Baker-Polito Administration Announces Receipt of Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants
$2 Million Awarded to 11 Park Improvement Projects across the Commonwealth
BOSTON – October 17, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced more than $2 million in federal grant awards for 11 park improvement projects funded through the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) administers the grants on behalf of the National Park Service for Massachusetts, and the Commonwealth’s parks and open spaces have been the beneficiary of more than $100 million since the program’s inception in 1965.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is strongly committed to providing residents with access to safe, clean open spaces,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud that with the assistance of the National Park Service, we are able to help fund important projects that will provide Massachusetts residents greater access to the Commonwealth’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.”
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund would not be successful in Massachusetts without the high-quality applications submitted by our local communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We are pleased to be able to help cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth make improvements to their critical park and open space resources.”
The LWCF was created in 1965 through an act of Congress. It is funded through off-shore oil leases and provides grants to states, as well as the federal government, for projects that protect open spaces and construct or renovate parks.
“Opportunities for outdoor recreation improve quality of life and respect for our environment, so it is vital we ensure all Massachusetts residents have access to parks and other open spaces,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “We are grateful for this federal funding that will allow 11 communities in the Commonwealth to renovate or build new parks for residents.”
Massachusetts maintains eligibility for the program by completing a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan every five years. The projects selected for funding must implement the findings of the plan. All applicants must have an up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plan to be eligible for funding.
The Fiscal Year 2016 LWCF grant awardees are:
Awardee
|
Project Name
|
Project Description
|
Grant Award Amount
|
Boston
|
Sherrin Woods
|
The project will develop new trails and trailheads, install seating at scenic overlooks, install two climbing areas at Pine Rock, and create a signage and wayfinding system.
|
$250,000
|
Gloucester
|
Stage Fort Park
|
The project will include the development of an events terrace, create a new trail connection, and add a kayak storage facility.
|
$250,000
|
Lancaster
|
Thayer Memorial Park
|
The project will include the construction of walkways, playground equipment, and splash pad.
|
$150,000
|
Leominster
|
Doyle Field Renovation Project
|
The project will include a grounds; expanded play elements with mulch surfacing and natural play structures; seating areas with granite seat walls; improvements to the walking track; addition of a bocce court; construction of additional bathrooms and a bathroom upgrade; granite distance markers and signage; post lighting for walking path; plantings, lawn improvements, and site furniture, including trash receptacles, bike racks and exercise equipment.
|
$250,000
|
Medford
|
River Side Plaza
|
The project will design and construct a new recreational and gathering space at the abandoned bus shelter adjacent to the historic Salem Street Burying Ground.
|
$250,000
|
Northampton
|
Connecticut River Greenway
|
The project will include a fully accessible boarding pier ramp to provide full access to the water and boats, the completion of paving to allow the site to be ready to serve as a public facility, and the addition of sidewalks, ramp and dock.
|
$90,000
|
Northborough
|
Northborough Town Common
|
The project will develop a town common on newly acquired land that will include landscaping, a perimeter trail, lighting, and site amenities.
|
$215,000
|
Springfield
|
Jaime Ulloa Park
|
The project will include site improvements, such as lighting, picnic and game tables, playground and overall landscape improvements.
|
$250,000
|
Sutton
|
Marion’s Camp Lodge
|
The project will include the construction of an outdoor viewing area along the recreation building, as well as the renovation of the outdoor recreation equipment storage facility, and trails and markers.
|
$150,000
|
West Springfield
|
Bagg Brook Heritage Landscape Project
|
The project will construct a ¾-mile long interpretive trail and incorporate stormwater mitigation measure and Low Impact Development techniques in the site.
|
$185,968
|
Worcester
|
Betty Price Playground Renovation
|
The project will include the installation of new playground equipment and ADA improvements, including accessible walkways, site amenities, picnic tables, benches, and tree planting.
|
$250,000
|
“For more than 40 years the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped Massachusetts protect our parks and open spaces. I have long been a proud champion of the LWCF and the work it does to help cities and towns leverage federal dollars to spur local investment in these vital conservation projects,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “With the strong public-private partnerships LWCF supports, we are able to bring federal, state, and local leaders together to protect our open spaces as well as supporting efforts to renovate and update our parks and recreation facilities. This is a smart investment in our state and I look forward to seeing these federal dollars in action in Worcester, Sutton, Leominster, Northampton, and across Massachusetts.”
“These federal grants from the National Park Service will help fund two important recreational projects in the Pioneer Valley. When completed, the Jaime Ulloa Park in Springfield will be a vibrant urban open space that the residents of the North End will enjoy year round. In West Springfield, a new trail, signage and parking will be constructed through the Bagg Brook Heritage initiative. Both of these projects will greatly approve the quality of life for the people in these two western Massachusetts communities,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
“The City of Springfield is grateful to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Community Development Block Grant for providing the funding for this project,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. “The city is excited to begin renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park. This project illustrates the importance of having a master plan ready so when grants do come available we are ready to participate in the application process. The improvements will be a welcome addition to the North End neighborhood.”
