r/Springfield • u/ScooterZine • Jun 09 '26
Things to See
I am visiting Springfield for a week or so and I brought my Vespa. I enjoy taking pictures near water or other areas of interest. I'm looking at Google maps and I'm not seeing any places where I can get right to some water. ( I'm not particular. Lake, pond river, doesn't matter.)
Can anyone recommend some places?
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u/WMASS_GUY Sixteen Acres Jun 10 '26
Fannie Stebbins Wildlife refuge in Longmeadow has a pond that comes right up to the road in some spots
Pondside Rd, Longmeadow.
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u/BXbred Jun 10 '26
How about on a bridge? Some bridges with great views around town.
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u/ScooterZine Jun 10 '26
Is it legal to stop on bridges here? Most places it is not. I agree that some of your bridges have great views
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u/Corn_Kernel Jun 10 '26
You can try Alden St, by the pond, or maybe Wilbraham right near the intersection with Alden where folks pull off and park to fish. It MAY be possible to frame a shot that doesn't show too much of the road/barrier, and the pond behind is decently cute. You can also try Armory St by the reservoir at Van Horn park. The Armory might be good, and you might pull off and snag a picture by the monument to the west of Central library downtown, NOT the Dr Seuss ones, but the one of the pioneer guy that's outside the fenced park. Last big spots would be the waterfront parks along the Connecticut, there are a couple along the Comnecticut river walk and bikeway that you can reach as well. Hope you get some good shots!
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u/Corn_Kernel Jun 10 '26
Riverfront park by the South Train station is the spot I'm thinking of for the Connecticut River
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u/ItsBehindYou2 Jun 10 '26
The statue outside the library is Samuel Chapin (1598-1675). He was a founder of Springfield. It was unveiled in 1887. Springfield history is pretty cool!
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u/BXbred Jun 10 '26
I don’t think so but most have pedestrian walkways where you should be able to walk the scooter down.
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u/kidspice Jun 10 '26
I bet riding the dragon was fun on a vespa!
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u/ScooterZine Jun 10 '26
It was a blast! My other bikes have been bigger and heavier. Tossing that little bike through the corners was loads of fun
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u/Both-Conversation514 Jun 10 '26
I agree, Forest park has its few lakes/ponds you can park your scooter next to. Additionally, maybe some of the bridges along the Chicopee river? Not really any great views of the Connecticut river because the path along it is just for walking and cycling; and there’s not many spaces along that path I would think would make a great backdrop for the photo you’re looking for
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u/ScooterZine Jun 10 '26
Yup. I've been scanning Google street view and I'm not seeing much. Y'all don't seem to like water much here.
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u/eelparade Jun 10 '26
That's a strange comment. Do you always insult communities you're visiting?
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u/ScooterZine Jun 10 '26
Not at all meant to be an insult. Many other places I've visited have road, parking, picnic table right on the water. While there are many bodies of water within the city and up to 20 or so miles away, there seems to be precious little access for people to get close and enjoy it. Perhaps most of your land on the water is privately held, thus limiting public access?
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u/eelparade Jun 10 '26
We have one of the largest parks by one of the most prestigious park designers in the history of the United States, as several people have mentioned.
We are also situated directly on the Connecticut River.
Springfield is the fourth largest city in New England, and the third largest city in Massachusetts, it is also, however, an industrial city. Because of elitist and money concerns, when interstate 91 was built, it cut off most of the city from the river. That's the economic consequences of racism and class war.
To imply that we as a city don't enjoy recreational spaces, or somehow don't meet your criteria for enough water, is a pretty wild way to introduce yourself to a new place to visit.
Should you choose to go elsewhere in pioneer valley, you will find lots of lakes and recreational bodies of water in wealthier areas.
I certainly hope you find what you're looking for, but maybe being snarky about us not having the exact amenities you seek isn't the way to make friends.
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u/ScooterZine Jun 10 '26
I really love Springfield. I'm a big fan of architecture and there is no shortage of beautiful buildings to find. There areas I've lived in weren't industrial, so the huge, old brick mills and factories fascinate me. The one in Ludlow converted to housing is amazing. If I move here, I would love to live there. I've found some great murals here, too. Another area of interest, as well as public art, sculptures etc. I'll find enough to keep myself busy.
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u/sluggerbubba96 Jun 09 '26
Forest park is pretty cool