Springfield – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the City of Springfield will be moving forward with plans to re-open two (2) North End schools for recreational and structured programming for youth in who live and reside in Springfield’s North End. Mayor Sarno stated “It is so vitally important to not only continue our street attack on youth violence, but just as important to continue to provide positive structured youth development programs too. I’m glad to once again work with our city council on the funding aspects and appreciated the input from my aide Minerva “Minnie” Marrero along with City Councilor Elect Adam Gomez.”
Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks Buildings and Recreation, stated that the Parks department is pleased to be working with Mayor Sarno to open the gyms in the North end; we are proud of the positive impact in working with the youth and will continue to provide positive programming for families. Chestnut Accelerated Middle School and Gerena Elementary are important resources that have been utilized in the past to provide structured enrichment and recreation programming for youth and their family members.
Many of the area’s residents rely heavily on the two safe havens in the ever evolving neighborhood. City Council Elect Adam Gomez said he is excited to see that the city is moving forward to reopen these gyms that have been a crucial benefit to our neighborhoods. These gyms are critically important in terms of providing services and programming to neighborhood youth and he looks forward to working with the Sarno Administration and community members to ensure the long term sustainability of the effort. Sarno stated “that if approved by our city council, program information and start dates will be announced asap.”
