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| By Erin O'Connor Staff Writer AGAWAM Volunteers completed a two-phase clean up project at Pynchon Point on April 22, where a point in history was becoming a point for trash disposal. "The area is now well on its way to becoming a lovely family riverfront recreation area. With your help, Agawam will again be able to claim Pynchon Point as the jewel it once was," said Patty Merriam, a member of Citizen Advocates for Responsible Development (C.A.R.D.) "We have to get it into shape and use it in a manner that is respectful to the environment," said Jill Messick chair of C.A.R.D. and member of the Conservation Committee. People have been using Pynchon Point as a large waste disposal area, Messick said. "Large items such as 'fridges and couches were accumulating at the Park since the last clean up which took place about three years ago," Messick said. "Ten to 15 years ago is when the park was in its best shape," Messick said. The Park is located on a path off of River Road that begins with a plaque dedicating Pynchon Point to Abe Leo Cohen in 1977. The path opens up into a beachy riverfront with a view of where the Connecticut and Westfield rivers connect. The entrance to the Park is located across from Michael Anthony Lounge where volunters were permitted to park during the clean up. The clean up that concluded on April 22 was a joint effort of the Agawam committees as well as volunteers. Tommy Russo, of Russo Construction, provided Bobcat, which Bruce Cooper drove. Ferrentinos Pizzeria supplied lunch for the volunteers. A 30 yard dumpster, which was provided by the Agawam DPW and Allied Waste Services, was filled, said Merriam. On April 15 volunteers from organizations such as C.A.R.D, the Agawam Conservation and Beautification Committees and other volunteers removed large waste items from the Park. The following Saturday they returned to remove strewn wood and brush. The Park was named after William Pynchon the founder of Springfield and is maintained through the Conservation Committee. "We are currently in the process of building handicap access ramps," Messick said, "It is a great picnic area, especially if you have a canoe or kayak. There is a launch where you can leave your canoe and relax and have a picnic," she said. "The Point will also be on the School Street Park Bike Path project, which is set to launch in August," Messick said. |