Thursday, March 9, 2017
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has approved the final plans for Stearns Square Park and Duryea Way and directed Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management to review with the Springfield Park Commission for their final approval.
Mayor Sarno has coordinated a series of planned city improvements to the district to complement the efforts of Mass Development, the Springfield Business Improvement District, Develop Springfield, and the many local property owners and businesses that are participating in the effort. The city will be making significant improvements to Stearns Square Park, Duryea Way, sidewalks in the area, and has plans for a new low-interest loan program to attract full-service restaurants. This announcement follows the recent announcement of free downtown Wi-Fi, set to begin rolling out in the coming weeks.
Mayor Sarno stated, “The renovation of Stearns Square and Duryea Way is an integral part of the renaissance of our downtown. The proposed improvements along with significant investments at Union Station and MGM Springfield will market our downtown as a destination to residents and visitors from throughout the Pioneer Valley.”
Patrick Sullivan added, “The funding for this project is critical to ensure this park remains the center piece for this business district. It has been over 35 years since the last significant renovation. The proposed improvements will complement the work the Mayor has undertaken with the business partners for the current and proposed restaurants.”
Mayor Sarno announced the following city efforts in the district:
Stearns Square Park & Duryea Way: The city will be mobilizing this fall to undertake a complete renovation of historic Stearns Square Park and Duryea Way. This includes new landscaping, trees, pavers, fountain restoration, and park furniture. This park is important to become a centerpiece to establishing a Stearns Square dining district, and important to get completed with the timing of new projects and new visitors to the city. Duryea Way will become a key gateway for transit passengers connecting the station into this district, and will be revamped with new landscaping and decorative gateway arches leading in and out of the district. The project is expected to go to bid late spring with work starting in September.
Widened Sidewalks: The city will be committing $300,000 in CDBG funding to undertake targeted sidewalk widening and traffic calming measures around the park, to make the area more pedestrian friendly and better suited for outdoor dining. This is based on recommendations in the Worthington Street master plan.
