Northampton (or Florence?): Look Park pictures, anyone? (Hadley: rental, chapel)

[fierce_flawless]

I am trying to plan an event either in or near near Northampton, MA, from far far away in San Antonio, Texas. I am intrigued by "Look Park" in Florence (?) for various reasons but having never been there, I am relying on the 'net for pictures. Problem is, there aren't enough. I've seen photos of the Sanctuary and the Garden House but the Gazebo can be rented for much less, it appears. I can't find pics of it anywhere though! Does anyone have pics (or would you be willing to take some) of Look Park's Gazebo (the one that can be rented), as well as just general photos? If you don't have pics but you are familiar with the park, can you tell me what's around the gazebo? I'm specifically looking for something with 1) trees and b) water nearby.

Suggestions for other appropriate outdoor venues are welcome. Trees, water, and handicap accessible.

Thanks a million from a confused Texan!

[Xenos]

Hmmm... there is a wedding chapel-gazebo thingie that is right on the water and is very scenic. The picture on this page does not show it, but it is close to the water and trees and is indeed very scenic. If you want to have food, though, I don't know if that would be allowed.

I checked the website, and while it shows the pavilions, I am not sure what you mean by the gazebo. I don't have any pictures except from the wintertime lights display.

[Xenos]

here is a picture from across the water of the wedding chapel, although it does not look like that this time of the year!

[fierce_flawless]

Thanks... what I'm looking for is mentioned on that page you linked to in your first post. It mentions the Sanctuary at Willow Lake (the Wedding Chapel Gazebo-thingy you posted pics of), then the Pines Theater, and lastly the "Victorian Gazebo" that rents for $175... I don't know why they don't have pics of anything but the Sanctuary?? There won't be any food, just a ceremony.

[Xenos]

I think this (the second one down) is it. On this map (click structures) the gazebo is near the water, but not as close as the chapel. Comparing this to google earth shows only trees at the gazebo location, so I guess you could consider it private and rural, if not very scenic.

Is there a wedding in the offing?

[fierce_flawless]

Originally Posted by Xenos

I think this (the second one down) is it. On this map (click structures) the gazebo is near the water, but not as close as the chapel. Comparing this to google earth shows only trees at the gazebo location, so I guess you could consider it private and rural, if not very scenic.

Is there a wedding in the offing?

Thanks! I wonder if you can see the water from the gazebo?

Anyway, yes, a wedding! So much $$$ will go to just getting there from Tx, and on accommodations, that the actual event needs to be very low key cost-wise. The chapel-sanctuary thing is gorgeous but at $400 for the rental (it will be a very SMALL gathering, 20 peoople max) I thought the gazebo might be better at less than half that.

[Xenos]

Well, then, congratulations are in order. Unfortunately, I don't think you will be able to see the water, or at least a significant amount of it, from the gazebo. If I can think of other good local options for this sort of thing I will send you a private message.

Good luck!

[fierce_flawless]

Originally Posted by Xenos

Well, then, congratulations are in order. Unfortunately, I don't think you will be able to see the water, or at least a significant amount of it, from the gazebo. If I can think of other good local options for this sort of thing I will send you a private message.

Good luck!

Thanks, I would appreciate it, if you think of something else. The less expensive, the better! I was a bit shocked; a similar structure here in a lovely local park (with trees, and water) would rent for half the cost of that sanctuary/chapel thing!

thanks for the congratulations as well.

[firsttimebuyer19]

I grew up within walking distance of the park and I'm near positive that the gazebo is up on a hill that overlooks the pond in the park.
The park has gotten very built up in recent years and is very crowded in the summer. The new buildings (The Sanctuary, the Garden House renovation (used to be the pool house)) are gorgeous. Overall it's a very nice park.

You might look into the Summit House Department of Conservation and Recreation - It's Your Nature in Hadley, MA. The house is very pretty and there are picnic sites for rent that might make for a beautiful small wedding. It will be much more private than Look Park.

[fierce_flawless]

Originally Posted by firsttimebuyer19

I grew up within walking distance of the park and I'm near positive that the gazebo is up on a hill that overlooks the pond in the park.
The park has gotten very built up in recent years and is very crowded in the summer. The new buildings (The Sanctuary, the Garden House renovation (used to be the pool house)) are gorgeous. Overall it's a very nice park.

You might look into the Summit House Department of Conservation and Recreation - It's Your Nature in Hadley, MA. The house is very pretty and there are picnic sites for rent that might make for a beautiful small wedding. It will be much more private than Look Park.

Thank you so much! I wish we could afford a quick trip up there to scope out potential spots in person. Who knows, we might be able to swing it yet, I don't know. We really love the look of the Sanctuary and might end up going with it anyway but want to at least consider the cheaper options.

I know this is going to vary, but how warm is it in the afternoon in early June? As I mentioned, we are coming from Texas, where it's often 100 with a heat index of 109 by early June, and we want to know how to plan our attire so we won't be sweltering. Any chance of sweltering?