On Friday, December 18, 2015, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced that South Branch Park, situated in the City's East Forest Park neighborhood, will be named in honor of the fallen Marine Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan. Sullivan, who grew up in East Forest Park, was one of five service members killed in a terror attack at a Chattanooga, TN military facility on July 16, 2015.
Massachusetts Director of Sustainable Development Kurt Gaertner awarded the $400,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant for the purpose of constructing a boat launch, pavilion, ADA walking paths, benches, and picnic tables.
Also in attendance to honor Sullivan were Congressman Richard Neal, State Representative Angelo Puppolo, State Senator Eric Lesser, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Patrick Sullivan, Park Commission Chairman Brian Santaniello, City Councilor Tom Ashe, City Councilor Kateri Walsh, and Beth Hogan and Frank Ryan of the East Forest Park Civic Association, and members of the Sullivan family.
