One of the many images in the full guide.

By: Roberta Hayes (BCC Student, Environmental Science; & Green Team work-study)

Introduction

Springside Park in Pittsfield Massachusetts is sort of a gem in the rough, and, like similar parks in our area it is well-used and well-appreciated, yet perhaps needing a few more volunteers or some city funding to spruce it up.  Still, I find it to be a park I have a special affiliation with.  It reminds me of other places around town like Pittsfield State Forest, which also is a little bit scruffy around the edges and certainly needs a good bit of maintenance here and there.

Another of the many images in the full guide.

Springside Park is a special place in its own right, yet to me more memorable since a good friend introduced me to the park years ago.  Jennifer Coppola, who I am sad to say is no longer with us, lived across North Street from Springside.  Our short walks there helped me get through challenges associated with cancer.  Before Jennifer showed the park to me, I somehow had never noticed it before.  It was encouraging to have a walking buddy to get me back out into nature.  Although Jen has been gone since late 2015, amidst her own health issues she started me on a road I may not have found on my own.

Click here to download the entire 18 page guide!

Thank you to student and BGG Green Team work-study Roberta Hayes for her work on this amazing guide!