SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic Sarno and Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Patrick Sullivan announced that this year’s Forest Park concert series will debut in June.

The artistic fixture makes its return after the 2021 concerts occurred in August. Each concert is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.

In his official statement, Sarno expressed his excitement for the concert series’ return.

“I am thrilled to have our beloved concerts returning to Forest Park. This year’s lineup will bring a lot of enjoyment to family and friends and the Concert Series is an example of the city programs that enhance our quality of life. It is my goal to increase arts and performances in park programming and I look forward to enjoying this year’s talented line-up,” said Sarno in the city’s press release.
Sullivan recognized the work of the series’ Concert Committee for assembling this year’s line-up.

“The Park Department is proud to have concerts back at the Forest Park Amphitheater. I want to recognize the Concert Committee for their dedicated efforts. They have compiled a terrific lineup for 2022…We encourage everyone to pack a picnic supper and enjoy the music in a beautiful setting,” said Sullivan.

The schedule for the Forest Park concerts is as follows:

•June 9 (Rain location will be at the Carriage House Tent): Country and Patriotic Music from Dee Reilly

•June 16 (Rain date will be July 7 at Amphitheater): family folk music from Manzi Family Band

•June 23 (Rain location will be at the Carriage House Tent): modern country music from Trailer Trash

•June 30 (Rain location will be at the Carriage House Tent): motown and contemporary music from the Floyd Patterson Band

Watershops Dam update

In other Parks and Recreation news, Sarno and Sullivan shared that construction on the Watershops Dam reached substantial completion on May 16.

Both city leaders previously discussed the project during a March 2 gathering at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing.

In his address to the Loomis residents, Sullivan thanked the mayor for his support, sharing that the dams were deemed “high-hazard dams” throughout his 37 years working for the city.

“It took seven mayors to get to this point…thank you mayor for listening to me complaining and giving me the money to get this work done,” said Sullivan. The project cost approximately $3.2 million, including $1 million in bond funding from the city.

The restoration project imbues big changes to the dam. Replacing the structure’s old hydraulics system is an electronic computer system that allows the dam to let water out via a simple button push. While the systems will operate differently, Sullivan said the area’s wildlife, fish and environment will all be preserved from their prior conditions. Each will be preserved through organic fertilizers that don’t danger the climate, according to Sullivan.

Reflecting on the project’s completion in a press release, Sarno said the city is currently filling the dam, which is expects to take around 15 to 45 days. The pond will be re-stocked by the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife once the refill process is completed.