This bioretention bed features plants similar to those proposed for Besse Park. Photo courtesy: Horsley Witten Group
The selectmen spoke favorably on Feb. 9 about proposed upgrades to Besse Park that would reduce pollution from stormwater runoff that is channeled into the Agawam River.
Besse Park, the strip of land at the end of Main Street that features picnic tables and a fishing pier, is also home to two storm drains that discharge directly into the river.
Those drains significantly pollute the river, making the site a good candidate for upgrades. The park was identified by the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program. That program is funding the design and permitting for the project through a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.