great island common

I actually made a detour to this park after trying to visit Fort Constitution and finding it to be closed for security reasons. I'm glad to have chosen this trip, as it was definitely a wonderful park to visit.The views are great in all directions, and there was plenty of green space for all to enjoy. The views across the water to the Portsmouth Harbor Light, Fort McClary and Fort Foster in ME are fabulous. Even with a little chill in the air with it being mid-November, this was a great day to sit on one of the many benches along the coast and watch the waves crash in and the boats go by.This park offers so much in views and areas to relax, making it yet another that I can't wait to visit in the summertime to take in a whole day here. It seems like it will be well worth the in season entrance fee.

Great big space with gorgeous coastal position. Good picnic spot and great for kids to run around in safety.

Great Island Common is a 30+ acre park owned and operated by the Town of New Castle.The park affords stunning views of:● The entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, part of Fort Constitution State Historic Site and Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on the grounds of the USCG Station Portsmouth Harbor in New Castle to the northeast● Fort McClary State Historic Site across the harbor in Kittery● Whaleback Lighthouse and the vacant former Wood Island Life Saving Station off to the east● Part of Fort Foster State Historic Site to the southeast Fort Stark State Historic Site, the fourth fort to defend Portsmouth Harbor, is off to the southwest but is not very visible from this park. On a clear day, one can see the Isles of Shoals some 6 miles out to sea. And, as it gets dark, one can also see White Island Lighthouse, New Hampshire’s second lighthouse. Great Island Common has a paved roadway that goes around the perimeter of the public area. The green space in the center has a small playground for children and a large open area for kite-flying, sunbathing, picnicking, etc. There is a small beach for enjoying the ocean and sunbathing. There are a few pavilions that can be used if not rented out for the day by reservation. Those are on a first come, first served basis. There about 20 stationary grills scattered around the park near the picnic tables. Along the waterfront, there are several picnic tables with a cluster of them nearer the beach area and restrooms building. That building has an interesting weathervane that shows children at play with a seesaw. There is also a short pier for fishing. People come to ride bicycles around the park’s loop; others walk, run, or jog. One of the most popular activities is watching all the passing marine traffic. One is just as likely to see one of the Moran Towing tugs head out to pilot in a large tanker or the gundalow Piscataqua out for a sail as one is to see a kayak, a sailboat, powerboat, or the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s. M/V Thomas Laighton coming or going. Over near the closest point to Whaleback Lighthouse, there’s an outdoor sculpture of an artist with his painting on an easel. The painting is all open. One can use that opening as a frame for a photograph of Whaleback or a passing craft or the family. Bring your picnic lunch, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a perfect day. Beach-goers will want all their beach gear. There is a gate attendant from late May to late September. The fees are reasonable. The 2014 fee schedule is:Free - New Castle Residents & Guests Free - up to age 5$4.00 - Non-Residents 6-65 years old$2.00 - Non-Residents ages 66 +up $2.00 - Handicapped - any ageSeasonal passes are available.Great Island Common is a favorite summer place of mine. I've been going there several times each summer for over 25 years to enjoy a number of activities. On one visit in June of this year, I hosted an early evening picnic for a friend and her visitor from Australia. In July, I watched and photographed the Privateer Lynx under full sail during the annual SAIL Portsmouth event. In August, I watched and photographed the Supermoon with a group two nights in a row. I’ve also stopped by late in the afternoon to relax, enjoy the fresh, salty air with a sea breeze, watch the passing marine traffic, and take a lot of nice photos. Most areas of the park are handicapped accessible, including the small pier. Getting there requires going over a small bridge with a grate-type surface. I've seen a man in a lightweight manual wheelchair fishing on the pier so I know it's accessible. In season, for an ice cream treat or light fare, The Ice House Restaurant on Wentworth Road over the town line into Rye is good place for a family to finish off the day. A little further down Wentworth Road is BG's Boathouse which offers more serious fare and views of Sagamore Creek.If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.