Springfield expanding green space for public use

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)– Residents in Springfield will now have another place to enjoy the outdoor scenery and get active.

The Abbey Brook Conservation Area on Liberty Street will be used as a green space that will be open for walking, hiking, picnicking and other outdoor activities.

The city is acquiring nine parcels, approximately 5.3 acres, near Abbey Brook from O’Connell Oil Associates, Inc. for conservation purposes. The property will be a part of 25 acres of existing conservation land around Abbey Brook on the west side of Liberty Street and approximately 21.5 acres of existing conservation land immediately abutting the parcels on the East Side of Liberty.

“This is a great use for the land being that it already connects to the conservation lands the city already owns beautiful addition we are so glad that it actually has gone to them we can’t imagine a better use for it,” said George Dickhout from O’Connell Oil Associates.

The acquisition should be completed by the end of the week and once everything is finalized the city will be able to take on this new project.

The total cost of purchase is $634,000. The city partnered with the Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council to secure a Community Preservation Act grant totaling $500,000 and the City of Springfield is contributing the additional $134,000.

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