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Chicopee parks department outlines summer projects, staffing shortfall
Summary
Parks staff described multiple renovation and maintenance projects — including Sarah Jane and Zott parks, pool and splash pad preparations, and an open-space plan — while warning of staffing shortages and aging equipment that limit work capacity.
Ben Strepka, a parks department representative, told the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Committee on May 28 that his crews are “full swing” preparing ballfields, pools and splash pads and undertaking several design and construction projects this summer.
Strepka said crews are finishing design work for Sarah Jane Park’s “grama” project, which will include ADA walkways, an inclusive playground, playing-field improvements across three diamonds and a soccer field, skate-park upgrades, new plantings and signs; construction is slated to begin after work at Stefanik wraps up, “early to mid August.”
He described a phased master plan for Zott Park, a nearly 70‑acre site that he called “one of our crown jewels,” noting plans for new accessibility, consistent benches and lighting, field upgrades, a new large accessible splash pad, new parking with stormwater controls and a modernized outfield stadium. Work will be staged so the entire park is not rebuilt at once.
Strepka also said the department is nearing the end of phase one of the Abbe Brook restoration and is designing phase two to reconnect the stream from the former lower dam to the Chicopee River; phase three would address the upper dam.
Other items he listed: submission and revision of the city’s Open Space and Recreation Plan to keep the city eligible for state grants; resurfacing and new pickleball lines at Williams Park tennis courts; playground repairs and replacement of engineered wood-fiber safety surfacing; stone‑dust walking-path refurbishing; and a citywide seeding and fertilization program following an unusually dry late season.
Strepka said the department manages 30 parks and properties and is budgeted for 21 full‑time positions but currently has five vacancies, so “on a good day, we have 16 staff.” He called low staffing and aging equipment obstacles and listed technologies the department is exploring — electric small tools, GPS‑guided robotic mowers, remote pool filters and remote field lighting — that he said could stretch limited staff hours.
He listed upcoming events and timing: pools and splash pads to open in late June when lifeguard staffing is sufficient; Spring and summer programming (baseball/softball leagues, youth lacrosse, soccer clinics); Bridal Fest at Zott Park (June 14); fireworks at Zott Park (June 28, rain date June 29); movie nights (July 11, Aug. 8); National Night Out at Sarah Jane Park (Aug. 6); and the Aldenville summer concert series beginning July 1.
Councillors thanked Strepka for the overview and asked him to follow up on specific maintenance items reported via ClickFix. Strepka said he would refer significant tree problems to the city forestry department and that staff would coordinate with other departments as needed.
Ending: Strepka urged patience as the department balances capital projects, grant timelines and day‑to‑day maintenance with reduced staffing; several projects depend on grant awards and phased scheduling that stretch over multiple seasons.
