The Hooksett Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting on March 21, 2025, sparked a lively discussion about the historical significance of local parks, particularly Lambert's Park and its connection to the community's heritage. Committee members emphasized the importance of preserving historical names and identities, with one member stating, "As long as we keep the name Lambert, that's the most important."
The conversation delved into the history of Denati Park and Frasier Park, with members recalling their personal experiences and the origins of these spaces. One participant noted that Frasier Park was once known as Lincoln Park, a name tied to the local mill workers who were given land to build homes. This historical context was crucial as the committee considered how to honor the past while making decisions about park names.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of naming, with members debating whether to adopt names like "The Village" or "Dundee Landing" to reflect the area's history. One member expressed a preference for "The Village," stating, "That's always been the village," highlighting the community's deep-rooted connections to these names.
As the meeting progressed, the committee acknowledged the role of the historical society in preserving these narratives, with one member affirming, "They want to bring out the historical significance." The committee's deliberations underscored the importance of community identity and the desire to maintain a connection to the past as they navigate future developments.
The meeting concluded without a formal vote, but the discussions indicated a strong inclination towards honoring historical names and the stories they represent. The committee's next steps will likely involve further exploration of these names and their significance to the Hooksett community.