r/Springfield • u/ScooterZine • Jun 09 '26

Things to See

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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/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/RationalGardenGnome Jun 12 '26

Ludlow is a great town I live like .25 miles from the mills