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Date: 3/1/2023
WEST SPRINGFIELD — For the past decade, a group of community volunteers has been responsible for beautifying West Springfield by making improvements to the town’s parks and recreational facilities.
The group, Friends of Park and Recreation (FOPAR), was formed when Allen “Al” Howard — whose involvement with park and recreation activities goes back decades — rallied a group to West Springfield residents to assist the Park and Recreation Department with its maintenance work.
“Municipal budgets are constantly being squeezed and the Park and Recreation Department is no different,” said Howard, who first helped coach sports, then expanded his reach to the Park and Recreation Commission and now has helmed FOPAR for the past 10 years.
“The department does an excellent job supporting all the recreational activities West Springfield offers, stretching the limited money they have. FOPAR is able to enhance what the department is able to offer, for the benefit of many,” said Howard.
He added that projects are prioritized on the urgency and number of residents who may be positively impacted. Many residents may be aware of FOPAR because of its work on trail maintenance and assisting with team sports.
Its trail work included clearing and marking trails as well as building footbridges in areas prone to flooding. Sports activities include building dugouts in the ball fields and assisting with the softball and T-ball programs.
But there are many other enhancements made throughout West Springfield that are the direct result of FOPAR, which is a private foundation. Some of the work it has done includes helping to maintain and improve pavilions in town, including the Morgan Road Pavilion and all the pavilions in Mittineague Park.
FOPAR is also responsible for preserving buildings in the parks, such as the Altamont House, Santa’s House, Park Maintenance Building, and UNICO Building. Its members also assist with park and recreation events such as the Easter Trail Hop and the Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail.
One of the most visible signs of FOPAR’s work is the Memory Benches and Trees around town.
“FOPAR does stay busy throughout the year, but spring is a particularly busy time,” Howard explained. “Always on our list for spring projects is assisting with preparing sports fields, trail clean-up and maintenance work.”
Additionally, there also are activities that need to wait for warmer weather, such as painting some park and recreation facilities. FOPAR also plays a major role in the operation of buildings and pavilions rented out by the Park and Recreation Department.
Howard created FOPAR — a 501c3 nonprofit group — after investigating why some surrounding communities had parks and recreational facilities that appeared to be well-maintained, despite similar budgetary constraints as West Springfield. What he discovered was that many of these communities had formed nonprofit, volunteer organizations similar to FOPAR.
When FOPAR needed startup funds for expenses, such as applying for its nonprofit status, Howard and the group’s original members contributed this money.
“FOPAR continues to be funded through donations, grants and occasional earmark money from the state,” Howard.
While there are numerous projects FOPAR is proud of, trying to narrow it down to just one project is difficult, Howard said.
“Many people speak very favorably about all the footbridges FOPAR built throughout the trails within Mittineague Park. They make for a much more enjoyable hiking experience.”
He added that the town’s Park and Recreation Department has done “an amazing job” over the years, which continues under its new director, Sonia Manley. “There’s mutual respect between the department and FOPAR. This partnership is the reason the parks, recreational facilities and activities in West Springfield are among the best in the area.”
Although FOPAR has a core group of a dozen or so members who “routinely and consistently” volunteer, Howard said numerous people have volunteered over the years to help with its mission: “We are extremely grateful for all our members who are a great group of friends.”
However, FOPAR is always looking to expand its team of volunteers. Howard said people with skills such as carpentry, painting, electrical, etc., are highly valued, but anyone just looking to get involved is welcome.
“If you’ve been looking for a way to get involved in the community, this is a great organization. There is no specific commitment — donate as little or as much time as you like,” he said.
According to Howard, one of the great things about FOPAR is its flexibility.
“Volunteers are encouraged to show up whenever possible, whether it’s once a week or once a year,” he said.
West Springfield residents who are looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community by volunteering with FOPAR can contact Howard at 896-7515 or by email at alhoward42@gmail.com.
Monetary donations are also welcome Donations may be tax deductible, since FOPAR is a nonprofit organization. Checks can be made out to FOPAR and mailed to or dropped off at FOPAR, in care of West Springfield Park and Recreation Department, 26 Central St., Suite 19, West Springfield, MA 01089.