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First phase of Canalwalk now open to the public

Date: 6/29/2010

June 30, 2010.

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

HOLYOKE -- Where there was once an uneven and patchwork path by the first level canal is now a landscaped walkway that promises, according to city officials, to be a catalyst for continued economic and cultural development in the city.

Congressman John Olver and State Rep. Michael Kane joined Mayor Elaine Pluta at the official opening of the first phase of the Holyoke Canalwalk on Friday. The first phase runs along the canal between Dwight and Appleton streets.

"It's even more beautiful than I thought it was going to be," Pluta said.

The project took more than 10 years to complete and Pluta said construction on the second phase would begin soon. That section will run down both Appleton and Dwight streets to the second level canal flowing along Race Street.

Across from the Canalwalk is the Holyoke Heritage State Park complex.

Kathleen Anderson of the Office of Planning and Development said she doesn't anticipate any issues with securing the right of way for phase two from property owners. Public meetings will be conducted this summer on phase two as required by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Anderson acknowledged the project has not always been easy to put together.

"It has had its bumps and moments, but everyone came together," she said.

Ultimately the Canalwalk will be two miles in length and would be part of rail trails and bike paths that would connect the city with Chicopee and Northampton.

The Canalwalk is between 10 and 15 feet in width and has decorative elements such as seats, lights, trash receptacles and plantings.

Olver pointed out the Canalwalk is two blocks away from the new intermodal and education center currently under construction and that the new $100 million high performance computing center will be at one end of it.

He said it fits in with the rest of the investments made on or near the canals.

Olver cited the contribution to the project made by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. Olver was able to earmark $1.2 million in federal funds and Kennedy allocated $3.5 million for the project. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation contributed $258,188 and the city added $81,000.

Olver's called Kennedy's endorsement of the project "rather critical."

At the opening, a number of Holyoke artists brought their work to the Canalwalk for a mini-exhibit. Some of them, such as sculptor Esthela Bergeron, have their studios near or on the Canalwalk.

When asked what the Canalwalk means to her, she was quick to say, "More business." Bergeron and her husband John operate Carousel Studios at 380 R Dwight St., a building facing the canal. John Bergeron said the Canalwalk "takes the best view and enhances it."

Mark Whittemore, the business agent for 380 R Dwight St., said the building is already home to several artists and their studios and he believes the Canalwalk will help him reach out to attract more tenants.

Anderson noted a display of logos designed by University of Massachusetts interns depicting potential events that could be presented along the Canalwalk, including a music festival called "Pulse' and an art exhibit focusing on fish.

She said if anyone is interested in developing the concepts, they could contact her.

"Art and culture revitalizes downtowns and that's what we're working towards," she said.