SpringsidePark

MasterPlan

SpringsidePark:
ANaturalPark.AnEducationalPark.ACommunityPark.

ThevisionforSpringsideParkistocontinuetoretainthecurrentoverallcharacterofthepark
andmaintainabalanceofmixedcomplementaryusages,improveinfrastructureandenhance
itseducationalbenefit,safetyandaccessibilityforall.

MajorComponents

DevelopmentoftheSpringsideNaturalParkCenter

RestorationofSpringsidePond

Landscape&AccessImprovement

ExpandedEducational&AgriculturalInfrastructure

Summary

The enclosed draft of the Springside Park Master Plan represents a complete interpretive profile,
needs assessment andactionplanforthemanagement andimprovement ofSpringsidePark.Itwas
developed through an 18 month process conducted by a special planning committee through the
Springside Park Conservancy, an incorporated coalition of park stakeholder organizations, in
cooperation with the Office of Community Development, and in consultation with numerous local
organizationsandabroadsampleofparkusers,neighbors,andvariousexperts.

From extensivecommunityinputandacompletereviewofabundantstudies,planningmemorandum
and historical documentation, the SPC has generated an updated profile of the park's resources,
challenges, andneeds.Thisdocumentlooksatthepark'sgeography,history,patternsofuse,benefits
andcontextwithinthecommunity.

Theplaninterpretsthepark asa
mixedusedecosystemthatsimultaneously:A)offersoneofthepremiere

locations in the city for traditional athletic activities and a wide variety of other recreationalactivitiesB)
supports athriving infrastructureof agriculturalandeducationalprogramming,C)hasahighlevelofprivate
stewardship participation from multiple organizations, and D) provides a major local venue for outdoor
performance and cultural programming. Themes of
preserving of the park's current natural character
,
improving community access and utilization
, and
a focus on horticulture and life science education are
echoedthroughouttheplan.

5YearActionPlan
Phase1FY1718
Phase2FY1920
Phase3FY21

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

TableofContents

PartOne

PurposeofthePlan
ContextofthePlan
AnOverviewofthePark
ABriefHistoryofthePark
CurrentandHistoricalUseofthePark
PlanningandPublicInvolvementProcess
CurrentPlanningIssues

PartTwo

ANewVision
GuidingPrinciplesMovingForward
Major(minor)DevelopmentRecommendationsbyPlanningSector
ImplementationStrategyandPhasing
CostEstimate
GeneralPhasingScheduleforImplementationofMasterPlan

AppendixI:GuidingPrinciplesExplanations&SupportingMaterials
AppendixII:SpringsideHouseRedevelopmentRecommendations

[TechnicalAppendices]
AppendixIII:TreeInventory
AppendixIV:WildflowerInventory
AppendixV:NativeBirdInventory
AppendixVI:InvasiveSpeciesManagementPlan

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

PartOne
PurposeofthePlan

In September 2013, all organizations actively involved inprogramsand developments at Springside

Parkwereinvited to aconferencetodiscussissuesofmutual concernandplanning forthefutureof
the park. At this time, several organizations determined to convene a new ad hoc committee of
representatives from their officers under the umbrella of the Springside Park Conservancy, a
nonprofit incorporation whose governing body now includesmembersoftheFriends ofSpringside,
Vincent J. Hebert Arboretum, Morningside Neighborhood Initiative and Springside Greenhouse
Group,withthe Ward 1 City Councilor as an Advisory Memberand Parks &Open SpaceManageras
advisorymembers.Thisdocumentrepresentstheculminationoftheirwork.

ThepurposeofthisMasterPlanisto:

ProvideanupdateonthestatusofopenspaceandrecreationresourcesatSpringsidePark
Reportandsummarizepublicopinionconcerningtheseissues
Establishupdatedgoals,objectivesandplansforfutureactionatthepark.

The plan incorporatessubstantialinputfromtheCommittee'sregularmeetingsandpublicinputfrom

public surveys andextensive outreachtoparkusers over an eighteenmonth period.TheCommittee
believes thepresentplanwill helpguidetheCitysfuture effortsto maintainand preservetheparks
recreationaland open space resourceseffectively. Such effortsarecriticalgiventhevitalimportance
of theparks unique natural charactertothe Cityseconomyandqualityoflife. ThePlanisintended
as a resource document and does not include or imply authority or funding for actions, but
represents an advisory compilation of relevant information and input as required. This Plan is
designedto reflectthe preponderantdesireoftheCitysresidentsto ensurethatcurrentSpringside
Park open space and recreation areas will be maintained and further enhanced as needed, a view
supported by many. The plan is also designed to inform the Parks Commission of the residents'
concernsandperceivedneedsofthecommunity.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016


ContextofthePlan

Pittsfields local open space and parksystem is comprisedof272 parcelsrepresentingoverseventy

land holdingsandtotaling 6,247.50acres.Approximatelyhalfofthe property(656acres)isdeededto
the Department of Parks and Recreation / Parks Commission with another 1,249.93 acres of City
parklandundergeneralCity or miscellaneous title. Theremaindersareconservationlandsandwater
supply protection areas (382.46 acres) and school grounds (233.40 acres). In addition, there are
approximately14.08 acres owned bythe TownofRichmond,2,329.52acresofStateownedlandand
2,038.11acresofprivateandquasipublicownedrecreationandopenspacelands.

The 2010 Census lists Pittsfield at a population of 44,737, and in 2013 the Federal Census Bureau
estimated that populationat 44,057.According to census data,theMorningsideNeighborhoodtrails
behind the City significantly in terms of owner occupancy, household income, poverty rate, and
median home value. It has twice as many renters as the rest of the city and more than twice the
overall city poverty rate.25%ofMorningsideresidentslive below thefederal povertyline,whilethe
citywideaverageis10%.

Taking into consideration the large population served, as well as the disadvantages of many
neighborhood children in the vicinity, it is all the more important for Pittsfield to have astrategic,
ambitious, and clearly enunciated action plan for the preservation, improvement and ongoing
managementofthisimportantopenspacearea.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

AnOverviewofthePark

Springside Park is the largest park within Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the largest city in Berkshire
County. The Park is a 237.5acre passive recreation open space situated inthe northern end of the
City of Pittsfield, approximately two miles from the LanesboroughPittsfield line. In the distance,
mountain ranges surround the park. To the east are Day and Tully Mountains traversed by the
Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The October Mountain State Forest and Taconic Range lie
respectively to the south and west. To the north rises Mount Greylock, the highest peak in
Massachusetts. This location, at the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, adds significantly to the
beautyoftheCityofPittsfield,andtoitslargestpublicpark,Springside.

Due to its location, prominence, and broad expanse of territory, Springside Park serves a large
population of residents in addition to tourist visitors hailing from around the world. While located
primarily in Ward 1, due to its directadjacencyto the Morningside Neighborhood, it is theprimary
openspaceservingresidentsofthisheavilypopulousneighborhood.

MasterPlanOrigins

In 1939amasterplanforathen125acresSpringsideParkwascommissionedbyParksDirectorHenry
Watson and drawn up by the National Recreation Association. It encompassed playgrounds, foot
paths,wading pools at the pond,picnic areas,ballfields,asmallpettingzooanda9holegolfcourse.
A subsequent refined Master Plan developedin1957 under VincentHebert,who servedasdirector
from1950 to1990, envisionedSpringsideasbeingapremiere destinationparkforPittsfield.Placing
increased emphasis on "the primarily natural landscape" of the park, this plan called for the
expansion of existinggardenprogramsand thedevelopmentofanaturalarboretumonthepremises.
It replacedtheprevious zoothat closedin1947withanexpandedPettingZooandTrailsideMuseum
for nature workshops. It also included a day camp area for additional youth nature activities,
enhancedpicnicareas,andthepreviouslyproposed9holegolfcourse.

