Under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services, the PARC grant funding provides financial assistance for municipalities to develop and renovate new or existing parks.
The total project cost for Donna Blake Park is approximately $650,000. Funding for the renovations is made possible by a $400,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s EEA PARC grant program, and $250,000 from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The grant funding will allow the City of Springfield to initiate the redevelopment of this park, including new inclusive playground amenities and swings, universal access to the park, picnic tables, field improvement, tree plantings, and landscaping. These improvements are necessary to meet the growing needs for first-rate recreation areas citywide.
Mayor Sarno stated, “PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan and I are grateful to Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and their administration for their continued belief and investment in our Springfield. The Commonwealth’s PARC Grant program and the CDBG funding, which we have utilized to enhance and renovate numerous parks throughout our city, are so very important and vital for our municipal park services. We are excited to begin renovations to our Donna Blake Park for our residents and families.”
PBRM Director Sullivan stated, “We are very excited for this project to move forward. We have worked with the residents of the Old Hill and Upper Hill and the renovations at Donna Blake Park will serve the community well. We appreciate the Community Development Block Grant funds, administered by Cathy Buono, and the EEA PARC grant program for selecting Springfield’s project to be funded. These funds are a lifeline to our urban park systems. The grant award is a tribute to everyone’s input and diligence in developing a comprehensive plan for this urban park. We look forward to starting plans to renovate this park. Donna Blake 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 the city.”