Mayor Domenic Sarno joined with Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Thomas Ashe, and park officials today to celebrate the grand re-opening and ribbon cutting for Loon Pond Park in Springfield’s Indian Orchard Neighborhood. State Representative Orlando Ramos, and Lamari Jackson, aide to State Senator Adam Gomez, and Philip Govan from the Indian Orchard Citizens Council also joined. Special thanks to Park Commission Chairwoman Jennifer McQuade, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Cathy Buono, and the Indian Orchard Citizens Council.
Loon Pond, a Massachusetts Great Pond, is located on the border of the Boston Road and Indian Orchard neighborhoods. Visitors can access the main park and parking area for Loon Pond at 419 Pasco Road. A walking trail connects the main park with the boat launch area which can be accessed further along Pasco Road. The pond, a 25+/- acre glacial kettle hole pond, is among the largest and deepest lakes in Springfield, with a maximum depth of 26+/- feet. Through this phase of renovation, the City improved site conditions at Loon Pond to increase public access and amenities for water-based recreation.
Funding for the renovation of Loon Pond Park was made possible by a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s EEA Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program, $250,000 from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and $50,726 from City of Springfield municipal funds, for a total project budget of $700,726. The redevelopment of Loon Pond Park was overseen by the Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management; designed by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc; and constructed by Gagliarducci Construction.
The grant funding allowed the City of Springfield to initiate renovation of both the main park and the boat launch areas. Improvements include accessible entrances, a parking area, a new accessible canoe and kayak launch, picnic amenities, water viewing, trails, landscaping, and fencing. Swimming is not permitted at this time.
Mayor Domenic Sarno stated, “I am delighted to highlight the importance of re-opening Loon Pond Park. It was so beautiful to be over there at Loon Pond today, I encourage you to check it out and enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of the State Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant, supplemented by Community Development Block Grant and city funding, represents a significant investment in our community's recreational infrastructure at one of the city’s water-based recreational areas. Loon Pond Park is a cherished green space in our city, offering residents and visitors a serene setting for fishing, boating, and picnicking. This project underscores our commitment to preserving and enhancing our public spaces, promoting outdoor activities, and fostering community well-being. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these renovations will have on the community’s quality of life and to having residents experience the natural features Loon Pond Park.”
Thomas Ashe, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management said, “We are thrilled to unveil this phase of renovations and the park is now open for residents to enjoy. This project aimed to enrich the recreational experiences available at Loon Pond Park, ensuring that patrons will find improved facilities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking. While swimming is currently not permitted, the renovations will provide a welcoming environment for a variety of water-based activities, making the park a pleasant destination for our community. We look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike take advantage of the natural features and the beautiful vistas of Loon Pond Park. The project has also increased accessibility to all park elements and increased climate resiliency.”
Jennifer McQuade, Park Commission Chairwoman added, “The Park Commission is proud to support the work undertaken by the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management to ensure Loon Pond Park is accessible to all residents to enjoy the recreation areas at the pond. I am confident that the residents of the surrounding area will take pleasure in fishing, kayaking, and relaxing at this park.”
