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Parks & Recreation update: major projects, ADA work and staffing shortfalls outlined
Summary
Interim Superintendent Benjamin Strepka briefed the Recreation Committee on major park projects (Sarah Jane PARC, Szot Park master plan, Abbey Brook restoration), PCB remediation at splash pads/pools, ongoing ADA upgrades, and staff and equipment needs; programming and summer events were also reported.
Interim Parks & Recreation Superintendent Benjamin Strepka presented a departmental update to the Chicopee City Recreation Committee on May 28, 2025, detailing major and minor park projects, grant-funded plans, maintenance needs and upcoming programming.
Strepka reported the Sarah Jane PARC improvements are finalizing design work for new ADA walkways, an inclusive playground, field improvements and skate-park upgrades, with construction slated to start after the OPEE program and National Night Out conclude in August. He said Szot Park’s master plan is in draft and will be implemented in phases, with Phase I design work addressing Abbey Memorial parking, a picnic area and a splash pad.
On environmental concerns, Strepka said the Sarah Jane splash pad is planned for removal because of PCB contamination and that Szot Pool remediation is complicated by contamination extending beyond the pool footprint. He noted CDBG funds for Sarah Jane are currently on hold.
The department listed other projects including Rivers Park dugout work (shade structure, concrete pad, benches), numerous playground replacements and renovations, tennis court crack-sealing, walking-path refurbishments, and planned baseball diamond leveling and reseeding. Strepka also described work on the Sarah Spalding Chapel interior and a recommendation for an extensive assessment to guide full renovation.
Strepka said the city submitted its Open Space and Recreation Plan in July 2024 and is revising it based on state comments. He outlined anticipated PARC grant projects across several parks (Szot Phase II; Ike Alpert ADA and playground work; Dana, Ray Ash and Garrity Grove upgrades) and noted an OLRP grant project for Fairview Park that would replace a former pool with a splash pad and make ADA parking and circulation improvements.
The superintendent flagged operational constraints: 18 playground areas across the city with one staff member responsible for upkeep, current staffing of 16 positions versus a budgeted 21, aging equipment and the need to meet evolving ADA standards. He said the department is looking at new equipment and technologies including robotic mowers, electric equipment and remote filters and lighting to improve efficiency.
On programming, Strepka said there are 26 youth baseball/softball and T-ball teams and that the OPEE program (June 30–Aug 8) has all sessions full for the first time since before the COVID pandemic. Pools are expected to open in late June with Ray Ash to open for swim lessons while Szot has a cracked pipe; Fairview and Sarah Jane splash pads are not opening. The department also listed summer events including Pride Fest (June 14), fireworks (June 28–29), movie nights, National Night Out and Aldenville summer concerts starting July 1.
Committee members recorded routine votes to place materials on file and to approve minutes before adjourning; no policy votes to allocate funding or relocate facilities were taken at the meeting.
