A 172-acre conservation area behind the town's Highway Garage on East Street, best entered off Maple Street near the old Cate Springs Well, forming the northern end of the Canoe River Greenbelt. It has old forest roads, stands of Atlantic White Cedar, and two small ponds, one of which was once used informally as the town swimming hole.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Several trails, old forest roads and paths through the area.
Dogs
No park-specific rule found; town-wide voice-control leash bylaw (Ch. 89) applies absent a posted sign
Fishing
Allowed year-round, two small ponds on site plus Canoe River access
Managed by
Natural Resources Trust of Mansfield (NRT), in coordination with the Conservation Commission
508-261-7378 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Info kiosk
Trail marker/map kiosk referenced by the town's trail map PDF
Common questions
Is this the same as 'Maple Park Conservation Area'?
Yes. Maple Park is the older, informal name; the property is now formally the Corporal Robert Francis Hardy Conservation Area, named for a local WWII veteran, with Maple Street as its best-known entrance.
Can I swim in the ponds here?
One of the two small ponds was informally used as the town's swimming hole in the past, but there's no current lifeguard, bathhouse, or official swim designation, so treat any dip as at your own risk.
Where do I park at Corporal Robert Francis Hardy Conservation Area?
Free lot (free).
Can I bring my dog to Corporal Robert Francis Hardy Conservation Area?
No park-specific rule found; town-wide voice-control leash bylaw (Ch. 89) applies absent a posted sign