Pocket Park

Hazen, North Dakota is a community committed to the arts and beautifying their city.  In 2002, the Hazen Chamber of Commerce proposed a city park be built on an empty commercial lot downtown as a beautification project.  The city approved the plan and the park was officially called the Paul Weiser Memorial Park in honor of Paul Weiser, a former city forester who contributed greatly to city beautification projects in Hazen.  The park is also known as the Paul Weiser Pocket Park.

Everyone got involved with building the Pocket Park.  The Hazen High School Peer Youth Workers volunteered to help get the project going.  They dug dirt for the fountain and helped plant trees and shrubs.  Other student groups helped place paving stones.  The Hazen Art Association painted a mural on the wall of the building bordering the park.  The Chamber of Commerce held a work day to raise the shelter.  Local businesses provided volunteers and Hazen residents came out to help.  Throughout the project, businesses helped in many ways and generously contributed to the funding for the park project.

The original intent of the park was to provide a comfortable, aesthetic location for a variety of community and business events.  Since West River Telecommunications provides Wi-Fi to the park, it is a lovely, convenient outdoor location for business use.  The park also has a shelter with picnic tables and a double row of concrete benches for performance seating.  Electricity is available and runs the fountain and lights.

Currently,  the Chamber is organizing musical talent for weekly performances throughout the summer.  According to Myra Axtman, executive director of the Hazen Chamber of Commerce, there is an abundance of talented musicians in the area.

While the bands play, the Chamber would like to see a local organization serve hot dogs and hamburgers as a fundraiser.  The Brooks House, a gallery of fine art and pottery located next the park, is also planning events, such as art demonstrations, to make it a night of arts for area residents.  In the Paul Weiser Memorial Park, the landscape blooms all summer creating a lovely addition to downtown Hazen.

Website:  Hazen, ND