In the News

Mayor Sarno and Officials Break Ground for Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina Memorial Park

Monday, November 14, 2017

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Commissioner John Barbieri, Sergeant John Delaney and Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the new Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina Memorial Park at Mary Lynch School on North Branch Parkway. The $750,000 project was funded by the Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program administered by Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  The park is named in the memory of Springfield Police Officers Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina, who lost their lives in the line of duty on November 12, 1985.

This project 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 the new park.  Improvements will include a memorial and garden honoring Officers Beauregard and Schiavina, grading the sloped terrain, planting trees, construction of a soccer field and two practice fields, ADA walking paths, new playground equipment, benches and site amenities.

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 have worked hard in raising $150,000 towards the memorial at this new field and their commitment to this project has been tremendous. I would also like to recognize our business community for their efforts in donating to ensure The Ride to Remember reached their goal.”

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. This memorial will ensure that officers Beauregard and Schiavina commitment to the City of Springfield will be everlasting.”

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 Mayor Sarno and 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. I am pleased to announce through everyone’s hard work and dedication to the Ride to Remember we have reached our goal. I am very grateful to everyone to ensure the new field and monument will 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.”

Back
Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm