Improvements to Alden Street Park

Alden Street Park, located on Watershops Pond, is one of Springfield’s most popular locations to fish, offering scenic views and abundant shade from a mature tree canopy. In 2024, GZA responded to the City’s request for proposals for design services at Alden Street Park, and was awarded the designer services contract. The project was funded by a Community Preservation Act (CPA) grant of $250,000 for design and construction.

Challenge

The site was well used by visitors for fishing but contained no walkways or accessible amenities, which limited its usability and also resulted in soil compaction and erosion.

Solution

GZA developed a cost effective and sustainable ADA-accessible fishing deck design that is naturally rot resistant by using black locust lumber. To minimize impact to the pond, the deck design includes footings on land with a cantilevered deck extending over the water, making the deck usable for fishing. GZA also developed an ADA-accessible walkway with a meandering layout that avoids impacts to the root zones of mature canopy trees. GZA prepared permit applications for the project with the City of Springfield Conservation Commission and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. GZA provided bid phase and construction phase designer services, and the project was completed on time and within budget.

Benefit

The City has benefited from a newly renovated public green space that provides waterfront access, an accessible fishing deck, and multiple shaded seating areas to take in the scenic views of Watershops Pond.