Brooksvale Park

The land that is now Brooksvale Park was once part of a farm owned by the Brooks family, who settled in the area in the early 18th century.

In the early 20th century, the Brooks family began selling off parts of their land, and in 1958, the Town of Hamden purchased the remaining 54 acres to create a public park.

The park also has a playground, athletic fields, picnic areas, and a pavilion that can be rented for private events.

[3] The park's nature center, located in a historic barn on the property, offers educational programs and exhibits on the local flora and fauna.

The center features live animals, including snakes, turtles, and birds of prey, and offers guided hikes and other activities throughout the year.

The farm features a variety of animals, including cows, sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, and horses.

The farm also sells fresh produce and eggs, as well as locally made products such as honey and maple syrup.

[6] In the fall, the park hosts a harvest festival, featuring hayrides, pumpkin decorating, and other seasonal activities.

[8] During the 1950s and 1960s, the park gained popularity for its unique addition of a ski slope, which attracted many recreational enthusiasts.

[9][10][11] Although the ski slope is no longer operational, visitors to the park can still see the remnants of its infrastructure, including portions of the rope tow that transported skiers to the top of the hill.

[12] Also, in the many winter families bring young children with sleds and snow saucers to slide on the park's athletic fields.

Defunct tow rope pulley