Watson Park

Watson Park is the generous gift of Harold and Barbara Watson.  This park was formally dedicated in 2010 for the purpose of protecting and maintaining open space in a natural atmosphere for the people of Merrimack to enjoy a tranquil outdoor setting in Merrimack’s Town Center. Bounded on the south by the Souhegan River and on the east by Baboosic Brook, Watson Park is the anchor for the planned trail system leading west along the Souhegan and north along Baboosic Brook.  A master plan has been developed for the Park with spaces set aside to tell the long history of its industrial past, as well as generous room for informal recreation. 

NEW RIVER TRAIL TO WILDCAT FALLS

A trail along the Souhegan River was opened in September 2024 that connects Watson Park to the Wildcat Falls Conservation Area. From the entrance at Watson Park, the trail is 0.4 miles to the Highway. It’s then another 0.2 miles to follow the river trail to the dog beach (this is the trail that is not on any Wildcat maps). From there, you connect to the Falls Loop trail and it’s another 0.2 miles to the Falls. The trail falls under the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission who is currently working to update their trail maps. Visit their website here. 

PARK AMENITIES:

• Picnic Pavilion 
• Picnic Tables
• Charcoal Grills
• Seasonal Ice Skating Rink (Winter Only)
• 3 Beach Volleyball Courts for drop in use only. (Open now) Leagues Prohibited by ordinance.
• Gaga Ball Pit
• Scenic River Views
• Butterfly Garden
• 2 Children's Hopscotch Courts
• Open space for passive recreation areas

The Pavilion at Watson Park was build by the Rotary Club of Merrimack who donated the Pavilion to the Town. The pavilion is a great space to host small weddings, birthday parties, or other seasonal outdoor events. 

Watson Park Pavilion is available for reservations from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm each day (subject to time of sunset). 

We now offer the ability to submit requests to use the Watson Park Pavilion online. There is no fee associated with renting the Park &  Bandstand, however reservations are required to avoid overlapping  events. Requests must be submitted at least 7 days in advance. You can either click on the link to the right to submit them online or you can click here to download Watson Park Pavilion Rental Application and submit it to the Parks & Recreation Department for approval. 
 

General Park Rules & Regulations:  

• Rental of the Pavilion is for the Pavilion Area only and does not allow for exclusive use of the rest of Watson Park.   
• No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed.     
• Firearms are prohibited.      
• All animals must be leased or caged while in the Park.      
• Nails and/or tacks are prohibited inside the bandstand. Any decorations must be tied off and then fully removed at the end of the event.     
• Additional tents may not be setup inside the Park.  
•  We do not allow bouncy houses to be set up in the Park.  
• Digging in the dirt is strictly prohibited.   
• Candles are not allowed inside the Pavilion.    
• At the the end of the event, renter is responsibility for cleaning up the Pavilion area and returning it to the condition it was when you arrived.   
• Large scale events may be required, at your expense, to arrange for a police presence at your event. You will be notified of this requirement prior to the permit being issued.   
• There is one Porta Potty available at Watson Park which is cleaned twice per week.   

 Parking Rules:

• The parking lot is limited to approximately 40 - 45 designated parking spaces (depending on how closely cars park next to each other). 
• Parking in the lot is on a first come first serve basis. We do not reserve parking spaces for your event.
• Cars are prohibited from parking on sidewalks, lawns, blocking other vehicles in or blocking the entrance or maintenance gate at the end of the parking lot.
• Cars parked illegally will be ticketed and towed. 
• If the parking lot is full; patrons may not park in nearby private businesses; on Daniel Webster Highway; on Loop Road or on Woodbury Street. Cars who illegally park in these areas may be ticketed or towed. 

Watson Park Master Plan Map

Access to the river is down a steep slope and done so at your own risk. This trail down to the river is not ADA Accessible.

The Souhegan Watershed Association is now conducting Water Quality Tests for E.Coli Bacteria on the river at Watson Park every two weeks during the summer months.  The following scale dictates whether it is safe to go into the water based on the test results.

• Blue Flag - E.Coli levels below 88: Water Quality Acceptable for Swimming
• Yellow Flag - E.Coli levels between 88 to 126: Water Quality Advisory = Swimming not advised for children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Do not ingest water and shower after going into the water. 
• Red Flag - E.Coli levels between 126 - 406: Water Quality Advisory in effect. Swimming not recommended due to risk of increased illness. Do not ingest water, shower after swimming, wash hands before eating. Children, elderly or those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. 
• Black Flag - E.Coli levels over 406: Absolutely no swimming or wading due to risk of illness. Exposure to this water may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever. 

The results of the Water Quality Test conducted on 6/24/25 is 111.2 which is a Yellow Flag Warning with risk for E.Coli if you swim in the water.