Chicopee Memorial State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chicopee Memorial State Park |
|
|---|---|
 Chicopee Memorial State Park
Location in Massachusetts
|
|
| Location | Chicopee, Hampden, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 562 acres (227 ha) |
| Elevation | 194 ft (59 m) |
| Established | 1893 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Chicopee Memorial State Park |
Chicopee Memorial State Park is a fun public recreation area. It covers about 562 acres in the city of Chicopee, Massachusetts. This state park is located southeast of Westover Air Reserve Base. You can even see parts of the base from inside the park! The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the park.
Contents
A Look Back: The Park's History
Before it became a park, this area was known as the Cooley Brook Reservoir and Watershed. It was originally the site of large reservoirs. These reservoirs were built in 1896, 1912, and 1926. Their main job was to provide drinking water for the city of Chicopee.
From 1935 to 1937, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps worked here. They were a special program during the Great Depression. These workers helped improve the area a lot. They added rocks to protect the reservoir's edges. They also planted many trees and built new roads and trails. They even created pedestrian bridges for people to walk on.
In the 1960s, the state of Massachusetts took over the site. They added more features for fun and park management. This is when it truly became the Chicopee Memorial State Park we know today.
Things to Do at Chicopee Memorial State Park
Chicopee Memorial State Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Trails for Exploring
The park has many trails that are perfect for different activities. You can go for a relaxing walk or a challenging mountain bike ride. When winter comes, these same trails are great for cross-country skiing.
Water Fun at the Pond
The park has a pond that used to be a 25-acre reservoir. This pond is now used for swimming, which is a popular activity in the summer. You can also go fishing in certain areas of the pond.
Other Park Features
Besides the trails and the pond, the park has other useful facilities. There are special areas for picnics where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. You'll also find restrooms and a bathhouse for changing after swimming.
Sports and Safety
Local high schools often use the park's trails for cross-country running meets. This makes the park a key spot for student athletes. The park is also important for safety. It serves as the main office for District 11 of the Massachusetts Bureau of Forest Fire Control. This means it helps protect forests from fires in the region.
