Nathan’s Garden was created to honor Nathan Hall, who tragically passed away in a swimming accident. The Hall family wants the town to find peace and joy from the gardens and plans to donate the garden to the town for future years of enjoyment.
Highlights
Little Pond and waterfall feature
Multiple Seating Areas
Play area for children
Swing
To Get to the Garden
From West Wheelock Street in Hanover (the road that goes to the bridge, Norwich, and interstate) turn left onto West Street. At the end of the road, turn right onto Maple Street. The garden is behind the house on the corner. Continue to the end of Maple Street and turn right onto Downing Rd., which is a dead end road with a cul de sac. Continue down the road past the no parking signs. Park on the right hand side of the street (by 3 Downing Rd.) and walk back down to Maple Street to the garden.
In the Garden
Immediately I was struck by the hospitality of this family to maintain such a massive garden for the public’s enjoyment to honor a loved one.
My second impression was how immaculate and amazing the garden was and the amount of work it would take to maintain it. The garden clearly is well loved.
A Place of Tranquility
It really is a place of tranquility. A place to sit and read a book. To gather one’s thoughts. To enjoy nature. To celebrate with loved ones.
There are multiple seating areas to encourage reflection, conversation, and togetherness.
A Place of Fun
The Halls really thought of everything when they made this garden. Not only are there lots of seating areas, there’s also things for kids to do. There’s a massive wooden swing and a sandbox with toys to play in. My son dove right in and had a ball. He didn’t want to leave. When we walked around the lower gardens, he took a truck from the sandbox with him. It warmed my heart when he put it back when I said we share so that other kids can play with it.
I hope you will stop by and enjoy this as much as I did (though bring bug spray so you can stay longer than I did…)
4 Comments
I remember this yard so fondly from my childhood in this neighborhood. Nate was one of a big pack of roaming kids. We played here in this garden it in all seasons and I remember that we fashioned the stairs pictured above into a great sled ramp and jump in the snow. If I’m ever back in the area I will be sure to visit.
Dear Charles,
Thank you for sharing your first hand experience with Nate and this garden. I appreciate understanding more about the memories that went into this special place. That’s quite a sledding hill! It must have been quite the rush.