| Directions to the Park |
| Energy Park | The Station |
| History and Description |
Public Art |
| The Caboose | Energy Park Events |
Energy Park History
| Location 50 Miles Street |
Acreage 1.25 |
Map / Lot 29/35D; 29/35E; 29/37; 29/35F |
Legal Reference N/A |
Use Restriction: None
Historical Information
Energy Park is Greenfield’s newest park property located in downtown Greenfield. The idea for a new park in Greenfield was outlined in The “Strategic Plan for Downtown Greenfield” in 1992. The development of the property was spearheaded by an agreement with the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) and the City of Greenfield in 1994. In 1997 phase one of Energy Park was constructed and built. Located on the former Boston and Maine Railroad yard, the site was the home of the Greenfield Train Station that was demolished in the early 1960’s. The site was left idle for many years as an abandoned rail yard that changed ownership many times. The City of Greenfield obtained ownership of this property via an order of takings for unpaid taxes by the owners. The most recent property records can be found on file at the Recreation Department or following the legal reference numbers listed above.
Description
Energy Park is an innovative solution to an urban industrial site that harnesses town history and contemporary environmental issues into a multifunctional park property. The park is comprised of demonstrative sustainable energy exhibits, interpretive signage, herb and native plants garden, and a bandstand used for weekly music concerts. It hosts approximately 30 to 40 events a year ranging from festivals, concerts, play groups, and picnic lunches. During the summer months the park’s bandstand is booked on Sundays and Thursdays for concerts. This park is a well deserved arboretum for New England plants. Many trees and shrubs are labeled with descriptive placards throughout the park. A map with number index can be found at the main entrance information kiosk. A full inventory of Energy Park is listed below.
Interpretive Signage
Located in various points throughout the park, large descriptive signs highlight unique topics addressed in Energy Park or important to the City of Greenfield. The topics discussed are butterfly garden construction, the use of wind energy, and transportation and energy consumption.Caboose
A Boston and Maine Railroad Caboose is located inside Energy Park and is used as a museum for educational programs and transportation demonstrations. It is open for tours during scheduled hours and programs available through NESEA.