Tuesday, October 17, 2017
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Patrick J. Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Building and Recreation Management and the Springfield Park Commission held a groundbreaking ceremony for renovations at Jaime Ulloa Park today. The park is at the corner of Osgood and Morgan Streets in the city’s North End neighborhood.
Funding for the renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park is made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and $250,000 from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). 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, improvements to park walkways and lighting and landscaping improvements. Currently, Jaime Ulloa Park has excess fencing and retaining wall that prevent the full use of the park. These elements will be removed and the park will have improved access and site lines. Phase one, with the assistance of 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 and we are excited to begin renovations to Jaime Ulloa Park. 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 North End neighborhood.”
“Jaime Ulloa was a good friend of mine when we both worked on the Commission on Disability,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “This park and its rehabilitation are a great tribute to Jaime and his legacy as he did so much work for the city despite being confined to a wheelchair.”
“We have been working closely with the New North Neighborhood Council for over three years on the master plan and the grant applications. These are very competitive federal grants and I am very proud of our department in successfully being awarded funding to initiate the first phase of improvements. The proposed renovations will be a welcome addition to this park and will ensure positive sight lines, improved recreational opportunities and overall improve the esthetic quality of life for this neighborhood,” said Executive Director Patrick Sullivan.
Brian Santaniello, Park Commission Chairman stated, “This is great news for the patrons of Jaime Ulloa Park. The park improvements will ensure for quality playground, picnic and domino 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.”
