About Us
The History
The privately owned park was opened to the public in 1876 and remains still today. The park is operated by the Trustees of the Bowen Family Trust under the will of Henry C. Bowen. Mr. Bowen was a Woodstock native who became an influential New York merchant, publisher, abolitionist and philanthropist. He spent his summers in a retreat he built on Woodstock Hill. The house is called Roseland Cottage, or "The Pink House." It is now maintained by Historic New England.
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​The park originally accommodated hoards of attendees at Fourth of July parties that Bowen hosted each year. Bowen used to charge a small entrance fee, and there was parking for 1,200 horses and buggies. In Victorian days, the Park sported more than 1,000 rosebushes, gilded fountains, decorative statuary, wooded walking trails, a windmill, a boat house, dining room, and bungalows with maid service.
Our Facility Today
A Park for the Community Since 1876
The Barn
Roseland Park is available to rent for your upcoming event. Whether you are hosting a wedding, birthday party, shower, or reunion, we would be delighted to be chosen as your venue.
The Park
Park facilities include a playground, basketball court, public golf course, amphitheater, group campground, pavilion, benches and boat launch. Activities include: boating, fishing, picnicking, walking and running. No swimming is permitted. Roseland Park is dog friendly. Please remember, pets must be leashed at all times.
The Lake
The park abuts the 94-acre Roseland Lake which offers over one half mile of shore line. Boat launchings are made easy by the well maintained crushed stone ramp. Sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding are encouraged. Fishing is considered excellent in this state stocked lake.
The Trustees of Roseland Park
Sarah Shaw-Bentley
Some of my best childhood memories include many days spent with family at Roseland Park. I volunteer to help preserve the park so that future generations will continue to have the opportunity to create their own special Roseland memories.
Michele Woz
I volunteer to help preserve the many recreational opportunities the park and golf course provide Northeastern Connecticut. I love how its unique and serene setting serves so many sectors of the community.
Elizabeth Zimmerman Smith
I live on Roseland Lake and consider the park the jewel of Woodstock. My background is in environmental protection and open space conservation.
Marc Cotnoir
A lifelong resident of northeast Connecticut, I am committed to preserving Roseland Park and the wide array of wonderful experiences it offers for so many of us in this corner of the state. I am privileged to play a small role in the amazing history, legacy and future of this unique property.
David Johnson
I have been enjoying the benefits of Roseland Park and Golf Course since the early 50's. I chose to volunteer on the Board for several years in order to help preserve the legacy given to our local towns by the Bowen family.
David Mayotte
The Bowen family is larger than life in Woodstock’s history and their creation of Roseland Park and Golf Course still play a vital role for recreation in the community today. I consider myself very fortunate to play a part in preserving these properties for future generations as our family has created many memories here.
Ian Webster
I have been part of the Woodstock community for 25 years. I volunteer to serve as a trustee of Roseland Park to actively contribute to the well-being and development of our community by preserving and honoring our local historic treasure, which is Roseland Park.
Jonathan Gradie
Roseland Park and Golf Course, the Quiet Corner’s hidden gem in Woodstock, is my neighbor. The Park provides my family with endless recreation, fellowship at the community garden, and access to Nature. I volunteer as a Trustee to ensure the Park continues to serve all our families for decades to come.
John Rauh
What really piqued my interest in Roseland Park was the long historical aspect of the park. To think this was the gift of one family who built and supported this asset for all to use for the first 150 years. Four U S Presidents celebrated our Independence Day in the park with Henry Bowen. Our nine-hole golf course is the second oldest in the State of CT. It continues to be a learning center for all ages to start the wonderful game of golf. I am happy to volunteer my time and talents to preserve this unique private park.
D. Scott Hazelton
Roseland Park was the place where I learned to play golf, baseball and, in the bygone years, tennis and how to swim. Roseland Park has so much to offer and the potential for so much more. As a trustee it is my pleasure to help in any way I can to keep historic Roseland Park a place for Woodstock residents and surrounding communities to visit and enjoy.
Patrick O’Brien
My family has had the pleasure of enjoying many memories on this historic property. Little League games, learning to play golf, riding a bike, family pictures, and we continue to create more. I volunteer to help preserve the historic integrity of what the Bowen Family intended. This is a “gem” in Northeastern Connecticut and I’m honored to be a part.
William St. Onge
During my lifetime four generations of my family have enjoyed the park and golf course. Liz Heckler’s gift of a junior membership to my son inspired a love of golf and led him to a career in golf that has taken him all over the world. I hope what we do now will insure that future generations continue to benefit from the generosity of the Bowen family.
Donna Ciarlante
I moved to Woodstock seven years ago and am fortunate to live near Roseland Park. It was immediately obvious how vital the park is to both the history and future of Woodstock. I choose to volunteer because I want this beautiful space to continue to exist for all to enjoy. I can't imagine a Woodstock without Roseland Park.
Martha Beckwith
As a child I loved to play in Roseland Park and especially enjoyed the giant spiral slide and the big dog statue. Now it’s important to steward this treasure into the future. It’s a pleasure to be a part of the preservation and continuation of such a unique and special place.
Treasurer:
Donna Ciarlante
Secretary:
Ian Webster
Vice President:
John Rauh
President:
Martha Beckwith