AGAWAM — Less than a year after opening to the public, Feeding Hills’ Still Brook Park will soon have more park amenities for Agawam residents.
The City Council recently approved a resolution to use $700,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for the installation of more accessories in the park, including picnic tables, bathrooms, fitness stations, shade structures, two solar-powered fountains and playground structures that reflect the agricultural theme of the park.
“I think this is going to be a wonderful addition to Still Brook Park,” said City Councilor Robert Rossi. “When that thing is completed, I think it’s going to be something to be really, really proud of, not only in Agawam, but throughout the area.”
The 216.9-acre park, which sits at 100 Pine St. in Feeding Hills, opened to the public last fall after many years of planning and development. Formerly the Tuckahoe Turf Farm, the town-owned property is now a passive recreation area with walking and hiking trails, as well as facilities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and picnicking.
The $6.3 million project was funded through multiple sources, including the Massachusetts Trails Grant, the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Community Grant.
During the Community Relations subcommittee meeting prior to the full City Council meeting on April 22, Mayor Christopher Johnson said the proposed playground structures for the park will accommodate all ages and include multiple slides, climbing features, swings and a barn component.
Aside from the play structures, Johnson said a tractor will be installed, along with a ramp and a small dock near the pond so people who are kayaking or canoeing can go in and out of the water easier.
Because there is no water, sewer, or electricity in Still Brook, Johnson said the bathroom facility will be solar-powered and self-contained.
The package of proposed amenities also calls for additional signage and various lake management treatments that prevent the pond from forming large amounts of algae.
No additional parking was included in the package, but there are currently 10-15 spaces along the road and about 10-15 near the pond.
“Again, it’s a passive recreational facility,” Johnson said of the park. “These [amenities] are designed to number one, provide bathrooms … [and] provide activities so that if you’re going to go out there to picnic, the kids will have something to do while you’re there.”
The councilors were unanimously in support of the amenities after some questioning and discussion.
City Councilor Dino Mercadante said he was initially concerned about using such a significant amount of money from the town’s CPA account for the amenities, but Johnson assured him that there is still plenty left for other projects across town.
According to the town’s website, the CPA is a tool to help communities preserve open space, historic sites, create affordable housing and bolster recreational facilities. CPA funds are generated through voter-approved local surcharge of 1% on property tax bills and an annual distribution from the statewide CPA Trust Fund.
If there is money left over from the amenities project when it is finished, Johnson said it will go back to the town’s CPA account.
“There’s still a healthy sum in the account,” Mercadante said. “It’s important, though, that we monitor the situation so that other projects in town can be addressed.”
City Councilor George Bitzas spoke highly of Still Brook Park and said it fills a void in Feeding Hills that many residents felt in the past.
“I do agree with my fellow councilors that this is well-spent money,” Bitzas said.
