BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $27.8 million in grant funding for park improvements and open space acquisitions across Massachusetts that will conserve 2,375 acres. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) awarded Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), Conservation Partnership, Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration, and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants that will support 54 communities.
The five grant programs will help municipalities and land trusts safeguard land for outdoor recreation, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and other purposes.
EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper announced the awards at a meeting of the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition. The coalition is a recently formed partnership between state agencies and nonprofit land conservation organizations in Massachusetts, co-convened by EEA and Mass Audubon.
“Investing in parks and open space is critical for our state’s resilience against climate change, tackling issues like urban heat islands, flooding, sea level rise, and drought,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These projects boost public health, drive tourism, and strengthen our economy. By aligning our grants with the Resilient Lands Initiative, we commit to creating sustainable communities and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.”
“The Resilient Lands vision prioritizes the well-being of Massachusetts communities by focusing on land conservation. Projecting forests, farms, and soils creates healthier and safer spaces for residents, supports local agriculture, and strengthens community ties,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The grants we are awarding today all play an important role in reaching that vision and empowering neighborhoods to thrive and flourish.”
The Resilient Lands Initiative aims to speed up land conservation in Massachusetts with a focus on climate resilience and environmental justice. It involves collaboration between government agencies and nonprofit land trusts to achieve the goal of conserving 30 percent of land statewide by 2030 and 40 percent by 2050.
“Grants for parks and open spaces are a frontline defense against climate change. They cool our cities, purify our air, and protect biodiversity,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “By investing in green spaces, we can strengthen our communities and promote a mindset of environmental responsibility.”
“Grant funding of this magnitude can have an enormous impact on a local community, helping them reimagine and bring life to an area that may have previously gone neglected or unused,” said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Hampden). “With our cities and towns becoming increasingly congested, it’s important that we find areas to develop that offer new forms of recreation and relief while conserving the land for future generations.”
“I am thrilled to see this $500,000 investment from the Healey Administration that will modernize and improve Polonia Park for families across Chelsea,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Middlesex and Suffolk). “I am a proud supporter of the PARC Grant Program because it ensures that open spaces like Polonia Park get modern amenities such as new playground equipment, a fenced-in dog park, a shaded picnic area, green spaces, and more.”
“Mass Audubon has long shared the Commonwealth’s commitment to leadership in land conservation through initiatives such as our 30×30 Catalyst Fund,” said Mass Audubon President David O’Neill. “We look forward to co-convening the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition as a direct extension of this work, engaging with land trusts and municipalities across the state to tackle ambitious, strategic conservation projects together.”
The PARC Grant Program, which was established in 1977, supports cities and towns in their efforts to acquire and develop land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. This program includes two categories of grants. The first category is the Small Town grant, designed for towns with less than 35,000 residents, and offers a maximum grant award of $100,000. The second category is for cities and towns with more than 35,000 residents and provides a maximum grant award of $500,000. The twenty-four projects receiving a total of $8.7 million are:
|
MUNICIPALITY |
PROJECT NAME |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
GRANT AWARD |
|
Barre |
High Plains Park |
The project will construct a universally accessible playground |
$100,000 |
|
Billerica |
Ditson Park |
The project will include the construction of a perimeter trail and pavilion and renovations to the existing basketball court and playground |
$449,500 |
|
Boston |
