In the 2013 Downtown Turners Falls Livability Plan citizens identified a framework for necessary streetscape improvements to Avenue A in Turners Falls. Roughly $600,000 has been invested into the Avenue A streetscape since that time. Phase I (2015) included a reconstructed block and pedestrian plaza with replaced streetscape lighting. Phase II (2017) extended lighting on Avenue A and refurbished ADA curb cuts in 2017. Planned future phases include upgraded sidewalks, planters and lighting. The Planning Department’s next recommended phase is rehabilitation of Spinner Park.
Spinner Park is a +/- 2,500 square foot pocket park built in the 1980’s on land owned by the Powertown affordable housing complex but is subject to permanent park easement benefitting the Town of Montague. The pocket park features a bronze statue of a female textile worker by French sculptor Leon Cugnot (Paris 1835–1894). Dedicated in 1985, this sculpture honors the contribution of women to the Town’s industrial past.
Spinner Park is a feature of the streetscape that invites respite for relaxation, rest, and social interaction. It is adjacent to Turner’s Falls largest public housing complex. It is also prominently located between some of the most successful retail and dining anchors in downtown Turners Falls. It is enjoyed daily by residents and for seasonal events such as tiny concerts, fairy house making workshops, visits from Santa, and other impromptu gatherings.
Current site conditions are poor and in some cases unsafe.
• Lighting is failed or substandard,
• it is not ADA compliant (i.e. not accesible to people disabilities)
• concrete retaining walls have substantially deteriorated,
• planters have failed to support trees,
• electrical and water boxes are deficient, unsecured, and do not meet code
• remaining iron fence is a safety hazard and liability
In 2017 the Town invested in bid-ready plans and specifications in anticipation of advancing this project through the CDBG program. The final plans are available at the links on this page. The Town has applied for CDBG grant funding to rehabilitate this park in 2020.
At the outset the goal was to make as little changes to the park as possible- to keep this a neighborhood park and to enhance the existing design and layout- and primarily to keep the Spinner statue as the centerpoint of the park. Public feedback from the neighborhood echoed the need to restore this into a green oasis that is used by the neighborhood residents- not just for special downtown events.
Watch the MCTV filming of the 11/15/17 Neighborhood Meeting.
Attached Files:
Posted: to General Montague News on Wed, Feb 6, 2019
Updated: Wed, Feb 13, 2019
