Day: September 5, 2018

PALMER — A proposed $650 million water park resort, spa, and sports complex, featuring a massive year-round whitewater tubing river park, is being planned on 250 acres of land near the Palmer exit of the Massachusetts Turnpike. The complex, featuring indoor/outdoor sports facilities, a resort hotel, and two indoor water parks, aims to draw individuals, teams, tournaments, exhibitions, entertainment, and athletes from the U.S. and around the world.

Development and construction group Skanska USA has joined as project manager. The company built Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, and has a global footprint. In the U.S., Skanska operates within the commercial property, construction, and public-private partnership arenas.

The project development team has also been announced. The Palmer Sports Group consists of Winthrop “Trip” Knox, who has been involved in the design and construction of more than 3,000 water-related facilities for water parks, resorts, and deluxe hotels, including many of the water features at destination resorts in Orlando, Fla. Knox has also received recognition for designing the luge and bobsled runs for the 1980 Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid, N.Y.

Michael J. D’Amato, also of the Palmer Sports Group, managed the construction of the later phases of the Foxwoods Resort Casino development, including the Grand Pequot Tower. A native of Connecticut, D’Amato also worked on the construction of Connecticut’s tallest building, City Place in Hartford, and oversaw many large-scale projects including the Phoenix Mutual corporate headquarters and Stamford Harbor Park.

“This destination water park, sports resort, and spa will draw visitors from throughout the Northeast,” Knox said. “The strategic location of the resort near the confluence of the Massachusetts Turnpike and close in proximity to Routes 84 and 91 will make it a convenient destination offering sports recreation to meet a growing demand for this kind of recreation.”

In addition to the spa and outdoor river ride, the complex will include an indoor hockey and basketball facility, an indoor sports bubble, a baseball complex, soccer and mixed-use fields, beach-volleyball courts, restaurants, and on-site townhomes.

“We will be working diligently with the town of Palmer and other leaders in the region to bring this game-changing project for Palmer and the Quaboag Valley to fruition,” D’Amato said. “With the recent opening of the MGM Springfield casino, this represents a synergistic project that will draw even more visitors to the Valley, making Palmer the true gateway to all of Western Massachusetts.”

WESTFIELD — The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, and West of the River Chamber invites the public to a Lunch & Learn event on Thursday, Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Storrowton Tavern Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

Rick Lord, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), will offer a barometer of the region’s business climate and the historic ‘grand bargain’ legislation that may have profound effects on business and employees.

Tickets cost $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Call (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for sponsorship information, registration, or questions.

SPRINGFIELD — The Law Office of Christopher B. Myhrum announced that Myhrum was selected for the 2018 edition of Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of environmental and environmental litigation.

This is the 27th year Myhrum has been selected for this honor. He has also been recognized by his peers for the highest level of professional excellence as AV Preeminent (2002 to present) and as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer (2001 to present).

LONGMEADOW — Springfield Jewish Community Center was recognized with Bay Path University’s first-ever Community Partnership Spirit Award last week. This award, established in December 2017, is bestowed upon an individual, team, or organization that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Bay Path community, students, and mission by playing an integral role in student success through mentorship, leadership, and fostering career development.

“Our students have benefited tremendously from the variety of opportunities they have had in working with the Springfield JCC,” President Carol Leary said. “The JCC is an incredible community partner and valuable resource. We’re proud to recognize the organization and its stellar staff for their hard work and the rich, supportive experience they offer to members of all ages.” 

The Springfield JCC was selected as this year’s award recipient from a pool of nominations submitted by faculty and staff at Bay Path throughout the spring. The process was thorough, requiring that nominations include a narrative explaining the impact of the partner on Bay Path’s mission and students. A selection committee reviewed submissions and made the final decision.

“Students from our occupational therapy, psychology, and education programs have held internships, volunteered, and engaged in service learning projects with the organization. Most recently, our master’s in occupational therapy faculty and students collaborated with the JCC Kehillah program for individuals with special needs to develop a ‘SensiPlay’ program for children with various disabilities,” Leary said. 

Michael Paysnick, executive director of the Springfield JCC; Bethany Young, director of the Kehillah program; and Deb Cohen, director of Early Childhood Services, were presented the award at Bay Path University’s State of the University Address.

“The JCC has partnered with Bay Path University for more than 30 years,” Paysnick said. “During that time, we have had the opportunity to help in the education and training of hundreds of students and, together, create programs and services that benefit our wider community. It’s been a win-win for all involved. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Bay Path, providing real-world work experience for their students.”