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. 

PARK AMENITIES:

• Picnic Pavilion available for reservation
• Picnic Tables
• Charcoal Grills
• Seasonal Ice Skating Rink (Winter Only)
• 3 Beach Volleyball Courts for drop in use only. Leagues Prohibited by ordinance.
• 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. Interested parties must fill out the Watson Park Pavilion Rental Application and submit it to the Parks & Recreation Department for approval. There is no fee associated with renting the pavilion but please be sure to review the parks rules and regulations to make sure it will work for your event. 

Rules & Regulations: 

• Rental  of the Pavilion is for the Pavilion Area only and does not allow for exclusive use of Watson Park. 
• Park Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hours after sunset.
• No glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and firearms.
• Nails and/ or tacks are prohibited at the Pavilion, any decorations must be tired or taped. 
• Applicant is responsible for cleaning up and disposing of trash generated by the rental.
• ​There is one Porta Potty available at Watson Park which is cleaned twice per week. 

Three new beach volleyball courts were added to Watson Park in July 2019.   These are free and open for public use.  Reservations will not be accepted for their use.  Due to deed restrictions, organized leagues will not be scheduled on these courts. 

In April 2020; lights were added to the Beach Volleyball Courts which will also provide lighting in the winter for Ice Skating. 

 Parking Rules:

• The parking lot is limited to approximately 40 - 45 designated parking spaces (depending on how closely cars park next to each other). 
• 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

Even though there is not an official swimming area at Watson Park, a number of people do swim in the river adjacent to Watson Park. Water quality samples are taken on a weekly basis beginning in June and continuing thru August of each year to ensure it is safe for swimming and results are sent to the NH Department of Environmental Services. 

The results of the weekly water quality test results for Aug 7this as follows:

The Souhegan River at Watson Park is: 53 (Blue Flag)