Robinson State Park
Westfield River
Map showing the location of Robinson State Park
Map showing the location of Robinson State Park
Location in Massachusetts
Map showing the location of Robinson State Park
Map showing the location of Robinson State Park
Robinson State Park (the United States)
LocationAgawam, Hampden, Massachusetts, United States
Coordinates42°05′26″N 72°39′53″W / 42.09056°N 72.66472°W / 42.09056; -72.66472[1]
Area1,025 acres (4.15 km2)[2]
Elevation135 ft (41 m)[1]
Established1934
Named forJohn C. Robinson
Governing bodyMassachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
WebsiteRobinson State Park
Robinson State Park in 1974

Robinson State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area located mostly in the town of Agawam with a small section in Westfield, Massachusetts. The narrow, 1,025-acre (415 ha) state park follows the course of the meandering Westfield River which forms the park's northern border. The park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.[3]

History

The park originated with land donations made to the state for recreational purposes by Springfield businessman John C. Robinson in 1934 and 1937.[4] Robinson was an early proponent of the Eastern States Exposition, which lies one mile east of the park. The riverside had been intended for industrial development[4] when Robinson began making purchases of small parcels in 1920, with the aim of creating an area preserved for recreation.[5]

Ecology

The park's variable levels of terrain and proximity to the Westfield River make it ideal to host a wide variety of species of plants and animals, making it among the most diverse and rarest forests in Massachusetts. A variety of wildflowers, some rare, threatened, or endangered exist in the park. Some animals that have been spotted in the park from time to time include fisher cat, otter, beaver, deer, coyote, red fox, bear, egrets, pairs of bald eagles, owl, mountain lion and moose. Many migratory birds use the park as a place to stop during on their journey, thus many birdwatchers frequent Robinson State Park as the community of birds can change daily.

Activities and amenities

The park has 20 miles (32 km) of trails and paved roads for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. Some trails are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. A swimming pond and its surrounding beach area draws park visitors during the summer months. Picnicking, canoeing, and fishing are also available.[3]

The park is home to the Agawam High School Cross Country teams.[6] The 5K course is considered one of the most challenging and enjoyable courses in western Massachusetts.

References

  1. 1 2 "Robinson State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ↑ "2012 Acreage Listing" (PDF). Department of Conservation and Recreation. April 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Robinson State Park". MassParks. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Shary Page Berg (1999). Beth McKinney (ed.). "The Civilian Conservation Corps: A Statewide Survey of Civilian Conservation Corps Resources". Massachusetts Office of Historic Resources. p. 70. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  5. ↑ Massachusetts WPA Writers' Project (1941). "State Forests and Parks of Massachusetts: A Recreation Guide". American Guide Series. Boston, Massachusetts: The Department of Conservation. p. 5. Retrieved September 18, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Agawam's Megan Dustin sets Robinson State Park record in cross country loss to West Springfield". MassLive. September 9, 2014. Retrieved December 15, 2014.
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