September 16, 2010 – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno; Park Chairman John Maloney; Executive Director of Parks, Facilities and Recreational Management Patrick J. Sullivan; Springfield Business Improvement District Board Chairman Fran Cataldo and MassMutual Vice-President Nick Fyntrilakis, announced the opening of Pynchon Plaza waterfall and upper park.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated "the completion of Pynchon Plaza is a strong message that the City of Springfield will find the resources to preserve our downtown.” The Mayor credited the Parks Department, BID, Armory Quadrangle Civic Association and MassMutual for working together to reopen this park.
Pynchon Plaza had been closed by the Finance Control Board (FCB) due to the lack of funds. It had been the hope of the FCB that state funds would become available to restore/rebuild the park. A study done by the Urban Land Institute noted that rebuilding the park would serve as an anchor to the Quadrangle and downtown business.
Mayor Sarno also stated that “we owe it to the residents of downtown, our visitors and to the general public to properly maintain our property.” “This park will offer the residents a tranquil location and let future visitors know we care about our great City,” added Sarno.
