Federal, state grants will improve Cape, Islands parks
Bass River, Oak Bluffs, Plymouth parks all qualify for funding
Cape Cod Today (Massachusetts)
December 1, 2008
A boardwalk at Bass River Park in Dennis [Massachusetts], a native vegetation rain garden at Sea View Park at Oak Bluffs [Massachusetts], and a new parking lot at Nelson Memorial Park in Plymouth [Massachusetts] are among the new projects that are being funded in part with state and federal capital grants.
Spending for improvements at the three area parks is part of $7.68 million in state and federal grants awarded for 21 projects across the state by the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.
The funding includes $500,000 each for the Bass River and Nelson Memorial parks under state Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grants, and nearly $300,000 for the Oak Bluffs park under federal Land and Water Conservation Fund money administered by the state.
The Bass River project will feature a boardwalk, paths, picnic and shade pavilions, bike racks, a kayak rental building, restrooms and parking.
The Oak Bluffs project includes renovating a clay and brick bathroom building, replacing a comfort station, and creating a native vegetation rain garden.
The Plymouth project involves relocating a 70-space asphalt parking lot away from the coastal beach to the edge of Nelson Memorial Park, which will allow for a new beach area with benches, picnic tables, paths, and an ocean-themed splash pad.
PARC grants, first established 31 years ago as the Urban Self-Help program, are offered on a competitive basis. They reimburse communities between 52 and 70 percent of total project costs, depending upon the income level and other demographics of municipalities.
Lisa Capone, an Environmental Affairs spokeswoman, said the state issues the grants over a two-year period, with funding typically split between planning and design costs the first year and construction the second year.
Selected projects must include general public access. Special consideration is given to projects that feature re-use of brownfield sites and other environmentally beneficial aspects. The program also looks favorably on projects in urban neighborhoods lacking adequate access to parks, and development of parks near public transit.
Ian Bowles, the state Secretary of Environmental Affairs, said the PARC program is "crucial to Governor Patrick's commitment to expanding outdoor recreational opportunities across the Commonwealth - particularly in urban areas - as part of his program of investing at least $50 million annually in land conservation projects."
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$9,703,060,145,350.00
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$31,684.75 Per Citizen |
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