GE is working with the City of Pittsfield and Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees to restore and enhance the habitat and floodplain at Kirvin Memorial Park in Pittsfield. The park will remain open to the public — except in restoration and staging areas — throughout the project, which is expected to begin in 2026 with invasive species removal, followed by landscaping, plantings and maintenance in 2027.  

Trail access south of Sackett Brook will be protected from work activities. Please note: The section of trail adjacent to the work area may be closed for brief periods during work conducted immediately next to the trail to ensure public safety. 

The purpose of the project is to remove invasive plant species and restore and enhance 17 acres in the floodplain of Sackett and Ashley Brooks in the south end of Kirvin Memorial Park, including the creation of a two-acre pollinator habitat area, improving the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed. The invasive plants collectively impair the overall habitat diversity and functions of the ecosystem. Approximately 12 acres of floodplain land will be restored, with invasive plants replaced by native plantings of woody trees, shrubs, vines and grass. More than 12,000 trees and shrubs will be planted.

In addition, the project will refurbish the trail bridge over Sackett Brook and improve trail conditions by raising the grade of the trail through wet areas.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also has a web page devoted to the Kirvin Park restoration.