A 1964 edition further codified this plan into ten components: improvement of circulation and
parking,the arboretum, twoplaygroundtypeareas,thezooandtrailsidemuseum,thedaycamp,the
golf course, picnic centers, athletic fields, and the park's entrancesand frontage areas. Atthetime
thetotal costforimplementation wasestimated at around $400,000,but thatestimateincreasedto
half a million by the end of the decade, during which time some work on features of the plan
(playgrounds,zoo,ballfieldsandroadwork)wasimplemented.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

SpringsideParkTrailMap

7
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016


ABriefHistoryofthePark

th
The nameSpringsidefor thisgeographicareadatesbacktoatleast themid19
century,andrefers
tothesmallhillsidenaturalspringswhichfeeditswaterways.
Abraham Burbank builtElmhurst(now knownasSpringside House) originallyasa private residence,
sometime between 1856 and 1860.Designed primarily in the Italianatestyle, theSpringside House,
which was unusually complex in form and massing, sits on the hill above what today is known as
NorthStreetinPittsfield.
Originally fertilefarmland,thesiteof presentday SpringsidePark haslongbeen considered an area
of great naturalbeauty.TheSpringsideHotelformerlylocatednearthecornerofNorth&AbbottSt
was apopulartouristdestination, andanotherwasproposednear the site ofSpringsidepondinthe
1890s.
In 1910,KeltonB.Miller,aformerPittsfieldmayorandtheeditorofthe
BerkshireEveningEagle
,and
his wife Eva,donated10acresof landinthe vicinity ofElmhurstforuseasapublicpark,whichthen
becameAbbottPark.By1919,withthedonationofadditionallandandthesaleofsomeexistinglots,
theparkhadincreasedinsizeto15.5acresandbythenwascalledSpringsidePark.
Early descriptions and images of Springside Park depict asmall but thriving open space popularfor
picnics,ice skating on thepond,and asmallplayground.Laterthefirstoftwopettingzooswouldbe
established,andwasultimatelyclosedinthelate1930sforlackoffunds.
In 1939, an additional 74 acresmakinguptheformerStevens estateincludingtheElmhurstmanor,
was purchased anddonated byDonald andLawrence Miller.As acondition ofthedonation,thecity
acquiredtheabutting36acrePierceproperty.
Subsequently,thePark CommissionauthorizedcaretakerHarryJ.Watsontorenovate whatwasnow
knownasSpringside House foruseby clubsandcommunityorganizationsandin1941itwasopened
for public use. Four of the first floor rooms were renovated for meetings, parties and other adult
activitiesonaseasonalbasis.
In 1945,asmallobservatorywasestablishedonthehilltotheeastoftheSpringsideHouse,equipped
withprofessionalqualitytelescopesonaseasonalbasis.
Between1941and1955giftsandpurchasesofadditionalacreageaddedtothesizeofthePark.
In 1954 the city bought 38 acres from Hillcrest Hospitalatthe priceof $16,000,inreplacement for
thirtyparkacrestakenoutforconstructionofNorth(Reid)JuniorHigh.In1954,SpringsideHousewas
remodeledandbecametheofficeandheadquartersofthePittsfieldDept.ofParksandRecreation.
In 1955theparkfurtherenlargedwiththe purchaseof a58acretractatthe priceof$6,500.Inthat
sameyearD.B.Milleralsogavea5acrelottotheCityofPittsfield.In1964theCityofPittsfieldadded
a30acretractonBenedictRoad.
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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

Following the completion ofanupdated MasterPlanin1965 severalnew developments ofthe land

occurredoverthecourseofthelate1960s.
A new petting zoo opened in the summer of 1967. Recurring incidents of vandalism over the
following 16 years, combined with budgetary shortages, lead to the zoo's closure in the Spring of
1984.
The current North Little League facilities were constructed along with a new basketball court on
Springside Avenue, as wasthe NorthPlaygroundadjacenttotheformerzoo.Thisperiodalsosawthe
first planning and planting for an arboretum at Springside, and a boom for the early Greenhouse
organization.
Bythebeginningofthe1970s the approximately240 acre Springside wasthelargestparkinthecity
andthecenterofoperationsforPittsfield'sstillgrowingsystemofcityparks.
Two decades of rising misuse and receding budgets took a toll on maintaining the large heavily
forested property, and the city arrived at a crossroads of decision on whether to maintain the
majority of Springside Park in its natural state, or entertain an alternate proposal to convert a
majorityofthepropertyintoacommercialgolfcourse.
In response to the golf course proposal, petitions, letters and widespread organizing took place in
favorof preservingandrestoringtheparkinitsnaturalstate.Anumberofparkneighborsestablished
the Friends of Springside Park, and over the Spring andSummer of1990, four majorclean updays
wereheldremovinganestimatedtentonsofaccumulatedtrashanddumping.
Alsointhe1990s,effortsrenewedtocultivateanarboretumwithinthepark,firstincooperationwith
Pittsfield Beautiful and then under the auspices of its own nonprofit organization, the Vincent J.
Hebert Arboretum. Since that time the arboretum has planted a range of specimen trees, several
landscapedgardens,aDaffodilHillandLilacWalkintheareasurroundingtheSpringsideHouse.
In 2007, the Department of Community Services/Parks and Recreation was officiallyremovedfrom
thecitycode. InJuly ofthat yearJamesMcGrath,theDirectorofCommunityServices,wasrelocated
toCityHallandgivenhis current title ofPark, OpenSpace,and NaturalResourceProgramManager.
Park maintenance administration, now Buildings and Grounds Maintenance, was moved to the
Building Maintenance Department. Park recreation was moved to the Community Development
Department, leaving theSpringsideHousevacantexceptforVistaCorpvolunteerswhichoccupiedthe
rearapartmentuntil2012.
In recent years, the park has seenanincreasein utilization,and is heavilyfrequented for children's
play, hiking, dog walking, sports, environmental education activities, mountainbiking,picnics, yoga
classes,concertsandmuchmore.
Today, Springside Park, is the city's largest park and a number one recreational attraction for the
populous Morningside neighborhood.TheentirepropertycametobelistedontheNationalRegister
ofHistoricPlacesin2008.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

CurrentandHistoricalUseofthePark

Inadditiontotheaforementionedorganizationsworkinginthepark,theparkisalsousedbyavariety
of parties for educational, cultural and recreational purposes. Berkshire Community College, the
Pittsfield school system, BerkshireMuseum, BerkshireNaturalResourcesCouncil,HoffmanBirdClub,
among other institutions all conduct natural educational programming on a recurring basis at
Springside. Music and theatre performance, along with mountain biking events, yoga classes, and
other organized outdoor activities have also become popular. The most popular use of the park
remainswalkingandhikingamongtheparksvariedterrain.

Gardeningand horticultural developmentshave beenongoing in theparksincethe1950s,underthe

auspices of the Berkshire Museum Gardening Club. In the late 1960s, the current Springside
Greenhouse Group wasformedand began operating outofthe greenhousefacilitiesatthepark.The
club, which currently numbers over80 members,rents these structures fromthecityforanannual
fee, and since 1995 has held an exceedingly popular plant sale on the weekend of Mother's Day,
along withlecturesandotherprogramsthroughout theyear.Aroundthesame time, in responseto
declining budgets and resultant declining park conditions, volunteer park advocates began to
coalesce into agrass roots associationtohelp maintainand preserve thepark,laterincorporatingas
a401nonprofitknownastheFriendsofSpringsidePark.

PlanningforwhatisnowtheVincent J. HebertArboretum began in1963,withaplancommissioned

by the city recommending cultivation and labeling of 338 species and varieties of plant life. While
significant progress was made in planting activities over the following decades,in1990 Hebert put
fortha request fromtheparkscommission to PittsfieldBeautiful to takeonfurtherimplementation.
An advisory committee was later formed, and real developmental planning began in 1997 with a
planning study developed through collaboration of Pittsfield Beautiful, the City of Pittsfield, the
Department of Environmental Management, and the Northeast Center for Urban and Community
ForestryfromUMASS/Amherst.

The 118 pageplan thatemergedin1998morecomprehensivelyexaminedanarboretum'sneedsand

educational mission, and includesrecommended schematics for cultivationof agroomedlandscape
on a forty acre area of the park and a series of recommendations for how the newly formed
Arboretumorganizationshould provide educationalprogrammingthroughout therestof theparkas
part of its mission,in cooperation with thecity.Threesubsequent examinationsby forestryexperts
and landscape design consultants further developed plans for the VJHA's design, planting and
educationalprioritiesthroughoutthepark.

More horticultural activity was later added in the form of raised bed demonstration gardens
establishednearthe SpringsideHousebytheWesternMassMasterGardenersAssociation,whohold
severalworkshopsthereeachyear.

In 2006, a new state of the art handicapped accessible playground was installed in the southeast
corner of the park on Springside Avenue with about $381,000 raised from local businesses and
donorsoverafouryearperiodbytheRotaryClubofPittsfield.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

In 2011,adilapidatedwarminghouse bythepond area wasdemolishedandreplaced with an open

pavilionstructuredonatedbytheMorningsideNeighborhoodInitiative.

This area is also home to the Donald Gleason North Little League field, constructed in 1968 and
renovatedinthe1980s,thathostsleagueactivityfromMayAugusteachyear.

In 2002,the6acreGeraldDoyle MemorialSoftballComplexwas installed in thenortheastcornerof

the park on Benedict Road. It has since hosted several Babe Ruth World Series events, along with
smaller regional tournaments drawing thousands of out of state players to the complex. In 2013,
substantialupgradesweremadetoitslightingsystem.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

PlanningandPublicInvolvementProcess

Onlinesurveys
Questionnaireatparkevents
Parkcommissioninput
Publicinputmeeting(s)

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

CurrentPlanningIssues

Environmental
Erosionoffoftrails
Invasiveplants
Degradedpond

Cultural

ATVs,snowmobiles,caraccessintointeriorofpark
Illegalencampments,fires
Dumping
Offleashdogwalking
Encroachmentonparkboundaries
Restroomsneargreenhousenotadequateforneed,HCaccessibility

Management

LackofdedicatedmaintenancebyCity
Trailconditionsandupkeep
ParkmaintenanceHQunsightlyandpossiblypolluting
Inadequateandproblematicparkentrancesandfrontageareas
Limitedaccesstonaturalareasformobilitychallenged

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

PartTwo
ANewVision

SpringsidePark:ANaturalPark.AnEducationalPark.A
CommunityPark.

