The original wooden gazebo, which was installed circa 1994, was damaged beyond repair in the 2011 October snowstorm. The total project cost to replace the beloved gazebo is $154,660. Through the collaborative efforts from the Department of PBRM, the Forest Park Civic Association and neighborhood residents, the project was awarded a CPA-Recreation grant funding of $110,00 to furnish and install a new wooden frame gazebo at the Forest Park Aquatic Garden. The City of Springfield contributed additional funds of $44,660 towards the successful completion of this project.
The Gazebo is located at the foot of the Forest Park Amphitheater and serves as the entrance to the pedestrian Aquatic Gardens in Forest Park, near the Carriage House at the Barney Estate. The Aquatic Gardens pedestrian walkways connect the Aquatic Gardens area to the Duck Pond in Forest Park and are a popular walking, running and biking route for park visitors.
The Forest Park Aquatic Garden Gazebo restoration project has completed the construction bid phase and construction plans have been developed. Delray Construction of Newington, CT, was the successful low bidder on this project. Delray will be installing the new gazebo furnished by Great Country Timber Frames (the Barn Yard) of Ellington, Connecticut. The Barnyard has been a partner with the City, furnishing the gazebo at both Franconia Golf Course and the Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Sullivan Park in recent years.
Mayor Sarno states, “The Forest Park Aquatic Garden Gazebo is a popular and treasured landmark in our beloved Forest Park. Unfortunately, the freak nor’easter snow storm of October 2011 did a number on the gazebo and damaged it beyond repair. I want to thank and applaud the efforts of PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, our Forest Park Civic Association and our residents who worked tirelessly in submitting an application for CPA-Recreation grant funding to restore this iconic landmark.”
PBRM Director Sullivan stated, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno, the Forest Park Civic Association, our neighborhood residents and my dedicated team for their collaborative efforts in making this project possible. The timber frames are being manufactured at the Barnyard facility and will be ready for installation in the new year. On-site installation of the gazebo is slated to begin in early January 2022. Fortunately, the original gazebo piers and foundations were able to be reused, with the new gazebo structure to be installed on the existing piers. The new gazebo is designed to withstand snow loads that are typical in New England and will be able to provide covered recreational space for park patrons for years to come. PBRM personnel will restore the walkway and landscaping around the gazebo after installation.”
The new gazebo will be open to the public in time for the spring and summer weather.
