History:

Philbin Memorial Park was the former site of Forbes School which was built in 1911. Forbes School was the neighborhood school for “The Acre” until the early 1970’s at which point the Clinton Middle School opened and became one of the primary schools for the community. The school was named for Franklin Forbes who was the business agent of the Bigelow family, a prominent family in the history of Clinton.

When the town decided to remove the school from the property and designate this land as a park it was replaced with a playground and tennis courts. The basketball court at this property is of historical significance and aside from routine maintenance has remained virtually untouched since the 1950’s. Throughout the years there have been many upgrades to this park including a splash pad, shade structure and playground upgrades.

In the early 1980’s this park was dedicated in honor of Edward (Ebbie) J. Philbin Senior. Ebbie was a dedicated businessman owning Philbin Fuel, The Strand Theatre, the So Station and a large portion of High Street. However, Ebbie is not remembered for the businesses he owned but rather for his dedication to the town and the community. Ebbie would always make sure his community was taken care of and frequently donated fuel and heating supplies to those in need. Selectman felt this park, in the area that Edward was born and raised would truly honor all that Edward did for the Clinton Community. Edward Philbin Sr. passed away in 1977.

Ebbie was the father of four sons:

• Philip E. Philbin who was a probation office in Clinton and insisted that his clients enroll and earn their GED. Philop died in 1993. The Adult Education Center in Clinton is named in his honor.
• Owen Richard, called Patsy by the the family, died at age 13 of complications of rheumatic fever. 
• John “Jack” Philbin is alive and well in Carlsbad, California and the father of 4 of whom three are now living. 
• Edward J. Philbin was born in 1946. He was the father of four children, three boys and one daughter. 

The Philbin family has deep roots and has been influential in the history of this community. 

Park Amenities:

• Basketball Court
• Free Little Library
• Gaga Pit (Seasonally)
• Playground for 6-12 year olds
• Open Space
• Sand Box
• Shade Structure
• Splashpad- splashpad is open seasonally Memorial Day-September as weather allows. 

FAQ’s for Splash Pad

How do you turn on the Splashpad? The Splashpad turns on by touching the top of the red fire hydrant element.

How long will it run? When turned on the Splash Pad runs for 4/5 continuous cycles before the engines go through a cooling cycle. The cooling cycle lasts for 10-15 min. depending on how hot it is outside. After the engine has cooled properly, the cycles can begin again.

How come the Splash Pad shuts off early some nights? This is a very good question. The hardware that controls the time settings on this equipment is not digital and therefore, we cannot set the exact time that the structure will shut down. The timer is set to run until 8:00 pm but can shut off up to a 1/2 hour early.

1. Park opens at dawn and closes at dusk or when programming ends.
2. Be respectful of other park users, equipment, and recreational areas.
3. Keep your park clean! Before you head out pick-up and throw out trash.
4. Keep dogs on a leash and pickup after your pet.
   
5. Acts of vandalism of any kind strictly prohibited. Police take notice.
6. This is a family park, please be aware of the language you are using.
7. Use of space for functions, gatherings or events must be approved by the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department.

Park Rules: 

Splash Pad:

• Splash pad use is designed for children 10 & under with supervision of an adult.
• Swim diapers should be worn by our younger crowd.
• We know your pet likes the water, but the splash pad is just for kids!
• Slow down on equipment, its slippery!
• Hours of operation: 9:00am-7:30pm, Memorial to Labor Day (September) 
• Hours of operation: 9:00am-7:30pm, Memorial to Labor Day

Playground: 

• Please review all the safety and age appropriate labels on equipment.
• Be safe and be courteous of others using equipment.
• Pets are not allowed near playground; animal waste must be picked up.
• Have fun playing from dawn to dusk. After that, Police take notice!

General:

• Use of space for functions, gatherings or events must be approved by the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department
• Keep your park clean! Before you head out pick up and throw out trash.
• Smoking and Alcohol use is not allowed.

Park Rentals and Reservations:

All events, gatherings and functions at the property must be approved by the Clinton Parks and Recreation Department. Please click here for details on the reservation process.