Springfield officials, supporters laud renovations to Clifford Phaneuf Environmental Center at Forest Park

SPRINGFIELD — City and school officials and many supporters gathered at the Clifford A. Phaneuf Environmental Center at Forest Park on Thursday to praise a completed $4 million renovation project that transformed the rustic log building into a state-of-the-art facility for learning.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said he is thrilled with the completion of the renovation-expansion project, believing the city has "developed a first-class environmental center for our students."

The building houses the Environmental Center of Our Schools (ECOS) program that began 46 years ago in Springfield.

The building is named after the late Clifford A. Phaneuf Sr., who was instrumental in creating the ECOS program and was its director for 17 years.

"Cliff Phaneuf would be proud that this program is still strong and carrying out his mission started in 1970," Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick said. "ECOS has played a significant part in teaching the importance of and understanding of our urban environment."

The improvements include increased classroom space, additional outdoor classroom space, restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, conversion to natural gas, energy efficiencies for heating, cooling and lighting, life safety equipment, a kitchen facility, removal of the septic system, landscape enhancements and improved access to Porter Lake.

"Everyone always speaks of their recollections of attending ECOS as a child and the school district recognizes its responsibility in developing an appreciation for the school in our environment," Warwick said.

Wayne Phaneuf, who is executive editor of The Republican and the son of Clifford Phaneuf, spoke on behalf of the family, praising the completed project. He thanked many of those gathered, including Sarno and long-time teacher Burt Freedman, for their concerted efforts to pursue and complete the renovations project.

"This is a very special moment for all of us," Phaneuf said, noting that family members in attendance spanned three generations.

Other who gathered for the open house included: Christopher Collins, vice chairman of the School Committee; Brian Santaniello, chairman of the Park Commission; Patrick J. Sullivan, director of parks, buildings and recreation management; Ron St. Amand, director of science; U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield; and Burt Freedman, a longtime teacher in the ECOS program who was described as a dogged advocate for the renovations.

Nearly 200,000 students have gone through the ECOS program, and it was sometimes threatened with closure over the years due to school budget challenges. Warwick said he will never cut the program.

Collins was among officials who praised Clifford Phaneuf as an "amazing man" who was "the backbone" of bringing a strong environmental education program to Springfield.

Sarno praised Freedman for helping to keep the pressure on the city to make sure the needed renovations occurred.

Phyllis Gotta, a now-retired long term substitute teacher in the ECOS program, who attended the open house, said center was her favorite place in which to teach and to see the children experience nature and learn.

"I love these improvements," she said. "There are absolutely wonderful. It's just phenomenal. It has been a long-time coming."

Colette Dill, a mother of two children, now adults, who had gone through the ECOS program, agreed that the improvements are wonderful.

"It's great for the kids in Springfield," Dill said.

To view the original article, click here.