School Street Park, the largest park development in the past 25 years in Western Massachusetts, was envisioned as a destination for all ages. Project Master Planning began in 2001. Phase 1 was completed in 2008 consisting of 29 acres of development. It includes two soccer/multi-purpose fields, softball field, baseball field, playground, basketball court, shuffleboard, bocce, walking paths, a restroom building, and parking for 218 cars with turn-around and drop off area. Phase 2 was completed in 2015, consisting of 10 acres of development. It includes a spray park, playground, beach volleyball, concession and restroom building with picnic shelter, an amphitheater with central lawn, picnic pavilions, 9-hole disc golf course, walking paths and parking for 176 cars. An existing historic barn is a prominent feature on the site. This structure will be renovated under a separate program, but its proximity to park elements makes it an integral feature of the park.

The park’s location is adjacent to surrounding residential neighborhoods. Daily use is high, with children, parents, joggers, dog-walkers, bicyclists, and athletes all using the park. The town has held numerous festivals, fairs and concerts at the park. After Phase 1 was completed, new bike paths were completed along River Road. This has made the park more accessible for people outside the immediate neighborhood, making it a true regional attraction.

The park is fully accessible. All buildings are centrally located and connected to the walking path system. There is a network of walking paths, which feature a perimeter distance of 1.2 miles. Combined with the numerous interior paths, users may choose a variety of walking circuits and distances.

The water spray park is the largest public water feature in Western Massachusetts. The colorful fish-themed layout includes water features clustered for separate age groups. Children of all ages, as well as adults, take advantage of the entire spray park.

Native tree plantings were used throughout the park. An abundant number of evergreen trees were used for perimeter screening. Native deciduous trees and cultivars replicate the woods that would normally be found on site. Existing red maples were retained in the picnic grove area of Phase 2 to provide immediate shade and shelter.

Drainage design for Phase 1 includes many vegetated infiltration basins adjacent to residential abutters. These basins collect excess runoff from the site before crossing over property lines. One basin also receives treated runoff from the Phase 1 parking lot. The Phase 2 drainage system is more traditional where soils are less permeable. It includes two detention basins receiving treated parking lot runoff. The parking lot has a central island with stone-lined swale that collects runoff. Overflow is channeled to two area drains which discharge to the detention basins.

During the planning and design phases, community meetings were held to collect input from neighbors, selectmen, planning board members, and town staff. This shaped the features which are included in the park design, and gave everyone a stake in the project. During the design process for Phase 1, immediate abutters were given a choice for a gate or solid fence, and whether they wanted evergreen screen plantings. This unique aspect of the project gave abutters more involvement in the design. Participation in the design and construction also occurred on many levels. One such instance was a 9-hole disc golf course installed by local Boy Scouts.

A wide array of age groups use the park throughout the day. Together with the programs and activities staged by the Town’s Recreation Department, the park is in constant use. Overall, School Street Park has become a major local destination and attraction for people throughout New England.