Gomez Announces Grant Funding for Local Projects
State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) joined the Healey-Driscoll Administration today to announce 3 grant awards coming to the Hampden District as part of a $27.8 million package of funding for park improvements and open space acquisitions across Massachusetts that will conserve 2,375 acres. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) awarded Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), Conservation Partnership, Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration, and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants that will support 54 communities. The five grant programs will help municipalities and land trusts safeguard land for outdoor recreation, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and other purposes.
“Grant funding of this magnitude can have an enormous impact on a local community, helping them reimagine and bring life to an area that may have previously gone neglected or unused,” commentated Senator Gomez. “With our cities and towns becoming increasingly congested, it’s important that we find areas to develop that offer new forms of recreation and relief while conserving the land for future generations.”
The three grants being awards in the Hampden district include:
Chicopee will be receiving a $500,000 PARC Grant to make improvements to Sarah Jane Park. The project will make improvements to soccer fields and baseball/softball diamonds, install irrigation to the baseball field, add spectator bleachers, install universally accessible playground equipment, replace the pedestrian loop and skatepark, and add picnic tables with pads.
Springfield will receive a $500,000 PARC Grant for use on Phase 2 of the Blunt Park project. The project will include an improved park entrance and parking lot, accessible walking track and outdoor fitness equipment, softball facilities, improved playing field, tree plantings, and landscaping improvements.
Springfield will receive a $1,000,000 LWCF Grant for use in Magazine Park. The project will include installation of an accessible splash pad, playground and picnic amenities, restrooms, a softball diamond, walking path, open space improvements, tree plantings, and landscaping.
For more information on the grants being awarded, please visit https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-over-27-million-for-conservation-open-space-and-park-projects .