CPA approves additional funding

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer

AGAWAM On Nov. 30 the Community Preservation Association (CPA) voted to support additional funding for the School Street Park project. The answer came after deliberation from the Association that began on Nov. 27.

"The School Street Park renovations are just shy of $430,000 based on a recent topographical study," Christopher Sparks, parks and recreations director said to Reminder Publications.

"We voted to support the project," Raymond Moreau, of the CPA, said.

A meeting on Nov. 27 in which Sparks went in front of the CPA left question as to whether the funding would be approved. At that time the meeting adjourned with no final decision made.

"I am happy because that is well spent money," City Councilor George Bitzas said. "The park will be the jewel for the town of Agawam."

"Funding was initially started for request in 2005 so it has been almost two years," Sparks said.

Sparks said that renovations to the barn in this location are completely seperate and the $430,000 will cover everything in the park area except for the barn.

Sparks said the cost of the increase to the project is a result of the increase in construction costs.

"The surplus in the state, which was in the amount of $2 million, cannot be better utilized with a percentage of it going to this project," Bitzas said.

Bitzas said that the City must receive final authorization from the City Council for the additional $430,000 before everything is complete.

The location of the School Street Park is at the corner of River Road and School Street.

Bitzas said the property was once Hampden County property but when the Hampden County government dissolved, the City purchased this property.

"Agawam fought hard and bought the property for a good price. We hope to utilize it hopefully within the next couple years. It is a dream coming true," Bitzas said.

The park plan includes bike and walking trails, access roads, soccer fields, parking, concession stands, rest rooms, baseball fields, multi-purpose fields, a playground, picnic areas, bocce and shuffleboard and community gardens.

CPA funding in the amount of $928,356 was previously approved for the park with the help of a $500,000 Urban Self-Help grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). An amount of $80,000 was also donated to the city for the project by Berkshire Power.