History Of Pulaski Park
The Holyoke Water Power Company donated land in 1883 for Pulaski Park. The park was originally named Kerry Park. In 1885, it was renamed Prospect Park for its sweeping views of the Connecticut River and the Holyoke Dam. Subsequently, this area of Holyoke became a predominantly Polish community and in 1939, the park was renamed Pulaski Park in honor of General Count Casimir Pulaski, the Polish hero who fought for the Colonies in the American Revolution. In 2004, Pulaski Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Olmsted Connection
In 1907, the city hired the landscape architecture firm of Frederick Law Olmsted to redesign the layout and passive recreation areas of the park. While the city implemented Olmsted's suggested layout of the park's wide walkways, it did not initiate the rest of the plan, which included a bandstand area, open shelters, and playgrounds for small and large children.
Pulaski Park Circa 1950
Looking North pre-1939
1907 Park Scene
From Maple St. to Park, 1907
Pulaski Park Today
