Bessie Baker Park is in the center of a congested neighborhood and is near the downtown area. The park is heavily used by local residents and Little League teams. The field was reconstructed with an irrigation system in 1997. The basketball court was repaved, seal coated and striped in 2000; at this same time, new backboards and standards were also installed. New playground equipment, including a tot-lot and swing set, were installed in the summer of 2008.
Owned by the town of West Newbury/Mill Pond Committee
Balch Park is located adjacent to the historic Balch House. This is the most heavily-used basketball court in the city; it is the home to an adult summer league in addition to city-wide use. The baseball and soccer fields are used to the maximum by the Babe Ruth League and the Beverly High School teams in the spring and summer. In fall, the soccer field, which traverses the outfield, is used by both youth and high school soccer.
This little Park has just about everything you would want in a park!
The scenic views of the Danvers River and the natural landscaping throughout the site make it a popular destination for both the residents of Ryal Side and of the entire community. Public swimming is allowed, but there is no lifeguard on duty so you swim at your own risk.
Also accessible via High and Mosley Streets. Some of the great features of this park are the tennis courts and baseball diamonds, the stone tower and the dual ponds.
