Energy Park
Energy Park is Greenfield's newest park property located in downtown Greenfield. The idea for a new park in Greenfield was outlined in The "Strategic Plan for Downtown Greenfield" in 1992. The development of the property was spearheaded by an agreement with the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) and the Town of Greenfield in 1994. In 1997 phase one of Energy Park was constructed and built.
Located on the former Boston and Maine Railroad yard, the site was the home of the Greenfield Train Station that was demolished in the early 1960's. The site was left idle for many years as an abandoned rail yard that changed ownership many times. The Town of Greenfield obtained ownership of this property via an order of takings for unpaid taxes by the owners. The most recent property records can be found on file at the Recreation Department or following the legal reference numbers listed above.
Description
Energy Park is an innovative solution to an urban industrial site that harnesses town history and contemporary environmental issues into a multifunctional park property. The park is comprised of demonstrative sustainable energy exhibits, interpretive signage, herb and native plants garden, and a bandstand used for weekly music concerts. It hosts approximately 30 to 40 events a year ranging from festivals, concerts, play groups, and picnic lunches.
During the summer months the park's bandstand is booked on Sundays and Thursdays for concerts. This park is a well deserved arboretum for New England plants. Many trees and shrubs are labeled with descriptive placards throughout the park. A map with number index can be found at the main entrance information kiosk. A full inventory of Energy Park is listed below.
Interpretive Signage
Located in various points throughout the park, large descriptive signs highlight unique topics addressed in Energy Park or important to the town of Greenfield. The topics discussed are butterfly garden construction, the use of wind energy, and transportation and energy consumption.
Caboose
A Boston and Maine Railroad Caboose is located inside Energy Park and is used as a museum for educational programs and transportation demonstrations. It is open for tours during scheduled hours and programs available through NESEA.
Play Structure
A wooden replica of a steam engine train is located in the center of Energy Park. It is intended for toddler age children and is open as a play/ climbing structure. It has two cars and a caboose all of which are open at one end so the child can sit in the train cars.
Garden Demonstrations
Several garden exhibits can be found at Energy Park. The exhibits include gardens for herbs, wildflowers, native New England plants and many more. These gardens use nutrient material generated for the on site composting station.
Composting Station
A composting site is located inside the park and is used to amend the soil at the planting exhibits and as a natural fertilizer
Solar Panels
Several solar panels are used throughout the site as a demonstration for energy production.
Bandstand
A bandstand is located inside the park and is used for seasonal concerts and functions. The structure was built to mimic the general shape and design of the former train station and be architecturally sensitive to the location and context of the park. The facility can be rented out through NESEA
Picnic tables (7)
The picnic tables found in the park are scattered throughout the property and are movable structures.
Stone Benches (7)
The stone benches in the park are engraved with supporter's names and quotes.
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