Remembering John Swope
John Swope in December 2011 signing documents to officially donate the conservation easement to Five Rivers and his land to the City of Concord.
John Swope, the Concord business leader and philanthropist, died on April 29, 2025. Well known for his business success and nonprofit initiatives to elevate the Concord arts scene, John also left a significant legacy with his 2011 donation of more than 77 acres on Jerry Hill and Long Pond Road to the City of Concord.
John wanted to create a public park with hiking trails and vistas as a memorial to his wife Marjory, who had served as chair of the Concord Conservation Commission and had been a long-time member of the City Council.
The City of Concord worked with the Swope family, Five Rivers, and St. Paul’s School to create Marjory Swope Park, which was dedicated and officially opened in June 2012.
John’s hopes and dreams for the park have been achieved a thousand times over. Marjory Swope Park has become one of the city’s most popular recreation areas for hiking, with over two miles of trails, vistas of both Penacook Lake and distant mountains to the northwest, and connections to Winant Park and the West End Farm Trail.
Thank you, John Swope – your unwavering commitment and visionary generosity helped make Concord a better place for all.
