Park Story: The history of Bliss and Laurel Parks (Part 1)
Written by Frances Cress
Article published in Longmeadow Neighbors (April 2022)
On any given day, the 81 acres of Bliss and Laurel Parks provide Longmeadow residents with a place for respite and recreation. They are a legacy gift, first envisioned as the community’s water supply district. The district, established by a 2/3rds Town vote in 1894 and advanced by a State Legislative Act in 1895 for land taking, comprises six parcels. The first, a land gift by J. Cooley, the remainder obtained by eminent domain. The water source, Cooley Brook, runs from its headwater in the easternmost section of Bliss Park to the Longmeadow Street site where the reservoir, water tower and pump mechanism were installed. All but the tower remain.
By the late 1920’s, the Town’s water needs had outgrown Cooley Brook and water was being purchased from Springfield. The Laurel Street Extension had been built bisecting the Cooley Brook watershed. In 1934 transfer of the watershed to parkland was authorized by a 2/3rds Town vote and a State Legislative Act. Olmsted Brothers was commissioned to design a plan for the parklands and the WPA began executing the design in 1935. The design was never fully realized but Laurel Pond and dam remind us of that engagement.
If you were a youth in Town between the late 1930’s and early 1950’s, you may recall a swimming hole in Laurel Park called “the Pump.” The Pump was actually the water district’s abandoned reservoir that became a beloved spot for families to swim and cool off during the summer months. This tradition ended abruptly in the summer of 1952 when lifeguards noticed a dramatic drop in the reservoir’s water level. Swimmers were called out of the water and shortly thereafter a section of concrete at the bottom of the reservoir gave way; purportedly falling ten feet. We can only assume that water from upstream had at some point cut a new path and was running under this concrete floor causing a void into which the floor collapsed.
The timing of the construction of Bliss Pool was serendipitous as it opened the following summer. The Pump remains, along with the associated infrastructure that supported its original purpose. A walk west from the Laurel Pond dam will reveal the damage these structures have caused to the wetland ecosystem in the 70 plus intervening years.
Knowing the history of Bliss and Laurel Parks gives us a unique window into the soul of our community. Visiting them helps us to understand the treasure we have been given and hopefully encourages our engagement to preserve their legacy.
Follow the continuing “Park Story” in the May edition of this magazine as we explore current planning and projects that will provide wise stewardship for the parkland ecosystem and our enjoyment of it. Attend the May 10, 2022 Annual Town Meeting to participate in decisions that impact our Town and our parks.
