you take that walk, run or even bike ride, you have time to yourself to sort things out. Yes, these are stressful times but we are all working through it together. Our minds will accept it as we choose to perceive it. Maybe we can take it as a forced reconciliation with ourselves. Or the unplug from everything and everyone for a bit and see where we are in life and take inventory on what is most important. think it through, take a couple deep clean breaths ... it's going to be ok. 
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be kind. Yes your smile when walking by someone else means something. They are struggling too and it shows them they're not alone. Some of you are in a house with kids and joy (and madness for sure) and a spouse. Others are alone and trying to stay safe and calm. your smile can mean a whole lot to someone struggling with this. Kindness is free and empowering. Share it like fresh air.
We are going to be alright. Never let the stress of things you can't control effect your happiness, your health or your spirit. Be well, friends ... this too shall pass. 

Coming off of a mild winter, it's odd to say "thaw" in this situation, isn't it? While the park is usually under ice and water or snow at this point, today the sun shines. I couldn't be much more grateful for that but it's also a reflection of things being a bit different here in the park as we begin 2020. 
As most of you know the staff here is pretty small and you grow to know us pretty well. When you have a staff of three and you lose one, that's a big change. When you lose two it's a rebuild. It's like a sports team rebuilding their starting lineup. Let me explain.
Jim Bannan, our groundskeeper and caregiver for over ten years has made the decision to retire and move to NY with family. He has been a big part of the park for a long time and if you don't know Jim by name, you likely saw him or his grey van on the grounds over the years. Jim left earlier this month and we wish him all the best in his semi-retirement. 
Also, Lindsey, our event coordinator has moved on be a full time wedding coordinator in NY. It's from part time to full tim and she is working full time now in this new endeavor. Again, all is well and we wish her the very best. 
So we had some work to do. Replacing two hardworking people is a task. The park needs to look beautiful and the events must go on, right? We need to pay for the pretty part. It's a vicious circle of sorts. We needed to find really good people who were willing to jump in, head first ... and the water is chilly!
Welcome Arielle Barker and Craig Reardon to the fold. Arielle assumes multiple responsibilities internally. While I wear many hats, it's helpful to have a right hand here as the Office Manager and Asst. Events Coordinator. A New Milford native, Arielle brings energy, youth and organizational skills that most certainly help the park in so many ways.
Craig is a skilled carpenter and all around talented handyman who will be moving into the park and will be on grounds a lot. So if you see a new face driving the golf cart around the park, it's likely Craig and you will certainly be greeted. 
Arielle and Craig bring fresh faces and some sunshine on their own. It brings a new feel to the park and a breath of fresh air. Two new people with a fire and energy to make things great truly inspires me to do more and be more too. 
So where is the park for 2020?

• I am working on new events and fund raisers for the park now.
  
• We have more weddings booked than any year previously. 
• We are addressing new projects an major renovations.
• We are addressing long term concerns.

Most of all, we are having a blast! The park is and should always bring a smile to your face if you work here or visit here. There's a buzz and an excitement for 2020 that I haven't felt in a couple years here. Events are being rebranded, and new events are hitting that we hope you all enjoy and want to be a part of as well. 
Please take a moment to welcome the two new members of our park family on your next visit. They are excited and it IS contagious. I mean it's no Corona virus, but it's pretty catchy! 
​See you all soon!

Spring brings so very many wonderful treats to all of us. The birds are singing. The flowers are blooming, right? April showers bring May flowers. The saying holds true but what if it's no April showers but March showers that didn't stop through April and never drained the winter snow. Oh and eight floods of the park after Labor Day 2018?  To put it kindly, we are wet. 
Originally, back in the 1940's when Frank Harden built the park (as then a home and weekend retreat from New York City) the South end of the park was basically wetlands. A big swamp. Much of the land was filled in with loads of dirt delivered daily to the property. It may sound crazy by today's standards but back then, it would have been regular practice, reasonable and acceptable.
The funny thing about our dear friend Mother Nature is that she reclaims what is hers. One way or another and at her own pace. So after almost 80 years, she is now reclaiming HER park a bit with all of this rain. We get it, we understand and respect her completely and we ask that you do the same. Be careful where you park and even walk at times.
The park is wet. The park is gorgeous and green but the grass will be a bit high until we can actually mow it. The ground is just too soft to get the machines on it. So while we apologize for some of the overgrown appearance it is certainly not for a lack of trying or neglect. It is simply Mother Nature telling us to wait it out. So we will wait and address the growth when we can. We are sure that you understand what's going on but if you have questions, Mother Nature is readily available. :) 
​At least it's green, growing and not cold, right? 

Growing up in New Milford, I heard kids making fun of our "bodunk" town. It always stung to hear the Danbury kids call us a cow town for whatever reason. I could tell they were trying to insult us in some way, but I never really could figure out why that was a put down. Cows rock. I love milk and ice cream and cheese. I guess they don't. I dunno! I was proud at a young age of our town because it's simply pretty amazing. Or as we'd say in the 80's it was "totally awesome, dude." And y'know what? It still is totally awesome. 

