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Date: 8/11/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking resident input on drafting an updated master plan for the department’s operations.
The survey, available online, asks residents about what type of activities they most often use the town’s parks for, which parks they visit most, and what types of improvements they’d like to see built.
West Springfield is home to many beautiful parks, including the Alice Corson Park, which features a pool and splash pad with a view of a fish mural, and Bear Hole preservation area, a great place to hike and be in nature on the west side of of the city.
The last time the parks and rec department’s master plan was updated was 2015. It outlines funding, development and preservation priorities for the department. According to that plan:
“West Springfield’s natural character, recreational resources, and close-knit community atmosphere defines the city. The city will strive to preserve, enhance and enlarge existing open space for the benefit of our community through private public partnership using all available means including Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. In order to protect and maintain the resources which West Springfield’s citizen’s value, this Open Space and Recreation Plan update will lay the groundwork for future open space and recreational facilities and opportunities.”
Mayor William Reichelt, and a representative from the parks department were both unavailable for comment before The Reminder’s deadline.
Just what changes the new plan could make are unknown, but it’s likely one aspect will create plans for newly acquired open space parcels purchased by the town, such as 67 acres next to Bear Hole the town acquired last year. The plan also outlines how it will spend CPA money, 90 percent, which can be used for outdoor recreation and preservation, with 10 percent allocated for affordable funding.
Residents were emailed a link to the survey, which can be accessed at surveymonkey.com/r/West_Springfield_OSRP.