Greenfield Reconnaissance Report - MA Heritage Landscapes ...

to use the same roof style and colors as are on the gate towers, so that this building will fit inwith surrounding historic structures as much as possible.Opportunities:• The Franklin County Fairgrounds, including the Entrance Gates and Round House, areincluded on the Massachusetts Historic Commission Inventory of Historic andArchaeological Assets, a statewide list that identifies significant historic resourcesthroughout the Commonwealth.• The Franklin County Agricultural Society (FCAS) is pursuing funding to renovate theRound House building using green building practices, which should increase energyefficiency of the building, reducing operational costs and providing an example of greenbuilding for the region.• The FCAS, through the Franklin County Fair, provides important public exposure andeducational opportunities to support and promote agriculture in Greenfield and theregion.• The Franklin County Fair provides excellent recreational opportunities for area residents.• The Fairgrounds have outdoor space and a variety of buildings available for rental forcommunity events and have plans to add a large conference room, to be located to allowpublic access without the need to open the fairgrounds. There is a need for more meetingspace in Greenfield and this would be a revenue generator for the FCAS.• The FCAS is interested in listing the Fairgrounds on the National Register for HistoricPlaces, which would bring recognition to the important history of the site.Issues:• While the Franklin County Agricultural Society has a long history of strong stewardshipand maintenance of the property, it is important to note that the land is not permanentlyprotected from development.• The Fairgounds contains a large number of outbuildings which require funding forongoing maintenance.• The site and its buildings must be locked to prevent vandalism, so FCAS staff must be onsite to allow access for community events.• Funding is needed to list the Franklin County Fairgrounds on the National Register ofHistoric Places.• A tremendous amount of volunteer time is needed to run the fair each year. The FranklinCounty Agricultural Society needs new, younger membership to ensure the continuationof the fair in the future.Massachusetts Heritage Landscape Inventory Program 17Greenfield Reconnaissance Report