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Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM Almost 400 years ago the glistening riverfront at Pynchon Point was utilized as a landing site for a ferry crossing the Westfield River between Agawam and Springfield. But up until last year this historic landmark was being used as an unofficial town dump. Through the efforts of local and state government, the Conservation and Beautification Committees and numerous other volunteers, Pynchon Point has been reborn into a beautiful pathway to the waterfront for all members of the community to use for recreational activities. On Sept. 20, Richard Cohen, mayor of Agawam, officially opened the Pynchon Point Pathway located off of River Road with a dedication celebration that marked the completion of many hours of hard work by volunteers to clean out and rebuild the area. "This is an amazing transformation," Jill Messick, Conservation Commissioner and City Council candidate said. "We don't have much riverfront access in Agawam and it was [being] used as a dump." Messick added that multiple massive cleanup efforts were staged, including the overfilling of a 30-yard dumpster with auto parts, toilet seats, TVs and other garbage. "This is where it all began in 1636 and where the first house was built," Robert Magovern, vice president of Agawam City Council said. "This shows what volunteerism can do in Agawam." Pynchon Point was named after the founder of Springfield William Pynchon. The Pynchon Point Pathway located across from Michael Anthony Lounge is an eight foot wide concrete pathway leading down to the riverfront, accessible via the parking lot built by Mass Highway, Cohen said. The pathway is encased in giant trees and flowers, with rails for people to stop and enjoy the view of the Westfield River. The concrete path ends abruptly at the riverfront's springtime flood point where hopefully, Messick said, there will be picnic tables next year. Visitors are free to walk off the concrete pathway and onto sandy and rocky riverfront overlooking Springfield until Pynchon Point closes at dusk. Messick said that since the cleanup efforts Pynchon Point has been used with more frequency by fishermen, kayakers and others seeking the quiet comforts of Mother Nature. However, Henry Kozloski, of the Agawam Conservation Commission said the present task is to maintain the area and he cautioned everyone to take care of the pathway for community enjoyment. But the sole responsibility of maintaining Pynchon Point is left up to the Conservation Commission as the area is under their management. "This is one of the most beautiful places in Agawam," State Rep. Rosemary Sandlin said. "Everyone cared so deeply about the final outcome and this is a perfect example of the good that comes from us all working together." | ||||||