Ringer Playground |
The project will include accessibility and pedestrian safety improvements to pathways and park entrances; a new dog play area and multipurpose natural grass field; renovations to the playground and splash pad; arborist work throughout the park; site drainage upgrades; and improvements to the existing pedestrian lighting |
$500,000 |
|
Bridgewater |
Summer Street Park |
The project will transform an abandoned gas station property into an in-town urban park with covered areas for picnics, outdoor chess and other board game tables, and outdoor table tennis tables |
$500,000 |
|
Chelsea |
Polonia Park |
The project will include modern playground equipment, a fenced-in dog park, shaded picnic area, splash pad, and green space |
$500,000 |
|
Chicopee |
Sarah Jane Park |
The project will make improvements to soccer fields and baseball/softball diamonds, install irrigation to the baseball field, add spectator bleachers, install universally accessible playground equipment, replace the pedestrian loop and skatepark, and add picnic tables with pads |
$500,000 |
|
Dudley |
Richard Carmignani Sr. Park |
The project will include the development of an active recreation playscape with ten unique areas of play and a pathway with interpretive signage, boulders for climbing, hammocks, and an elevated lookout platform |
$496,650 |
|
Easton |
Swift’s Memorial Park |
The project will include a memorial park with walking paths, commemorative granite walls, benches, seating areas, landscaping, interpretive signage, and new trees to augment the existing sparse tree canopy |
$100,000 |
|
Hull |
Jones Park |
The project will repair an existing circular path and add a new park sign, playground equipment, gathering zone with café style seating, and fitness area with 1/2 basketball court and benches with shade trees |
$100,000 |
|
Lawrence |
Campagnone Common |
The project will replace the circular gathering area anchored by a water feature providing residents with both a space for play and serve as a visual focal point |
$500,000 |
|
Lowell |
Jackson Street Pocket Park |
The project will construct a new inclusive and resilient pocket park featuring a “play wall,” seating, dynamic landforms, resilient plantings and rain gardens, and a diverse tree canopy |
$500,000 |
|
Ludlow |
Whitney Park |
The project will include installation of playground equipment with a picnic area, a basketball court and two pickleball/tennis courts; a parking lot; walkways, including a perimeter walking path; 75 shade trees, 19 ornamental trees, and 28 evergreens; and a pavilion/shade structure |
$500,000 |
|
Malden |
Devir Park Phase 2 |
The project will remove the baseball field and add a regulation women’s softball field, with new backstop, infield, player’s benches and accessible bleachers and the current soccer field will be regraded with improved drainage and a new irrigation system |
$500,000 |
|
Medford |
Riverside Plaza |
The project will add permanent shade sails that can be removed off-season; a floating deck and accessible ramp to adjacent lawn with mature shade trees; mobile seating, tables, and lighting for the deck; and a drinking fountain/bottle filler |
$198,853 |
|
Middleborough |
Skate Park |
The project will construct a skate park at Peirce Playground |
$495,000 |
|
Monterey |
Monterey Mills Interpretive Trail |
The project will improve two town-owned properties, Bidwell Park and the Monterey Library, with interpretive signage |
$3,317 |
|
New Bedford |
Buttonwood North Trail Phase 1 |
The project will construct an ADA compliant paved walking path along Buttonwood Brook that will incorporate bioretention basins for stormwater management, invasive plant species removal and installation of native plantings |
$500,000 |
|
Salem |
Curtis Memorial Park |
The project will renovate the existing play structures and playing field |
$500,000 |
|
Springfield |
Blunt Park Phase 2 |
The project will include an improved park entrance and parking lot, accessible walking track and outdoor fitness equipment, softball facilities, improved playing field, tree plantings, and landscaping improvements |
$500,000 |
|
Taunton |
Memorial Park Renovation |
The project will renovate the trails, walkways and lighting throughout the park |
$500,000 |
|
Townsend |
Kids Country Playground |
The project will construct an ADA accessible and inclusive family friendly playground |
$100,000 |
|
Wareham |
Lopes Field |
The project will build a fully accessible playground by creating new paths to access the new accessible equipment and add a perimeter path |
$100,000 |
|
Ware |
Memorial Field Fieldhouse |
The project will improve accessibility to the restrooms at the fieldhouse |
$75,250 |
|
Woburn |
Hurld Park |
The project will include the construction of a universally accessible playground for toddler, elementary, and middle school children |
