Copley Wolff to provide landscape design services for Pynchon Park

Springfield, MA Copley Wolff Design Group was contracted to redesign and upgrade Pynchon Park, located between Dwight and Chestnut Sts. in downtown. Copley Wolff Design Group will execute the resurrection of the park and oversee the design, construction, permitting, and testing of the park after several years of limited use and disrepair since its opening in 1976. The landscape architecture firm leverages its design expertise and portfolio of park projects, including the Baxter Riverfront Park, St. James Ave. Garden and the Wharf District Parks on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Copley Wolff is further evolving Pynchon Park with the redesign of existing open space for recreational activities, with special attention to improved pedestrian access, installation of an interactive water feature, a monumental staircase, infrastructure updates, multi-faceted green spaces and gathering areas, upgraded utility connections and landscaping. The design will also feature an integral architectural element such as a funicular or an elevator to help visitors surmount the 40-foot change in elevation from the park’s downtown location up to the Quadrangle, the cluster of museums and numerous cultural institutions in Springfield’s Metro Center. The design and engineering of the park entrances and other attractions will meet current Massachusetts and ADA compliance regulations.

“Copley Wolff is committed to providing the community of Springfield with a newly renovated park to enjoy,” said Chris Scheufler, project manager and senior landscape designer at Copley Wolff Design Group. “The park’s rich history makes this an exciting and unique project for our team. We will ensure the park is truly accessible for all visitors and give the Springfield community a safe and welcoming outdoor space to congregate.”

“The redesign of Pynchon Park is a key gateway project that will not only reinvigorate, but enhance the experiences of thousands of Springfield residents and visitors as they matriculate to and from our Dr. Seuss Museum to Springfield’s downtown attractions and amenities,” said mayor Domenic Sarno. 

“I look forward to witnessing the implementation of Copley Wolff’s inviting and creative design concepts.”

The park redesign will facilitate foot traffic between downtown Springfield’s Court Sq. and the Quadrangle by shortening the distance between the two public spaces and making the walk more pleasurable for pedestrians. Copley Wolff and the City of Springfield have begun devising designs for the renovation.