ThevisionforSpringsideParkistocontinuetoretainthe
currentoverallcharacteroftheparkandmaintainabalanceof
mixedcomplementaryusages,improveinfrastructureand
enhanceitseducationalbenefit,safetyandaccessibilityfor
all."

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

GuidingPrinciplesMovingForward*

Anyparkplanshouldasafundamentalprerequisitereaffirmthisstatedpurpose:
Thatthe
areaoflandknownasSpringsideParkbeperpetuallymaintainedasapublicpark,be
preserved,bereasonablyimproveduponasnecessary,andbeexpandeduponaspossibleas
understoodintheacceptanceofthegrantsofthispropertytothecity.
Furthermore:

Thatthemajorityoftheparkacreagebepreservedsubstantiallyuntouchedinitscurrent
naturalcharacter,withanemphasisonprovidingwellmarkedtrailsystems,increased
interpretivesignage,andmeasuresforincreasingaccessibilitytomorenaturalareas.

Thattheplanning,operationandsupervisionofSpringsideParkfunctiontomaintaina
mixeduserecreationalecosystemwhichsupportsadelicatebalanceofnaturaland
educationalprogramming,communitysocialandculturalusage,andexistingdeveloped
athleticandrecreationalfacilities.

ThattheCitycollaborateactivelywithavarietyofcommunityinstitutionstofurtherhighlight,
andexpediteimprovementtoorreplacementof,parkinfrastructuresupportingthose
educational,agricultural,naturalandhistoricaspectsoftheparkwhichhavelaggedbehindin
developmenttoitsathleticaspects.

ThattheplanningandpreservationofSpringsideParkoccurinopencooperationbetweenthe
CityofPittsfieldandthepublicthatusesit,andthatanyplanningefforts,newdevelopment,
orproposedmajornewactivityorusagebecarefullyconsideredinatransparentand
comprehensiveprocessthatincludesreviewbytheSpringsideParkConservancy

*SeeAppendix1,SourceMaterialsforGuidingPrinciples

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

RecommendationsbyPlanningSector

PlanningSector

Acreage

SpringsideHouse/gardensarea

19.9

ParkMaintenancegarage/shoparea

2.2

SpringsidePondarea

6.9

NorthLL/playgroundarea

4.0

Southernwoodlands

34.5

Centralopenfields

40.7

Northwestwoodlands

30.5

Centralwoodlands

86.4

DoyleSoftballcomplexarea

18.6

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

KeytoSectorRecommendations
A. Managementissues

B. Capitalprojects

C. Minorcapital&maintenanceprojects

D. Privateopportunitiesprojectsachievablethroughvolunteerauspicesand/or
privatedonation

E. Furtherexplorationneeded/Oversightissues

Phasesbyyear:

P1A[FY17]
P1B[FY18]
P2A[FY19]
P2B[FY20]
P3[FY21]
P4[
POST2021
]

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

PlanningArea#1:SpringsideHouse/GardensArea
TheformerElmhurstestate,thisareaincludestheSpringsideHouseandsurroundinglawnsand
gardens/Thishistoricpieceofpropertyconsistsofahighlycultivatedlandscapethatincludesthe
parksNorthStfrontageandentrance,multiplegardens,andarrayofintentionallyplantednative
trees.Longafocalpointofhorticulturalactivity,thisareaislargelymaintainedinpartnershipwith
theHebertArboretum,WesternMass.MasterGardenersAssociation,andRSVP.
1.SpringsideHousesee
Appendix2:SpringsideHouseGuidelinesforReuse;SpringsideNaturalPark
CenterRedevelopmentProposal
[B,P1&P2]
2.LowerEntry&originalElmhurstdriveway
ThehistoricentrywaytoSpringsideHouseandStephensestateiscurrentlyobscuredandhampered
byanextraneous,solitaryasphaltparkingspaceonthecornerofSpringsideParkpropertycurrently
beingutilizeddailybytheneighboringhouseholddespiteanoparkingsign.Thisasphaltspaceshould
beremoved.AnalysisbytheConwaySchoolofLandscapeDesignrecommendsthatthisareabe
relandscapedtomakeamoreattractivepedestrianwalkwaywithamedianofplantingsbetweenand
slightlyinfrontoftheentrywaypillars,asshowningraphic.Thisisonepossiblewaytoachievean
agreedupondesiretoreclaimthisareaasanoteworthyandutilizedpedestrianentrancetothepark
[C,P1B].

Thesilvermaplesliningthe
formerElmdrivewayarein
seriousdeclineandshould
bereplacedwithamore
suitabletree.(Elmsare
recommended)[C,PH3]

3.RoadsideFrontage
Frontagevegetationalong
mostoftheRoute7faceof
SpringsideParkis
overgrown,unhealthyand
unsightly.Itgreatlyobscures
allviewtotheparkandto
SpringsideHouse,while
providinglittlebenefit.
Multiplepossible
approachestorestructuring
thisfrontageareaare
suggested,includingthe
removalofallbutselect
treestoestablisha
continuouslandscapeforthe
entirethemainentrance
area,toanintensivepruning

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

ofshrubberytreesandremovalofunderbrush.Thereisgeneralagreementthatataminimum,some
clearingofentangledunderbrushandinvasivespeciesshouldbeundertaken.[C,PH1B]

AnyfuturepossibilityofanextensionoftheNorthStreetsidewalkinfrontofSpringsideParktoReid
MiddleSchoolisdeemeddesirable.[E]

4.MainEntrance
GardenThegardensurroundingentrywaysignisproblematic,andposesanobstacletoeasily
updatingchangingsignmessages.Aredesignoftheareaisunderway.[D,P1A]

SignageThesignisdatedandsomewhatineffective,membersareagreeabletolookingatsome
possibledesignsandquotesfornewentrywaysignage.[D,PH1A]

The
ConwaySchoolstudyrecommendsthepossibilityofadecorativearchwayopeningtoawalkway
uptotheSpringsideHousefromtheNorthStreetentrywayinadditiontoandroughlyparalleltothe
automotivedriveway.Thisconcepthasmeritandshouldbemorecloselyexamined.Ithasbeen
suggestedthatthiscouldbeduplicatedwithanaestheticallysimilararchwayatthelowerpedestrian
entrancethatwouldcreateheightenedlandscapecontinuityonNorthStreet.

[E,P2]

5.1stKiosk
Thewoodenkioskatentrytomainparkingareaisstructurallyingoodshape,butunderutilizedand
inneedofreworkingandstaining.TheCommitteesuggestsalargelaminatedorvinylprintedcolor
mapoftheparkfortheunusedfrontsideofkiosk,andthemessageWelcometoSpringside
emblazonedonthefrontfacingrooftrimaboveit.Theundersideofthekioskisalreadyequipped
withsimplehooksandshouldbeexaminedforhowbestitcanbeusedfordisplayingbanners
promotingupcomingeventsandsponsors.[A,P1A]

Thewhite4waykiosknearesttheSpringsideHouseneedsrepair,includingbrokenandmissingglass
doorsforsomeofthepanels.Itiswiredforlighting,weneeddetailsonwhat'srequiredtohaveit
operational.Ithasnotbeenusedinrecentyears,butthekeystoitwererecentlylocated.[C,P1A]

6.Theareaoppositethe1stkiosk
Thesideofthedriveway,adjacenttothevacantgaragebuilding,isagoodlocationforadditional
planting.Rhododendronswereplantedinrecentyearsandhavedonewell,morecouldbeadded.[D,
P2A]

7.DaffodilHill
Recommendmoreregularmowingoffieldwhendaffodilsnotinbloom(postApril/earlyMaythrough
fall).[A,ongoing]

8.ParkingLot
TherehasbeenuniversalagreementininputfromSPCmembers,parkeventorganizers,attendees
andthepublicingeneralthatthebrightpinkArtaboutstageshouldberelocatedfromthemain
parkinglotdirectlyinfrontofthehistoricSpringsideHousetosomemoresuitablelocation.During
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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

ShakespeareintheParkthestagewasstoredintheareaofthemaintenancebuildingsanddidnot
appeartopresentadisruption,butwashighlyadvantageoustoparking,accessandvisibility.Thishas
beenconsistentlyechoedinconsultantstudiesformorethan15years.[A,P1A]

9.FountainNeedsRepair
Thefountaininthegardensneedstobecompletelyrewiredforoperation[D,P1]

10.AdditionalinputfromtheWesternMassMasterGardener'sAssociation:
EveryeffortshouldbemadetopreservegardenlandscapinginstalledaroundSpringsidebyWMMGA.

