SCENIC LOCAL WALKS
Portsmouth, NH
OK, it’s not an island any more, but it used to be. Today this is the most comfortable,
well-equipped public picnicking spot in the city. The winds can be cool or chilly,
but the view can’t be understated. A great family spot.
Name: Four Tree Island Recreation Area
Location: Off Marcy Street in the Portsmouth South End. Turn down Mechanic Street
after the Prescott Park gardens and over the small bridge to Perice Island.
Resources: Parking area is some distance away, sheltered picnic tables, outdoor
cooking facilities, one large pit for groups, public restrooms
Rules: Gated area opens 9am – 6pm but closed in bad weather. No alcohol allowed.
Dogs: Not allowed at any time
Web Site: City of Portsmouth
Technically this is a better place for a picnic than a long walk. But Four Tree
Island rates as a local treasure since it is just off the beaten path, yet in
the thick of the city. There was barely a soul there when we jogged across the
manmade causeway recently on a brisk day. Yet Four Tree has the city’s best facilities
for outdoor cooking and picnicking. In fact, it is among the only public spots
with picnic tables, and the site of a rare and clean public restroom.
The guano-streaked whale’s tale sculpture (with a human face) on the point stands
dramatically facing the city. The Cabot Lyford sculpture reads, "For those who
sailed here to find a new life." This is great spot to capture photos of the harbor
and the historic Memorial Bridge just offshore from the gardens and outdoor stage
at Prescott Park.
Legend says this island once held one of the city’s many houses of ill repute.
Sailors could easily reach the island from ships just across the Piscataqua. A
ferryman, the story goes, would charge 50 cents for a ride over, but charged $5
for the ride back.
Ths island was among the acreage donated to the city by the Prescott sisters,
Josie and Mary, who wanted to see the "blighted" part of the city cleaned up in
the 20th century. That led to the creation of Prescott Park and the end of the houses
of ill repute. Four Tree Island was part of the land in their bequest and was
dedicated in 1976. The sisters left a half million dollars to see the area beautified
and made accessible to all.
Photos by J. Dennis Robinson
CONTINUE WALK to up Peirce Island
