State Senator Adam Gomez, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, and the Springfield Police Department and American Medical Response were also in attendance.
The $650,000 Emily Bill Park project, with the city receiving a Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Parkland Acquisitions & Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant of $400,000 and $250,000 from Community Development Block Grant funding, included improvements and enhancements at the park in conjunction with the Lower Liberty Heights Neighborhood Council. The project included new site amenities, planting of new trees, improved drainage, accessible walkways, inclusive playground and swings, picnic pavilion, and field and landscaping improvements.
Mayor Sarno stated, “PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan and I are grateful to Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and their administration for their continued belief and investment in our Springfield. The Commonwealth’s PARC Grant program and the CDBG funding, which we utilized to enhance and renovate numerous parks throughout our city, are so very important and vital for our municipal park services. We are excited to join together with the Lower Liberty Heights Neighborhood Council to celebrate the grand reopening of our Emily Bill Park for our residents and families.”
PBRM Director Sullivan stated, “We are very excited to celebrate the reopening of the Emily Bill Park with the Lower Liberty Heights Neighborhood Council. We have worked with the neighborhood council and residents to develop the renovation plans for Emily Bill Park and these new enhancements and amenities will serve the community well. We appreciate the Community Development Block Grant funds, administered by Cathy Buono, and the EEA PARC grant program for selecting Springfield’s project to be funded. These funds are a lifeline to our urban park systems. The grant award is a tribute to everyone’s input and diligence in developing a comprehensive plan for this urban park. Emily Bill 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.”
Photo Credit: Don Silverman
