Heritage commission proposes restoring 'Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park at Anahooksett Falls'; Parks & Rec OKs presentation of three informational plaques to ­

The Hooksett Heritage Commission proposed restoring Alfred J. Lambert’s full name in the park title and adding the indigenous place-name Anahooksett Falls to the official park name, along with three interpretive plaques that would present pre‑colonial, industrial and modern histories of the site. Chair Tony (Hooksett Heritage Commission) told Parks and Recreation the commission consulted Abenaki and Pennacook representatives on the transliteration and meaning of the falls’ name and recommends the formal name "Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park at Anahooksett Falls." The commission asked for Parks and Recreation’s endorsement to take the signage package to town council.

"As chair of the Heritage Commission, this site is one of the most historical sites in our community," Tony said, arguing the combined name would encourage curiosity and tie directly to three new markers the commission plans to install as an educational "mini outdoor museum." The three planned plaques would highlight: indigenous-era use of the falls; nineteenth-century industrial activity (the Hooksett Manufacturing/Dundee Mills canal and mill infrastructure); and twentieth-century community development, including Alfred J. Lambert’s role in creating the park. The commission said it will pay for the new plaques and the proposed main sign.

Several residents and commissioners pressed for respect to the Lambert family’s wishes. Jeanette Gagne, who told the meeting she has the original AJ Lambert Riverside Park sign at home and represents family interest, said she initially opposed adding the falls' name but indicated she would accept a design that keeps Alfred J. Lambert prominent on the sign. "I want it to remain the same," she said earlier in the discussion; later she told the commission she would accept a version that places "Alfred J. Lambert Riverside Park" prominently with a smaller line reading "at Anahooksett Falls." Heritage Commission members said that compromise reflects prior family conversations.

Parks and Recreation members raised siting, size and maintenance concerns. Rob, town maintenance lead, flagged irrigation, existing trees and activity areas (swing set, horseshoe pits, flagpole and pavilion) as constraints and requested a site walk so the boards can select plaque locations that avoid high-activity areas. The commission agreed to meet at Lambert Park for a field review; the transcript records a plan to hold the next meeting at Lambert Park on June 17 for that purpose.

After discussion, a Parks and Recreation commissioner moved to "approve the Heritage Commission presenting to the town council three informational plaques for Lambert Park, pending mutual agreement on the plaques' locations between Parks and Recreation, Public Works and the Heritage Commission." The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; the transcript records officials saying "All in favor; Aye." The commission also recorded that the Heritage Commission will pay for the plaques and that — if the name change is not approved by council — there will be no new main sign installed by the commission.

Heritage Commission members said they have received mock-ups from the sign vendor (Fossil) and will circulate them to Parks and Recreation and town staff for proofreading (including adding QR codes and correcting spellings) before final production. The commission hopes to coordinate sign unveiling with the park rededication and Memorial Day activities when feasible.

No formal ordinance change was made at the meeting; Parks and Recreation’s action was to permit the Heritage Commission to request town council approval and to finalize mutually agreed plaque locations with Parks and Recreation and Public Works. The transcript records additional implementation notes: the Heritage Commission will provide final verbiage and mock‑ups to Parks staff (Evelyn/Ben) and the Parks & Rec board, and the boards will conduct a site visit the week of the June meeting before recommending formal placement to the town council.