PlanningArea#2:SecondaryParkBuildings

ThisareacontainstheothersupportingstructuresadjacenttotheSpringsideHouse,includingthe
shop,storageareasandparkingforparkgroundsstaff,thegreenhousecomplexandsomerestroom
facilities.

1. BuildingsoutlyingtheSpringsideHouse
TheSPCrecommendstheCitylookseriouslyatthelongtermdispositionoftheuseof
buildingsoutlyingSpringsideHousewiththeconsiderationofwhetherthecurrentusageof
thisareaforgroundsandmaintenanceoperationsisidealorwhethertheseoperationscould
berelocatedtoamoresuitablesite.Thelongtermplanninganddevelopmentofvisitor
friendlyactivityattheSpringsideHousecouldbegreatlyenhancedbytheavailabilityofthese
facilitiesforcontinuedgrowthofacampusatmosphereforaSpringsideNaturalParkCenter,
asrecommendedbytheSpringsideParkConservancyintheattachedproposal,whichis
stronglyfavoredbythecity'srecentfeasibilitystudyforthehouse.[A+E,P2/3]

Intheabsenceofsuchchanges,theSPCrecommendsataminimumthatfencingorcreative
landscapingbeinstalledtoobscuretheseareasfromgeneralview,andthisareaaesthetically
detractsfromanotherwisepristineandattractivepartofthepark.[C,P2]

2. FloodLights
FixthefloodlightsinthebackoftheBarnandParksMaintenanceofficeforimprovedsecurity
andsafety.Thelightsareburnedoutinthisareawhichisusedforparkingbymembersofthe
greenhousegroupandothers.[C,P1]

3. RoadBarrier
ConsiderabarrierontheroadleadingtotheNorthPlayground(formerzooarea)withsignage
noentryafterdusk.[E]

4. ExteriorBuildingMaintenance
Refurbishbuildingswithsomepaintingandcarpentrywork.[C,P2]

5. GreenhouseMaintenance
[C+D,P1]
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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

Thegreenhousehassomeneededmaintenanceandrepairasfollows:
Thesidingontheoffice/meetingroomareaisinneedofreplacement(T111)torepair
thesignareaabovethedoor.
Thewestsideofthebuildingisrottingatthebaseofthebuilding.Itappearsthatthe
sillplateiscompromisedshowingsignsofrotandneedsreplacement.Aformal
estimatefromaprofessionalbuilderwouldbeinordertogetamoreexactevaluation
andestimateofrepaircosts.
Thegutternearthemainentrancedoorneedsstraighteningandpossiblerefastening
Thegutteroverthemainentrancedoorneedsadownspouttokeepthewaterfrom
doingdamagetotheroof
6. Areaaroundthetorndownbuildings
Theareaaroundthetorndownbuildings:Thedumpingofdebrisfromparksandotherareas
shouldbeeliminatedasitdetractsfromtheparksbeautyandisnotcompatiblewithshowing
thebeautyofthegroundsinthisareaofthepark.[A,P1A]
7. NorthPlaygroundaccessroad
RoadleadingtotheNorthPlaygroundfromNorthStisinpoorconditionandinneedof
reconstruction.[B,P1]

PlanningArea#3:SpringsidePond
Theoldestpartofthepark,thisparcelistheoriginalpieceofpropertydonatedin1910,consistingof
themainpondandsurroundingopenspace.Thepondisboundedonbothsidesbyrising
embankments,tieredslopesofmaintainedgrassonthewest,rockyforestedinclineontheeastern
side.Oneoftheparkstwobrooksfeedsintothepondatitsnorthernedge.Sector3isringedby
treelinealongthemajorityofitsperimeterexceptforthesouthernedgewhichabutsSpringsideAve.

1.MowAbbottStreetField
TheSPCrecommendsresumingmowingofthefieldattheendofAbbotStreetsoastoprovidea
greateraesthetic/landscapingcontinuitywiththerestofthissector.Thiswouldoffergreater
enjoymentofthisareaforpicnicsandrecreationalplayaswellasofferinggreaterhistoric
authenticityinwhatistheoldestandmostvisuallyrecognizable(asseeninmanyoldpostcards)part
ofthepark.TheSPCsuggestsremainingopentoanyfutureproposalsforcreativelandscapingdesign
proposalsforthisAbbotFieldareathatmaycomeforthinthefuture,providedgeneralconsensus
andParksCommissionapproval.[A,P1A]

2.ContinuemowingSector3
ContinuedregularmowingofthegrassinSector3ishighlydesirableandenhancestheoverall
aestheticofthisarea.[A]

3.ClearNorthstreamundergrowth
NaturalSpringupstreamfromthepondrecommendworkingwithvolunteerorganizationstoclear
outtheundergrowthregularlytokeepitflowingandlookingnice.[D,P1A]

4.TrailNamingandSigns
21
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

Nametrailsintheparkandprovidesignagewithsomebasicdirectionsleadingtootherparkareas
andadjacentstreetssuchasSpringsideAvenue,SpringsideHouse,NorthStreet,etc.Historicsignage
couldbeincludedinsection3indicatingthatthesectionnearSpringsideAvenueandindicatethe
previousnameasAbbotParkwhichwasshortlivednameforSpringsidePark.[D,P1B]

5.SeeSaw
Removeand/orreplacetheoldseesawwithsomeotherplaygroundamenityorputabenchinits
placethecurrentseesawframeisaneyesore[C,P1B]

6.Pavilion
Recommendationforsecurity&maintenanceatthepavilionneedtodevelopsomelighting,
possiblYsolarlighting,tomakeitvisibleandregularcleanup[E+C,P1B]

7.ParkingatthePond
Recommendacutinforparkingfor23carsorlargeratthisSpringsideAvenuelocationnearthe
pond.[C,P2A]

8.Pond

Restoration
Basedonconsiderablepublicinputandareviewofpastplanningresearch,theSPCrecommends
pursuingacarefulrestorationofthepondintheinterestofparkenhancementand
improvingcitywaterrunoffissues.[PlanningP1A,RestorationP2]

PlanningArea#4:NorthLitttleLeague/playgroundarea
RotaryParkisakidfriendlyplayarealocatedintheSoutheastsectionofSpringsideParkatthecorner
ofBrownStreetandSpringsideAve.Thelittleleaguebaseballfieldislocatedinthissectionalongwith
abasketballcourt.Thereisaconcessionstandandapicnicareaneartheentranceandnexttothe
playground.TheplaygroundwasconstructedandismaintainedbythePittsfieldRotaryClub.Thereis
aparkinglotattheentrancejustoffofSpringsideAvethatcanaccommodateabout16vehicles.
Parkingisalsoavailablealongthegraveldrivetowardstheballfield.

1.Trashcans
Needadditionaltrashcansnearthebasketballcourtandsignageencouraginghelptokeepthearea
litterfree.[A,P1A]

2.Upperparkinglot
Cleanuptheupperparkinglotabovetheballfieldandkeepdumpingout.[D]

3.Security
Generalsuggestionsforparkgatesecurityandlockinggatesatvariousentrypoints.These
itemsposedagreatdealofproblemssuchaslocking,unlockinggateswhennecessaryandtheadded
responsibilitythisposestotheCitymanpower.[E]

4.Baseballfield
Theballfieldandplaygroundappeartobekeptupprettywellbyusersofthesefacilitiessono
suggestionsweremadeotherthannumberone.Though,theparkingforthebaseballfieldshouldbe
22
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

formalizedthroughconstructionofanewlot.Thisareaisoftencongestedwithcarsandthereislittle
organizationtohowtheyshouldbeparking.[NorthLittleLeagueleadershipshouldbeengaged
regularlytosolicittheircompleteinputregardingthisarea][E]

PlanningArea#5:SouthernWoodlands

Theentiretyofsection5ismixedhardwoodforest,walkingtrailsandhasapathlargeenoughforavehicletravelingup
throughthemiddlefromtheupperdirtparkinglotbythelittleleaguefieldtobetweentheoldzooandthesoftballfield.The
borderstartsinthesouthatSpringsideAvenuestartingeastofthepondandendingattheentranceforthebasketballand
littleleaguefields,theborderthenexcludesthelittleleaguefieldandcontinuesnorthtotheendofBrownStreetwherea
sharpturntothewestleadstothecementblocksonthemainpathbehindtheoldzoo.Thewesternborderwindsalonga
smallstream.