$500,000 |
The Conservation Partnership Grants provide funding to non-public, not-for-profit corporations to support their efforts in acquiring interests in lands suitable for conservation or recreation purposes. Projects receiving grants totaling $3.36 million are:
|
APPLICANT |
PROJECT NAME |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
GRANT AWARD |
|
Kestrel Land Trust |
Growing Green |
The subject property lies along the south branch of the Manhan River, a tributary of the Connecticut River, and is directly abutting over 50 acres of protected land anchored by the Town of Southampton’s Whitemore Conservation Area and Pascommuck Conservation Trust’s Pomeroy Meadows Conservation Area |
$300,000 |
|
Mass Audubon |
Oxford Woodlands |
This acquisition will create opportunities to expand the abutting Pierpoint Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary area trail network and ensure the permanent protection of biodiverse wildlife habitat, including high productivity vernal pools that can potentially host rare species such as the marbled salamander. |
$272,250 |
|
Buzzards Bay Coalition |
Snipatuit Pond Cedar Forest |
The primary goals of this project are 1) to protect the unique biodiversity and ecological resources associated with this land, 2) to protect important water resources associated with this land, the pond, the Mattapoisett River and its aquifer and watershed; 3) to provide public access for water- and wilderness-based recreational opportunities including hunting and fishing, and 4) to continue to build a large contiguous area of protected land |
$130,000 |
|
Berkshire Community Land Trust |
River Run Farm |
Funding from this grant will acquire a 66.75-acre CR at River Run Farm. The remaining 12.25 acres is designated as a farmstead area and includes a farmhouse and large barn. The full 79 acres will be leased through a 98-year ground lease to Off-the-Shelf Farm to pasture their mobile, pasture-grazed chicken and egg operation. |
$172,500 |
|
The Trustees of Reservations |
Hale Conservation Project |
This acquisition is part of the larger conservation initiative, the Hale Conservation Project—an initiative to permanently protect 1,000+ acres in Dover and Westwood, owned by Hale Education, Inc. The initiative will ensure continued public access to the subject property and much of the 1000+ acres of land in perpetuity. |
$300,000 |
|
Essex County Greenbelt Association |
Hoyt Farm |
The project will project 84 acres that encompass spectacular farmland, wildlife habitat, and headwaters to the East Meadow River, a tributary to the Merrimack River and drinking water source for the City of Haverhill. It will allow public trail expansion from the adjacent Town Forest, while facilitating affordable farmland access. |
$300,000 |
|
The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts |
Upper Mill Pond Woodlands II |
The acquisition is a 3.77-acre pine-oak forested parcel located near Upper Mill Pond in Brewster and are currently working with three other families to preserve several adjoining pine-oak forest parcels, potentially protecting 40+ acres of land. |
$193,530 |
|
Westport Land Conservation Trust |
Sodom Road Conservation Project |
The project will preserve 149 acres and provide an expansive trail experience, protect key habitat in a large undisturbed corridor of land comprising several hundred acres, and provide long-term resiliency for the West Branch of the Westport River and Buzzards Bay. |
$150,000 |
|
Buzzards Bay Coalition |
Acushnet River Estuary |
The primary goals of this project are 1) to protect the unique coastal ecological resources associated with this land, 2) protect wetland resources, upland buffer and coastal adaptation area associated with this land that contribute climate resilience to the salt marsh and estuary ecosystem, 3) to provide much needed public access to a coastal natural area for outdoor passive recreation in this densely developed estuary, and 4) to expand a growing green corridor along the river |
$300,000 |
|
Orenda Wildlife Land Trust |
Smiths Creek |
The acquisition will help protect the habitat of a threatened vascular plant and tern foraging area, as well as drinking water supply. |
$200,000 |
|
East Quabbin Land Trust |
East Street CR Acquisition |
The project will protect prime or state-wide important agricultural soils with 8.5 acres of hay fields that have been in agricultural for several centuries and also include cold water fisheries |
$115,250 |
|
Greater Worcester Land Trust |
45 Creeper Hill Road |
The Creeper Hill Road site is a mix of river, wetland, and forested upland. The western edge of the property is the Quinsigamond River (a Blackstone River headwater) with both shores of the river to be in conservation. Immediately to the east of the river is a belt of open wetland transitioning into forested wetland. |
