Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $7.2 Million in
Municipal Park and Recreation Grants
Funding Will Help 24 Communities Develop Parks and Outdoor Recreation Space
BOSTON – December 12, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $7,259,512 in grant funding for park and recreation improvements in 24 Massachusetts communities. The grants, administered through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program, will be used to help municipalities acquire, develop, or renovate land for park and outdoor recreation purposes.
“The PARC program continues to play a vital role in protecting and improving the Commonwealth’s parkland by helping municipalities fund the acquisition of new parkland, as well as the renovation of existing parks to make them more accessible, usable, and modern,”said Governor Charlie Baker.
“Our administration is committed to improving outdoor recreational amenities in all of our communities by providing increased access to neighborhood parks and open spaces,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The PARC program continues to give our municipal partners, who are on the front lines of local conservation efforts, the resources they need to help fund local park and recreation improvements for the benefits of all residents.”
Municipalities are able to apply for one of two types of PARC grant, depending on population of the city or town. Communities with less than 35,000 residents can apply for a maximum grant award of $50,000, and cities and towns with more than 35,000 residents can apply for up to a $400,000 grant award. Only projects that are to be developed for suitable outdoor recreation purposes, whether active or passive in nature, can be considered for funding. Grants are available for the acquisition of land and the construction, or renovation, of park and outdoor recreation facilities, with access by the general public required.
“Massachusetts has protected hundreds of thousands of acres of parkland where residents and visitors alike can come together and enjoy the natural resources our state has to offer,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration continues to invest in parks and outdoor recreational improvements throughout the Commonwealth to build a greener future for the next generation.”
Any town with a population of 35,000 or more year-round residents, or any city regardless of size, that has an authorized park/recreation commission is eligible to participate in the PARC program. Communities that do not meet the population criteria listed above may still qualify under the “small town,” “regional,” or “statewide” project provisions of the program.
The following communities are recipients of the PARC grant awards:
MUNICIPALITY
|
PROJECT NAME
|
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
|
TOTAL GRANT AWARD
|
Billerica
|
Peggy Hannon-Rizza Recreation Complex
|
The project will include the installation of lighting at the tennis courts and French Street entrance, improvements to the tennis courts' parking lot, adding an open air pavilion, repairing/replacing two softball fields' fencing and backstops, installation of accessible paved and raised trails made from MA wood products with educational kiosks, wheelchair accessible fishing platforms, benches, and accessible picnic tables.
|
$400,000
|
Boston
|
Harambee Park
|
The project will include the construction of two basketball courts with lighting, bleachers, player benches, and drinking fountains; connections to Blue Hill Ave, including pathway and masonry improvements, plantings, lighting, and a new gateway at the Talbot and Blue Hill Ave corner; internal circulation with lighting; drainage improvements; new playground with water spray feature; and adult exercise equipment.
|
$400,000
|
Brockton
|
Gilbert Walker Park and Playground
|
The project will include the installation of a full-size soccer field and youth-sized soccer field; construction of a futsal court, new playground, and walking loop; and landscaping.
|
$400,000
|
Buckland
|
Veteran's Field Acquisition
|
The project includes the acquisition of 3.5 acres of land currently used for recreation near downtown Shelburne Falls.
|
$50,000
|
Chelsea
|
Highland Park Basketball Courts and Playground Renovation
|
The project will include the refurbishment of the existing dual basketball courts, along with the expansion of the park's playground area and renovation of its existing play area.
|
$400,000
|
Fall River
|
Installation of Spray Parks
|
The project will include the installation of a water feature/splash pad in two parks.
|
$217,000
|
Hatfield
|
Smith Academy Park Renovation
|
The project will include landscaping, walkways, and tree planting.
|
$50,000
|
Haverhill
|
Cashman Field
|
The project will include the renovation of a skateboard park, with added fencing and lighting; the installation of a playground with safety surfacing; creation of a pedestrian loop around the ballfield; and irrigation.
|
$127,160
|
Holyoke
|
Pouliot Pool
|
The project will include the removal of an existing pool and replacement with a new pool.
|
$400,000
|
Lawrence
|
O'Connell South Common Phase 1
|
The project will include improvements to the park's pathway system, installation of site furnishings and dugouts, and overhead electrical work.
|
$400,000
|
Lynn
|
Lynn Common Improvements Phase 2
|
The project will include the restoration of the curb and walkways in the western side of the large common and the replacement of old benches, installation of new trash receptacles, management of existing trees and planting of new trees, and installation of granite mile markers and decorative lighting.
|
$400,000
|
Methuen
|
Riverside Park
|
The project will include the resurfacing of the walking path and repairs to the existing parking lots; constructing a fishing platform; creating a new toddler play area; site amenities; light fixtures; landscaping; and new signage.
|
$400,000
|
Orange
|
Butterfield Park Playground Renovation
|
The project will include the addition of new playground equipment.
