Springfield reopens Magazine Park, latest in neighborhood park rehabs

Mayor Domenic Sarno uses the swing set at the new playground at Magazine Park.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

SPRINGFIELD — It was a sunny, idyllic summer day in Springfield when U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Rep. Bud Williams joined residents to cut the ribbon on the renovated Magazine Park.

Sarno described Magazine Park as being a refuge in the center of Springfield. The park is a few blocks from Springfield Technical Community College. Sarno often describes the city’s parks as “my Riviera growing up.” He recalled coming to Magazine Park when he was a student at the nearby High School of Commerce.

“I don’t think there’s an inch of the parks system I didn’t play in,” said Neal. The one-time Springfield mayor said the parks look “terrific.” He recalled the history of the McKnight neighborhood, where he said titans of Springfield’s industrial past lived. McKnight Neighborhood Council President Walter Kroll explained that the McKnight Brothers were intentional about creating parks while they were developing the area.

The renovations to the park provide more than new benches and a playground. Kroll said families were not safe in the park. While the neighborhood council had originally asked for minor upgrades, he said the Parks Department devoted effort and money to creating a new, safe space for McKnight’s families.

Williams said parks are “an escape for a lot of young people” and the money put into them are “an investment in people.” Of the several parks in Williams’ district, he said, “This one stands out. I’ve been fighting for 10 years for this park,” He added, “Magazine is in our heart.”

Thomas Ashe, executive director of parks, buildings and recreation management, said the park was a “total gut.” The renovations include a new accessible playground, a baseball field, two basketball courts, a spray pad, a paved walking path, a pavilion with picnic tables and park benches. A fence around the park and lighting make for a safer experience.

The project’s total cost was $2.3 million. One million dollars of that funding came in the form of a federal Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, secured with Neal’s help. Ashe thanked Neal for “pitching in in a big way.” Springfield’s Community Preservation Committee awarded the project a $235,000 grant and the city filled the gap of $800,000.

Ashe said Sarno has made neighborhood park renovation a major initiative of his administration, overseeing upgrades and renovations worth an estimated $120 million. “If you [had] a park in your neighborhood,” while growing up, he said, “you still have it in your heart. We make sure every family has a place they can go.” He said parks are where children create memories. “That’s why we do what we do,” he said.

“This was years in the making,” said Sean Johnson of the McKnight Neighborhood Council. Prior to the renovation, Johnson said the park playground was undersized for the number of children in the neighborhood. He said there are several day cares in the homes surrounding the park. Johnson said, “This is the beginning of the heart of downtown. It’s the easiest spot to stop without going to Six Flags,” he said, referring to the amusement park in Agawam.

Johnson used to bring his daughter to the park to clean it up. Commenting on keeping the park clean, he said, “If you give people trash cans, they’ll use them.”

Mike Davis oversees maintenance of Magazine Park and several others. His crew consists of three residents from the Hampden Department of Corrections. He said the crew visits each park daily to monitor the grounds, examine the equipment and address any issues. But Davis said he relies on the park “regulars” to let him know about any concerns they may have.

Tyrell Springer brought his toddler, Shai Springer, to the park. He said the improvements were welcome, adding, “It brightens up the neighborhood.” Another parent, Danoris Rivera, was walking by the park with her young daughter, Mila Lopez Rivera, when she saw the reopening. “This is nice,” Rivera said, looking around. Her daughter got to help cut the grand reopening ribbon.

After the dignitaries and members of the community spoke, Sarno tried out the swing set. “I haven’t done this since Forest Park,” Sarno said, recalling years gone by. He jokingly asked if he should try to swing over the set’s top bar.