A garden grown from love and community
Wildflowers, rare rhododendrons, and mountain laurels thriving where a neglected riverbank once stood. Dover, New Hampshire.
THE GARDEN
Where a neglected riverbank became something beautiful
Situated along the banks of the Cocheco River, the Riverwalk Garden forms a series of connected spaces filled with wildflowers, unique rhododendrons, mountain laurels, hostas, daylilies, and countless other plants — many relocated from Joe’s own gardens.
Planned by Dover horticulturalist Joe B. Parks, built by more than a hundred volunteers, and dedicated in June 2008, every inch of this garden was made and continues to be maintained by people who love it.
JOE’S STORY
Afflicted early with a disease called gardening
Joe Parks spent decades working with plants — studying, propagating, and hybridizing them. He developed and registered more than 20 new azaleas and rhododendrons, and loved nothing more than sharing his gardens and knowledge with anyone who would listen.
During his years in Dover, Joe taught gardening classes, partnered with the Rotary Club to revitalize public gardens across the city, and wrote a gardening column for Foster’s Daily Democrat. He served as President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and was a founding member of the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden.
GET INVOLVED
This garden belongs to all of us
Joe believed gardens were for sharing. The Riverwalk Garden is kept alive entirely through the care of people like you. There are a few simple ways to help it thrive for generations to come.
→ Adopt a Tree — Dedicate a planting in someone’s honor
→ Volunteer to Tend a Bed — Help maintain the garden through the seasons
→ Connect on Facebook — Friends of Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Garden
LOCATION
400 Central Avenue
Dover, New Hampshire
Along the Cocheco River
HOURS
Open daily
Dawn to dusk
Free admission, always
ACCESS
Enter at 400 Central Ave
or the Orchard Street
Parking Lot off Chestnut St
Thank you to Goss for your help during the 2013 United Way Day of Caring
On September 11th 2014 a hearty group of volunteers from Northeast Credit Union, SunLife Insurance and a couple of Dover citizens under the guidance of Ann Reid- Steering Committee member of the Friends of Joe Parks Garden worked through a rain shower to tidy up the garden for fall. Than you so much ladies- it looks great! Visit our FaceBook page to see action photos.