Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management (PBRM) Tom Ashe, Deputy Parks Director Peter Krupczak, Director of Capital Asset Construction Peter Garvey, Senior Parks Project Manager Laura A. Walsh, Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click Bruce, Park Commissioner Patrice Sawn, and residents of the Sixteen Acres Neighborhood joined on Tuesday morning for a ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening ceremony at Greenleaf Park. This announcement showcased the completed enhancements that are part of the redevelopment of Greenleaf Park on Parker Street in Springfield.
Funding for the renovation of Greenleaf Park was made possible by a $1,000,000 grant from the National Park Service and Commonwealth’s EEA Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program, and $1,500,000 from City of Springfield, for a total project budget of $2,500,000. The grant funding allowed the City of Springfield to increase Springfield’s park and open space inventory by 24+/- acres as the open space behind Mary Walsh Elementary School has been transferred from the School Department to the Park Department to expand the current boundary of Greenleaf Park to be dedicated and maintained as a 45-acres public park.
The recently completed renovations ensure that Greenleaf Park is an age-friendly inclusive community park. The improved facilities offer city residents the following recreational and park opportunities: accessible walkways and trails, two inclusive playgrounds and swings, a splash pad, athletic fields, a half basketball court, site amenities (picnic tables and benches), tree plantings, and landscaping. The new walkways connect both sides of the park, with a bridge over the wetland that connects the main parking lot on Parker Street to the playground and fields. Additionally, the project repaired a failed culvert system and improved connections between the school, neighborhood, library and park. As a component of the LWCF grant, redevelopment of Greenleaf Park helps mitigate heat island effects for city residents and incorporates climate resilient design elements.
The redevelopment of Greenleaf Park was overseen by the Departments of Capital Asset Construction and the Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management; designed by GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., and constructed by Mass-West Construction.
Mayor Sarno stated, “I am delighted to announce the re-opening of Greenleaf Park. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of the State and Federal Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant, supplemented by City of Springfield bond and municipal funding, represents a significant investment in our community's recreational infrastructure. The added space and renovations have created a wonderful park experience for the residents of the Sixteen Acres community. I am proud of my administration’s efforts – which began under former PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan and continues now under the leadership of Director Tom Ashe – to invest nearly $110 million into our beautiful neighborhood parks for our residents and their families to enjoy. The new facilities 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 is a welcome addition to the park.”
Thomas Ashe, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management added, “We are thrilled to unveil the renovations and announce that the park is now open for residents to enjoy. The renovations have been thoughtfully designed to provide something for everyone. Whether you're here to enjoy a peaceful walk, have a picnic with loved ones, or use the playground or splash pad, this park is yours to enjoy.”
Jennifer McQuade, Park Commission Chairperson stated, “the Park Commission is proud to support the work undertaken by the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management and Capital Asset Construction to ensure Greenleaf Park is accessible to all residents to access and enjoy the park amenities.”
Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce stated, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno and Parks Director Tom Ashe 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. I have been looking forward to the ribbon cutting of our newly renovated Greenleaf Park and proud to join to celebrate this addition to our neighborhood.”
