In the heart of Spencer, a former shopping center parking lot is a park again. The Town of Spencer’s Town Park transformation has earned the 2026 Region of Excellence Improving Quality of Life Award in the small community category.
Reclaiming a Piece of History
The site originally served as a community park before the 1960s, and later became a large parking lot, a highly visible challenge in the center of town. Rather than pursue isolated fixes, town leaders and residents built a long-range strategy around placemaking, recreation and community identity, guided by the Town Park Master Plan.
A Community-Funded Vision
Through the Make Your Mark campaign, residents, businesses, civic organizations and donors contributed financial support, advocacy and volunteer time. Combined with public investment, grants and phased construction, that support moved the project from plan to park. Spencer Town Park opened in 2025. The Carlton Family Water Feature opened to the public in June 2026, and the Town Park Archway was installed in July 2026.
A Place to Gather
The park is now home to community celebrations including fireworks, National Night Out, Race to the River and Winterfest, along with a recently launched Live Music Series. These events bring residents and visitors downtown, support nearby businesses and give people of all ages a place to be active and connect.
Strengthening Community Pride
The project has improved the look, function and vitality of downtown Spencer while strengthening civic pride and a renewed sense of belonging. It stands as an example of how a small community can pair local history and resident energy with philanthropy and public investment to create a lasting asset.
Congratulations to the Town of Spencer. Learn more about the Region of Excellence Awards and the Make Your Mark campaign.
Nominated by Peter Franzese, Town of Spencer.
