- Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
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Aisha Revolus, Communications Manager
Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced nearly $6.4 million in grants to renovate public parks and expand access to outdoor recreation. These grants will leverage an additional $10.5 million in matching funds provided by cities and towns for a total investment of $17M in recreation projects across Massachusetts. The grants come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). A total of eight projects across Massachusetts were awarded funding, which will be used to protect natural resources and create spaces for communities to enjoy.
“Public parks and open spaces are essential infrastructure – places where communities connect and people enjoy nature. From shade trees to accessible playgrounds, these spaces promote physical health, mental well-being and social interaction,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Supporting municipalities in their efforts to build inclusive, resilient parks is invaluable to our public health and sense of community.”
Since the program’s inception, Massachusetts has invested more than $144 million in its parks and open spaces through LWCF grant awards.
“We are honored to receive this Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, which will help us enhance and preserve our local green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Investments like these are crucial for protecting our environment, improving public access, and fostering stronger, healthier communities,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Second Suffolk). “I’m grateful to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their continued support and look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have in our district."
"I am beyond thrilled that Easthampton and Westfield have been awarded Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants to bring their visions to life through transformative, inclusive projects,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Hampden and Hampshire District). “From revitalizing Nonotuck Spray Park to expanding Westfield’s Skate Park, I can’t wait to see people of all abilities enjoying these renewed and accessible recreational spaces."
"This is one of the most highly used parks in my district,” said Representative Mary S. Keefe (D-15th Worcester). “I am thrilled that this grant will bring long awaited investment and improvement to Lake View Playground and so will the many walkers and families that use the park every day! Thank you!"
The LWCF grant awardees are:
| Municipality | Project Name | Project Description | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Ceylon Park | The project includes rain gardens, a new splash pad, two drinking fountains with bottle fillers, shrub and groundcover plantings, new shade and ornamental trees, invasive vegetation removal and slope stabilization, new concrete ramps with steel handrails and benches with companion seating spaced along it for rest and viewing the soccer field. | $1,000,000 |
| Easthampton | Nonotuck Spray Park | The project will renovate the existing spray park in Nonotuck Park, including removing existing asphalt and replacing with concrete and pervious deck surface areas, adding a new shade structure with umbrellas, removing existing piping and drains and replacing it with new recirculation piping and drains, adding a filtration system and recirculation system, and adding spray park water features that enhance ADA accessible opportunities. | $264,500 |
| Groton | Cow Pond Fields | The project proposes expanding and renovating parking from an unpaved lot to a formal parking lot with 280-300 painted spaces, sidewalks, curb cuts, and traffic calming measures, new entrance gates and gathering areas, accessible walkways, a new playground and basketball court and upgraded amenities such as improved sheds, benches throughout the site, a new shade structure, landscape/planting improvements, and adjustment of the Little League Fields. | $1,000,000 |
| Harvard | Harvard Park (McCurdy Track and Field) | This project will involve complete reconstruction of the track, including installation of full channel drains along the field sidelines, re-grading of the soil, as well as fixing the throwing field and D areas of the track; permanent amphitheater seating to allow the community to gather for games, meets, and events; and a walking path from the nearby Council on Aging to the nature trails to allow for intergenerational connection. | $1,000,000 |
| Haverhill | Clement Farm Fields | The project will renovate the ballfields, improve access to the forested trails and disc golf course from the parking area, and construct a bathroom facility. | $555,378 |
| Newburyport | Bartlet Mall | The project will include installing plantings to improve habitat; restoring the fountain; installing a dock to support future boating recreation programs; installing a walkway surrounding the pond, renovating the other walkways throughout the park; installing a granite edge around the pond, provide seating, and installing historical signage. | $775,000 |
| Westfield | Westfield Skate Park | The project will include the expansion of the park's footprint creating a skatepark designed to accommodate skaters with neurodivergent qualities and with the wheelchair sports community in mind, and will be resilient to climate change due to materials used and the installation of an improved drainage system. | $800,000 |
| Worcester | Lake View Playground | This renovation will include the removal of the existing playground and half basketball court, replacing them with a new playground and a full size basketball court, along with additional seating, picnic tables, lighting, a shelter, trees and other site improvements. | $1,000,000 |
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