City Announces Return of Free Movies in the Park Series

Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Springfield Parks & Recreation Department have announced the return of the annual "Movies in the Park" series, giving families across the city free outdoor movie nights this summer.

TOWN HALL

Mayor Sarno and the Springfield Parks & Recreation Department unveiled the city's annual "Movies in the Park" series, according to a release posted on the city's official website. The program brings free outdoor film screenings to city parks throughout the summer season, part of the city's ongoing effort to activate public green space for families, though specific dates and park locations were not detailed in the initial announcement.

Separately, U.S. Senator Ed Markey's office highlighted continuing advocacy work out of the region, with a release noting that small business advocates from Western Massachusetts, including representatives of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, met to discuss support for small businesses tied to Springfield-area economic interests.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Springfield animal shelter quarantine continues as staff battles contagious disease outbreak" — The Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center has paused adoptions after several stray animals tested positive for a contagious illness, according to Western Mass News. The outbreak has forced staff to maintain quarantine protocols at the shelter (read it at https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/07/08/springfield-animal-shelter-quarantine-continues-staff-battles-contagious-disease-outbreak/).

"Westfield Planning Board approves site plan changes for store, gas station" — Westfield's Planning Board signed off on updated site plans for a store and gas station project, according to The Reminder, in a decision affecting the neighboring Hampden County community. (read it at https://thereminder.com/local-news/hampden-county/westfield/westfield-planning-board-approves-site-plan-changes-for-store-gas-station/).