$30,350 |
|
Buzzards Bay Coalition |
Nasketucket Bay – Trott Conservation Project |
The primary goals of this project are to 1) protect important upland adjacent to existing coastal habitats/salt marsh thereby providing space for these coastal habitats to adapt and migrate as sea level rises; 2) protect the water quality and existing coastal/marine/aquatic biodiversity and habitats of Nasketucket Bay and Buzzards Bay; 3) provide compatible public access; and 4) expand the large area of existing protected land along the Sconticut Neck peninsula and Nasketucket Bay |
$300,000 |
|
Barnstable Land Trust |
Santuit Woodlands |
The Santuit Woodland property is an undeveloped wooded lot consisting primarily of deciduous oak, cherry, maple, beech and occasional holly trees, with a few pitch pines and white pines scattered throughout the site and contains a recently certified vernal pool. |
$295,000 |
|
Farming Falmouth |
The Patch – Farm Retention Project |
Farming Falmouth will purchase a 6-acre farmstead for the purpose of preserving farmland for agricultural activities and for open space conservation. |
$300,000 |
Established in 1961, the LAND Grant Program assists municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for the protection of natural resources and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Projects receiving grants totaling $3.4 million are:
|
MUNICIPALITY |
PROJECT NAME |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
GRANT AWARD |
|
Acton |
Preserving Acton’s Agricultural Gateway |
This purchase will conserve critical habitat, including sensitive wetlands, vernal pools, as well as provide flood protection along the Nashoba Brook. The property expands a network of 315+ acres of adjacent protected land and abuts the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. This acquisition will protect mature second-growth forests and historic features including a stone-lined natural spring. |
$500,000 |
|
Ashburnham
|
Timberlost Farm Conservation Project |
This working landscape is prominently located on Route 101 (Ashby Road) north of Ashburnham Town Center and is an irreplaceable part of the Town’s colonial history with its 1754 farmhouse, and an important member of the agricultural community. The landscape is a significant feature of the Town’s rural and scenic character. Conservation of this land will protect working farmland and forest as well as provide permanent public access to the Midstate Trail which traverses the property. |
$500,000 |
|
Dunstable
|
Kennedy Conservation Restriction |
The property abuts 37-acres of town owned conservation land and is a key parcel to protecting the Salmon Brook corridor for water quality, flood control, scenic value and recreational enjoyment as outlined in the Dunstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, as well as the Dunstable Town Master Plan. The river provides for canoeing, kayaking and fishing and is an important source of aquifer recharge. This property is nearly entirely designated NHESP core habitat for Blanding’s turtle. |
$406,870 |
|
Falmouth
|
North Falmouth Woodlands |
This Conservation Restriction will protect deciduous wooded swamp and shrub swamp wetlands that provide food and habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals. The property is designated as priority habitat for Eastern Box Turtle a MA Species of Special Concern. Protecting this sensitive watershed area will assist the Town in meeting its water quality goals and obligations. The property abuts the Shining Sea Bikeway that runs 10.7 miles from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. |
$500,000 |
|
Haverhill
|
Brandy Brow Forest |
This forested property will create a critical connection among city-owned parcels to 600+ acres of city-owned land at Brandy Brow Forest, protected for passive use and habitat value. The MA Natural Heritage program has designated this land as important for threatened Blanding’s turtle. This purchase will improve the continuity of trails and protect contiguous priority habitat within the city’s drinking water supply and adjacent to East Meadow River which supports fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. |
$222,210 |
|
Malden
|
Malden Hospital Site Parcel |
Malden is ranked among the municipalities with the least amount of open space making this purchase an important opportunity. Conserving the parcel in question will provide stormwater flood risk mitigation at the site and walking trails. |
$500,000 |
|
Mendon
|
Oak and Wall Farm Preserve |
This property is surround by~1,000 acres of undeveloped, mostly- forested land. This property contains two vernal pools and abuts the Mill River. The property is NHESP designated BioMap Core Habitat, and Rare Species Core with good habitat for the Eastern Box Turtle and a variety of freshwater species, as well. Conservation of this land will also contribute to protecting the largest drinking water aquifer in Mendon |
