SOUTH DEERFIELD — The pothole-ridden dirt lot at the base of Mount Sugarloaf is getting an upgrade.
“For forever, that’s been a dirt parking lot … and the potholes are just gigantic,” said Selectboard member Trevor McDaniel. “You could literally stock fish in them when they’re full. They’re like a foot deep.”
The project, priced at approximately $95,000, involves paving the lot, adding 23 regular parking spaces, two handicapped spaces and better trailhead access, according to a statement from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Work began at the site on April 21 and DCR expects it to be completed by late spring.
McDaniel said the ball began rolling last year after he went to the Deerfield Highway Department and learned the lot was state property. He then approached DCR, where he learned a portion of the lot was owned by Eversource and would require its permission before any kind of paving work could begin.
Eversource granted an easement at no cost to DCR, according to Priscilla Ress, a spokesperson for Eversource.
“It’s a well-loved, well-used spot, and we’re glad we were able to help get it paved in a timely fashion,” she said.
McDaniel said the project was a collaborative effort between Eversource, DCR, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (which is carrying out the work) and the town of Deerfield.
“We’re so thrilled as a town,” McDaniel said. “We’re so excited to have that cooperation between all those entities to better the spot and the access to the mountain, especially with everything going on now. … With the nice weather coming, it’s great that it will be set for the summer.”
McDaniel said Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, was also instrumental in pushing the project through.
For Blais, the parking area at the base of the mountain constituted a safety concern.
“The holes were really big, and it was difficult for people to navigate in their cars (or) to walk through,” Blais said. “It was also a matter of taking pride in this incredible asset that we have in the 1st Franklin District.”
It was also an important issue to her constituents, she explained.
“This was something people came to me and said, ‘Can you help us with this?’” she said. “And that means something to me.”
Blais added that although she encourages people to enjoy Mount Sugarloaf and other state parks, as they do remain open, visitors should continue taking the necessary precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Social distancing remains important,” she said. “Please, enjoy the outdoors, but stay 6 feet apart and wear a mask.”
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263.