Exploring Springwood’s Historic Journey – Fiction

Springwood originated on the dog-shaped island that cuts into the Spring River. The city has acknowledged its success based on this starting place. Founded right off Exit 22 from Peters Highway, the historic downtown marked many of the first buildings erected. Springwood Supermarket, Downtown Pharmacy, and The Busy Cornershop were the starting shops in town. The first residences were built nearby in what is now Island Hills Residential Center (or “The Island” as locals call it). 

Springwood was hesitant and slow at first. Choosing an island as home is risky for many folks. The households of the Kents, Willows, and Garnets deserve our appreciation for starting this fine city. Today, the city boasts nearly 44,000 residents and spans across the river on the North and South shores. An airport is expected soon near the industrial district of Flatland Trees. The Springwood Medical System is capable of treating six percent of the population at any one time. It also manages the retirement and childcare communities of the region.

As the incumbent mayor, Juliana Crest, announces her reelection campaign, she can boast of clean water, clean energy, and a growing tourist industry. Crest, a native of The Island, has held her post as mayor for two terms already. George Garnet, our first elected officer, was the last person to hold Springwood’s highest office for longer than eight years. However, Ms. Crest focused intensely on maintaining the city’s services while also forming a budget surplus. The Mayor’s office recently announced a sum of $2 million, a first in the city’s two hundred-year history. For the historic celebration, the mayor has hired this writer to document our history. The project will cover where the city is currently. It will also detail additional plans for the future.

Humble Beginnings

Springwood’s backbone consists of the historic downtown, the residential area of The Island, Beach Town, Dog Mouth City Park, and several industrial zones located on the route of Peters Highway. These names did not exist when George Garnet became the first town selectman. Thomas Kent and Lisa Willow joined him a year later. That first year, with just three hundred citizens, Springwood was simply The Island. It took several years, funding from the State, and a vision from Garnet to recognize the central region of the city we see today. 

Main Street, running from First Circle rotary, is the only road that consists of a two-way one-lane system. To begin with, Springwood functioned off of dirt roads. There are a few individuals who remember that time. Jane Garnet, widow of George Garnet, recalled the “dust clouds trailing behind tractors” which circulated around the nearest industrial zone. Sometimes, depending on the wind conditions, the clouds of dirt moved onto Main Street. One of George Garnet’s first improvements to the city included updating the roads. 

First Circle rotary, the headway from Peters Highway onto The Island, links directly with the farming industry, Main Street, and the longest non-highway road, Wilson Avenue. As much as the city expands, The Island remains the same. Andrew Wilson was the last mayor to add improvements before Crest. Wilson added bridges to Middleborough and improved the water filtration systems. 

Well before Wilson, Garnet knew Springwood was going to swell. His four terms, sixteen years total, set the stage for the city. Along with Thomas Kent and Lisa Willow, the three selectmen organized plans for the city’s roadways and service connections. They used the grid system to maximize land use efficiency and separated zones to ensure public health. Their planning has ensured that the very few issues around water quality and ground pollution were short. The most recent only lasted two weeks.

Island Hills Residential Center truly marks the central area of Springwood. The local streets are named after our predecessors: Garnet, Kent, and Willow. The housing is of low density and runs North to South. Housing stops just shy of Aspen Avenue. Wilson Avenue runs through the housing and connects the other districts.

One of these districts is Forests United. This company had purchased a large quantity of the land even prior to Springwood. They work in the forestry sector and celebrate a similar anniversary as us. This was the first area designed for the purpose of logging. The technology has improved, but the collaboration between Springwood and Forests United has remained strong. Many of the residents from Island Hills work here. 

The space between the residential and industrial center includes boulders from the last glacial period, reminders of the ever-changing earth. Two parks, multiple pedestrian paths, a hospital, and a retirement home occupy more space. The city prides itself on separating zones to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Dog Mouth Park

Dog Mouth Park was a collaboration between local and state officials in the early 1900s. Around 1905, as the city grew, many desired a return to simpler times. A committee was formed of city officials and citizens to design a park. Elements of the park include cabins, a collection of well-lit walking paths, quays, a cable car system, and a fishing pier. The city set aside funds and grant money from the state and federal governments to build the park in 1907. Today, much of the park is the same with a few additions. 

In the early 1980s, the jet ski industry came to Springwood. There is a rental facility on Science Center Street. Of course, we introduced the Science Center in 2002. Rosemary Green, the current Director, is working hard to promote the collection of marine sciences on exhibit. The Center has seen a recent decline in visitors, likely due to the restructuring of the metro services this past year. However, you can take the metro Orange Line from Foggy College or the Purple Line from Downtown to see the Science Center.

The park hosts celebrations for the 4th of July every year. Fireworks light up the cove for all to see. The bike trail and Aspen Bridge are not for sightseeing, Island Police remind us. In fact, the bike trail running from Science Center to Garnet Street is in need of repairs. The city is working to allocate funds for better pilings. Probably the best spot to see these fireworks is on top of the hill behind the fire station. In past decades, this hill has seen its fair share of gang violence and criminal activities. In 1965, Springwood built its Police Headquarters here to alleviate the danger in this area. Now this historic hill (for reasons other than the assassination of Mayor Aspen in 1942) serves as a sightseeing spot for locals and tourists alike.

Beach Town, situated next to Island Hills, was formed on self-sustainment. Designed to function on its own, the small district boasts its own elementary and high school. There are several corner stores and a small “downtown” of its own. Still, the residents work outside of their district. Self-efficiency is less in the community and more so in lifestyle now. Beach Town families often maintain their property for generations. Houses rely on solar and several own wells. This is a very wealthy sector with trees on the streets. Beach Town rejoined Springwood after just a few years on their own. While integrated into the city overall, they certainly enjoy their privacy and business with one another. 

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