EVENT: Ribbon Cutting
DATE: Friday, May 31, 2013
TIME: 10:30 a.m.
PLACE: South Branch Park
CONTACT: Patrick J. Sullivan, Executive Director 787-6441
May 30, 2013-Springfield, MA- Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Park Chairman Brian Santaniello and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks Buildings and Recreation Management, will honor all the businesses, organizations and residents who assisted with the cleanup and restoration of South Branch Park. The Park land borders the North East shores of Lake Massasoit. The woodland park was hit hard by the June 1 tornado and was denied by FEMA to assist with the restoration. Local businesses, residents and garden clubs offered assistance throughout the past year to restore the neighborhood resource. Efforts have included the removal of storm debris, the construction of a walking bridge reconnecting the trails, tree plantings and mulching the trails.
Mayor Sarno stated “The City is grateful to everyone involved. Special thanks to Northern Tree and AshBritt for removing the tons of debris from the site and Northern Tree for constructing the bridge. The SRA and Develop Springfield stepped up to the plate and offered funding for tree plantings along with the East Forest Park Civic Association and Garden Club Federation of MA and the Springfield Garden Club for the planting of the ornamental crab trees." The Mayor presented plaques to the following groups:
Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept. US Forest Service
Dept. of Public Works Charlie Arment Trucking
Residents of East Forest Park Regreen Springfield
Dept. of Conservation & Recreation SRA
Develop Springfield Northern Tree
The Garden Club Federation of MA Springfield Garden Club
East Forest Park Civic Association AshBritt
Brian Santaniello stated; “The work completed to date will be enjoyed by the residents and future generations to come. The Park Commission looks forward to preparing a master plan for all wood lands affected by the June 1 tornado. To date over $2 million has been received in grants by the Commonwealth of Mass in both assisting with the cleanup and reclaiming woodlands throughout the zone"
Patrick Sullivan stated; “I have to single out Phil Cambo from Northern Tree who saw a need for our City and did not hesitate to tackle the debris removal along with AshBritt. It was from the generosity that you could see a positive resource of park land and the community came together to assist with improving the site. We will continue to plant and make improvements throughout out the next five years to preserve this open space."