Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden
Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden
4
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- Dover Transportation Center • 5 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
4 reviews
Excellent
0
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,583 contributions
May 2020
Out in downtown Dover on some errands, I paused halfway through my list for some fresh air and some walking. I visited the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden to see what, if anything, new had blossomed or had been planted since my last visit.
I entered via the walkway adjacent to 400 Central Avenue. There is another access walkway from the Orchard Street Parking Lot.
First, I paused by Lorraine’s Corner, a small garden named for Lorraine Goren, who owned Farnham’s Department Store that was once located on the other side of the river. Since the garden was created, I’ve always thought it was a nice tribute to her to preserve the memory of her. It’s a garden with plantings associated with contemplation, meditation, and healing.
There is a curious, tall metal sculpture that spins in the wind. It always holds my attention for a few minutes.
In the nearby garden, all the daffodils were out.
Along the path, several bushes were in bloom. The only one I could identify with certainty was the forsythia. I think another might have been bougainvillea.
On the way back, I decided to sit on a black metal bench. I happened to notice the plaque and its inscription. It had lyrics from a song by Tommy Makem, the world-famous Irish folk singer who was also a Dover resident. It was a quote from his “Sing Me The Old Songs” about sweet wine flowing, laughter ringing, and old friends gathered around.
Next, I went around to the other side close to Chestnut Street to see what was there. This area had more benches and some flower beds. The section near the Japanese Garden was being worked on.
I was hoping that the Cocheco Butterfly Rhododendron and/or the Cocheco Big Girl Rhododendron might be starting to bloom, but it was a little early. These got their name from the adjacent Cocheco River for which many things in the city are named. These rhododendrons were developed by master gardener Joe B. Parks, a noted breeder of hybrid azaleas and rhododendrons.
This garden is a little oasis of peace and quiet in Downtown Dover.
Most of this park is wheelchair accessible. There are some shallow, widely-spaced steps down into Lorraine’s Corner, but much of that area is visible from the walkway above and behind it.
I rate the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden and Lorraine’s Corner at 4.50 and recommend a visit when in Dover’s downtown.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
I entered via the walkway adjacent to 400 Central Avenue. There is another access walkway from the Orchard Street Parking Lot.
First, I paused by Lorraine’s Corner, a small garden named for Lorraine Goren, who owned Farnham’s Department Store that was once located on the other side of the river. Since the garden was created, I’ve always thought it was a nice tribute to her to preserve the memory of her. It’s a garden with plantings associated with contemplation, meditation, and healing.
There is a curious, tall metal sculpture that spins in the wind. It always holds my attention for a few minutes.
In the nearby garden, all the daffodils were out.
Along the path, several bushes were in bloom. The only one I could identify with certainty was the forsythia. I think another might have been bougainvillea.
On the way back, I decided to sit on a black metal bench. I happened to notice the plaque and its inscription. It had lyrics from a song by Tommy Makem, the world-famous Irish folk singer who was also a Dover resident. It was a quote from his “Sing Me The Old Songs” about sweet wine flowing, laughter ringing, and old friends gathered around.
Next, I went around to the other side close to Chestnut Street to see what was there. This area had more benches and some flower beds. The section near the Japanese Garden was being worked on.
I was hoping that the Cocheco Butterfly Rhododendron and/or the Cocheco Big Girl Rhododendron might be starting to bloom, but it was a little early. These got their name from the adjacent Cocheco River for which many things in the city are named. These rhododendrons were developed by master gardener Joe B. Parks, a noted breeder of hybrid azaleas and rhododendrons.
This garden is a little oasis of peace and quiet in Downtown Dover.
Most of this park is wheelchair accessible. There are some shallow, widely-spaced steps down into Lorraine’s Corner, but much of that area is visible from the walkway above and behind it.
I rate the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Garden and Lorraine’s Corner at 4.50 and recommend a visit when in Dover’s downtown.
If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
Written 25 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHjo
Saco, ME14,420 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
I took a photo of the riverwalk and park while shopping downtown. It was a beautiful and abnormally warm day (60 degrees in early December), and there was no snow yet. The historic tangerine-colored mansion in the background is a riverwalk landmark.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHjo
Saco, ME14,420 contributions
Mar 2023
While shopping in Dover, I passed by the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk and Garden. It was covered in snow but very scenic on a sunny day of bright blue sky and warming temperatures. In the spring and fall, the gardens are gorgeous.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
patriot the penguin
293 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Nice quick walk
Seems a little sketchy at times
Overgrown trees blocking the Riverview where the benches are.
Trees need trimming
Seems a little sketchy at times
Overgrown trees blocking the Riverview where the benches are.
Trees need trimming
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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