Opinion: DNRT works to manage influx of Parson Reserve visitors

To the Editor: 

DNRT would like to thank everyone for joining us during an unprecedented daffodil season at Parsons Reserve. When social media was becoming a part of almost everyone’s life around 15 years ago, the Parsons secret got out. Unfortunately, the sudden popularity meant that the property was no longer truly a hidden gem, and local residents could no longer stroll among the daffodils completely alone. We quickly realized that the large crowds were becoming unmanageable for our staff and volunteers. At that point, we began hiring temporary staff to work at the property directing visitors, managing parking at the  Town landing, and collecting donations to help maintain the field. We also occasionally hired Dartmouth Police to help with traffic calming and pedestrian safety. While managing the crowds and property has been a lot of work, we are pleased to be a special place for  many visitors.  

This year a social media influencer decided to make a video about Parsons. It was posted on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and received well over a million views. We did not partner with this person or consent to this video. As soon as we viewed it, we knew it would spur larger crowds than usual and began preparing as best as we could. We doubled our number of seasonal staff to 24 employees and installed extra road signs. We posted additional content about Parsons on our social media, including parking instructions and  best times to visit to manage traffic flow and crowd sizes.  

A lot of folks in Dartmouth have asked us not to “promote” or “advertise” Parsons. The fact of the matter is that the word is out. Parsons is no longer a hidden gem. It’s a tourist attraction. We communicate with the public as much as we can so they know what to  expect and can visit in an orderly manner. It’s not so much promotion as mitigation.  

When the flowers were planted in the 1940s, it was a commercial flower farm. It was not  designed to be what it is today. We regret that the property isn’t readily handicapped accessible. We know that we don’t have a perfect parking situation and are aware of the traffic challenges it creates. (DNRT doesn’t own the parking lot; we manage it in collaboration with the Town).  

We recognize that daffodil season has the potential to inconvenience Dartmouth residents and we will continue to be creative and work hard to ensure future seasons go as smoothly  as possible. 

Thank you again for everyone’s patience and support during daffodil season.  

Nick Wildman, 

Executive Director