Funding provided for renovations to park in Springfield

  • 2022-10-17
Funding of a significant amount for the renovations to the Horticulture Center and Walk Grandstand in Forest Park, Springfield has been confirmed.

The announcement was made by My-Ron Hatchett, Senior Project Manager; Peter Garvey, Director of Capital Asset Construction; Patrick Sullivan; Executive Director of Parks, Building and Recreational Management (PBRM); Congressman Richard Neal; and Mayor Domenic Sarno.

This funding is a Federal Community Project Funding Grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $3m. The first phase of the Forest Park Horticulture Master Plan will be undertaken with this funding and will include renovations to Walker Grandstand and the original menagerie buildings; improving the pedestrian walkways and gardens; relocation of Forestry Operations; and enhancements to security, lighting, and landscaping. The baseball field will be modernized with new restrooms, improved seating, and a concession area.

Announcements of such funding and the benefits it will be bring to the community are often made known with flyer printing.

Mayor Sarno expressed his gratitude to the efforts of Congressman Neal for securing these federal funds. Noting that Forest Park is a vibrant space in the heart of a major city, he added that these improvements to the park will be much welcomed by the community and will better serve the many people who visit the park.