William "Bill" Hocking - Foxborough, MA - Dedicated Benches on Waymarking.com

In Foxborough, on a peninsula overlooking the Neponset Reservoir, is a stone bench dedicated to Bill Hocking who was instrumental in securing open space for generations to enjoy.

The bench and peninsula are within conservsation land owned by the Foxborough Conservation Commission. You can get here from the north and south.

The south approach, where we started, is at the corner of Chestnut Street and Neponset Avenue. There is a turnout area by the railroad crossing where you can park (don't block the driveway). The entrance is through a gate - there is a sign next to the entrance that states that it is the property of the Foxborough Conservation Commission. Follow the main trail to a junction where to the left is the reservoir dam (there are short trails off the main trail but they are not long). Once at this intersection south of the dam, take the path straight ahead, then left to a point where the bench is located.

From the north there are several trailheads. The one we came out to when we walked that way was to Munroe Street. Here, the path is harder to follow and you will have to mind the forks to return to your starting point, but the conservation area isn't large, so if you end up at the wrong road, it's a short walk to the right one.

The bench is a granite structure that has text on it. The edge facing the point has the following:

"In honor of Bill Hocking
Friend of the Neponset, Keeper of the Waters"

According to an online article from the Foxboro Reporter, Hocking was a nearly 30-year member of the Foxborough Conservation Commission and was Chairman 1983-2009. He was an avid naturalist and educator, conducting walks and teaching groups. He was also a member of the Rotary Club. Hocking died in December, 2010.

The bench was carved by Foxboro native John Ricker of Morse and Beggs Monument Company of North Attleboro


Sources:

Foxborough Reporter (Town trails dedicated in Hocking's memory)
(visit link)

Friends of the Neponset River:
(visit link)

Where is this bench located?: On a lob of a peninsula on the west side of the Neponset Reservoir, not far from a dam. Who is this bench honoring?: Bill Hocking

Visit Instructions:
To log this waymark you can take a photo of the entire bench. You may have yourself (Sitting of course) or your GPS in the photo. A photo is not required, but encouraged.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.