Springfield - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, Recreation Management Patrick J. Sullivan, and the Springfield Park Commission held a Grant Announcement at Walsh Park on Thursday, December 12 to announce a 1.1 million dollar renovation to Walsh Park in the city’s Liberty Heights neighborhood.
Funding for the renovations is made possible by a $550,000 grant from a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant, $250,000 from a Community Development Block Grant, and $300,000 from the city. The LWCF grant is funded by the National Park Service and is administered at the state level by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The grant funding will allow the City of Springfield to initiate the redevelopment of this park — including new inclusive playground amenities and swings, a splash pad, universal access to the park, picnic tables, walking paths, field improvements (open space and baseball/softball diamond), tree plantings, and landscaping. These improvements are necessary to meet the growing need for first-rate recreation areas citywide. The project has great support from the Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council and the residents of the Liberty Heights neighborhood. These improvements follow a master plan for redevelopment of Walsh Park.
Mayor Sarno stated, “The city is grateful to Congressman Neal and the Commonwealth’s LWCF Grant program and to the Community Development Block Grant program for providing the funding for this project and we are excited to begin renovations to Walsh Park. Receiving these grants illustrates the importance of having a master plan in place so when grants do become available we are ready to participate immediately in the application process. The improvements will be a welcome addition and important resource to the Liberty Heights neighborhood. These grants are funding a very significant recreational project in the City of Springfield. When completed, the renovations to Walsh Park will redevelop a vibrant urban open space that the residents of the Liberty Heights neighborhood will enjoy for years to come.”
“This is great news for the City of Springfield,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Mayor Sarno, the Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Department, and the Parks Commission have been diligent in their efforts to preserve our green space across the city. I have been a longtime champion of Community Development Block Grants and the Land and Water Conservation Fund because they are the ones who make these projects possible. I look forward to another great park renovation in the city.”
Park Commission Chairman Brian Santaniello added, “This is great news for the residents of Hungry Hill and patrons of Walsh Park. These park improvements will provide this area with active recreational opportunities, including inclusive playground amenities, a picnic and splash pad area, and recreational space. With local, state, and federal agencies working together, we can continue to energize our city. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal for once again securing funding to improve our renowned Park System.”
“We are very eager for this project to move forward. We are thankful for the tireless efforts of Mayor Sarno and Congressman Neal to consistently support our park renovation efforts. We have worked with the residents of the Liberty Heights neighborhood and Hungry Hill Neighborhood Council for over five years in developing a master plan for this park. We appreciate the Community Development Block Grant funds, administered by Cathy Buono, and the EEA LWCF grant program for selecting this exciting project. These funds are a lifeline to urban park systems. The grant award is a tribute to everyone’s input and diligence in developing a comprehensive plan for this urban park. This park offers a positive setting for recreation for all ages and is a key component in ensuring the quality of life for the residents of the city,” said Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan.
The project schedule includes the development of construction documents from January thru April 2020, a construction bid period from May to June 2020, and a construction period starting July 1, 2020 with completion by June 30, 2021.
####
