Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Patrick J. Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Building and Recreation Management and the Springfield Park Commission announced funding for renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park earlier today. The funding has been made possible by a $250,000.00 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), $110,000.00 from a Community Development Block Grant and $140,000.00 from the City of Springfield. The grant funding will allow the City of Springfield 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 has been created with improvements such as a redesigned park entrance, upgrades to playground and splash pad elements, resurfacing of basketball courts, field irrigation, improvements to park walkways, lighting and landscaping. Currently, Jaime Ulloa Park has excess fencing and retaining wall that prevents the full use of the park. These elements will be removed and the park will have improved access and site lines. Phase one, through the assistance of the LWCF grant, will entail 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 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. The City of Springfield is excited to begin renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park. This 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.”
“This federal grant from the National Park Service is helping to fund a very significant recreational project in the City of Springfield. When completed, the renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park will help improve a vibrant urban open space that the residents of the North End will enjoy for years to come. The investment in the public park system is known as “green infrastructure” and it greatly improves the quality of life for the citizens of our community. I congratulate Mayor Sarno and his team for their leadership on this important local project,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
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.”
“We are very excited for this project to move forward. We have worked with the residents of the North End over the past three years in developing a master plan for this park. The grant award is a tribute to everyone’s hard work and input in developing a comprehensive plan for this urban park. We look forward to starting phase 1 and will search other potential grants to implement the entire master plan over the next two years. This park offers a positive setting for recreation for all ages and is a key component in ensuring the quality of life for the residents of this neighborhood,” said Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan.
