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Date: 10/5/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic Sarno, Director of Parks, Building and Recreational Management (PBRM) Patrick Sullivan and Congressman Richard Neal announced that the city secured grant funding for renovations to the Walker Grandstand and Horticulture Center in Forest Park. The funding award and unveiling of the renovation project occurred during a Sept. 23 ceremony.
The announcement follows a community fundraiser on Aug. 25 that showcased a grassroots effort from community member Mark Frodema to rehabilitate the grandstand’s deteriorating baseball field. Golden Years Home Care Services donated $1,000 to Frodema’s cause.
Shortly after the ceremony, Sarno shared with Reminder Publishing that a big announcement was upcoming involving the Forest Park space.
“Big news here is that Director Patrick Sullivan, myself and Congressman Richard Neal, after a study was done, have been working on securing the funding for this major project and will be announcing it in the very near future,” said Sarno.
During the Sept. 23 ceremony, Sarno revealed that the city secured a $3 million federal Community Project Funding grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support the redevelopment of Forest Park’s Walker Grandstand and the Horticulture Center. In a press release, Sarno explained that the grant funding will be allocated to the first phase of a redevelopment project entitled the Forest Park Horticulture Master Plan.
The redevelopment plan includes a variety of changes to the Forest Park area. The city aims to relocate the park’s forestry operations, renovate the Walker Grandstand, replace the park’s century-old greenhouse, improve gardens and pedestrian walkways and upgrades to the John F. Kennedy Memorial.
Other upgrades include enhancements to the baseball field’s lighting and landscapes, new basketball courts and rehabilitation of the site’s volleyball courts.
In addition to the $3 million in grant funding, Sarno shared that the city is applying for additional grants to fund the master plan. The project is currently estimated to cost $12.5 million in total expenses.
Sarno expressed enthusiasm for the plan’s ability to revitalize Forest Park as a crucial community staple.
“Forest Park is a vibrant oasis in the city, a fact made very apparent over the past two COVID[-19] influenced years as Forest Park remained open and saw an increase in patrons. We have an obligation to improve our open space and these grant funds bring us closer to making this Horticulture Master Plan a reality,” said Sarno.
Sullivan detailed how the renovations will improve the Forest Park facilities in a variety of ways.
“The grandstand is a welcoming sight as you drive down Main Greeting Road and approach the baseball complex. The renovations will modernize this facility with improved seating, new restrooms, and a concession area, and will establish a comfortable atmosphere for the many baseball games played at this field,” said Sullivan.
Both city leaders also thanked the work of Neal for securing federal funding for the project. In his comments, Neal discussed the importance of fortifying Forest Park’s presence as a “true gem” of the city.
“The city will be able to do tremendous upgrades and preservation work throughout the park, which is a true gem for residents and visitors all year long. I am proud to have fought for this and nine other projects that will bring over $8 million to the district to address some of western and central Massachusetts’ most pressing needs,” said Neal.