Pittsfield Mayor Highlights Springside Park For National Get Outdoors Day
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Mayor Daniel Bianchi said the city is in discussion with the Housing Authority to purchase land to add to Springside Park. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Daniel Bianchi wants to "reinvent" Springside Park.
The mayor highlighted the park's history and asked residents to enjoy "all that it has to offer" during a press conference on Saturday - National Get Outdoors Day. With greenhouses, hiking trails, ball fields and open space, Bianchi said the 275 acre park is a "gem."
"We don't always appreciate the beauty that surrounds us," Bianchi said, adding the Berkshires have been names one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Springside Park contributes to that beauty and the city is looking to "reinvent" the park by adding more acreage and renovate the Springside House.
"We're hoping to add eight more acres to this lovely park," Bianchi said of negotiations with the Housing Authority to purchase an adjacent parcel of land.
He said he has already spoken with colleges about ecological programs and other types of study - including organizations that would bring horses to the park. The city is also awaiting word on a grant that would repaint the Springside House, a grant Bianchi is "confident" the city will get.
Repainting will cost about $750,000, Bianchi said of quotes the city has received thusfar, so there are great challenges in making that building a "cornerstone." But, Bianchi said, "we're going to do it."
While Bianchi is hoping to add to the park, City Councilor John Krol emphasized the multitude of activities that already happen there.
"If you ask five different people what the park means to them, you'll get five different responses," Krol said.
The park was the host of various activities - from music to a one-day display of historic memorabilia of the park to an array of vendors - to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day. All over the park, tents and tables provided an array of festivities.
For Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Program Manager James McGrath, the day highlights all of the work the city has put into the park system.
"We try to create wonderful places in our park system," McGrath said.
