5/30/25

Mayor Sarno and Parks Director Ashe announce return of Paddle Boats to Forest Park’s Porter Lake this Summer! 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Thomas Ashe, and Aquatics Director Joe Federico and team joined on Friday morning at Forest Park to announce the return of a beloved recreational pastime to Porter Lake inside Forest Park this summer: paddle boats! At Forest Park’s Porter Lake, the city will once again offer pedal-style Swan Boat rentals this summer. 

Beginning in early July, on Saturdays and Sundays between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., visitors to Forest Park will be able to enjoy a ride around Porter Lake in a four-seater Swan pedal boat. Pedal Boats are first-come, first-served and can be used for half-hour rides on the lake for a $5 per boat rental fee. Specially trained lifeguards will be on duty and flotation devices will be provided for boat passengers.

Mayor Sarno states, “So many of us cherish fond memories of spending time at Forest Park with family and friends – for me growing up, parks, especially Forest Park, were my ‘Riviera.’ We are excited to be able to offer another fun way to experience the beauty of Forest Park with this recreational boating experience, that has a history here on Porter Lake dating back nearly a hundred years. My administration is committed to continuing to improve and enhance the enjoyment of our beautiful parks systems and we are extremely proud to that we have invested over $100 million our city-wide park system over the past 17 years. Thank you to Parks Director Tom Ashe and team, the Board of Park Commissioners, and our many partners for your continued stewardship of our park system for the enjoyment of current and future generations - like the students participating in ECOS that we had the pleasure of seeing today. We had a great moment taking in the sight of a baby fawn." 

PRBRM Director Ashe states, “Parks are an important element for every neighborhood, they provide a respite from city life and offer an essential outlet for passive and active recreation. We are the proud custodians of our city’s 735 acre ‘crown jewel’, Forest Park, and remain committed to making various amenities and recreation opportunities available for our residents throughout the different seasons. I am extremely proud of our entire PBRM team, as it is their diligence and passion that create enjoyable and attractive parks. I would also like to thank Mayor Sarno for his steadfast support of our parks system, and the important outlet it provides for families.”

“We encourage everyone to continue to enjoy their parks, and if you have not visited Forest Park in a while you will notice some improvements like the major Monkey House renovations, the installation of the historic-replica Forest Park picnic pavilion and enhanced picnic grove, the beautiful restoration of the historic Trolley Gazebo right at the main entrance, soon the completed Walker Grandstand, and now the return of pedal Swan Boats on Porter Lake. However, as we were reminded today, nothing beats the experience of being so close and connected to undisturbed natural beauty – we were very fortunate to catch glimpse of a week-old baby deer who was peacefully curled up in a patch of long grass enjoying our announcement today.”

5/29/25

Mayor Sarno, Schools Superintendent Dr. Dinnall, PRRM Director Ashe, and Putnam Principal George Johnson join to unveil new Putnam Football Field

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Dr. Sonia Dinnall, Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Tom Ashe, Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy (“Putnam”) Principal George Johnson and city and school officials joined at Putnam on Thursday to unveil the brand-new turf football field at one of the city’s largest high schools. Director of Buildings Jon Carignan, Assistant Superintendent Terry Powe, SPS Chief Financial Officer Patrick Roach, Athletic Director Dwayne Early, and Landscape Architect Anja Duffy were also in attendance. 

Mayor Sarno states, “The work being completed throughout our school buildings has had, and will continue to have, a tremendous impact on the learning environment. This is why we wanted to be sure to use ESSR funds to invest in projects with long-term benefits. This makes our 4th turf field along with the two at Central and one at Duggan – before my administration, we had none. We will continue to invest in our schools and work to provide the best learning environments possible for all our students. Something that was also very important to us was soliciting community input and input from our schools staff and administrations for ESSR funding priorities. When we approached Putnam Principal George Johnson regarding the best use of the school’s ESSR allocation, he knew exactly what the students wanted and needed at this location. We are proud to unveil this beautiful field, home of the Putnam Beavers and look forward to seeing students utilizing it as they continue to grow on the field and in the classroom.”

Since the new Putnam High School opened, there was a dream to have an onsite athletic field. During construction, infrastructure was laid in place which would later aid the construction of a new turf practice field. $2.1M of ESSR funding was used to fund the construction a new athletic field at Putnam High School.  Construction began in late June of 2024 and was substantially complete in the late fall of 2024 with final items wrapping up this past spring. 

