Springfield receives funding for park and tree updates

  • 2023-11-13
The Land and Water Conservation Fund and the city Community Development Block Grant have awarded the city of Springfield $3.1 million for Neal Park.

In addition to this, the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture have awarded the city a $6 million forestry grant.

Announcements of such awards and their benefits for the community are often made known throughout a city with banner printing.

The forestry grant is one of the largest awarded to a single community, and is one of 385 grants funded across the country.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said that these funds will be used to maintain and plant new trees and improve access to nature in towns, cities, and suburbs. He added that he expects these efforts will improve the quality of life for residents of Springfield.

The forestry funds will be used over a period of five years to plant over 3,000 trees in the city in parks, along streets, and on private property. In addition, city-owned lots that are vacant will be utilized to plant trees.

Community support will be used to guide the future development of comprehensive Urban Forest Management and Woodland Management Plans to address many climate-related issues.

The funding for Neal Park will be used to make it an inclusive and age-friendly park. There will be an inclusive playground, accessible trails and walkways, a new splash pad and swings, and site amenities as well as a basketball court and athletic fields, tree plantings, and landscaping.