|
|
|
Location: Swasey Parkway
Directions: Runs along the Squamscott River in downtown Exeter.
|
| In 1930 Ambrose Swasey donated the land and the funding for Swasey Parkway (although at the time it was not known by that name). He was inspired to donate the land and the money because the river was in great need of a clean up. It had been a shipyard a long time before and garbage was piling up. If nothing was done the river banks would continue to shrink, but it was the depression and no one had the money to fix the problem. |
|
|
|
|
|
This is when Ambrose Swasey donated the money to clean up the river and give the town the land for a public parkway.
The clean up and building of the parkway was completed in November of 1930. Exeter's residents voted to change the name to Swasey Parkway in honor of Ambrose Swasey himself.
|
| Today Swasey Parkway has not changed much, it is still for the public to enjoy, just as it was intended. But there have been a few changes. Like a new pavilion (above) for the Summer Concert Series. |
|
|
|
|
|
There was an old stage there before the pavilion, but the Friends of Swasey Parkway wanted to build a new pavillion. However the estimate was a large sum of money and it only got larger as the project began. Luckily the citizens of Exeter helped out with donations, yardsales, and many other fundraisers. Before long the pavillion was completed and became what it is today. |
| All along the walkway there are benches to sit and enjoy the view. |
|
|
|
|
|
While you are there you may get the chance to see some of the local wildlife out on the river. |
