Mayor Sarno states, “The redevelopment of Greenleaf Park will enhance our neighborhood park and increase our open space inventory by 24 acres. I am proud of my administration’s efforts, led by PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, of investing over $111 million into our beautiful neighborhood parks for our residents and their families to enjoy. This comprehensive plan will provide our youth with a state-of-the-art passive and active recreational opportunities, including the addition of a splash pad, while also supporting my administrations climate action and resilience plan.”
Redevelopment of Greenleaf Park will increase Springfield’s park and open space inventory by 24+/- acres as the open space behind Mary Walsh Elementary School will be transferred from the School Department to Springfield Parks to expand the current boundary of Greenleaf Park and be maintained as a public park.
Renovations will ensure that Greenleaf Park will be an age-friendly inclusive community park. As such, Greenleaf Park will offer city residents the following recreational and park opportunities: accessible walkways and trails, an inclusive playground, swings and a splash pad, athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts, site amenities, tree plantings, and landscaping. Additionally, the project will address a failed culvert system and improve connections between the school, neighborhood, library and park. As a component of the LWCF grant, redevelopment of Greenleaf Park aims to help mitigate heat island effects for city residents and to incorporate climate resilient design elements where appropriate. This project is slated for completion by June, 2024.
“I want to thank Congressman Richard Neal for his leadership on the federal level to advocating for these grants. Special shoutout to PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, Deputy Director Peter Krupczak, Senior Parks Project Manager Laura Walsh and their dedicated team for their efforts in pursuing this grant opportunity for the proposed improvements at Greenleaf Park,” said Mayor Sarno. “The added space and renovations planned will create a wonderful park experience for the residents of the Sixteen Acres community. This comprehensive plan will provide the youth of this neighborhood with state-of-the-art passive and active recreational opportunities. I’m pleased we could include a splash pad as our summers grow increasingly warmer and this water feature will be a welcome addition to the park.”
Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce stated, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno and Parks Director Patrick Sullivan for their efforts in advancing the redevelopment plans for our Greenleaf Park in Sixteen Acres. This project has been a priority of mine for my ward. This significant investment in our neighborhood park will benefit our youth and families with new playground equipment, athletic fields, basketball and tennis courts and other site amenities. Plans will also include passive recreational activities such as a walking trail, tree planting and improved landscaping too. I am looking forward to the ribbon cutting of our newly renovated Greenleaf Park next year.”
Park Commission Chairwoman Jennifer McQuade said, “This is an exciting day for the residents of Sixteen Acres. The proposed improvements will allow both young and adult patrons to enjoy the new amenities at this busy park. I look forward to next summer to see this project reach fruition. On behalf of the Park Commission, I congratulate Mayor Sarno and Pat Sullivan and his team for their ongoing successful efforts in securing funding to enrich our superb parks.”
Patrick Sullivan added, “Once again Mayor Sarno has demonstrated his commitment to and love for our celebrated park system. His allegiance to all of Springfield’s neighborhoods is evident by his constant enhancement of our parks. I also want to thank Superintendent Dan Warwick and the Springfield School Committee in partnering with Springfield Parks during this grant process. Renovating and expanding Greenleaf Park will provide an enjoyable outdoor recreational resource for the students attending Walsh School, as well as for the entire Sixteen Acres neighborhood. The proposed playground, site amenities and walking trails will allow the students to explore this park and woodlands and offer a constructive recreational experience during the school day. We are grateful to the Sixteen Acres Neighborhood Council for their contribution to this master plan and for their support during the past year in applying for the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. The proposed improvements will offer opportunities for all ages to participate in increased recreational activities at Greenleaf Park.”
