Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Tom Ashe, Director of Veteran’s Services Joe DeCaro, City Councilor Zaida Govan, the Indian Orchard Citizens Council, members of the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and CPC Chair Bob McCarroll joined on Friday morning for the unveiling of Godfrey Park Triangle upgrades, the completed restoration of a World War I Memorial, and replacement of the missing bronze eagle.
Working with the Indian Orchard Citizens Council and neighborhood residents, the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management (PBRM), has completed improvements to Godfrey Triangle, including restoration of the World War I Memorial, replacement of the missing bronze eagle, installation of a walkway, benches and a 60 ft. flagpole, as well as tree plantings and irrigation.
Godfrey Triangle, located in the Indian Orchard neighborhood at the intersection of Berkshire Avenue, and Holly Street, offers .89 acres of open space and includes a memorial to those who served, and those who lost their lives in World War I. The monument is comprised of granite and bronze elements, and originally featured a bronze eagle.
“First off, I would like to thank the brave and dedicated military serve men and women who fought or gave their lives protecting this country, and our freedoms,” stated Mayor Sarno. “Godfrey Triangle Memorial has been named a World War I Centennial Memorial in honor of those who in the name of liberty either made the ultimate sacrifice or came back from Europe victorious. I would like to also thank our Indian Orchard neighborhood community for advocating for this project, our Parks Department team, under the leadership of Director Tom Ashe, for their work on restoring the beauty of this monument and the open space around it, and my thanks to the CPA for their partnership and support on another great neighborhood project that current and future generations of residents and visitors will enjoy. We are proud to come together to unveil this project as we head into Veterans Day. The United States is the beacon of democracy, strength and opportunity, thanks to the sacrifices and dedication of our proud Veterans and their families. God Bless the United States of America, and God Bless our Veterans.”
Restoration of Godfrey Triangle was completed over multiple years with grant funding support from City of Springfield Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Preservation Act (CPA), and the 100 Cities/100 Memorials grant funding. In 2019, a CDBG Neighborhood Target Improvement Grant of $12,000 was awarded for the installation of a new 60-foot flagpole. Additionally, in 2019, the City of Springfield was awarded the 100 Cities/ 100 Memorials grant, worth $2,000 for monument restoration. In 2020, the CPA Phase 1 began, which awarded $53,000 towards the installation of brick pavers, benches, sign restoration, tree plantings and landscaping. The second CPA phase began in 2022, which awarded $105,000 towards the installation of irrigation and flagpole light, restoration of the bronze plaques and replica bronze eagle.
PBRM Director Tom Ashe states, “With the awarding of these grants, and the collaboration from the Indian Orchard Citizens Council, the Parks Department has been able to put in the work that needs to be done in order to keep the memory of this war alive for generations to come. Thank you to my team for your continued efforts as we work to upgrade all different parks throughout the City.”
Springfield has a long and proud history of military service and remembrance. Preservation of the Godfrey Triangle monument and open space ensures the sacrifices of city veterans are acknowledged and honored for future generations. Godfrey Triangle has been a public park since 1927, when it was donated to the city from the Indian Orchard Company. The city named the park for William C. Godfrey, a co-founder of the Indian Orchard Company and neighborhood benefactor. When Godfrey Triangle became a city park in 1927, the neighborhood and city constructed a World War I memorial at the park. Since that time, Godfrey Triangle has been a gathering spot for neighborhood ceremonies and celebrations. The Indian Orchard neighborhood has advocated tirelessly for the restoration of Godfrey Triangle.
In receiving the 100 Cities/100 Memorials grant, a program that recognizes and helps restore World War I memorials nationwide in order to create an on-going conversation about The Great War, lest we forget. This designation was awarded by the United States World War One Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in the year 2018 as part of the United States official World War I centennial commemoration, 2017-2019, in partnership with the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
“Springfield has a long tradition of stepping up to serve when it comes to armed conflicts,” added Director of Veteran’s Services Joe DeCaro. “We are home to the first national armory, and in addition to many residents enlisting in the service, Springfield has supported our nation’s war efforts with major contributions in manufacturing, medicine, and the work force. It is always an honor to come together with our community members, city leaders, and fellow Americans to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices of the veterans who came before us. The City of Springfield has been designated as an American World War II Heritage City, and to receive the 100 Cities/ 100 Monuments designation demonstrates the continued pride the City has when it comes to those who have served.”
