Solar-Train Clock Sculpture created by artist Gregory Curci of Winthrop, MA.

"The sculpture represents a change from fossil fuels to new fuels," says Curci of this innovative public art piece.  Perched above the 14-foot center archway, 12 historical figures from Franklin County, MA, "pop up" on the hour. These hand-carved figures are activated by solar panels placed atop the train and connected to a battery-pack housed in the coal tender of the model train. This unique project beautifully combines art, history and solar technology. It is in keeping with the history of the site, which, for over 80 years, housed the Greenfield Railroad Station. Funded by: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Artist Resource Trust, Community Foundation of Western MA, Greenfield Savings Bank, Bell Atlantic, Stop and Shop Companies Inc. and many local businesses and individual donors.

Solar-power. Two additional projects demonstrate the use of solar energy on-site. A 2kw array is sited in the park and connected to NESEA's Headquarters. Together with 1.25kw panels installed on the roof of NESEA's headquarters, approximately 30% or NESEA's electrical needs are being met. Indoor invertors and batteries educate visitors about the amount of power generated on a continuous basis.

Educational Exhibits. Two informational exhibits are found on the "Transportation Trail" that focus on links between energy and transportation. Using historical photographs of vehicles (i.e. stagecoaches, trolleys, trains, snow shoes, horse and buggy, etc.) interpretive text and charts, the reader can easily make connections between the amount of energy used to go one passenger mile using various forms of transportation. Excellent learning opportunity for students of all ages. Of special note are the wooden structures housing these panels. They represent the key project of Jeremy Brown, S. Deerfield, Troop 66 under the leadership of Scout Master, Chip Jackson and woodworker, Chris Rawlings. Jeremy designed, constructed and installed these two displays to earn his Eagle Scout award. Exhibit funding provided by ISTEA, Community Foundation of Western MA, and Greenfield Savings Bank.

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

Arboretum. 26 varieties of mostly native trees and shrubs have been planted to highlight species diversity and to restore the area to its more natural state. A Guide Book has been developed for visitors which offers a self-guided tour. All varieties are marked by custom-made ceramic identification tiles which coordinate with the Guide Book (written by Sarah Hollister). Funded by the National Tree Trust and Business Fund for the Arts in Franklin County.

Sustainable Agricultural Demonstration Gardens. A magnificent public garden has been created to showcase native and heirloom plants. Head Gardener, Lilian R. Jackman (owner of Wilder Hill Gardens), designed and coordinated plantings. The compact design is organic in nature, featuring 9 themed beds in the shape of a flower. There are 8 "leaves" and a center "flower". Each bed, contained by large pieces of native Ashfield Stone, has a distinct grouping of plants including including the following themes: heirloom plants, seed-saving plants, medicinal and culinary herbs, native American vegetables & herbs. Two attractive compost bins are included to complete the educational cycle. As with the Arboretum, each bed boasts a beautiful custom-made ceramic tile and coordinates with a Guide Book (written by Sarah Hollister). These two plant-based park attractions offer an attractive spot for school field trips, garden clubs and others. Funded by Tom's of Maine, William P. Wharton Trust, Ashfield Stone Company, Wilder Hill Gardens, United Plant Savers, and many dedicated volunteers.

Children's Play Train. A charming wooden child's train that was built as a demonstration project uses lumber treated with ACQ preservative. ACQ, manufactured by Chemical Specialties, Inc., does not use arsenic or chromium (harmful to children) as is often found in standard pressure-treated lumber. It was donated by the Kiwanis Club of Greenfield in honor of their 75th anniversary.

Max & Sue Delozier, creators of Child's Play Train.

Re-Used and Sustainable Materials. Every effort was made to identify and install materials that could have another life. For example, re-used granite curbing forms a beautiful new amphitheater that seats 60 people. Re-used brick forms the walkway under the Solar Sculpture. An 1804 re-used cemetery fence provides an attractive setting for vines to climb in the garden. All park benches were created from Ashfield Stone, a local quarry specializing in unusual garden furnishings, such as benches and bridges. Old cedar telephone poles were milled and then used as part of the exhibit structures.

Tom Elmore and children enjoy a day at the Greenfield Energy Park.

Public Artists. The Park Review Team, a group of dedicated volunteers, met for nearly 4 years, every month, to help shape this park. From the outset, public art was viewed as desirable and it keenly was sought after, designed to emphasize the theme of sustainability. As a result, it is a delight to display park art by Massachusetts artists including: Gregory Curci's Solar Train Sculpture; Christine Diani's Custom-made Ceramic Identification Tiles for Arboretum & Gardens; Kate Winship's Ceramic tiles the colors of the rainbow installed on the renovated staircase to Bank Row; Al Dray's original ink rendering of this site as it would have appeared in 1835; and our thanks to Sandra Redemske, Sarah Hollister, Michael Lewis and Jennifer Paulin for designing custom graphics.

In addition, a 44-page book was written just for children to promote tree education called, Totally Tree-Mendous Activities: Projects to Discover the Beauty and Benefits of Trees, written by environmental educator Sarah Hollister and beautifully illustrated by Anna Dewdney which is for sale through NESEA for $8.00 plus shipping. Call 413-774-6051 to order your copy. Great for schools, scout troops, camps, or any one who works with children grades 2-7.

Local History. Al Dray, historian and artist, created an original view of what the park site would have looked like in 1835. He used maps, diaries, original town histories and archeological information to prepare this artwork. The goal is to have citizens consider town-wide issues of land use, transportation, historic preservation and environmental protection through public art.

Al Dray shares his 1835 view of the Park at a permanent exhibit. Interpretive brochures available.

Al Dray photo by NESEA

All photographs by Terri Cappucci, 1999.

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