Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Commissioner John Barbieri, Sergeant John Delaney and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management announced a $750,000 Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
This grant is part of Mayor Sarno’s commitment, along with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to improve Springfield’s open space and generate improvements in areas across the city. The City, in conjunction with the Sixteen Acres Civic Association and area residents, developed a master plan for Mary Lynch Field. Improvements will include grading the sloped terrain, planting trees, construction of two soccer fields and one practice field, ADA walking paths, benches and site amenities. The new park will be named in memory of Officer Alain Beauregard and Officer Michael Schiavina.
Mayor Sarno stated, “The City is grateful to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in continuing to invest and award the PARC grants to ensure the preservation of Springfield’s parks and open space. We are honored to have this new soccer complex being named in memory of Officer Beauregard and Officer Schiavina. The Springfield Police Department and the Ride to Remember organization are working hard in raising $150,000 towards the memorial at this new field and their commitment to this project has been tremendous.”
Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of PBRM stated, “On behalf of the Springfield Park Commission we want to thank the residents of Sixteen Acres for playing a vital role in the planning process for this grant. We are honored to dedicate these fields in memory of Officers Beauregard and Schiavina. The success of any project depends on neighborhood support and input. We look forward to the continued improvements scheduled to take place over the next year. Meetings will be held with the neighborhood in February as we develop the final plans for bidding the project.”
Commissioner John Barbieri said, “I would like to thank Mayor Sarno, Pat Sullivan, Sgt. Delaney, the state, and the residents of Sixteen Acres for all their hard work put into making this renovation a fitting memorial for Officers Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina. They remain in our hearts, highly respected, much loved and sorely missed. “
“During long training rides for the Ride-to-Remember, I would travel down Tinkham Road past the Memorial for my friends Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina. The field was in deplorable condition and the sign was broken and had fallen. I thought, someone should do something. I did. I approached the State to get the field in playing condition and replace the Memorial sign. I also asked the families of Alain and Michael for help on this project,” said Sgt. John Delaney. He continued, “After hitting many roadblocks we approached Pat Sullivan and the Springfield Parks Department and set a plan in motion to build a new field and monument on North Branch Parkway. Through fundraising we needed to raise $150,000.00. We are half way there and have contributed $75,000.00 to this cause that is close to my heart! With the fifth annual Ride-to-Remember set for September 16th 2017 we will reach our goal. The new field and monument will now be a fitting tribute to two fallen heroes. Fallen but not forgotten...”
Superintendent Warwick said, “I would like to thank Mayor Sarno, Pat Sullivan, Commissioner Barbieri, Sgt. Delaney and the citizens of Sixteen Acres for their vision and for their commitment. I also would like to thank the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their generous financial support. This beautiful new field will hold a special place in the heart of the community, as it will pay homage to the legacies of Officers Beauregard and Schiavina while laying the foundation of fitness and wellness for our youth. We are certainly grateful for and honored by this moving initiative.”