About Us:

First, A Little History
The first Bristol Park is perhaps our best known: Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park. On October 11, 1940, the Federal Government transferred the 4.1 acre site (except the tower and the underlying 1750 square feet of property) to the Town of Bristol. The acquisition came with a stipulation: that the property be used as a public park, and be available for recreational, educational and research pursuits. It was a responsbility the town gladly undertook. For the park's first 17 years, its day to day operations were supervised by the Bristol Board of Selectmen.

That changed in 1957 with the acquisition of the seven acre park at Pemaquid Beach. At that year's Town Meeting, Bristol voters instructed the Selectmen to create a Parks and Recreation Commission. This structure remains today. The current Commission is made up of three members from the local community; each is elected to serve for a three-year terms on a staggered schedule.

Today, the Bristol Parks Commission oversees nine parks throughout the town. During the summer season, more than 20 full and part-time employees provide daily maintenance and all the services our visitors have come to count on. All operations are self-funded, through fees and donations; no tax dollars are used.

You Have a Voice 

Parks Commission meetings are open to all -- we encourage you to join us on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (check our news link for more information). It's a great opportunity to find out more about the parks, or raise a concern about an issue. And, if you're a Bristol resident, you can even run for election to a seat on the Commission. The goal is to involve all those who have a desire to see these parks flourish.

Meet Your Commissioners

Gordon Benner

Commissioner since 2004

Current term expires 3/10

Judith Lowd

Commissioner since 2011

Current term expires 3/14

Sandra Lane

Commissioner since 2010

Current term expires 3/11