BANGOR – Nestled among the city’s busiest shopping district, largest medical facility and the Penobscot River, Cascade Park on State Street remains a peaceful haven where children splash in waterfalls, businessmen spend lunch breaks and families find solace after visiting hospitalized loved ones.

The park’s fountain spouts water high in the air, luring passers-by on State Street.

“I love it,” said Lois Reilly of Veazie. “I just think it’s beautiful, quiet and peaceful. It’s safe here, and the kids can play without my worrying. The only bad part is I forgot an extra set of clothes for them.”

Built in 1934 and renovated in 1988, the park is well-known for its waterfall and fountain, lit at night.

Reilly basked in the sun, watching her twin grandsons run along the stream edge chasing toy boats they had dropped in the water.

“This is the water park,” Joshua January, 5, said with a smile. The park is a familiar retreat for the boys, Reilly said.

When Bob and Tina Hamlin’s children were young, the boys would climb the hill to the top of the waterfall and play in the park until dark. Now, their children grown, the couple spent a recent afternoon sitting on a park bench in the shade enjoying the late-summer breeze.

“It’s just so peaceful,” Tina Hamlin said. “We make new friends and strike up conversations with all kinds of different people.”

The two spent several minutes sitting quietly, admiring a bald eagle that circled the river’s shoreline near the park. A whistle from a passing train broke their reverie.

Jessica Baldwin, 9, and Joshua Baldwin, 7, of Presque Isle spotted the train and ran along the park’s edge trying to catch the conductor’s attention. After a few feet and vigorous waving, the conductor threw up his hand to the young lads and blew the whistle again.

“That was pretty cool,” Jessica Baldwin said. “At home we can’t get their attention, so it was awesome that he saw us.”