This memo was submitted to city and project officials in preparation for the updates to the Watershops Pond / Lake Massasoit dam in 2020, and was updated in 2022 to include new dates for community cleanups and additional resident concerns regarding safety and environmental concerns.
Ellen’s Plan: City Memo to Advocate for Watershops Cleanup and Safety Initiatives
“Safety is a huge concern in and around the lake,” said Ellen Moorhouse. “Concrete pylons to prevent cars from entering the lake are run down and broken. Signage indicating risk is non-existent and trash is piling up. In the past few months alone, several cars have crashed into the lake, one resulting in a fatality. We also honor and remember the young man who lost his life in 2017. We must increase our efforts to protect residents, abutters, and those that recreationally enjoy the lake. I call on city officials to immediately meet with key stakeholders like Springfield College, Owners of 1 Allen Street, abutters of the lake, and more, to make a concrete plan to address lingering safety and environmental concerns on the lake.”
Damaged City Gate at the entrance to Harriet Tubman Park
Trash piling up at One Allen Street
Damaged Fencing at Springfield College
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Fallen signage remains where a car crashed into the city lake in July 2022
Missing and damaged concrete pylons
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Faded or signage, and lack of overall signage
Overall drought conditions means the lake is slow to refill for many residents, leading to unsavory smells, increase in bugs, and uncertainty for wildlife
For Immediate Release
Contact: Ellen Moorhouse
Cell phone: (413) 218-2293
voteforellenm@gmail.com
Ward 5 Candidate Ellen Moorhouse proposes plan to increase safety and reduce liability at Watershops Pond after fatality
Springfield, Mass (August 9, 2022) — With the news of another devastating fatality on Watershops Pond, candidate for Ward 5 City Council Ellen Moorhouse, a resident on the lake, is releasing a comprehensive plan to improve safety measures and calling on city officials to take immediate action.
Watershops Pond, or Lake Massasoit, is the biggest body of water in Springfield, abutting 6 neighborhoods: Sixteen Acres, Forest Park, East Forest Park, Old Hill, Upper Hill, and Pine Point. As a result, comprehensive efforts should be taken to ensure the safety of abutters, residents, and those who enjoy this precious resource. Over the past two years of the lake being drained, neighbors have been meeting to advocate for this great asset to the city. Concerns center around trash and debris, lack of preventative safety measures, environmental concerns, and more. The owners of 1 Allen Street, the biggest landowner around the lake, have been silent with regards to efforts to clean the lake.
“Safety is a huge concern in and around the lake,” said Ellen Moorhouse. “Concrete pylons to prevent cars from entering the lake are run down and broken. Signage indicating risk is non-existent and trash is piling up. In the past few months alone, several cars have crashed into the lake, one resulting in a fatality. We also honor and remember the young man who lost his life in 2017. We must increase our efforts to protect residents, abutters, and those that recreationally enjoy the lake. I call on city officials to immediately meet with key stakeholders like Springfield College, Owners of 1 Allen Street, abutters of the lake, and more, to make a concrete plan to address lingering safety and environmental concerns on the lake.”
Moorhouse’s plan includes short term and long term efforts to address safety and environmental concerns. Ideas proposed to city officials include updating all concrete pylons on Stapleton street, Alden Street, and surrounding areas to prevent cars from entering the lake, as well as adding signage around the body of water indicating danger or to fish at your own risk to reduce city liability. Neighbors have advocated for environmental efforts to test and treat the water, create new legislation to prevent nitrogens and other water runoff from polluting the lake, asking city officials to label drain grates that drain directly into the water, and increase signage indicating fines – and enforcing those fines – for those caught dumping trash and debris.
“While the city made great strides on the dam repairs, neighbors and abutters were sorely disappointed in the city’s auxiliary efforts to clean and keep the lake safe while the repairs were underway. Neighbors are frustrated when city officials say they do not know what can be done to improve safety around the lake. There have been ample opportunities during this two-year draw down to address issues that the city has not made progress on. There is still a sign down on Alden Street where a car crashed into the lake several weeks ago. There is a wide range of steps the city could take to address resident concerns and increase safety and quality of life for those that live nearby or use the lake recreationally, striking a balance between enjoying the lake and keeping residents safe” said Moorhouse. “Re-stocking the lake with fish is wonderful, but it pales in comparison to the much-needed safety improvements residents have been advocating for as the lake refills.”
“I look forward to working with the city to make necessary updates that enhance the quality of the water and the quality of life for the residents and taxpayers who enjoy using Lake Massasoit,” said Ellen Moorhouse.
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Moorhouse is a life-long resident of Springfield and first-time homeowner in Ward 5. Learn more about Ellen by visiting ellenmoorhouse.com or follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
