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.»