1.StevensPondarea
StevensPondareabehindorbelowtheGreenhouseasopposedtothelowerpond,thisolderpond
areahaselapsedmuchmoresignificantlyfromitsoriginalstate.TheSPCrecommendsallowingthis
areacontinuetorecedenaturally.[A]

2.Trailimprovements
Improvementsareneededtoexistingtrailsinthisarea,asisimprovedsignage.Thecityshouldwork
closelywithparkorganizationstohelpdevelopnewtrailmarkeraswellaseducationalsignage.One
majorconcernthattrailerosionisoccurringinmanyareas.[A+D,ongoing]

4.IndianRocks
TheIndianRocksareaisnolongervisibleandclearingsomeoftheareatopromotevisibilitywillbe
apositivestepinreducingmisuseofthisarea.[E]

5.Trails
ThelongtermdevelopmentofaboardwalkplanktrailintwophasesPhase1:
LeadingdownfromtrailheadbehindGreenhousetocirclethewetlandsareaofformerStevensPond;
Phase2:continuethewalkwaydownfromStevenswetland,meanderingalongstreamtothelower
pond.[B,P2;Planning:P1B]

6.Signage
Createsignagetopromoteeaseofuseandknowledgeofwhatpartoftheparkoneisoccupying.
Signagedirectingonetovariousotherareasofthepark.Awoodenmapoftheparkatthepond's
gazebo,SpringsideHouseandtheNorthPlaygroundwouldaddtoeaseofuse.[C,P1B]

PlanningArea#6:Centralfields
Thecentralopenfieldssectionincludesasmallsoftballfieldwithagravelparkinglot,anartery
gravel/dirtfireroad,andfieldsofwildgrassandflowersthathavewalkingpathsmowedthrough
themperiodicallythroughthesummer.Indianrockisintheupperfield,anoutcroppingofwhite
23
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

rocknearly6feethighand4feetwidethatprovidesaviewofthepark.Thebordersareheldtightly
tothefieldsanddirectlyattheforestlineandthewoodedpaththatleadstotheDoyleSoftball
Complex.

1.NorthPlayground
Thecaterpillarclimberandthesnailclimberaresturdyandwelllovedfixturesandshouldbe
retainedforasmanyyearsaspossible.
Swingsareneededonthe3rd,unusedswingsetwhichisingoodconditionthoughoutofuse
duetolackofswingsforseveralyears.[A,P1A]
Theslideisinpoorconditionandwilleventuallybecomeasafetyissue[C,P2]
Furtherrecommendationsif/asplaygroundequipmentisremoved/replacedinthisareain
thefuture,therebesomereviewastoif/howtoreplaceitwithnewfixturesandwhatkind,
betweenthecityandSPC,includingwhatphysicalplayequipmentismostrelevanttotoday's
youth.[E]

2.Seating
Additionalbenchesand/orpicnictable(s)forpicnickingandpromotingfamilyuse[A,P1A]

3.Bluebirdhouses
RefurbishandreplacebluebirdhousesintheChestnutfieldarea[D,P1A]

4.Restrictionsigns
Signage:KeepoutunauthorizedvehiculartrafficNoDumping[A,P1]

5.Invasivespeciesmitigation
Removalofinvasivespecies:BishopsGroutweed,Bittersweet,honeysuckle,winged
Euonymus(burningbush),NorwayMaple,JapaneseBayberry[D,ongoing]

6.Removecitymaintenancepiles
Themulchandsandpileskeptinthisareaforcitymaintenanceuseareentirelyinappropriateforthis
area.[A,P1A]

7.AmericanChestnutseedfarm
TheAmericanChestnutseedfarmisanimportantnewadditiontotheparkwhichisexemplaryofthe
kindofprojectsconsistentwiththevisionandguidingprinciplesforthepark,andshouldbe
highlightedinthepark'seducationalprogramming,signage,maps,brochuresetc[A+D,ongoing]

Thiswideopensectoristhespatialcenterofthepark,withsomedozentrailheadsoffitsperimeter
leadingouttoallotherareasofthepark.Itisintegraltoseveraltypesofcommonparkactivityhiking,
cycling,dogwalking,cleanups,andsomeeducationalevents.Itisprimeforacombinationoflight
recreational(alreadyprovided),alongwith(needed)focusedagriculturalopportunitiesand
picnic/scenicstoppingpointactivity.

GeneralnoteEveryeffortshouldbemadetostriketheterm'zoo'fromuseinreferringtothisareain
themasterplanandanyotherpublicationsorpublicity.Therehasnotbeenapettingzooat
24
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

SpringsideParkfor31yearsandthisisextremelyconfusingtoanyonewhowasbornormovedto
Pittsfieldlessthan30yearsago.

Alternately,theplaygroundtherehastraditionallyoftenbeenknownas'NorthPlayground'asitisthe
northernmostplaygroundandadjacenttotheformer"NorthMiddleSchool'recommendadopting
thisterminologyofficially.

*Note,therewereactuallytwopettingzoosindifferentplacesatSpringsidePark,onewhichclosedin
1947andonewhichclosedin1984.Historicalsignageattheselocationswouldbeanidealaddition.
[E]

PlanningArea#7:NorthwestWoodlands
ThenorthwestsectionofSpringsidePark,sectionsevenisperhapstheleastvisited.Itcontainsseveralhydrologicalfeatures,
andsomeofthepathsaresusceptibletobeingcoveredinwater.Itisaheavilyforestedarea.Insomepartstheboundarywith
abuttersisn'talwaysclear.PuttinganaccessdrivewayfromNorthStreetjustnorthofMt.GreylockExtendedCareFacility,
withamodestparkingareajustofthestreet,mightbeagoodwaytoincreasepublicutilizationandenjoymentofthissection
ofthepark.Perhapswalkwaysonsmallsupportswouldbeagoodwaytokeepsomeofthemoreregularlyfloodedsectionsof
pathaccessible,especiallywheretherearepondsalongthetrail.Invasivespeciesremoval(primarilyhoneysuckle,but
probablyothers)willbeanotherproject.

1.Trailhead
ItispossibletocreateanadditionalentrancetotheparkontheportionofSector7thatabutsRoute
7,justnorthofGreylockNursingHome.Mostpeopledonotknowthisispartofparkproperty.The
woodlandsinthisareaareunderutilized.Anewtrailshouldbecreatedleadingfromtheopenparcel
byNorthStreetleadingintothewoodstoconnectwiththetrailsinthisarea.[E,P2]

Createasmallparkingareaonthesouthsideoftheopenfieldthere(closesttothenursing
homedriveway,withsignageforSpringsidePark.[E,P2]

2.Signage
interpretive,locationandgeneralinformationalsignageforvariouspointsinsection2including
oneatthevernalpool[Atsuchtimeasthismaybecertifiedasavernalpool][D,P2]

3.Trailmaintenance
LeveloutartificialmoundsoriginallycreatedbyATVriders/dirtbikers.[C/D,P2]

4.Reclaimparkencroachments
Explorewhereparkencroachmentshavebeenongoingandaddress.
[A,P1]

25
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

PlanningArea#8:CentralWoodlands

Theareaiscomprisedoflargelywoodedforestandencircles,atitscenter,severalacresofverytall
maturepines.Subsection8isbisectedbyasoutherlyflowingstreamthatrisessignificantlyinthe
summermonthscreatingaswampymarshnearthepines.Thematurepinescompriseapproximately
onetenthofthelandareaandappearmajesticandcathedrallikecreatinganareafullyforested
yearround.Theareaisfrequentedbyhikers,joggers,dogwalkers,andarearesidents.Inthewinter,
shoeshoeingandcrosscountryskiersaresometimespresent.Inadditiontothehikingtrails,thearea
containsadirtroadthatrunsfromthesoftballcomplexdownhillinasouthwesterlydirectionthrough
subdistrictsixtotheformerzooandouttothemainparkentranceonNorthStreet.Nearthe
BroadviewTerraceentranceisalargecementwaterreservoirthatismostlysubterraneanbutrises
2025feetabovegroundwithaflatcementcover,constructedasawatersuppressionsystemforthe
formerGEplantthatwaslocateddownhillfromthisarea.
1.ParkExpansion
Sector8hasthehighestpotentialofanysectorforfuturelandacquisitiontoexpandSpringsidePark.
AdditionalopenspaceandwoodlandbetweentheoldG.E.cisternandBroadviewTerraceand
BenedictRoadisprivatelyownedbutunusedandwouldmakeagreatadditiontothepark.Anopen
fieldjustoffBroadviewTerracewouldmakeanexcellententranceareashouldthislandbeacquired
bythecityatafuturedate.Atrailcouldbecreatedrunningupfromthisfieldtotheareabytheold
cistern.[E,P3]

2.Footbridges
[D,P1]
BridgeatlowerBrookwherethereisnowapalletbeingusedasamakeshiftbridgeshould
haveamorepermanentreplacementfootbridge.
AnotherbridgeshouldbeplacedattheendofupperBrownStreettocrossthebrookatthat
locationleadingtotheNorthPlaygroundarea
ThebridgeatthePinesareahasagoodbridgethatcoverthreequartersofthewayoverthe
brookandneedstheotherquarteraddedtomakethebridgecomplete.

