Sixteen Acres is a neighborhood in the southeastern part of Springfield, Massachusetts, located about 3 miles (5 km) from Metro Center. It is Springfield's largest neighborhood, containing 4,506 acres (1,824 ha) plus rights of way and water bodies. Principal boundaries are Watershops Pond and the North Branch of the Mill River to the north; the town of East Longmeadow to the south; Schneelock Brook to the west; and the town of Wilbraham to the east. [1] Much of the neighborhood was constructed after World War II and is suburban in character.[2]
Sixteen Acres includes Western New England University, the SABIS International High School, Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, and the 18-hole, Veterans Memorial Golf Course.[3] Besides streets of newer ranches, colonials, split-levels, and capes, the neighborhood has large condominium complexes on Nassau Drive. Sixteen Acres also features the 28-acre (11 ha) Greenleaf Park, a recently-expanded branch library, and two private beach clubs (Bass Pond and the Paddle Club). Commercial clusters on Wilbraham Road and Allen Street provide convenient shopping, including the recently-opened Fresh Acres Market.
Sixteen Acres residents have a quick drive to East Longmeadow's employers, such as Hasbro and American Saw, as well as a short drive up Parker Street to the Massachusetts Turnpike.