Benjamin J Nessing Memorial Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Benjamin J Nessing Memorial Park is a public park located in the city of Ansonia, Connecticut.


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Summary

The park covers an area of 16 acres and is renowned for its natural beauty and recreational activities.

One of the top reasons to visit the park is its scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Housatonic River and surrounding landscapes. The trails are suitable for all skill levels and provide visitors with ample opportunities to explore and experience nature.

Another key attraction of the park is its well-maintained picnic areas, which are perfect for family outings, group gatherings, and outdoor events. The picnic areas have grills, tables, and benches, making them ideal for barbecues and picnics.

Additionally, the park features a playground, baseball field, and basketball court, which offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to engage in sports and outdoor activities. There is also a small pond in the park that's perfect for fishing and boating.

Interestingly, the park is named after Benjamin J. Nessing, a local hero who served in the United States Army during World War II. Nessing was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.

Finally, the best time to visit Benjamin J Nessing Memorial Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild, and the park is full of lush vegetation and blooming flowers.

Overall, Benjamin J Nessing Memorial Park is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families looking to spend quality time outdoors.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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