Pittsfield Gets $885K for Park
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Pittsfield received an $885,000 construction grant to fund the First Street Common rehabilitation project, which is expected to begin in October and finish by the end of June 2011. The park project is a multi-phase endeavor to rehabilitate downtown open space. Phase one of the project includes the demolition of the existing playground/picnic area and skate park along the northern boundary of the park. A new playground area will be constructed in the northeast corner, along with improvements to the park entrance at Wallace Place.
The grant was funded through the Gateway City Parks program, which supports significant park projects for underserved urban populations. The other four communities awarded grants are Chicopee, Fitchburg, Lawrence and Taunton.
"I know from growing up in Chicago that parks make a big difference in city life," said Gov. Deval Patrick. "These Gateway City Parks projects will invigorate neighborhoods and improve the lives of our residents."
The Gateway City Parks initiative is a hallmark of Patrick's committment of state support for urban parks, habitat protection and preservation of working landscapes. Twenty-two Massachusetts cities are eligible for the program, which targets communities with populations greater than 35,000 and median household incomes, per capita incomes and educational attainment levels below the state average.
The program provides municipal officials with a menu of funding options for all phases of park development. Funding can be used for activities and costs, such as brownfield assessment and cleanup, park planning and recreational needs assessments - including the development of Open Space and Recreation Plans - activities not previously eligible for state parks funding. Cities can also use the grants for acquisition, design and construction of parks, greenways and other recreational facilities.
Funding for the grant program comes from the Energy and Environment Bond Bill signed by Patrick in August 2008.
"I greatly appreciate the Patrick Administration's commitment to improving the quality of life in our Gateway Cities. The Pittsfield Common was once a site of much activity and with these improvements, it will be again," said Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield.
"The First Street Common park rehabilitation is a critical project in the renewal of our downtown. When completed, this park will be a destination for families and will offer enjoyment and recreational opportunities in all seasons," said Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto.
