Named for its previous owner, a doctor known in Cranford, Hanson Park was once a jungle of tangled foliage. The Hanson Park Conservancy cut back the mess, gave it a series of gravel paths, garden formations and class. Although still a work in progress, Hanson Park offers benches, downtown-style lampposts, a butterfly garden, amphitheatre and more.

Remnants of an old fashioned brick chimney hint at the park's purpose even before it was owned by Dr. Hanson. Conservancy members believe that the park was once the spot of the Field and Stream Club, one of many canoe clubs that lined the Rahway River.