A Return to Vibrancy on Miles Street: From Greenfield’s Train Station to the Greenfield Energy Park

Sandy Thomas will discuss how this section of town was first transformed as the town graveyard, then was renovated to become an active train station at the crossroads of N-S and E-W rail traffic for 80 years. When train service stopped in 1960’s, it became a blighted area for 40 years and, in accordance with a Master Plan, was revived as a community park focused on renewable energy and native plants with a performance stage. Sandy was hired by NESEA to serve as Park Director from 1997-2010.

She is a registered nurse and worked at UNC Pediatric ICU for 5 years. From 1987-1993 she served as President, National CH.A.D.D. (Children with ADD) and volunteered for Greenfield Business Association for 12 years. Currently, she is employed by UMass at the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. Each spring, she Co-chairs Greenfield Bee Fest to raise awareness of pollinator health and Greenfield’s rich history of beekeeping.