Clasky Common Park
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About Clasky Common Park
The City's First Park
New Bedford's first public park dates to 1822, when the town bought this land to serve as a town common - well before better-known green spaces like Buttonwood, Brooklawn and Hazelwood. According to the New Bedford Preservation Society, gardens and walkways were laid out here as early as the 1850s, when much of the surrounding land was still farmland.
The park sits between County Street to the west and Purchase Street to the east. It was known simply as Common Park until it was renamed and dedicated as Clasky Common Park on October 13, 1969.
The Man Behind the Name
The park honors Harold H.J. Clasky, a prominent figure in New Bedford politics. Born in Russia on March 2, 1896, he moved to New Bedford in 1931 after living in Brockton. A graduate of Boston University School of Business, he worked as a life insurance agent and was active in local organizations including the American Legion, the Jewish War Veterans and the Jonah Lodge of B'nai B'rith.
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Clasky served as a New Bedford Councillor-at-Large from 1952 to 1953 and again from 1956 to 1965, then as a Massachusetts State Senator for the 3rd Bristol District from 1965 to 1969. He died in 1969, the same year the park was dedicated in his honor.
A Hillside of Paths and Memorials
The park climbs a hill, with crisscrossing sidewalks, open lawns, plenty of seating and a central statue ringed by a flower garden. The tree-lined slopes don't lend themselves to field sports, but they're pleasant for walking, relaxing or a picnic - and you'll likely have the squirrels for company. Keep an eye out for the park's notable old tree, too.
Several war memorials stand in the park, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial in the southwest corner, and it's a gathering point for community events like the Memorial Day parade.
At the bottom of the hill is a public basketball court, with reservations handled through New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches.
Holiday Lights
Every December, the park is decked out in lights and holiday decorations - a tradition that has drawn families for decades - and an annual tree lighting is held here as part of the celebrations.
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Notable Sights (7)
Points of interest, landmarks, and things to see in this park
Monuments (3)
A monument dedicated in 1989 commemorating Harold Clasky, for whom the park is named.
A war memorial honoring Korean War veterans, situated in the southwest corner of the park and serving as a focal point for community commemorations including Memorial Day events.
Memorials (2)
A military memorial dedicated in 1989 honoring American Lebanese veterans.
A military memorial dedicated in 1989 honoring veterans of the Spanish-American War.
Event (1)
Each December, the park is decorated with lights and seasonal displays, culminating in an annual tree lighting event that has drawn New Bedford families for decades.
Garden (1)
A central statue surrounded by a flower garden sits at the heart of the park, forming the visual centerpiece of the landscaped grounds.
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