Brooksvale Park is perfect for winter fun like sledding and ice skating, and the grounds even feature a 100-year-old barn with livestock at the heart of the park.  

Located in Hamden, Connecticut, near the Cheshire town line, Brooksvale Park officially became a park in 1963.

Before that, for about 100 years, it was the town of Hamden Poor Farm.

Many towns had poor farms starting in the mid-1800s in the state of Connecticut.

Historically, a poorhouse or workhouse was a government-run facility to support and provide housing for the dependent or needy.

The park is about 500 acres, and features outdoor recreation, including 10 miles of hiking trails and a farm garden that has donated over 500 pounds of fresh produce to local charities.

The park is a favorite destination for sledders.

There is also a farm pond, and if conditions are right, officials say they open it up for public skating.

There is a public barnyard on site, as well as stables with three mini-rescue horses and two lambs.

There are also about 20 hens that are laying eggs, that officials at the park say they give away to the public.

The barn also holds about 10 rabbits.

The park is also popular in that it connects to the Farmington Canal line, which is right across the street from the park. It’s a linear park, and it’s about 13 miles in Hamden alone.