Improved lighting, new pavement expected from $6.8 million project at Court Square Park

Tim Messier, left, and Seth Cornell of Mountain View erect fencing around Court Square in downtown Springfield in preparation for renovations of Court Square. (Don Treeger / The Republican)

SPRINGFIELD — A $6.8 million construction project will enhance historic Court Square Park, which hasn’t been refurbished in four decades.

The park is across from City Hall and home to Old First Church, constructed in 1810.

The project will be funded by a $6 million bond from the city, authorized by City Council last July, and a $1 million grant from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, according to Christopher Cignoli, director of the Department of Public Works.

Improvements will include new sidewalks, pavers, landscaping, drainage and electrical systems.

The funding will also underwrite improvements on Main, Court and Elm streets and Court Square Way, according to an agenda item from the Division of Administration and Finance.

“Court Square was always on the front burner to be redone,” Cignoli said. “It was (the) early 80′s when it was (last) done, so it needed an upgrade.”

The renovated park will include a relocated bike and bus shelter and an event plaza.

The park was fenced last week by workers with Mountain View Landscapes and Lawn Care, the company responsible for the construction portion of the project. Mountain View will begin to work on the project later this week, Cignoli said.

Sean Corrigan, vice president of Mountain View, said the company chose the project because it peaked their interest.

“The scopes involved with this project were really up our alley, so we went after it,” he said.

Corrigan said five to 10 people will work on the site at any given time.

The project is expected to conclude in July of next year. Cignoli said there will be a shutdown during the winter.

Tyrone Holt, one of the DPW’s civil engineers, will oversee construction.

Cignoli said the DPW will work with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority to ensure residents are able to access a bus stop in the area.

He said the sidewalk, which holds a current bus stop, will remain open for now but will at some point be closed to public use. People will be notified when changes are made.

Once we really start to get into (a project), we usually try to put out construction notices every couple of weeks,” Cignoli said.

Countless events have taken place in the park over the years, including the laying of wreaths to commemorate Memorial Day and the lighting of the Menorah.

Secretary of State William Galvin hosted a recent press conference to announce the distribution of grants to address domestic violence issues statewide. The coming crime-thriller “Barron’s Cove” was filmed at the park in June.

Last week, a tour was given of 31 Elm Apartments, a $62.8 million renovation of the 1892 Court Square Hotel and overlooks the park.

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