Hoosac Valley Park, Adams, Massachusetts
Wagner Hodgson worked with town officials and a steering committee of community leaders and activists to design a new public park for the Town of Adams, MA. The 1 acre site has a premiere location, adjacent to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and only a 10 minute walk from downtown, the park stands to become a destination for visitors biking along the rail trail and a beloved space for local residents. In addition to its fantastic location the site has an array of architectural and structural remnants that speak to the site’s industrial past. Standing amongst rough stone and concrete foundations rises the Hoosac Valley Coal and Grain grain elevator, a timber frame structure that harks to the site’s history as a coal and grain distributor.
The park master plan centers on the rehabilitation and creative reuse of the existing structures and foundations. Capturing the regions historic narrative and the Town’s commitment to environmental remediation the deign aims to marry the past with the present and looks to the future. Envisioning the sites remnants as interpretive play and gathering spaces, including a dog ran area, establishing a connection to the adjacent rail trail, and incorporating 2 flexible plaza spaces to support future programming of the Grain Elevator and to facilitate small events Hoosac Valley Park aims to be a true community park for visitors and residents alike.