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Date: 10/11/2023
SPRINGFIELD — In honor of the 140th anniversary of the Springfield Parks Department and 125 years of the Springfield Forestry Division, a series of special events will take place from Oct. 12-14.
Mayor Domenic Sarno and Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Director Patrick Sullivan joined with the Springfield Parks Commission, Parks Deputy Director Peter Krupczak, City Forester Alex Sherman and staff to announce the events on Sept. 29.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 12, through Saturday, Oct. 14, there will be a series of a wide range of family-friendly events at “the crown jewel of the Springfield parks system,” Forest Park.
Oct. 12 will be “A Night Under the Stars,” with the unveiling of a bronze sculpture honoring past Park Superintendent Theodor R. Geisel. Geisel, the longest serving park superintendent, is the father of Ted Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.
The event will go from 4-8 p.m. From 6-8 p.m., there will be a concert by Dee Reilly under the event tent. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Sullivan described the kick-off event as a “big thing,” as the department received funding from the Dr. Seuss Foundation.
On Oct. 13, from 12-2 p.m., there will be a free senior luncheon and a live performance by Floyd Patterson’s Hipptown Band. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will also be lawn bowling and bocce lessons.
To reserve a spot, contact the Raymond Jordan Senior Center at 413-787-6785.
Several activities will take place on Oct. 14, beginning with the open house and tours of the Carriage House at the Barney Estate in Forest Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the new Edward P. Casey Forestry Operations Center from 1-3 p.m., the Clifford Phaneuf Education Center from 2-4 p.m., and the Monkey House from 12-4 p.m.
Bocce lessons will go from 12-2 p.m.
Dean Davids Magician will present two shows — one at 12 p.m. and the second at 1 p.m.
The Happy Face Painter will be offering free face painting for all ages from 12-3 p.m.
The Springfield Fire Department and 911 Dispatch will be teaching about fire safety and prevention. From 1-2 p.m. there will be a fire truck display.
At the Forest Park Zoo, children under 12 will have free admission to enjoy discovery programs inside. Families will have an opportunity to see various animals including reptiles, small mammals and birds, to name a few. The first session will take place at 12 p.m. and the second session will be at 2 p.m.
Lastly, from 2-2:30 p.m., Sherman will provide an overview of 125 years of Springfield Forestry and the importance of maintaining an urban forest.
In addition, children and families will be able to enjoy free carousel rides each day.
Sullivan noted that the Parks Commission will waive park fees during the three-day celebration.
He went on to say that the city cares about its open space and is hopeful that residents come out and enjoy these events.
“Everyone should be happy,” he said. “It’s a way to say thank you to [our] founders.”
The Springfield Parks Department was founded in 1883. Currently, it comprises 3,000 acres of open space and over 50 neighborhood parks throughout the city.
Sullivan added that Forest Park could have been housing, among other options, but 140 years ago, people got together and decided to keep it open space. He acknowledged the significance of that decision, as it remains today.
Sarno said, “The founders of the park system had a dream for the future, and we are living that dream with 3,000 acres of open space. My administration is proud to announce that we have surpassed the $100 million mark in investment of our park system over the past 12 years.”
He continued, “Parks are a vital part of our city and an integral part of our neighborhood communities. These parks and the various amenities and recreation opportunities that they offer are available for our residents throughout the different seasons and brings an important outlet for families, while helping to enhance our overall quality of life. I encourage everyone to continue to enjoy their parks in the next few weeks and hope to see you at Forest Park for the anniversary celebration.”
Sarno added that the city of Springfield is “unique” in that every neighborhood has a park and every resident can utilize the 735 acres of Forest Park.
Sullivan said, “The effective collaboration between state, federal and city agencies has brought great success to our park system. Mayor Sarno has been a champion for Springfield Parks, and I could not be happier that the last grant we received this past week brought us to the $100 million mark in the mayor’s investments into our park system.”
Park Commission Chair Jennifer McQuade shared, “These are wonderful events to celebrate our park system’s anniversary. We should all take great pride in the picturesque open spaces and various recreational opportunities that are available throughout our park system. We look forward to welcoming our city residents to Forest Park in celebrating 140 years of parks and 125 years of forestry.”
Sherman added, “We are proud to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Springfield Forestry Division. Founded in 1898, the Forestry Division has cared for Springfield’s trees and is responsible for the many tree-lined streets we enjoy today. Rooted in this history, the division continues to apply the latest knowledge and technology to protect, maintain, and grow a safe and productive urban forest for current and future generations of Springfield residents. It is rewarding to work for a mayor and a director of parks who ensure that we have the resources to guarantee the safety of the men and women who work for forestry.”