Frank J. Szot Memorial Park-Abbey Brook Restoration Project

"In the 1800s and early 1900s the Bemis family's main source of income was from their ice business. They owned and operated an ice house on Bemis Pond. The ice was "harvested" from the then 5 acre pond which is now part of Szot park. Bemis pond was also a main recreational attraction for many Chicopee residents. Although it was considered trespassing, on Sunday afternoons, as many as 1000 people could be found skating on the pond during the winter months. These people would return to the pond in the summer to swim and fish."

"The Bemis Estate also contained fruit orchards and herds of grazing livestock. The Bemis family would allow surrounding families to graze their animals on the wide-open expanses of the estate."

"In 1932 the Bemis ice house burned down and the family discontinued the supply of ice from Bemis Pond. Over the years the 400 acre estate dwindled in size through various sales and negotiations. In 1937, 63 acres of the estate was purchased with federal funds and work began on one of the finest athletic fields at the time, in Massachusetts, as a Public Works Administration Project (PWA) It once again became the place to be on a Sunday afternoon, although this time not for skating or swimming but to watch the local baseball teams battle it out on the diamond. In 1939 the park was dedicated in memory of Frank J. Szot, Frank was the first Chicopee man to be killed fighting for his country in World War I."

"Today the Bemis Pond is much smaller than it was in the days of the Bemis family ice business. And, the park has become Chicopee's signature recreational facility. It is the home field for the Chicopee High School athletic teams and is the site of the annual Chicopee Fourth of July festivities. It contains some of the best playing fields in Western Massachusetts and combines a wonderful balance of both passive and active recreation for the residents of Chicopee, and surrounding communities."

Lower Bemis Pond Dam is classified by DCR as a Significant Hazard potential, intermediate-sized embankment dam that is currently rated in “poor” condition and needs significant repairs to address identified dam deficiencies. The DCR’s Office of Dam Safety (ODS) has issued a dam safety order for Lower Bemis Pond Dam requiring the City to bring the dam into compliance.

Upper Bemis Pond Dam is classified as a Low Hazard potential, intermediate-sized structure located upstream of Lower Bemis Pond Dam. The dam was rated in “fair” condition in 2011; however, additional deficiencies have since been observed, including erosion of the embankment along the water line on the upstream side of the dam, debris blockage of the erosion adjacent to the upstream spillway training walls, and debris blockage of the stoplogs within the dam’s outlet structure.

PVPC sampling in 2016 – high levels of E. Coli in lower sections, likely attributable to geese.

Overall, the Abbey Brook Restoration Project looks to restore a natural ecosystem that has been subject to human development for well over a century.

When completed, the streamshed will provide updated recreation amenities in the form of natural trails and educational programming.

Much of this work will work to relocate invasive, detrimental species, as well as continuing to provide the region with a state of the art habitat that bolsters the harmony between the Urban and Natural Environments.

Currently, the landscape surrounding the streamshed has a high impetus for the invasion of detrimental flora and fauna.

This Project's execution will result in the full, natural restoration of the native habitat in as soon as a decade.

The restored habitat will provide nature walks and microclimate amenities that will provide a comfortable public space to escape from the heat and high activity of the built environment.

The planting and maintenance of native trees will increase the cooling canopy, while also indirectly providing the potential for birders and other nature lovers with the opportunity to experience the Connecticut River Valley's habitat.

Additionally, the encouragement of growth for a natural meadow will help the effort to discourage the impetus for an overwhelming number of invasive bird species, namely the Canada Goose, from proliferating the area.

This is a natural, and non-aggressive way to limit the animals' populations within the watershed, thereby reducing their highly negative impact on the water quality and contamination of the surrounding landscape.

Plans also call foor sun shelters that can be utilized for just that, while also providing the space for education on the Park and its restoration project.

The history of this area and the restoration of the natural habitat are equally important in understanding the importance of the Park.

With the stream undammed, Bemis Pond will be a mostly waterless basin.

The resulting basin will provide a natural meadow to redevelop on the banks of the streambed.

To enjoy this natural scenery, parts of the upper region of the basin will be regraded using organix fill.

Once leveled, this flat terrace will provide a nice overlook section to view the natural scenery.

Sustainable elements are embedded throughout the design of the park amenities.

Retaining walls are designed and crafted to also function as seating for parkgoers.

The Dam infrastructure provides a continuation of the paths and trails around the existing pond.

The remaining pathway will still traverse over Abbey Brook and follow the formerly existing trail.

Inornate and simplistic, this trail will naturally conform to the shape and spirit behind the natural walking trails and amenities.

To continue highlighting the importance of this Park, its history, and the public service it provides, display stands will be placed to tell the Park's story.

Parkgoers will be able to interact with this story in real time, each time they go to the Park for whatever activities.