Business View Civil and Municipal l December 2022

115 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 12 which offers hiking along wetlands for people of all abilities, even those who regularly use wheelchairs. Despite the New England climate, year-round events and programs are held in the parks, such as a winter nighttime storybook walk along a trail lit up with ice globes. Reichelt says residents and town officials are always thinking of “creative ideas” for uses and events at these parks. Like much of Massachusetts, West Springfield is looking to invest in both sustainability and green features. West Springfield is a state- certified “Green Community”, and has undertaken sustainability projects like adding an all-electric vehicle to its fleet, and adding electric vehicle charging stations. There is also an emphasis on redeveloping underutilized properties rather than building new. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers residents and business owners various tax incentives for qualifying energy-saving upgrades and renewable energy investments such as solar power. West Springfield Public Schools are widely praised for its quality and commitment to students. The district includes more than 4,400 students and offers a 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio in its high school, middle school, and multiple elementary schools. It has planned over the next several years to expand three of its elementary schools while combining a couple of existing ones so that all students can benefit from modern facilities and high-tech upgrades. As mentioned, West Springfield has a diverse population of refugees that is reflected in its student population. The city has the highest number of refugees per capita in the state, with more than 50 languages spoken by students in the high school. “This is a real benefit to our community because that diversity really makes us stronger,” Reichelt says. West Springfield also benefits from a plethora of community colleges and universities in the area including Springfield Technical Community College and the University of Massachusetts’ flagship Amherst campus about 30 minutes away. In fact, West Springfield is located along the “Knowledge WEST SPR INGF I ELD , MASSACHUSETTS