3.Invasivespeciesremoval
ConsidereventualremovalofNorwayMaplesfromThePinesAreatheyareaninvasivespecies[E,
P4]

4.DarkPines
Interpretivesignageinthe"DarkPines"area[muchofwhichisactuallyhemlock]notingthe
differenceinforestationcomparedtotheareaontheothersideofthestream.[D,P1B]

5.Accessroadmaintenance
Considerrepairofroadwaywithsomefillgravel[E,P4]

6.EnforceATVban
ATVtrafficisseverelyruttingthegroundalongthewalkingpathsandelsewhereinthepark,causing
majordrainageproblemsandswampypathways.[A,P1]

26
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016


7.Cistern
Theroofofthesmallconcretepumphouse/entranceareaneartherear(BroadviewTerrace
side)oftheoldcisternhaserodedconsiderablyinrecentyears,andhasbecomelargeenough
forayouthorsmalladulttogainentrancetothisdangerousarea.Thiswaspatchedwith
plywoodinDec.2012butlaterremovedbyvandals.Amorepermanentsealingoffisneeded.
[C,P1A]
Signageexplainingthehistoryofthisstrangestructureisneeded,thisisofgreatcuriosityto
parkusers.[D,P1B]

PlanningArea#9:DoyleSoftballComplex

The Gerald S. Doyle Sr. Memorial Complex, home to thePittsfieldGirls Softballprogram, features4
regulationsoftball fields,2withstadium lights fornightgamesandafullserviceconcessionbuilding.
This complex hosted the 2014 Babe Ruth 16U World Series.Thecomplexislocatedat 503 Benedict
Road across fromtheBerkshire Hills Country Club.Pittsfieldreconstructed themunicipalwatertower
next to the fields. Standing on the fields, one notices the beautiful surroundingBerkshirehills, with
BousquetSkiAreatothesouthandMountGreylocktotheNorthWest.

1.Communicationwithfacilityuserorganizations
ConsultwithBabeRuthPittsfieldGirlsSoftballLeagueperiodicallytostayupdatedastotheissues
andneedsoftheirfacilities.[E]

2.Security
Consideragatetoblocktrafficbeyondtheballfields[E,P1B]

3.Development
Thisareahasbeenthefocusofthelargestinfluxofpublicfundingtoanypartoftheparkinrecent
years.Moreinvestmentsareneededthroughouttheremainingmajorityofparkacreagebefore
furtherenhancementstoSector9areconsidered.

27
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

ImplementationStrategyandPhasing
ThepresentandfutureofSpringsideParkinthe21stcenturydependsuponanongoingpublicprivate
collaborationinitsstewardship.Fordecadesthecityhasworkedinconjunctionwithseveral
establishedprivatenonprofitsandresidentgroupstomaintainanddevelopSpringsidePark.
ThefollowingstepsarerecommendedforimplementationoftheSpringsideParkMasterPlanina
spiritoffullcooperationbetweentheCityofPittsfieldandthebroadstakeholderconstituencyofthe
parkusingpublic.
ThattheOfficeofCommunityDevelopmentincludeasaninsertorappendixtheSpringside
ParkMasterPlantotheCitywideOpenSpacesMasterPlan,andthataspectsofthatplan
pertainingtoSpringsidereflecttheinputandguidelinesdeveloped
Thatintheeventofanyproposednewprojectoractivityoutsideofthatalreadyoutlinedin
theMasterPlan,thatwouldsignificantlyalterthelandscapeorusageofanypartofSpringside
Park,theSPCbenotifiedandofferedanopportunitytoreviewandoffercommentonbehalf
ofitsmemberconstituenciespriortoanyapprovalbythecity.
Thatarepresentative(s)oftheSPCmeetannuallywiththeParkCommissionerstoreviewthe
overallstateoftheparkinconjunctionwiththemasterplan.
Thatareportbegiventothemayorannuallyonthestateoftheparkandprogressin
implementationofthemasterplan.
ThattheSPCcontinuetocommunicateandmeetregularlywiththeParks&OpenSpaces
Managerandothercitystaffasadvisable.
ThataseatshallcontinuetobeopenontheSPCsteeringcommitteeforthesittingWard1
CityCouncilor,nowandinthefuture.*
ThattheSPCsteeringcommitteeshallcontinuetobeopentorepresentativesofanylocal
group,club,ororganizationwhomakesuseoforhasaninterestinSpringsidePark.*
ThattheCityandSpringsideParkConservancybegintoexplorefuturewaystopotentially
developamoreformalworkingagreementinthecomingyears.
ThattheSpringsideParkMasterPlanundergoacompletereviewandassessmentin2021,and
beupdatedasneededthroughasimilarcollaborativecommitteeprocesswithpublic
stakeholders.

*AsincorporatedintotheorganizationallanguageofSpringsideParkConservancy,Inc.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

GeneralPhasingScheduleforImplementationofMasterPlan

Phase1:ImmediateandInterimProjects

Phase2:MediumtermProjects

Phase3:LongTermProjects

Phase1
A.Spring2016Summer2017[FY17]
B.Summer2017Summer2018[FY18]

Phase2
A.[FY19]
B.[FY2020]

Phase3
FY21andBeyond[MasterPlanassessmentJanMay2021]

29
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

AppendixSupplement#1

GuidingPrinciplesExplanations&SupportingMaterials/
KeltonMillerdeededtheoriginalSpringsideParklandintheexplicitunderstandingofthatitremaina
publicpark.ThattheCityofPittsfieldacquire,andaddtotheabovedescribedparcelandmaintain
asapublicparkforever...[listoflots].Thatthecityshallreasonablyimproveuponthegranted
premises...andshallforevermaintainthegrantedtract[&additions]fortheuseandenjoymentof
thepublicasisusualwithlandsofthischaracter.

TheMillerfamilyhasseveraltimessincereiterateditspositionthattheexistingpropertyremain
publicparklandandnotbeusedforotherpurposes.*Furthermore,consistentsupportforthishas
beenseenfromamajorityofthePittsfieldpublicthroughoutthepark'shistory.**

The1957MasterPlanforSpringsidedevelopedbythecityidentifiedSpringsideasauniqueproperty
amongitsparksthatofferedpotentialforactivitiesnotfeasibleoravailableinanyoftheotherpark
properties,andonewhichofferedanenvironmentaptforpurposesmorediversethanjust
playgroundsandathleticfields,thoughtheseformimportantcomponentstotheoverallpark.

AnotherkeycomponentidentifiedinthatMasterPlanwasafocusonthecombinationofhorticulture
andnaturaleducation,statingthatitwashighlyadvisablethatonecityparkshouldhaveanemphasis
onthis,andthisusageishighlyappropriateatSpringside.ParksSuperintendentVincentHebert
indicatedthatanenvisionedArboretumofindigenoustreesandotherplantsandvariousdisplay
gardenswouldenhancetheexistinglandscapewhilenotinterferingwithotherenjoymentofthe
park.

Sincethattime(seeContextofthePlan)SpringsideParkhasbecomeamixedusedecosystemthat
simultaneouslyoffersoneofthepremierelocationsinthecityfortraditionalathleticactivitiesanda
widevarietyofotherrecreationalactivities,whilesupportingathrivinginfrastructureofagricultural
andeducationalprogrammingthatcurrentlyincludesparticipationbyatleastadozenorganizations,
andprovidingamajorvenueforoutdoorperformanceandculturalprogramming.

InformationalResources
OriginalDeed,1910
1957MasterPlan
1990ParksCommissionrequesttoPittsfieldBeautiful
SPCMissionStatement
Historic&Currentusesoftheplan(see:ContextofthePlan)
AdditionalResearchData
Publicinput

OfficialDocumentsRelevantExcerpts[examples]:
OriginalDeed,1910,KeltonMiller
ThattheCityofPittsfieldacquire,andaddtotheabovedescribedparcelandmaintainasapublic
parkforever...[listoflots].Thatthecityshallreasonablyimproveuponthegrantedpremises...and

30
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

shallforevermaintainthegrantedtract[&additions]fortheuseandenjoymentofthepublicasis
usualwithlandsofthischaracter.

SpringsideParkMasterPlan,1957
WhilePittsfieldhasanumberofimportantparksinPittsfield,thereisnotonesingleareathatcould
beconsideredaparkinthegenerallyacceptedmeaningoftheword....TheCityneedsonelargearea
thatcanbedevotedforactivitiesnotfeasibleoravailableinanyoftheotherparkproperties.Atleast
oneparkineverycityshouldhaveahorticulturalinterest,andthisishighlyappropriateat
Springside.

ProjectrequestbyV.HebertonbehalfofthePittsfieldParks
CommissiontoPittsfieldBeautiful:
[CityofPittsfieldproposes]thecontinueddevelopment,promotionandmaintenanceofthe
arboretuminSpringsidePark,whichisoneoftheoldestparksinthecitywithgreatpotentialities
becauseofitscentrallocation,itssize,itswoodedsections,irregulartopographyandlargeopen
spaces.

SPCMissionStatement

Torestore,manageandpreserveSpringsideParkinpartnershipwiththepublic,fortheenjoyment
ofpresentandfuturegenerations.Tomaintainintegrityoftheborderanddesignatedactivitiesin
SpringsidePark,todefinesuitableusageoftheparkattributesinaccordancewiththeexpressed
intentoforiginaldonors.ToassistpotentialandcurrentusersofSpringsideParkandproposed
developersofspecificprojectstoenhancethemaintainabilityandfunctionoftheparkwiththeCity.

