WESTFIELD — Stanley Park will officially open for the season with its third annual Whimsical Fairy Walk on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Creativity and wonders of the natural world come together as the path of the Woodland Wildflower Garden will be sprinkled with charming fairy houses that lead the way to the Enchanted Oak Tree.
Development and Event Coordinator Nikki Cornelius said this is the third year that Stanley Park is doing the Fairy Walk, previously held on Columbus Day weekend. This year, it will coincide with the awakening of the Wildflower Garden, which is starting to bloom. “It adds a bit of magic,” she said.
The fairy houses are being presented by business sponsors such as Columbia Manufacturing and Tonlino & Sons of Otis, who have signed up to sponsor crafts, a fairy house, or both.
Volunteer builders have crafted the fairy and gnome homes using only natural materials, inspiring deep observation of nature’s gifts and sparking the imagination, she said.
Scouts from the Girl Scouts of the USA and Scouting America are building houses, and Cornelius said last year some classrooms in various schools participated as well. There’s still time to register as a fairy or gnome house builder, by emailing development@stanleypark.org to sign up.
On both days, arts & crafts will be available in the Beveridge Pavilion next to the Wildflower Garden. The girls scout will also lead a special eco-friendly craft activity, turning leftover plastic Easter eggs into adorable bugs, and they will speak about the importance of using our resources wisely to help keep plastics out of the landfill, earning badges in the process.
On Saturday, the Classic Grille Food Truck will be open for lunch, and throughout both days of the event, Peacock’s Nest Studio, will be on site offering face painting, henna tattoos, and fairy hair extensions at various prices.
Parking for the event is available in the Rose Garden parking area, accessible via Gates 2, 3, and 4. The Fairy Walk will be held rain or shine and admission is free, although donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.
Cornelius said although Stanley Park is technically open throughout the winter for people who enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country or walking their dogs, programs officially begin following the opening weekend in the spring.
Additional programs
Zumba fitness at Stanley Park begins the 2025 Tuesday evening classes on May 6 through June 24 and July 22 through Sept. 23 from 6-7 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion. Certified instructor Caitlyn Olearcek will lead the Latin-inspired dance Zumba workouts of low-impact, high-energy, fun-in-the-sun that are perfect for beginners and seasoned Zumba participants alike.
Children 10 and up are welcome with an adult and are advised to wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers. Registration in advance is strongly encouraged. You can sign up on the Stanley Park website or by emailing development@stanleypark.org, or register at the park before the first class of the season. A donation to the park of $5 per person, per class, is suggested.
Yoga, led by certified instructor Michelle Gagnon, will be starting for the 2025 season on Thursday evenings beginning May 8 through Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. on the Acre Lawn next to the Pavilion Annex. This class is for all levels of yoga practitioners, and all abilities are welcome. The poses are foundational, and modifications are always available.
Children 10 and up are welcome accompanied by an adult. Bring your own mat and any props as needed, wear comfortable and stretchy clothes. Prepare to strengthen, stretch your body, and open your minds. Bring lots of water and perhaps a small towel. Registration in advance is strongly encouraged. Donations to the Park are welcome, with a suggested donation of $5 per person per class.
Stanley Park’s Walk Around the Park will also be returning for another season. The walks will be held on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in May and June. The first session will take place on May 8, and is part of Stanley Park’s health initiative. All abilities are welcome, and the group’s ability level will determine the route taken. The meeting location is the Children’s Pavilion by the playground.
“It’s amazing that after 75 years, we’re still able to keep it free to the public,” Cornelius said.
Stanley Park is a private nonprofit organization. For information on all upcoming Stanley Park events, check online at:www.stanleypark.org or call 413-568-9312.
