Pynchon Plaza reopens following four-year design and construction

Nov. 23, 2020 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Mayor Domenic Sarno introduced the newly redesigned Pynchon Plaza.
Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – The newly reopened Pynchon Plaza on Dwight Street will not only provide a pedestrian walkway linking Main and Dwight streets with Chestnut Street, it will also be the location for art installations.

Mayor Domenic Sarno and other officials formally opened the park on Nov. 20 after a four-year process of design and construction. The new park area, set between the police sub-station and Skyview Apartments, has a lit fountain in its center.

The $4 million project was funded by both the city and Commonwealth, with $3.5 million coming from the state, Sarno said.

Sarno noted, “For many years this laid dormant.”

Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Patrick Sullivan explained to Reminder Publishing the original Pynchon Plaza was built in 1976 and was funded through money raised during the nation’s bicentennial. In his 35 year-career with the city, Sullivan said the park areas had been “closed more than it had been open.”

He noted that vandalism of the elevator and graffiti in the park were two of the problems.

While the newly refurbished elevator will not be open until the spring, as it still needs to be programmed, Sullivan believes the extra lighting, security cameras and proximity to the police sub-station will prevent future vandalism. He added once the elevator is open it will have a dedicated cleaning crew that will be checking the elevator daily.

President and CEO of the Springfield Museums Kay Simpson said the museums have received a grant from the national Endowment for the Arts to create public art and sculpture, mosaics and murals will be considered for installation in the new park area.

Karen Finn, the executive director of the Springfield Cultural Partnership, said a Request for Proposals for art projects will be released.

In a written statement, Sarno said, “I want to thank my dedicated city team for their continued efforts working on this vital renovation project.  I especially want to thank Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for their continued support and belief in our Springfield.  Without their help and state funding, this project would have never moved along the way it did.  This brings new life to our downtown area, especially being able to connect our downtown with the world famous Dr. Seuss Museum and our beautiful Quadrangle area.  This project completes the total renovation of this park/plaza area where we have already constructed the Springfield Police Departments Metro substation to further enhance the area.”

The mayor then teased an announcement the city will receive state assistance for a new Civic Center parking garage, which is located across the street from Pynchon Plaza.

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