The City collaborated with school officials and the project design team at GZA to develop a field design that now provides a high-quality practice space, which features state-of-the-art turf, a scoreboard, small seating areas, and advanced lighting and control systems, allowing the school sports teams to practice and prepare for games at a high school level.

The new field was constructed on the grounds of the existing Putnam High School, located on State Street, and is comprised of state-of-the-art athletic turf material. It also features a Musco adaptive lighting system with all necessary amenities to provide the ideal practice environment for high school athletics as well as physical education.

5/26/25

Mayor Sarno, SPS Superintendent Dr. Dinnall, PBRM Director Ashe & Facilities Team highlight HVAC upgrades in Springfield School Buildings 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Dr. Sonia Dinnall, Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Thomas Ashe, Director of Buildings Jon Carignan, and SPS CFO Pat Roach joined with Principal Robin Sanchez at Warner School to highlight the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) upgrades and new playground at Warner, and school buildings throughout the SPS district. 

This group of school building projects represents the Sarno administration’s continued dedicated efforts to improving conditions in our public schools and enhancing the educational environment for our students and school community. 

Mayor Sarno states, "I want to thank SPS Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall, Parks and Facilities Executive Director Tom Ashe, Director of Buildings and Facilities Jon Carignan, SPS CFO Pat Roach and the team at Siemens for their efforts in upgrading and enhancing our schools.  These improvements will help our students and teachers excel both in and out of the classroom.  Warner is one of over a dozen school buildings that has undergone, or will undergo, HVAC upgrades. Upgrade work at Warner included Dual temp conversion, Automation, Building Envelope, Electrical Upgrade, Chiller upgrade.  I also want to highlight the new playground equipment that was installed at Warner for our students using much-needed ESSER funds." 

At 10 school sites, all existing original HVAC infrastructure was removed and replaced with a modern code compliant system that produces both heat and AC. The new equipment installed meets all of today’s modern standards for ventilation in school buildings. The systems feature high efficiency, condensing boilers, classroom unit ventilators, and air-cooled chillers. At approximately seven additional sites, the city replaced terminal units, including roof, rooftop units, and air handlers to provide gymnasiums with air conditioning.

5/23/25

Mayor Sarno tours Springfield’s Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse Renovations 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with City of Springfield Parks, Buildings, & Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Thomas Ashe, Department of Capital Asset Construction (DCAC) Director Peter Garvey, Veteran's Memorial Golf Course Manager Rick Lombardi, Franconia Golf Course Manager Steve Carle, and Veterans Golf Course Senior Greens Superintendent Anthony Kowal on Friday morning at Veteran's Memorial Golf Course, located on South Branch Parkway, to tour the completed Golf Course Clubhouse renovations. 

Both of clubhouses at the city’s two public municipal 18-hole golf courses, Veterans and Franconia, have undergone major, multi-million-dollar renovations. On Friday, Mayor Sarno and city officials toured the renovations at the Veteran's Memorial Golf Course Clubhouse and display the renovation work that was done over at Franconia’s Clubhouse as well. 

Park Commissioner Clinton Harris, Director of Open Space Pete Krupczak, Park Coordinator Tom Dougal, Senior Project Manager My-Ron Hatchett, and Project Managers Jessica Lugo and Seamus Warwick also joined to unveil the completed work. 

The renovations at our Veteran's Memorial Golf Course include replacement of the roof, new windows, new kitchen equipment, new finishes, new plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems. The restrooms have also been renovated for accessibility. 

The renovations at our Franconia Golf Course include replacement of the HVAC system, a new electrical service, new kitchen equipment, new finishes in the dining room, kitchen and a new curtain wall. 

Mayor Sarno states, “We continue to receive rave reviews about our two public golf courses, Franconia and Veterans – now the inside of both the Veterans and Franconia Clubhouse’s, which had not seen any major updates since they were built in the 1960s, will match the quality of the courses that my administration recently invested $1 million toward enhancing the quality of play for golfers of all ages and levels. Our public golf courses have been nationally recognized and are quickly becoming a hidden jewel in the region, while also offering some of the most affordable rates in the area.  Thank you to PBRM Director Tom Ashe and team for their continued efforts in maintaining these beautiful and affordable courses.  I’d also like to thank our Capital Asset Construction team under Pete Garvey for getting this project done. Just like our courses, the Clubhouse looks beautiful.”

