Of note, the iconic and beloved Spirit of Springfield’s Star Spangled Springfield 4th of July event, scheduled for Tuesday, July 4th, will go on as scheduled, as it has done so for over 38 years.
Amtrak has a contractual agreement with the City of Springfield and Spirit of Springfield to allow access to the municipal Riverfront Park for a variety of reasons, including maintenance, construction and special event access on the Riverfront.
Mayor Sarno states, “The show will go on. I want to reassure our residents and the public, our beloved Spirit of Springfield’s Star Spangled Springfield 4th of July event will go on without interruption, despite the hinderance from Amtrak and their unwarranted decision to not allow public pedestrian access to our State Street crossing into our city Riverfront Park and land. This decision by Amtrak, which has yet to be clarified and stated as to why they are denying us access, will adversely impact public safety and ADA access for the public. However, they will not rain on our City’s 4th of July celebration. The Spirit of Springfield and the City has put on this iconic and beloved 4th of July and fireworks event for years at our Riverfront Park, with never any issues. I am truly fit-to-be-tied as to why now, this year, Amtrak all of a sudden has decided to deny us public pedestrian access to our own city park and land.”
Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt stated that the Spirit of Springfield has been in contact with Amtrak for over a month to coordinate this annual event, and has made all necessary payments required to adhere to the agreed upon contract, which allows access to the State Street crossing for special events.
During the press conference, Mayor Sarno repeatedly encouraged Amtrak to reconsider their decision and to acquiesce and honor the agreed upon contract, as they have done previously in years past. Mayor Sarno also stated that he has reached out to Congressman Richard Neal and US Senator Edward Markey for assistance to help resolve this situation. Additionally, Mayor Sarno called upon United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, as a former mayor himself, to intervene on behalf of the City of Springfield and this family-friendly patriotic event celebrating our Nations Independence Day.
“This decision by Amtrak will not stop the ‘can-do’ attitude of our Springfield. Working with Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, and our public safety officials and partners, we will make do and activity alternative and safe access points for our residents and the public to use so that they can enjoy the 4th of July festivities and fireworks display,” said Mayor Sarno. “My administration has invested over $3.1 million into renovating our Riverfront Park, which originally opened in 1977 to celebrate our nation’s bicentennial, and this federally subsidized entity is denying the taxpayers access to our public space. The Park is also home to our September 11th Memorial Monument, are they going to deny our brave and dedicated veterans when the time comes to hold our annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony? The Park also has a playground and various other recreational amenities for our residents and the public to enjoy.”
Fire Commissioner Calvi and Deputy Chief Ackers reassured and spoke that public safety will be paramount. Springfield Police Officers will be on site to help guide pedestrian traffic and will allow vehicle traffic only when pedestrians have cleared the area. Springfield Fire Department will mobilize to help assist and light up the entrance and access point at the pedestrian underpass ramp, which is located just north from the State Street crossing.
The pedestrian underpass ramp entrance to Riverfront Park off of West Columbus Ave, approximately 100 yards north of the State Street crossing point, will serve as the main public pedestrian access point. There will be enhanced lighting and signage installed.
PBRM Director Sullivan and DPW Director Cignoli spoke on Amtrak’s decision to deny public pedestrian access to this annual event is in violation to their agreement with the city and that they, along with Springfield Police and Fire, have the train schedule for July 4th and as they do every year, will make all accommodations necessary for public safety, enjoyment and access during the time periods a train is scheduled to cross.
“To our residents and the public that are planning to attend, if Amtrak remains steadfast on their refusal to allow access at the State Street crossing, please arrive early and plan accordingly to utilize our alternative access point at the pedestrian underpass entrance. We thank you for your patience and understanding,” said Mayor Sarno
