Saturday, July 14, 2018
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Patrick J. Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Building and Recreation Management and the Springfield Park Commission held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Jaime Ulloa Park at 11:30 a.m. this morning. The park, located at the corner of Osgood and Morgan Streets in the North End Neighborhood, recently underwent significant renovations. A community picnic followed the ribbon cutting.
Funding for the renovations is made possible by a $250,000.00 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and $250,000.00 from a Community Development Block Grant. The grant funding has provided the City of Springfield the opportunity to initiate the first phase of redevelopment necessary to meet the growing need for high quality recreation areas citywide.
A master plan for redevelopment of Jaime Ulloa Park had been created with improvements and the completed construction has included a redesigned park entrance, upgrades to playground and splash pad elements, improvements to park walkways, lighting and landscaping. Jaime Ulloa Park had excess fencing and retaining walls that prevented the full use of the park. The new park designed has improved access and site lines. Phase One, with the assistance of LWCF grant, included the removal of the retaining wall and excess fencing, upgrades to the playground, picnic, gaming areas and overall access to the site from Morgan Street.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “The City is grateful to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Community Development Block Grant for providing the funding for this project and the city is excited to complete phase 1 renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park. The project illustrates the importance of having a master plan ready so when grants do come available we are ready to participate in the application process. The improvements will be a welcome addition to the North End neighborhood.”
“I am so pleased to be a part of the ribbon-cutting of this newly rehabilitated park,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “The preservation of green spaces in our cities is so important and the fact that this will continue to be a lasting tribute to my good friend Jaime Ulloa is not only special for the city and the neighborhood, but for his family and friends as well.”
“I’m delighted with the reopening of this park and the renovations that have been made, said Senator James T. Welch (D- West Springfield). “Parks add a great deal to our communities, providing residents a communal space to gather and enjoy their city. More importantly this park commemorates a remarkable individual in Jaime Ulloa and through it his memory will be a part of our everyday lives.”
"The renovation of Jaime Ulloa Park provides a health, environmental, aesthetic and recreation benefit to the neighborhood thanks to Congressman Neal and Mayor Sarno,” said State Representative Carlos Gonzalez.
Brian Santaniello, Park Commission Chairman stated, “This is great news for the park patrons of Jaime Ulloa Park; the park improvements will ensure for quality playground, picnic and gaming areas. By local, state, federal government and the business community working together, we can make great things happen for our City. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our Mayor who continues to find the funding to improve our Park System.”
Executive Director Patrick Sullivan stated, “It has been a pleasure to work with the New North Citizens Council, all the neighbors and the Ulloa family in the renovations and rededication of this park. The new design offers a welcoming entry and the new play equipment offers universal access to all youth residing in this neighborhood. We are especially happy to provide a shade shelter for the daily dominos player’s leagues. The culture has been preserved with this renovation and will provide the neighborhood with a great resource for many years to come.”
