Ferrous Urban Wild

Transforming a brownfield into an urban wild promotes health and connection in a former mill town.

For over 15 years, Groundwork Lawrence worked with local residents, the City of Lawrence, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and a constellation of community partners to establish a park at the confluence of the Merrimack and Spicket Rivers, where successive industries once stood. Envisioned as Groundwork Lawrence’s first green space action project, the beautiful Ferrous urban wild that resulted from this determined collaboration—a serene outdoor space enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike—serves as the capstone of the Spicket River Greenway and a living testament to the power of shared vision and collaborative leadership in a community.

Learn more about Lawrence residents Myra Ortiz and Tomas Lopez, both featured in the Ferrous Park video.