Press Releases

Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Governor Charles Baker, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Alain Beauregard’s family, Michael Schiavina’s family, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, the Springfield Park Commission, and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, dedicated the new $900,000 Beauregard and Schiavina Memorial Park made possible by city funding, private donations from the Ride to Remember, and a Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

The City of Springfield is proud to be working with the families of Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina, the Ride to Remember, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts PARC grant program in the creation of the Beauregard and Schiavina Memorial Park.  This park will serve as a lasting tribute to Alain and Michael, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our city.  The park represents their passion and commitment to their family and community and it is now a place where family and friends can gather to create lasting memories.

The park restoration has allowed the City of Springfield to transform the former Mary Lynch School field into a recreational resource for all.  The site improvements include an inclusive and accessible playground, renovation of the existing field to a full-size soccer field with practice fields, irrigation, an improved accessible park entrance and walking path, landscaping, benches, and a granite memorial to honor Alain and Michael.

This renovation replaces a memorial field dedicated to officers Beauregard and Schiavina at the State’s Department of Youth Services facility on Tinkham Road in the Sixteen Acres neighborhood.  We are grateful for the commitment of the Commonwealth in hosting the prior memorial setting, and this new field will continue to honor their memory and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of serving your community and the legacy left by local heroes Alain and Michael.  The new park will also serve to offer Mary Lynch School students with a field and recreational space as well as the opportunity for exploring the eco-system environment within the twelve acres of land.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “I am proud our city is honoring the legacy of Police Officers Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina with this park.  The Memorial will serve to remind all that visit this park today and in future years the importance of serving one’s community.  Public Safety is a noble profession and one that deserves everyone’s respect and admiration. It is a job that takes heartfelt dedication — and everyday our sworn officers in both our police and fire departments are serving the citizens of Springfield knowing that danger is lurking.  We are grateful to the Beauregard and Schiavina families for allowing the city to honor Alain and Michael with this memorial park which commemorates their honorable service to our city.”

“The Commonwealth will be forever grateful to the men and women in uniform who put themselves in harm’s way each and every day to protect our residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Officers Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their community, and the dedication of this park in their memories will serve as a fitting tribute for these men.”

“The November day in 1985 when Officer Alain Beauregard and Officer Michael Schiavina lost their lives was one of the most difficult days for the city of Springfield, and certainly one of the most difficult days for me as mayor,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “I am honored to take part in the dedication of the Beauregard and Schiavina Memorial Park, made possible through public and private partnerships, and the long-held promise from a city to never forget their sacrifices. We are grateful to the family members who are here today for allowing us to remember Officers Beauregard and Schiavana in this way.”

“Knowing Officers Beauregard and Schiavina as I did, a soccer field for children to enjoy and a memorial for family, friends, officers and future generations to remember their heroism is a perfect dedication,” said Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.   

Park Commission Chairman Brian Santaniello added, “The Park Commission would like to thank the Beauregard and Schiavina Families for playing a vital role in the planning process for this park.  We thank the Ride to Remember, especially John Delaney, for working with the Park Department in raising the funds for design and construction aspects of this park.  The success of any project depends on the community for support and input.  Today, we are honoring two heroes, and this park will serve to remind us of the sacrifices that are made daily by first responders for us to live in a peaceful society.” 

Executive Director Patrick Sullivan stated, “On behalf of the staff of the Park Department it has been an honor to work with the Beauregard and Schiavina Families and John Delaney in the creation of the Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina Memorial Park.  This park will serve to remind all of us of the importance of serving our community and the protection of our rights to live in peace. Alain’s and Michael’s love for their city, fellow police officers, and their families is engraved into the landscape of this park. We are grateful to Beauregard and Schiavina families for allowing us to share Alain’s and Michael’s legacy with everyone who visits this park.” 

###