Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Forest Park Heights Historic District
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Springfield, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | Mutual Investment Co.; Forest Park Heights Co. |
| Architectural style | Late-19th and 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004942 |
| Added to NRHP | August 31, 1982 |
Welcome to Forest Park, a cool neighborhood in Springfield, Massachusetts! This area is famous for its beautiful old homes. It was built mostly between 1880 and 1920. It's the biggest neighborhood in Springfield by population.
Forest Park is named after the huge Forest Park that sits right in the middle of it. This park was designed by a very famous landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted. He also designed Central Park in New York City! The neighborhood is a great place to live because nature and fun activities are always nearby. To the west, a highway called I-91 separates Forest Park from the Connecticut River.
Contents
Discovering Forest Park's History
A special part of the neighborhood, about 195 acres, is called the Forest Park Heights Historic District. This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's a very important historical place!
Homes with Character
The Forest Park Heights Historic District has about 600 houses. They were built between 1890 and 1910. These homes show off different old styles. You can see Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Queen Anne, and Shingle Style designs.
In 2010, the magazine This Old House even called this neighborhood one of the "Best Old House Neighborhoods" in the Northeast. East of the main park, you'll find the Trafton Road area. It has more Colonials and Tudors from the 1920s. Further east, there are also American Craftsman style houses.
Fun Things to Do in Forest Park
The big park that gives the neighborhood its name is packed with awesome things to do!
Park Attractions
Inside Forest Park, you can find a zoo with cool animals. There are also lots of walking and hiking trails. You can enjoy promenades, playgrounds, and beautiful lakes and ponds. Don't miss the formal rose garden, which is full of colorful flowers.
The park also has the historic Barney Carriage House. You'll see sculptures, baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts. There are even bocce courts and lawn bowling fields. For ice skating and hockey, check out the Cyr Arena.
Seasonal Fun
During the winter holidays, Forest Park lights up with "Bright Nights." This is a 2.6-mile trail filled with huge, detailed, and animated light displays. It's a truly magical experience!
If you like golf, the 18-hole Franconia Municipal Golf Course is also right in the neighborhood.
Around the Neighborhood
Forest Park is more than just a park and historic homes. It has many other useful places.
Community Spots
The neighborhood has its own branch library, where you can find books and study. There's also the Jewish Community Center, which offers programs and activities.
The "X" Commercial Area
Forest Park also has a busy shopping and business area. It's known as the "X." This name comes from where Sumner Avenue, Belmont Avenue, and Dickinson Street all meet. It's a great spot for local shops and restaurants.
Living Options
Georgetown is the largest condominium complex in the neighborhood. It's located near the Longmeadow town line. There are also other smaller condo buildings in the area.
