Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $27 Million for Conservation, Open Space, and Park Projects

See Full Press Release with all municipal recipients:  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $27 Million for Conservation, Open Space, and Park Projects | Mass.gov

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration on announced on September 24, 2024 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."

"Green spaces like Campagnone Common are vital for a city like Lawrence. This $500,000 PARC Grant investment will create a welcoming and visually appealing space where families, residents, and visitors can gather, play, and connect," said State Senator Pavel Payano (D-1st Essex). "By enhancing public spaces for recreation and community, we’re not only fostering a healthier, more vibrant Lawrence but also contributing to our city’s economic vitality as more people come to enjoy everything Lawrence has to offer."

"This investment into Whitney Park will help to revitalize a gem in our community. Growing up in Ludlow, I had the opportunity to play high school football, little league baseball, as well as work as a summer camp counselor all at Whitney Park," said State Representative Aaron Saunders (D-7th Hampden). "I know how important the park is to the town of Ludlow and the region as a whole. I am tremendously appreciative to the Healey administration for this grant."

"Merrimac has a long-held objective of preserving its agricultural history and being a strong steward of its natural resources," said State Representative Dawne Shand (D-1st Essex). "This grant, which aligns nonprofit partners’ goals with ambitious state benchmarks for land conservation and climate resilience, will allow the Merrimac of tomorrow to retain what, for centuries, had made it a very special place."

"This significant investment in conservation and open space projects demonstrates the state's commitment to preserving Massachusetts' natural beauty and building stronger, more sustainable communities. As a graduate of the Hurld Elementary School it is special to see this neighborhood project moving forward, " said State Representative Richard Haggerty (D-Woburn). "This grant funding will not only improve our local environments and enhance public health but also contribute to our communities' broader climate resilience goals. It's crucial that we continue to prioritize these types of projects that benefit both our communities and our environment."

“Mass Audubon has long shared the Commonwealth’s commitment to leadership in land conservation through initiatives such as our 30x30 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. Twenty-four projects receiving a total of $8.7 million.

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.

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 received grants totaling $3.4 million, including DUNSTABLE which will receive $406,870 for the Kennedy Conservation Restriction.   The Kennedy CR 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. 

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