We have our Spring cleanup here this weekend. I was involved in my first Spring Cleanup at the park about 8 or 9 years ago which is long before I worked here. I am still amazed to see our friends and neighbors (odd that we separate those isn't it?) show up with rakes and leaf-blowers and help clean up the park. I get it, people are busy and it's Spring so every yard and house needs that cleaning to get that stench of Winter behind us. I'm not being flip when I tell you it brings a tear to my eye and I literally get goosebumps when I see families showing up to put a little sweat equity into "The People's Park." I have had to stop and collect myself as it's overwhelming to see what an amazing community we are all a part of.  Yes, I ended that sentence with a preposition. It happens. 

April is such an interesting month. The cold snaps and the sun comes back out to get it all going again. Flowers begin to pop up and the energy level simply rises, like a morning sun. It's a beautiful month. The Clean-up really kicks off what was always considered "park season" around here. The egg hunt has grown into something far bigger than we had ever dreamed of and last year welcomed over 600 kids. Every kid got a book and had the chance to meet with the Easter Bunny. No one "missed the fun" or was turned away. it was truly a joy to see. As a private park, we do not receive help from the town in cleanup or in funding so it's really difficult to maintain a 48-acre park on a smaller budget with growing expenses. Our community is responsible for our success. And what is success? Success is a safe, clean and natural place for activity. That's how I see it anyway for us. And I believe in that regard, we truly are successful, but we also need so much help. 

At the end of the month, we are taking part once again in Give Local. This is a 36-hour online donation event. A bunch of Western CT takes part in this event and some don't know what it really is. To break it down to simple terms, the CT Community Foundation organizes this event where every donation made by someone in the public is met by a percentage of matching dollars from some large corporate sponsors. In the past we have received about 12% more in each donation. So if someone gives $50, we receive $56. It doesn't sound huge, but it IS because it all adds up. We hope that you consider a small (or large) donation to Harrybrooke Park this year to help us maintain that "success" I mentioned earlier. And yes, we hope you contribute to other groups that you hold close to your heart. I know that I do, and we can all give a little to make a BIG LOCAL difference. 

So what is this community? It's not just the tangibles. It's all of the intangibles. It's the giving of sweat equity. It's including your kids to help clean up their park. It IS a small contribution financially when you can spare it.  A community is people coming together for one another and giving us all those goosebumps that are a sign from the universe that we are simply getting it right. Thank you all for your continued support. It does NOT fall on deaf ears. It is greatly appreciated ... and yeah, peacocks should be here very very soon :)

The first day of Spring and it feels like we have hit the ground running. Harrybrooke Park is lit with bright sunshine as the wake-up call to the entire place saying "It's SHOWTIME!" I have to say, boy is it ever. We have loads to do and can't wait to dive in. The last 6-8 months have been quite challenging and let me share a bit of what's going on. 

I have recently spoken with our friends at Candlewood Valley Country Club (just across the lovely Still River) who are facing many of the challenges that we are. Since Labor Day we have faced 8 floods of the park and many of them froze over. Tremendous amounts of water and ice can truly cause damage and they have. It will take us some time to recover and we ask for your patience in this process. 

The good news? Well I'm so very glad you asked!

• We will be repairing the crossover road by the pond in the coming weeks.
  
• We expect to complete the paving on the river trail this Spring.
  
•  Trees! We have had some severe tree damage in this time and cleanup is ongoing.
• Final construction details on peacock shed are being completed for their arrival. 
• Patio furniture is being returned for Museum events. STUNNING!

This is a taste of what's in store in the next couple months. It's not everything but it's a start and we are excited to see ALL of the park bloom, in so many different ways. This is the time of year that fires us up. The awakening. The re-birth. The return from slumber. Welcome back to Harrybrooke Park. 

The rumors are true, and the majestic peacock (and a peahen) are returning to Harrybrooke Park for the first time in about 30 years! 
I get asked almost daily "When will the park bring the peacocks back?" Well I have been here about 2 and a half years now so that's a lot of asks! I am so proud ... proud as a peacock ... to shout to the word, they are on their way back home to Harrybrooke Park.
What's even more amazing is that they will return to the place where they once were as well. The original peacock shed will once again house our feathered friends. 
Ok so here's the "catch" from our wonderful board of managers to make this happen. We must receive support from the public in order to keep them. We will need volunteers to help feed and care for the birds and this will also take earmarked dollars contributed to the birds' care. Both time and money are necessary to keep them here. 
Simply click the link below and you can drop us a donation:
http://www.harrybrookepark.org/donate.html
It's that easy. 
If you'd prefer to give time, it is certainly of equal value and simply respond to this and we will put your name down as a peacock volunteer. 
Thank you for all of the peacock love and support and know that all of those inquiries are what made this happen. Your continued support will keep them here.