Springside Park evolves from social center to cultural haven

By Maria SegalaPrint Story | Email Story
Flowers abound at Springside ParkView Slide Show
Set in central Berkshire country, Pittsfield's Springside Park has offered the local citizens varied options of recreation for years now. At the entrance of the sprawling park stands the Springside House, which was originally a personal estate, now is the visitor center and houses restrooms, a meeting room and the park director's office. In its early days as a public park, Springside was home to an animal zoo and a popular swimming hole. Nowadays, these are bygone attractions - the zoo closed and the swimming hole was shut down when the water became unhealthy. Today, Springside is a stage for the arts, a place to enjoy nature and a venue for education. Amidst the lawns around the Springside House are butterfly, shade, berry and many other types of gardens, all maintained by volunteers from The Hebert Arboretum, which has been officially established in the park since 1999. The Hebert Arboretum organization is committed to carrying out the dream of former Pittsfield Parks Superintendent Vincent 'Vin' Hebert, whose hope was "to see a thriving public display of gardens and trees within the park for the enjoyment, inspiration and refreshment" of all who frequented Springside. Visitors can stroll the gardens and greenhouse, sit in the shade of the many identified and labeled trees, walk through the Lilac walk, or venture onto the many winding trails that snake their way through the woods on the property. In addition to the improved aesthetics the Arboretum has brought to the park, it has also served as a catalyst for programs and events held regularly at the park. The venue has hosted Arbor Day activities since 1997, while the annual Winterfest, featuring sledding, games and other special events, is an entertaining option for families. The Arboretum also sponsors a number of bird, wildflower, stargazing walks and lectures. The tulip blooms in spring and the garden trellis make an ideal spot for wedding photographs. Springside Park hosts local performing arts troupes, regular poetry readings, and musical events, including summer performances by the local Eagles orchestra. Springside is also a center for many gardening workshops and classes, sponsored by the Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association. For a list of classes and registration information, visit http://www.wmassmastergardeners.org/event.htm . Barrington Stage Company will present "Once Upon a Mattress," a musical based on the classic fairytale, "The Princess and the Pea" at Springside Park July 30 through August 10. Local talent and Broadway professionals comprise the cast of this family oriented production. For tickets call 413-528-8888. Performances will take place Wed. - Sat. at 7 p.m.; Fri. - Sun. matinees at 2 p.m. Springside Park, once a thriving social setting, continues to emerge as a historical location, nature reserve and a cultural venue; a multi-faceted place that offers a multitude of opportunities for enjoyment.
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Lanesborough Fifth-Graders Win Snowplow Name Contest

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — One of the snowplows for Highway District 1 has a new name: "The Blizzard Boss."
 
The name comes from teacher Gina Wagner's fifth-grade class at Lanesborough Elementary School. 
 
The state Department of Transportation announced the winners of the fourth annual "Name A Snowplow" contest on Monday. 
 
The department received entries from public elementary and middle school classrooms across the commonwealth to name the 12 MassDOT snowplows that will be in service during the 2025/2026 winter season. 
 
The purpose of the contest is to celebrate the snow and ice season and to recognize the hard work and dedication shown by public works employees and contractors during winter operations. 
 
"Thank you to all of the students who participated. Your creativity allows us to highlight to all, the importance of the work performed by our workforce," said  interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng.  
 
"Our workforce takes pride as they clear snow and ice, keeping our roads safe during adverse weather events for all that need to travel. ?To our contest winners and participants, know that you have added some fun to the serious take of operating plows. ?I'm proud of the skill and dedication from our crews and thank the public of the shared responsibility to slow down, give plows space and put safety first every time there is a winter weather event."
 
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