While everyone in Newburyport and the surrounding area has likely heard of Maudslay State Park, do we really use the 483 acres of land to the best of our abilities?
Even though we now use these lands for recreational purposes, it was once a place that investment banker Frederick Strong Mosely and his family called home. After traveling to America from England in the early 1600s, the family purchased the land and surrounding property in the 1860s to create a large estate that they named Maudsleigh. While the sprawling property once held two mansions, a castle, greenhouses, gardens, stables, and several other buildings, they have since been destroyed or fallen down. Even though the park may not hold the same manicured beauty that it once did during its heyday, there is a magic to it that still remains today.
The gardens continue to grow and are maintained beautifully by a non-profit committee, stone bridges offer lookout points to reflecting waters, and paths are lined with flourishing trees and flowers.
I have been visiting this park for as long as I can remember. Whether it was going on walks with my dog, summer camp at Theater in the Open, school trips, or field days, Maudslay has always been in my life. But when I joined cross country my Sophomore year at Newburyport High School, my perception of Maudslay changed from a place where I had wandered a few of its paths, to a place where I could navigate its in and outs in a new way. Being there daily for almost three months gives you a different perspective, and a new appreciation for this land that we were given. A huge part of the reason that I enjoy the cross country season so much is because I get to spend my afternoons running through the multitude of trails as the leaves on trees start to turn hues of orange and red, the water in the Merrimack River ripples, and deer browse in open fields.
Luckily, you don’t even need to participate in cross country to witness the beauty of this park yourself. All you need is a pair of walking shoes, and some time to wander. Wander through the gardens, the woods, stop by the water, and take a beat to recognize how special of a place we have right in our town.
Especially as Fall is in full swing, Maudslay is the perfect place to take your next walk, run, bike ride, picnic, or even horseback ride in the crisp air.
There is so much to take in and discover throughout this land. Although I have been there too many times to count, I still find myself coming across hidden paths, new wildlife, and plants that I had never seen before.
Even as I laced up my running shoes for past seasons of cross country, I felt at ease knowing that even though I might have to push through a grueling race, the magic of Maudslay would help ease the pain.
I hope that you can find that magic too.