|
$50,000
|
Quincy
|
Merrymount Park
|
The project will include the construction of a bridge to an island within the park, as well as improvements to the island.
|
$400,000
|
Revere
|
Harmon Park
|
The project will include the installation of a large inclusive play area, safety surfacing, restoration of the basketball court, landscaping, new fencing, park signage, handicap walkway, parking space and swing, play space for autistic children, bike racks, benches, lighting, new trees, and splash park.
|
$231,000
|
Salem
|
McGlew Park
|
The project will include the redesign of McGlew Park, improving existing well-used park features; creating accessible entries, paths and play options; and adding new opportunities for passive and active recreation for a variety of users.
|
$400,000
|
Salisbury
|
Town Common
|
The project will include sitting areas, solar trash cans, interpretive and educational signage, and new passive recreation areas.
|
$174,000
|
Shelburne
|
Renovation of Outdoor Courts
|
The project includes the repaving and repainting of the town's basketball, tennis, pickleball, and other courts.
|
$50,000
|
Somerville
|
Lincoln Park Playground
|
The project will include fully-accessible adventure play for older children, exploratory sand play for young children, a sustainable 15-jet splash pad, a picnic area with tables and chairs, a refurbished basketball court, a skateboard area, and the only dedicated outdoor parkour area east of Utah.
|
$400,000
|
Springfield
|
Mary Lynch Park
|
The project includes an inclusive playground, renovation of the existing field into two full size soccer fields with irrigation and spectator amenities, increased parking and accessibility to the facility.
|
$400,000
|
Taunton
|
Weir Village Riverfront Park Phase 2
|
The project is the second phase of a tree-lined riverwalk path along the river. It will add picnic tables, benches, and an overlook deck, 40 trees will be planted, and stormwater management incorporated.
|
$400,000
|
West Springfield
|
Mittineague Park Gateway Entrance Access
|
The project will acquire a 2.34 acre inholding in Mittineague Park.
|
$310,352
|
Weymouth
|
King Oak Hill Park
|
The project will include the construction of 4000' of linear walking paths, 10 benches, parking for 90 vehicles, 40 new trees, improved vehicle and pedestrian access from Emery Lane, pedestrian access from Commercial and North Streets, a pavilion and comfort station, and 20 light posts.
|
$400,000
|
Worcester
|
Playground Renovation Program
|
The project will renovate five playgrounds across the city: Burncoat Playground, Green Hill Park, Vernon Hill Park, Crompton Park, and Bennett Field.
|
$400,000
|
“Taunton leaders in concert with the residents of the Weir have worked very hard to revitalize this former industrial area,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative Patricia A. Haddad (D-Somerset). “The Taunton Riverwalk project is the focal point of my district in Weir Village and I'm excited to see the Commonwealth join in partnership to infuse much-needed funds for the project.”
“Parks and recreation spaces are vital to the Commonwealth, providing our residents with necessary access to the great outdoors,”said Senate President Pro Tempore Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), founding chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change and vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “Our communities wouldn’t be true communities without them. I look forward to seeing the development of the Weir Village Riverfront Park continue, and I can’t wait for the people of Southeastern Massachusetts to enjoy the area to its fullest potential.”
“The parklands in Massachusetts make for happier, healthier communities,” said State Representative Paul Schmid III (D-Westport), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “The Baker-Polito Administration values the importance of open space and land and I thank them for providing funding opportunities to municipalities to develop and expand local parks and outdoor recreation. I am especially appreciative that the City of Fall River will now have the means to install new water features in our parks to bring in more families on hot summer days!”
“The PARC grants provide our cities with the means to address necessary improvements to our parks, increase public accessibility, and diversify the usability of our outdoor space,” said State Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), House Chair of the Committee on Ways & Means. “This grant and the updates that it will bring to Cashman Field in Haverhill will be a benefit to our community and encourage more children and families to utilize our local green space.”
“The PARC Program is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our recreational spaces, and bring more tourism to our seacoast communities,” said State Representative James Kelcourse (R-Amesbury). “We are thrilled the Baker-Polito Administration awarded Salisbury this grant to upgrade sitting areas, install solar trash cans, and add interpretive and educational signage to the Town Common. We are also pleased the Town of Salisbury has committed additional funds for this project that will make this outdoor space more accommodating.”
“I greatly appreciate the Baker-Polito Administration investing in the expansion and renovation of park amenities in the Merrimack Valley,”said State Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives (D-Newburyport). “The state's PARC grant program continues to demonstrate success with the leadership of Secretary Beaton, ensuring there are improved outdoor recreational opportunities for people of all ages and interests, whether it's a skateboard park in Haverhill, a fishing platform in Methuen, or a new sitting area for seniors on the Town Common in Salisbury.”
Additional information on the PARC grant program and awarded projects can be found here.
