174 - Paul Weiser Pocket Park and Sensory Garden
A colorful garden with flowers, greenery, and a blue stone “stream” leads to benches and a shaded seating area at the Paul Weiser Pocket Park and Sensory Garden.
The Paul Weiser Memorial Pocket Park has been an attraction on Hazen’s Main Street since 2004, when the Hazen Chamber of Commerce turned a vacant city lot into a charming and vibrant place for gatherings, events, and leisure activities. With ample seating, picnic tables, a pergola, luscious greenery, flowers, and a stunning mural celebrating the majestic Lake Sakakawea, the Paul Weiser Pocket Park is a must see!
The park is named in honor and memory of Paul Weiser, a beloved city forester with a passion for his community. Today, the park is a testament of his legacy and an example of the pride and joy he felt about Hazen. The Chamber of Commerce continues to instill that pride by creating an ambient and relaxing environment where others can enjoy their lunch, connect with nature, or sit back and read a good book. The park is also home to the Sensational Sensory Garden, a mini therapeutic garden that includes specially selected herbs to enjoy such as chocolate mint, spearmint, lavender, basil, and lemongrass. Related elements such as wind-chimes, gazing balls, a water fountain, and even a painted rock creek complete with a wooden bridge are surrounded by luscious greenery. For years, the vegetation was home to a very special member of the community, a pet toad named Toady, who would often be visited by the local children.
Today, the garden provides an area for all ages to sit, relax, and recharge! Because these types of gardens are known to reduce stress and enhance well-being, the Hazen Chamber of Commerce encourages the public to bask in the peaceful magic and rejuvenate your spirit at the Paul Weiser Pocket Park and Sensory Garden!