July 14, 2009 - Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Director of Capital Asset Construction Rita Coppola-Wallace and Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Patrick J. Sullivan invite the public to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 5:00 p.m., to announce the opening of Treetop Park located off of Allen Street on Corcoran Boulevard.
Funding for the renovations was made possible by an Urban Self Help Grant in the amount of $500,000 and $214,285 of City funding. This project included turning City-owned, wooded property bordering the Outer Belt Neighborhood and located in the East Forest Park neighborhood into a new park. Work involved site clearing and preparation, all site utilities, storm drainage, one soccer field, perimeter fencing, a 46 car parking lot, player’s benches, trash receptacles, a new playground, irrigation, a new modular bathroom building that is handicap accessible, and wood guard rail fencing. Landscaping formalized the entrance road with new blacktop and plantings.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “we are so fortunate that in our urban city we have such quality green spaces.” “My administration will continue to foster these family friendly areas for recreation and relaxation,” stated Sarno. “I commend Pat Sullivan and Rita Coppola-Wallace for their continued and dedicated efforts,” added Sarno.
Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of PB&RM stated, “The Parks Department is proud of the development of this open space to ensure this neighborhood has the opportunity to enjoy a park in their backyard.” “This neighborhood will be well served by this space,” stated Sullivan. “The neighborhood residents and the Outer Belt Civic Association were an integral part of the design for this park and we thank them and look forward to working with them on continued improvements for their neighborhood,” added Sullivan.
Rita Coppola-Wallace stated, “the City of Springfield is fortunate to be able to offer its citizens quality open space and a park system that is one of the most well maintained urban park systems in the Commonwealth.” “I think that we all have a continuing obligation to preserve our natural resources for the future of our children,” stated Coppola-Wallace. “Treetop Park is a prime example of the successful use of grant funding toward the preservation of green space in the City of Springfield,” added Coppola-Wallace.