$500,000 |
|
Ware |
Grenville Park Expansion – Pelski Lot |
This wooded parcel will protect over 2,000 feet of the Ware River. Several wetland areas exist on the property, and an intermittent stream crosses the land. Virtually the entire parcel is identified as Priority Habitat for Rare Species, as well as designated Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape. The land abuts the Town of Ware’s Grenville Park and straddles the former railroad bed that was recently redeveloped as part of the Mass Central Rail Trail creating a critical linkage for recreational users and wildlife along the Ware River corridor. |
$236,250 |
The Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration program, now in its second year, assists municipalities and nonprofit conservation organizations in acquiring retired cranberry bog properties for later ecological restoration. Projects receiving grants totaling $6 million are:
|
APPLICANT |
PROJECT NAME |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
GRANT AWARD |
|
Buzzards Bay Coalition |
Sippican Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration |
Protects 352 acres of cranberry bogs and associated uplands in Rochester. Farmed by the same cranberry grower as the Weweantic project below, this very large landscape-scale cranberry bog property will be transformed into natural habitat and public open space. |
$1,057,000 |
|
Buzzards Bay Coalition |
Weweantic Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration |
Protects 456 acres of cranberry bogs and associated uplands in Carver and Wareham. In conjunction with the Sippican project above, this restored property will open a new passive recreation area to the community while restoring 109 acres of active cranberry bogs to a natural wetland state. |
$2,000,000 |
|
Harwich Conservation Trust |
Thatcher Bogs Conservation Project |
Protects 50 acres of cranberry bogs and associated uplands in Harwich. Located adjacent to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, once conserved this land will be visible to thousands of visitors annually and will protect increasingly rare open space on Cape Cod. |
$2,000,000 |
|
Town of Plymouth |
Town Brook Headwaters: Cotton Brook Preserve |
Protects 90 acres of cranberry bogs and associated uplands in Plymouth. The Town of Plymouth will manage the restoration of this cranberry farm, which will have benefits for local water quality, as well as passive recreation. |
$1,035,000 |
The LWCF Grant Program was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard the country’s natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage, and to provide recreational opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the fund invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve local history, and protect the national endowment of lands and waters. Projects receiving grants are:
|
MUNICIPALITY |
PROJECT NAME |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
GRANT AWARD |
|
Boston |
Mary Ellen Welch Greenway |
The project will include building up sections of pathway, enhancing the main entrance, adding new furnishings, and installing signage |
$1,000,000 |
|
Burlington |
Overlook Park Renovation |
The project will remove the unused basketball court, replace the playground with a fully accessible playground, provide accessible trails with connectivity to Little Brook Conservation Area and address stormwater mitigation concerns |
$1,000,000 |
|
Longmeadow |
Bliss Park Playground |
The project will renovate the Bliss Park playground to increase accessibility for children of all ages and abilities |
$824,325 |
|
Lunenburg |
Marshall Park |
The project will develop a softball field, baseball field, boardwalk, overlook, parking lot, stormwater system, utilities, shared use path, hand-vessel launch pad and picnic pavilion by the pond entrance at the park |
$1,000,000 |
|
Provincetown |
Motta Field |
The project will create a multi-generational park, including a skate park, pickleball/tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball field, perimeter walking path, site amenities, and site plaza |
$1,000,000 |
|
Springfield |
Magazine Park |
The project will include installation of an accessible splash pad, playground and picnic amenities, restrooms, a softball diamond, walking path, open space improvements, tree plantings, and landscaping |
$1,000,000 |
|
Swampscott |
Archer Woodlands |
The project will design and construct non-motorized trails at Archer Street woodlands |
$112,500 |
|
Westborough |
Ellis-Walker Property Acquisition |
The project will acquire a 34.53 acre parcel for the purposes of land preservation, climate resiliency, drinking water supply protection, passive recreation, and environmental education |
$307,500 |
