Honoring Earth Day this April 22, 2025
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!
Illegal Dumping Enforcement
4/17/25
Mayor Sarno, Police Superintendent Akers and PBRM Executive Director Ashe and announce continued Illegal Dumping Enforcement
Smile You’re on Springfield Candid Camera!
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Superintendent Larry Akers, Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management (PBRM) and Tom Ashe joined in Indian Orchard today to announce continued enforcement efforts from the city to crack down on illegal dumping in the city. PBRM continues to maintain numerous security cameras at multiple sites throughout the city to catch individuals illegally dumping.
Today, the City reminded all that illegal dumping is taken very seriously and shared images and information about a recent illegal dumping incident that has resulted in a criminal complaint against an individual who illegally dumped tons of garbage and material here in our Springfield in the Indian Orchard neighborhood on Moxon Street. The complaint was filed against Elizabeth Botelho of 38 Bristol Street, Ludlow, MA.
Mayor Sarno states, “Smile, you’re on Springfield’s candid camera! As the warmer weather approaches, I want to remind everyone that the city of Springfield continues to actively enforce our efforts to catch those who illegally dump in our neighborhoods. Just last week, our dedicated Parks Department crews, through the use of our cameras, caught a habitual repeat illegal dumping offender. This individual was caught twice dumping on Moxon Street on April 10th and April 11th. In total, over 1.52 tons of trash, furniture, and debris was dumping in our Indian Orchard neighborhood. The Springfield Police Department will be issuing citations to fine this individual. Shame on them for coming into our city, our neighborhoods and dumping all of their trash onto our streets. How would they like it if we threw all of this 1.5 tons of trash onto their front lawn and driveway? I want to thank Director Tom Ashe and Superintendent Larry Akers and their dedicated teams for their continued efforts to crack down and catch these culprits. We will continue to run our enforcement efforts throughout our city and hold those accountable for illegally dumping to the full extent of the law.”
Aquatics Department wants to help you go from Overweight 2 Healthy!
03/14/2025
- The City is offering an Aquatic Fitness Program called O2H -
For someone who struggles with their weight, exercising can be very physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. You are not alone! The City of Springfield’s Aquatics Department will be hosting an aquatic fitness program called O2H, for those who are overweight or obese. This program offers a safe, supportive, and effective way for those individuals to begin to develop a healthier lifestyle in a protected environment with other people who are also overweight.
This fitness program is designed to meet the specific needs of those who are overweight or obese. Exercising in the water allows for low-impact movements that increase range of motion and circulation. Whether you are simply walking or using our aquatic fitness equipment for extra resistance, we can offer a personalized workout for you at your own pace. No swim experience is needed, and we will have a trained lifeguard on staff for everyone’s safety.
The O2H program will be offered at Milton Bradley School on 22 Mulberry St, Springfield, MA. There is a walk-in ramp for easy access to the pool. The program will run twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm – 6:30pm beginning April 1, 2025 until May 29, 2025. Pre-registration is required, and there is a cash or check only fee of $60.00 per person for City residents and $70.00 per person for non-City residents. There is also a special rate for Baystate Weight Management patients, available at only $50.00 for the entire session (which includes 16 classes)! All fees are due on the first day of class. The capacity for the program will cap at 25 swimmers, so call to register soon!
For more information about the O2H program, or any other Aquatics programs, please call Joe Federico, Aquatics Director, at (413) 787-6298. Do not think of what you have to lose, think of all you will gain!
Fabulous February 2025
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!
Putnam Vocational carpentry students restore Forest Park’s historic spaces
Students in the carpentry program at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy are shaping their futures through hands-on projects. The latest group of 20 students is engaged in public service, restoring historic buildings in Forest Park and constructing homes for Habitat for Humanity.
Supervising teacher David Elia highlighted the students' contributions to various park structures over the years, including the trolley pavilion and Barney Carriage House. Currently, they are working on a stone hut and a wooden footbridge near the park's duck pond. On a recent morning, the students faced a flooded floor in the hut, which they quickly addressed. Elia noted that such challenges provide valuable experience. Isabella Santana, 16, appreciates the hands-on nature of the program, stating, "It's rewarding to create something from nothing." The students are also replacing wooden planks on a nearby deck.
In addition to on-site work, students participate in carpentry classes, learning about essential tools and safety protocols. Elia emphasized the importance of familiarity with various tools for different tasks. Students spend three to four hours a day on job sites, adapting to weather conditions with appropriate gear. Many students aspire to become union carpenters, with potential earnings of up to $100,000 annually. Derli Morales, 17, chose carpentry after being inspired by his sister and enjoys the teamwork aspect. He plans to pursue a career as a union carpenter post-graduation.
Elia noted that carpentry is a popular choice at Putnam, thanks in part to the engaging curriculum and collaboration with other trades. While traditionally male-dominated, the program is seeing an increase in female students, reflecting industry trends. The program fosters civic pride by allowing students to contribute to the community. Senior Kelsie Dixon expressed satisfaction in leaving a positive mark on Springfield through their projects. Thomas Ashe, executive director of parks, buildings, and recreation for the City of Springfield, praised the strong partnership with Putnam, highlighting the benefits of student involvement in local projects.
2024 Angie Florian Tree Lighting
The 61st anniversary of President John F. Kennedy
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.