Mayor Sarno added, “I’d like to give a shout out to Marcus Smith, a former student of mine at my old South End Community Center, who did all the audio-visual work for the Clubhouses – very proud to see him succeeding. Another shout out to the Springfield DPW Traffic team who was out there on South Branch getting work done on our new automated crosswalk pedestrian safety initiative. And thank you to our braved and dedicated SPD for keeping us all safe. Good health and God Bless.”

PBRM Director Tom Ashe states, “On behalf of the Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, we are deeply appreciative of Mayor Sarno’s continued, and multifaced investments in our open spaces and recreational opportunities, including our two renowned public golf courses. With 70,000 rounds played at Springfield’s municipal courses each season, our courses and clubhouses are worthy of these capital investments into the open spaces and facilities. When our Veterans Memorial Golf Course hosted the USGA Junior Amateur championship-qualifier for the first time a few years ago, it was first tournament site in the country to sellout. We are proud to be known among visitors and locals for the quality of our public golf courses. I commend our Greens Crews led by Anthony Kowal, who do a phenomenal job in maintaining them, and all our staff who continue to make our public courses right on par with some of the private, less affordable options out there, while maintaining accessibility and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all levels.” 

Director of Capital Asset Construction Peter Garvey states, “I was thrilled to be part of this team and work to complete these major and transformative renovations at our two public golf courses, each with its own rich history. We are looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy the new Clubhouse facilities.”

About Springfield’s Municipal Golf Courses 

The 18-hole Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course in Springfield, Massachusetts features 6,350 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 69.3 and it has a slope rating of 121 on Bent grass.  Designed by Geoffrey S. Cornish, ASGCA, the Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course opened in 1964.

The 18-hole Franconia Golf Course in Springfield, MA is a public golf course that opened in 1929. Designed by John Van Kleek, Wayne Stiles and Geoffrey Cornish, Franconia Golf Course measures 6,213 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 118 and a 69.7 USGA rating. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels.

Golf Course website: https://vets-franconia-golf.com/

4/18/25

Mayor Sarno and Parks Director Ashe bring greetings at Springfield Garden Club Annual Meeting & Luncheon at the Monkey House in Forest Park

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Parks, Buildings, & Recreation Management (PBRM) Director Thomas Ashe joined with the Springfield Garden Club (SGC) including President Janine Boland, for their Annual Meeting and special luncheon at the Monkey House in Forest Park on Friday.

Mayor Sarno and Director Ashe appreciate the support of Springfield Garden Club and their generosity toward the Horticulture and Learning Center project in Forest Park. They were honored to join the SGC celebrating a year of success, growth and friendship. 

Mayor Sarno stated, “I always enjoy visiting with our Springfield Garden Club and celebrating the many positive accomplishments we have done throughout our beautiful parks system, especially for our historic and iconic Forest Park. Thank you for welcoming us to your annual meeting. We are proud of our continued collaboration toward the Horticulture and Learning Center and expansion of our flower shows with the SGC which and draws hundreds of people to the Park from across New England. Their upcoming Plant Sale held here in Forest Park at the Monkey House will also be a wonderful showcase of the Garden Club’s beautiful artistry.” 

The Springfield Garden Club will hold it’s Annual Plant Sale Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 9 am to noon in Forest Park, 300 Sumner Avenue, Springfield MA in the old Monkey House.

A spring tradition and the Club’s major scholarship fundraiser, this is not the kind of plant sale that focuses on re-selling plants from wholesale growers. Except for a few donations from generous area garden centers, these plants are from members’ gardens or have been grown from seed specifically for the sale.

Th Annual Plant Sale is a major fund raiser for the SGC scholarship program and a lot of fun for club members and our customers alike. SGC LOVES to talk about the plants they are offering and, with many experienced gardeners and Master Gardeners among the members, they can offer useful suggestions on which plants to buy or answers to some of your gardening questions.

Learn more on the Springfield Garden Club website: https://www.springfieldgardenclubma.org/home

5/16/25

Mayor Sarno and Parks, Buildings, & Recreation Managment Director Ashe join with Springfield Parks & Recreation team for special appreciation luncheon

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “PBRM Director Tom Ashe and I wanted to thank our dedicated parks, facilities and forestry employees for their continued efforts day-in and day-out.  These employees do a tremendous job for our city, taking care of our neighborhood parks and open spaces, our municipal buildings and our trees, and their efforts are deeply appreciated. Our dedicated PBRM team works closely with many dedicated partners like our Springfield Police, Jackson Security, ROCA, and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department to ensure our parks are a safe place to visit with our families. Tom and I wanted to say thank you, and recognize those who continue to support or parks, including Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Robert Cee Jackson, Soloman Baymon, and Sheriff Nick Cocchi. The little things mean a lot, and although our residents and businesses may not always see them and their work, they are valued and appreciated.”