31
SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

AppendixII:SPRINGSIDEHOUSE

RecommendedGeneralGuidelinesForReuseofSpringsideHouse

SubmittedtotheCityofPittsfield,OfficeofCommunityDevelopmentBytheSpringsidePark
ConservancyMarch,2014

TheSpringsideConservancyisacoalitionofinstitutionsthathaveforseveraldecadesoperatedoutof
orareinvolvedintheongoingactivityandstewardshipofSpringsidePark,includingtheHebert
Arboretum,SpringsideGreenhouseGroup,theFriendsofSpringside,andMorningsideInitiative.

Thesevolunteerorganizationshaveworkedformanyyearssupportingactivitieswhichenhancethe
parkandservethecommunity.Collectivelycontributingmanythousandsofhoursinservicesranging
frommaintainingandphysicallyimprovingtheparktoprovidingeducationalandculturalprograms
forthepublic.Theseorganizationshaveakeenperspectiveontheimportanceofthisbuildingtothe
parkandtheparksuniqueimportancetoPittsfield
.
Therefore,weurgethattheplannedredevelopmentofSpringsideHousetakeintoconsiderationthe
followingcriteria.

Anyproposedreuseshould:

acknowledgethebuilding'shistoricalcharacteranduniquelocationwithinPittsfield'slargest(250
acre)destinationnaturalpark

becompatiblewithexistingpatternsofactivityatthepark,establishedparkprogramming,uses,
partnershipsandconsistentwiththevisionandconceptsestablishedintheforthcoming
SpringsideParkMasterPlan.

haveapurposethatprovidessomeuniquebenefittothecommunityasrelatedtoSpringsidePark

should considertheversatilityoftheexistingstructure,andwherepossibleprovideformixed
use,multiuse,orsomerangeofcompatibleusagesforprovidingmaximumcommunitybenefit
andlongtermfinancialsustainabilityofthereuse.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

TheSpringsideNaturalParkCenter
AProposalforRedevelopment&ReuseoftheHistoricSpringsideHouseasan
EducationalVisitorsCenter

Summary

ThespecializedhistoricusageanduniquelocationofthebuildingwithinPittsfield'slargestparkland,
anditsconjoinedHistoricRegistrystatuswithSpringsidePark,suggestauseforthefacilitythatis
relatedtoandcompatiblewiththeoverallcharacter,communityvision,andforthcomingMasterPlan
forthepark.
Bysynthesizingrecommendationsfromyearsofplanningassessmentsandpreviouspublicinputinto
amodelfornewpartnershipandcollaborationsintheformofamultiuseeducationalvisitorscenter,
thisproposedreuseoffersaconceptualplanthatoffersafeasible,fundable,andsustainablepurpose
forthisimportantbuildingthatiscompatiblewiththecurrentusageandprogramminginadjacent
areasoftheparkwhilesubstantiallyenhancingthecommunity.

ANaturalParkCenter
Theexistingstructuralattributesofthebuildingasithasbeendeveloped,anditshistoricusage
suggestthefeasibilityofthehouseasamultifacetedhubthatcanaccommodateseveralintegrated
agenciesandusestiedtoitsuniquesitelocationwithinthecity'slargestpark.
AproperlyrenovatedSpringsideHousecouldaccommodateallofthefollowingfeatures/usages,inan
collaborativemultiuseconfigurationthatwouldamplifytheeffectivenessofitscomponents,asan
integratedPittsfieldparksvisitorandnaturaleducationalcenter.

AnideallocationforlocalVisitorsCenterauspicescurrentlylocatedattheIntermodal
TransportationCentertobebasedatadestinationpark
Classroomandmeetingspacesforlocaleducationalandcommunityprograms,especiallyasa
complementtooutdoorenvironmentallearningand/orculturalactivitiesconductedinthepark
Officeorworkspaceareasprovidingapresenceforlocalecologicaleducationalorganizations
includingthosealreadyconductingextensiveoutdoorlearningprogramsatSpringside,whose
presencewouldenhancevisitorexperienceandcommunitybenefit,asacentralizedresource
hubofenvironmentalSTEM(Science,Technology,Engineering&Math)educationavailableto
studentsofalllevels.
Roomandwallspacefeaturingartifacts&memorabiliafromPittsfieldhistory,particularlythe
substantialcollectionofoutdoorrecreationandparkshistorypreservedfromthehouse'sown
legacy.
Socialgatheringspacecomplementarytooutdoorrecreational,culturalandcommunityevents

History&FormerUsage
SpringsideHousewasbuiltasaprivateresidence,Elmhurst,between1856and1860byAbraham
Burbank.ItwassoldtotheDavolfamily,whoowneditfrom1872to1904,renovatingandaddingto
thehouseandconstructingtheadjacentbarn.From1904to1933itservedasasummerresidence
for
theStevensfamily.In1910,KeltonB.Millerdonated10acresoflandinthevicinityofElmhurstfor
useasapublicpark,whichthenbecameAbbottPark.By1919,withthedonationofadditionalland
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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

andthesaleofsomeexistinglots,theparkhadincreasedinsizeto15.5acresandwasrenamed
SpringsidePark.In1938,KeltonMillerssonsDonaldB.andLawrenceK.purchasedthe75acre
StevensestateanddonatedthehouseandlandfortheenlargementofSpringsidePark.

TheParkCommissionauthorizedcaretakerHarryJ.Watsontorenovatewhatwasnowknownas
SpringsideHouseforusebyclubsandcommunityorganizationsandin1941itwasopenedforpublic
use.Fourofthefirstfloorroomswererenovatedformeetings,partiesandotheradultactivitiesona
seasonalbasis.Between1941and1955giftsofadditionalacreageaddedtothesizeofthePark.As
theparkgrew,sodidtheadministrativeneeds.In1954,SpringsideHousewasremodeledagainand
becametheofficeandheadquartersofthePittsfieldDept.ofParksandRecreation.Whilehosting
theseoperationsoverthenexthalfcentury,otherorganizationsalsoutilizedorrentedspaceinthe
buildingatdifferenttimesinconjunctionwithparkservices,includingPittsfieldCivilDefenseaswell
astheWinterCarnivalCommitteeandnumerousathleticleaguesandrecreationalgroupsfrom
aroundthecity.TheHebertArboretumandBerkshireConservationDistrictalsohadrecentoffice
spaces,andmeetingsofbodiessuchastheParksCommissionandConservationCommissionwere
heldthere.

In2007,theDepartmentofCommunityServices/ParksandRecreationwasofficiallyremovedfrom
thecitycode.InJulyofthatyearJamesMcGrath,theDirectorofCommunityServices,wasrelocated
toCityHallandgivenhiscurrenttitleofPark,OpenSpace,andNaturalResourceProgramManager.
Parkmaintenanceadministration,nowBuildingsandGroundsMaintenance,wasmovedtothe
BuildingMaintenanceDepartment.ParkrecreationwasmovedtotheCommunityDevelopment
Department.TheprincipalSpringsidebuildinghasbeengenerallyunusedsinceJuly,2007,andis
currentlyprimarilyforstorage.Theeasternhalfofthebuildinghasanapartment(2floors)that
housedAmeriCorpsVISTAVolunteersfrom2009to2012.Mostrecently,themainportionofthe
housewasreopenedtothepublicinSummer2013forseveralshowingsofahistoricalexhibit
consistingoftwoopenroomsdisplayingasmallsamplingoftheextensivecollectionsofphotos,
documents,artifactsandmemorabiliafromacenturyofPittsfieldparkshistorycurrentlystoredat
thehouse.

RelationshiptothePark
Inadditiontobeinganactivevenueforathletic,recreationalandsocialevents,SpringsideParkhas
alsobecomeahubofecologicaleducationandoutdoorlearningactivity,particularlyintheacreage
immediatelysurroundingtheSpringsideHouse.
SinceatleastthetimeoftheStevensestate,theareanearthehousehasboastedcelebratedgardens
ofdifferentkinds.A1957parkplanbythecitycalledfortheestablishmentofanarboretumat
Springside,ataskthatwasfinallybegunbythenonprofitVincentJ.Arboretuminthe1990s,andhas
expandedtoincludeahostofeducationalprogrammingthroughoutallofSpringsidePark.In1969,a
gardeningclubknownastheSpringsideGreenhouseGroupbeganoperatingoutofanadjacent
greenhouse.Thisfacilityhasgrownsignificantlyandthegroupremainsactivetheretodaywithover
80members.Overthe1970sand80s,anothernonprofitorganization,theFriendsofSpringsidePark,
emergedandbecameincorporated,forthepurposeofhelpingtopreserveandmaintainthepark
whileprovidinglandstewardshipeducationforfuturegenerations.Morerecently,theWestern
MassachusettsMasterGardenersAssociation,anonprofitwhichevolvedoutofaUmassprogramin
1989,hasinstalledadditionaldemonstrationgardensnearthehouse,andprovidesworkshopthere
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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

throughoutthreeseasons.Inadditiontothesefourorganizationsactivelyinvolvedinofferinga
diversityofecologicalandagriculturaleducationalprogramming,severalotherorganizationshave
recentlyutilizedSpringsideParkforeducationalprogramming:BerkshireNaturalResourcesCouncil,
theHoffmanBirdClub,theBerkshireMuseum,andhundredsofstudentsinschoolgroupsfrom
elementarytocollegelevels.
ThisareainSpringsideParkisalsoanactivehubforculturalandsocialevents,includingannual
concerts,performances,gatheringsandothercommunityactivities.

