Mine Falls Park facts for kids
Mine Falls Park is a large, 325-acre (132 ha) park in Nashua, New Hampshire. It is right in the middle of the city. The park was bought in 1969. Money for the park came from the city and a special federal fund. The Nashua River forms the park's northern border. A millpond and power canal system are on its southern side.
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Discovering Mine Falls Park
Mine Falls Park covers 325 acres (132 ha) of land. It is split by the Everett Turnpike highway. The name "Mine Falls" comes from the 1700s. People thought low-quality lead was mined from an island near the falls back then.
How the Park's Water Power Helped Nashua Grow
In the early 1800s, people saw how powerful the Nashua River could be. They learned this after the Merrimack Canal was built in the 1820s. That canal was in Lowell, about ten miles downstream. In Nashua, workers dug a 3-mile-long (5 km) canal. They used shovels and mules to do this hard work. This canal made the water drop 36 feet (11 m). This drop was perfect for powering mills.
The first water gates were built in 1826. The gatehouse near Mine Falls was built in 1886. All of this land once belonged to the Nashua Manufacturing Company. This company used the river's power for its mills. These mills were located downstream on Factory Street.
From Mills to a City Park
The mills closed in 1948. The owner, Textron, sold the land to a local group. This group was called the Nashua, New Hampshire Foundation. After the mills closed, the area was used for different businesses. The river itself became very polluted.
In 1973, the Environmental Protection Agency visited the park. Their visit helped create a plan for Mine Falls Park in 1974. This plan aimed to clean up and improve the park.
Building Sports Fields and Bridges
Later, two old sewage lagoons were cleaned up. They were turned into a regulation-sized soccer field. In 1981, a new footbridge was built. It crossed the Nashua River canal at Whipple Street. This bridge made it easier to reach the new playing fields. Before, you had to hike a long way to get there.
The playing area has grown a lot since then. Today, it has seven playing fields. These fields are used for baseball, soccer, and lacrosse. In 1986, the playing area was named after Alan H. Soifert. He was a staff sergeant who passed away in 1983.
Fun Activities at Mine Falls Park
Visitors from all over New Hampshire and Massachusetts enjoy the park. There are many fun things to do. You can go walking, boating, or fishing. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing. Biking is also very popular on the trails.
The park's trails go under the highway. They also offer the only bike and walking path across the Nashua River. This path is west of Main Street.
Park's Historic Importance
In 1987, the Nashua River Canal and the Nashua Manufacturing Company Historic District were recognized. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites.
In 1992, the park's trails became part of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail system. This trail system is 130 miles (210 km) long. It follows the Merrimack River from Massachusetts all the way to Canada.
Today, Mine Falls is home to a small hydroelectric dam. It is owned by the city and managed by Algonquin Power. This dam can produce 3 megawatts of electricity.
Cross Country Championships
Since 2005, Mine Falls Park has hosted a big event. It is the site of the New Hampshire high school cross country championships. Student athletes from across the state come to compete here.
Images for kids
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Inspectors from DOCUMERICA looking at the granite walls of the Nashua River power canal in June, 1973.
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The former sewage lagoons in 1973, which are now the Soifert Memorial playing fields.
