Date: Saturday October 20, 2012
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: Camp Wilder, Parker Street,
Contact: Patrick Sullivan, 787-7770
Camp Wilder will be green again thanks to a grant and volunteers from the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and its Young Professionals Employee Resource Group. The tree canopy at Camp Wilder was severely impacted during the weather events of 2011 and now, through collaboration between the Springfield Council for Cultural and Community Affairs (SCCCA), the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, Arbor Allies and the MassMutual Young Professional Employee Resource Group, it will have the majority of its green space replanted. This one day event will initiate the beginning of the Rebuilding for Camp Wilder. The City has recently applied for grants to complete the restoration of Camp Wilder.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno Stated “The City is fortunate to have a committed Corporate Sponsor in MassMutual. MassMutual has been with the City throughout the past year supporting the rebuilding efforts and this is just another fine example of their commitment to our great City.”
“With the awarding of the MassMutual grant we are able to plant 110 bare root trees and supplement a grant from American Forests to plant an additional 2,300 seedlings at Camp Wilder, one of the hardest hit park properties. MassMutual continues to reaffirm its dedication to our community by continuing to aid in the regreening of Springfield’s open space” stated Ed Casey, City Forester.
Patrick Sullivan Executive Director of Parks and Buildings stated “Camp Wilder was a treasured sanctuary for the Sixteen Acres neighborhood. The tornado completely changed this tranquil setting. However with the commitment of the volunteers today and future grants pending we will once again return this park to its original beauty for future generations to enjoy.”
Brian Santaniello Park Chairman Stated “MassMutual is always there to assist our city and this is an important statement being made here today that we care for our open space and for the wild life affected by the June 1st tornado. These plantings will soon provide a shelter and recreate the eco system lost but more importantly will show future generations that we cared for our open space.”
MassMutual’s employee resource groups are given the opportunity to recommend grants to various non-profits. Recently, MassMutual’s Young Professionals Employee Resource Group requested that the company provide an $18,000 grant to help the Park Department replant trees at Camp Wilder. The group helped organize 150 volunteers comprised of MassMutual employees and their friends and families to participate in the re-tree project on October 20th.
“MassMutual has strongly supported Springfield’s rebuilding effort since the 2011 tornado, and replanting trees at Camp Wilder provides another opportunity to continue the recovery effort and replenish a landscape that was so severely damaged by last year’s storms,” said Nick Fyntrilakis, Vice President Community Responsibility, MassMutual. “We are very proud of our employees and their dedication to our community, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their efforts.”