The 50 and 55 PARTIES...

"Happended" at Kensington Park

On Saturdays in August 2004 and July 2010

** Great Friends and Times! **

** Cooperative Events **

Kensington Metropark Information

For several excellent "close-up" maps of Kensington Metropark, click on this picture: NOTES:    1. This set of maps is also available at the entrances to Kensington Metropark.    2. This map may load slowly (especially on a dial-up connection).    3. This document requires PDF-reader software.    4. See the bottom of this page for FREE software to read PDFs.

FYI, the 55 Party was at Spring Hill Shelter "C".  Kensington MetroPark provides the following description of the shelter and the facilities at and near it:

DIRECTIONS TO SPRING HILL: Exit 1-96 at Kensington Road, exit 151. Follow signs into the park. After the tollbooth, go approximately 1 3/4 mile. Turn left on Route #3; Spring Hill, Shelter "C", is located about 1 mile down on the left. It is the only picnic area on your left.

The Spring Hill picnic area can accommodate approximately 250 people. Spring Hill is one of the more secluded picnic areas in the park; therefore it was great for the 55 Party ("Pop Festival")... [Please keep in mind that the picnic area is open to the public, even if one reserves the shelter. (Consequently, if a group requires additional site area or picnic tables, it is responsible for securing them.) The area is moderately to heavily wooded. The shelter can seat about 50-60 people. There are latrine restrooms available at Spring Hill. The closest flush restrooms are at either the Park Office or the Boat Rental. The Spring Hill picnic shelter is accessible for disabled persons.

FYI...Spring Hill is located approximately 2 miles from Maple Beach. Maple Beach is a SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK beach. Swimming is only permitted in a designated beach area. There are slides and swings available; the closest Tot Lot is either the West Boat Launch or Maple Beach. Spring Hill also has a volleyball court on a “first-come-first-served” basis; you must provide your own net and ball (there are posts up and a sand court). [We did that for the 50 Party, courtesy of Dave (Chom).] A ball field is available on a "first-come-first-served" basis approximately 1 mile away. There is a short foot trail in the Spring Hill area that offers scenic views. In addition, a small pond is nearby which offers a great opportunity for wildlife viewing. THERE IS NO FISHING OR SWIMMING ALLOWED. Fishing is permitted in many other locations within the park; contact the Park Office for details. The Bike/Hike path is located approximately 1 mile from Spring Hill. Anyone biking, in-line skating, or utilizing a wheeled device MUST WEAR A HELMET.

A permit is required to drive off-road, for loading and unloading purposes, for approved reasons only. Please be prepared to carry picnic supplies to the shelter or picnic area. Anyone driving off-road must possess a permit, which is obtained at the Park Office prior to driving off-road.

Kensington alcohol policy:  beer and wine are ok, but "alcohol" is not permitted.

Please note:  There is a daily vehicle entrance fee of $5 to enter Kensington MetroPark.