The Parks Department also surprised Mayor Sarno with an appreciation award and thanked him for is continued support of our beautiful parks system and entire PBRM department.

5/12/25

Mayor Sarno, City & State officials join Parks Commission for unveiling of the Stone Soul Founders Monument at Blunt Park 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Superintendent Akers, State Rep. Bud Williams, and city & state officials joined with the Parks Commission, including retired Park Commissioner, Stone Soul Co-Founder, & Stone Soul Festival Executive Committee Program Chair Jerald “Jay” Griffin, Sr., along with the Stone Soul Monument Honorees for a special unveiling and dedication ceremony for the new Stone Soul Founders Monument at Blunt Park. 

The Stone Soul Festival began in 1989 as a community reunion picnic aimed at gathering together the Mason Square Community. It has since evolved into a three-day festival, which includes the Stone Soul Festival parade kicking-off at Rebecca Johnson School and making its way to the site of the festival at Blunt Park where festival activities continue with food, music, dancing, and family fun entertainment.  It has become New England's largest African American Festival and will celebrate its 36th festival this summer. 

Last summer, during the Stone Soul Festival at Blunt Park, Mayor Sarno, PBRM Director Ashe, and the Park Commission held a special dedication ceremony at the Blunt Park Pavilion to honor the founders and members of Springfield’s Stone Soul festival including Jerald “Jay” Griffin Sr. 

The Jay Griffin Pavilion at Blunt Park was dedicated on Saturday, August 31, 2024 to Jerald “Jay” Griffin Sr. and a commentative monument stone was placed there to honor Mr. Griffin and all the founders of the Stone Soul festival. 

The unveiling of the names of each of the festival founders as well as the Emancipation Proclamation, an important part of Black history in this country took place on Saturday at the monument located at Blunt Park near the Pavilion. 

The Monument Dedication celebration on Saturday reflected the many levels of support Stone Soul, and the Mason Square community has received over the years. During the installation and dedication of the Stone Soul Monument, individuals who have made Stone Soul possible throughout the years will also be honored. 

Mayor Sarno stated, “The Stone Soul Festival, founded over three decades years ago by my old family friend Jay Griffin, is a staple in our community. We are proud to continue to support the Stone Soul festival, which is also one of New England’s largest African-American festivals known for the great entertainment and atmosphere each year at our Blunt Park.” 

He continued, “In addition to supporting this treasured community event, we continue to honor the rich history of Springfield’s Stone Soul Festival with special recognition for the founders and all who help make this festival a success year after year. Special thank you to retired Park Commissioner and longtime community champion Jerald “Jay” Griffin Sr. ‘the Godfather of Stone Soul.’ Jay cares deeply for our community and has been a continuous positive force for our Springfield for decades. It is so meaningful to be able to honor and recognize Jay while he is still here with us to ‘receive his flowers.’ With the installation of “Jay Griffin Way,” last year on Quincy Street where Jay grew up the “Jay Griffin Pavilion” here at Blunt Park, Mr. Griffin’s work to bring our community together will continue to be an example for future generations.”

Today, on Earth Day, our Springfield Parks Department team—alongside the skilled members of our Horticulture Crew—teamed up with students and staff from Springfield International Charter School for a collaborative effort in Forest Park. A big thank you to SICS for joining us. Happy Earth Day!

What an amazing time we had at our 'Fabulous February' event at the ECOS building this past Saturday, March 1, 2025! Huge thanks to our incredible partners for their hard work and dedication in making it a truly memorable event. We couldn’t have done it without you! 

Already counting down the days to next year’s event!

As we reflect on the 61st anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, we remember not only the tragic loss of a young leader but also the enduring legacy he left behind. Kennedy’s vision for a brighter future—marked by a commitment to civil rights, space exploration, and global diplomacy—continues to inspire generations. His call to "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country" remains a timeless reminder of the responsibility we all share in shaping the world around us. Kennedy's leadership in moments of crisis, his ability to inspire hope, and his unwavering belief in the potential of the American people offer a model for future leaders. Though his life was cut short, his ideals and his belief in progress, unity, and public service continue to guide us as we strive toward a better tomorrow.