November 13, 2014 –Springfield, MA- Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, City Councilor Clodo Concepcion, School Superintendent Daniel Warwick, Park Commission Chairman Brian Santaniello, Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan, and President of the Pine Point Council Gloria DeFillipo will be announcing the groundbreaking and an additional grant for Balliet Park. The city has worked with the Pine Point Neighborhood Council and residents for over ten years on a master plan for this park. The land was formally School Department property, and the School Committee and Park Commission unanimously supported the transfer to the city as park property earlier this year. Balliet Park, which is located on Seymour Street in the Pine Point Neighborhood, will provide 6.47 acres of open space in a densely populated neighborhood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “The city is grateful to Governor Deval Patrick for providing the funding for this project and the city is excited to begin renovations to Balliet Park. The neighborhood council needs to be congratulated for working collaboratively with the city and patiently waiting for this funding. 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 Pine Point neighborhood.”