PastStudyRecommendations
SeveralstudiesbyoutsideconsultingpartiesindevelopingtheHebertArboretum'sworkingMaster
PlanincluderecommendationsforusageoftheSpringsideHouse

A1998ArboretumMasterPlanreportfortheproducedbyBrianGibbonsonfundingfromthe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalManagement,theNortheastCenterforUrbanandCommunity
Forestry,andPittsfieldBeautifulInc,notesthebuilding'sSpringsideHouseiscurrentlythehead
quartersforthePittsfieldDepartmentofParksandRecreation.TheHouseisessentiallythecenterof
theArboretumandwouldmakeanidealvisitorscenterofferingtouristinformationfortheCityof
Pittsfield.Thepubliccouldenjoythewonderfullydevelopedgroundswhilelearningwhatmorethere
istodoaroundPittsfieldandtherestoftheBerkshire.Additionally,otherarboretaofferresourcesto
thepublic...suggestionsincludealibrary,aherbarium,orarestaurant.

A2000studybytheConwaySchoolofDesignalsoproposesaroleoftheSpringsideHouseasa
welcominggatewaytotheparkwhereavisitorscenterforthesurroundingArboretumwouldcoexist
withtheexistingParksDepartmentoperationsthenquarteredthere.
OncepeopleentertheSpringsideHouse,theyaregreetedbyvolunteerswhogiveoutArboretum
maps,directthemtoclassesandworkshops,ortellthemalittlehistoryofSpringsideHouseandthe
grounds.Theinformationdeskmayalsohavebooksforsaleanditemspertainingtotheeducation
andenjoymentoftheArboretum.Thesouthdoorleadspeopletoapathwhichconnectstothe
concertandsocialarea.

SpringsideHouse&ParkHigherEducationCollaborationConceptPaper
Developedbythecityin2010,envisionedthebuildingasaneducationalpartnershiptocomplement
thepark'sgrowingroleasahubofecologicallearning.
"TheCityofPittsfieldproposestorenovatetheSpringsideHouseandutilizeits237acreParkand
Arboretumtoprovideavarietyofenvironmentaleducationandprofessionaldevelopment
workshops
fortheregionssecondaryandpostsecondaryeducators.Inaddition,theCityproposestopartner
withBerkshireCommunityCollegeandMassachusettsCollegeofLiberalArts,andother
communitybasedagenciestoofferenvironmentalstewardshipopportunitiesforstudents
throughoutBerkshireCounty.
ApartnershipwiththeSpringsideHouseandParkcouldprovidecomplementaryoutofclassroom
learningexperiencesforBCCstudentsandfacultyaswellasprofessionaldevelopmentopportunities.
CollaboratingwiththeSpringsideHouseandParkwouldallowBCCstudentstheopportunityto
participateincommunityserviceprojectsandcocurricularactivitiesthatsupplementtheirclassroom
experience.Inaddition,thesitecouldserveasacenterforenvironmentaleducationtrainingand
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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

professionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforelementaryschoolteachersthroughoutBerkshire
County.
Theeducationalpartnershipconcepthasbeencirculatedsince2011andreceivedsomeinterestfrom
localeducationalinstitutions,mostnotablyBCC.Sinceschoolgroupsfromelementarytocollege
level,aswellasseveralothereducationalinstitutions,usetheparkregularlythroughouttheyearfor
fieldtrips,outdoorlaboratoryexperiencesandothernaturalandecologicaleducation,havingsome
formofindoorfacilitiesonsitetocomplementthisoutdoorusewouldbeideal.

InputfromParkOrganizations
Atmeetingsthroughout20122013,theboardofdirectorsoftheVincentJ.Arboretumrepeatedly
indicatedadesireforthereuseofthehouseassometypeofeducationalcenterortourist
destination,andaideallyareusethatisrelevanttotheArboretum,whichimmediatelysurroundsthe
house.AnopportunityforofficesforSpringside(Conservancy)organizations,educationaltechnology
andclassroomspacesinsuchcloseproximitytothediverselandsoftheparkisseenashighly
desirable.
In2013AnnualMeeting,theFriendsofSpringsideParkendorsedamotiontoadvocateforareuseof
thehouseforeducational,culturalorhistoricalpurposesconsistentwithitslocationinthepark.
ThiswasfurtherestablishedbyavoteonMarch15,2014toendorsetheSpringsideParkConservancy
committee'srecommendedguidelinesforreuse.

Overseveralmonthsofmeetings,thesuggestionofavisitorscenterorothervisitorfriendly
hubwasseenasdesirable,inadditiontospaceforeducationalactivitiesrelatedtothepark
environment.AmemberoftheSpringsideGreenhouseGroupinvolvedinthePittsfield
VisitorsCenternotedthatvisitortraffictothatfacilityhaddwindledto25%ofitspreviousrate
followingamovefromtheColonialTheatretotheIntermodalTransportationCenter.Locationof
visitorcenterfacilitiesatanactualdestinationwouldbeidealfortourism,andattractnewvisitorsto
thepark.Itwasnotedthattheconfigurationofthebuildinghasinthepastaccommodatedmultiple
uses,andatraditionalvisitorscentercouldeasilyoccupyaportionofthebuildingwhileleavingample
roomsandspacesforotheractivities,whichcouldbeenhancedbythedaytodaypresenceofvisitors
centerfacilitiesandinturnprovideadditionalinterestanddrawforvisitors.

Synthesis
ThemodelofanintegratedSpringsideNaturalParkCenterwouldprovideanidealroleforthehouse
aspartofavisitorfriendly,educationalcampusareathatincludesanArboretum,greenhouse
facilities,demonstrationgardensandhundredsofadjacentacresofdiverseecosystemswithin
Pittsfield'slargestparkanddowntownnaturalpreserve.

Byprovidingathematicmultiusecenterthatdrawsupontheexistingfreeresourceofmultiple
organizationsalreadycurrentlyengagedinprovidingarangeofSTEMeducationalprogrammingat
SpringsidePark,aswellasextensiverecreationalandculturaleventsheldonthegrounds,Pittsfield
cancreateafacilitythatwillbeauniquedrawforvisitorscelebratingthecommunity'sproudparks
historyandmodernoutdoorstourismofferings,whilesimultaneouslyprovidingatremendousbenefit
tothecommunitybyconnectingacademiclearningwithhandsonopportunitiestostudybotany,
agriculture,forestry,zoology,andnumerousotherdisciplinesofnaturalisteducation.

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016

InamannerreminiscenttothewayinwhichtheLichtensteinCenteratthemoresouthernendof
downtownisaportaltoallculturalandartisticofferingsinthecommunityforbothtouristsand
residentsalike,aswellasanincubatorforrelatedprojectsandorganizations,andastherenovated
1Berkshirehistoricfirestationbuildingisaportalandincubatorfacilityforallmannerofeconomic
development,theSpringsideCentercouldbeabeaconforallthingsNature,asPittsfieldcontinues
togrowintoanincreasinglygreen,agricultural,environmentallyawarecommunitywithexpanding
opportunitiesforbothSTEMeducationandoutdoorrecreation.

PotentialPartnersInRedevelopmentforthisReuse
Public&Educational:OfficeofCommunityDevelopment/ParksCommission;PittsfieldTourism
Commission&RSVP(PittsfieldVisitorsCenter);BerkshireCommunityCollege;PittsfieldPublic
Schools
Parkorganizations:SpringsideGreenhouseAssociation,VincentJ.HebertArboretum,WesternMass.
MasterGardenersAssociation,FriendsofSpringsidePark,MorningsideNeighborhoodInitiative

PotentialAdditionalPartners:
BerkshireEnvironmentalActionTeam
BerkshireHistoricalSociety
BerkshireNaturalResourcesCouncil
BerkshireMuseum
BerkshireVisitorsBureau
GardensoftheBerkshires
HoffmanBirdClub
PittsfieldBeautiful
PittsfieldAgriculturalCommission
PittsfieldHistoricalCommission
PittsfieldTreeWatch
TylerStreetBusinessGroup

PotentialAvenuesofFundingCategories:
STEMEducational
HistoricPreservation
PublicParks
RegionalTourism

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SpringsideParkMasterPlan2016