Grants, CPA and meals tax funding help to improve Weymouth parks

Weymouth, MA – September 14, 2015 – Over the past two years, a convergence of grants, Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and meals tax revenue has led to makeovers in five parks across Weymouth.  They feature improvements for residents of all ages and abilities, including new play equipment, an inline hockey rink, a regulation-size basketball court, and fully accessible facilities.

“We were very fortunate to bring together a variety of funding sources that we could dedicate to improving our neighborhood parks,” states Mayor Susan Kay.  “Our goal has been to breathe life back into these places so families have the opportunity to interact, play and enjoy themselves.” 

Improvements have varied greatly from park to park.  Great Hill received a new viewing platform in 2014.  On clear days, it offers a fully accessible view of the Boston skyline.  That year, construction also began on a fully accessible playground and regulation-size basketball court at Bradford Hawes Park.  One play structure was designed to be 60 percent accessible by wheelchair, and the play area was refurbished with new seating and lighted walking paths.      

In late 2014, Stella Tirrell Park received a new inline hockey rink to replace its run-down tennis courts.  More than 300 children used the rink this spring as part of the Weymouth Street Hockey League’s inaugural season.  The league had 22 teams supported by more than 30 local businesses, residents and organizations. 

James O’Sullivan Playground was improved with two new play structures, an accessible walkway, paved parking lot and new sign this summer.  A new sign was also unveiled just two weeks ago at House Rock Park, dedicating the playground to Sergeant Edmund L. Marks.  Children visiting the park can enjoy a new slide, swing set and freshly painted basketball court.

Much of this work was supported by local meals tax revenue, CPA funds and federal Community Development Block Grants – all funding sources with special commitments to benefiting open space, recreation and low-moderate income areas.  In the case of Bradford Hawes Park, the Town also received a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Our Common Backyard Grant Program and a generous private donation from the In Memory of Me, Tanner B. Foundation.  

“Our Department of Public Work deserves credit for helping us accomplish the parks improvements, as well,” explains Mayor Kay. “The work they provided in-house allowed us to spread our resources as far as possible and build better parks for more people.”

According to research, communities that invest in recreational space receive a positive return on investment.  The Trust for Public Land has reported that every $1 invested in parks and open space in Massachusetts returns $4 in natural goods and services to the state economy.  Local parks and playgrounds further provide residents with fun, safe areas to be active outdoors and can benefit people’s physical and mental health by expanding opportunities for play and social interaction. 

For photographs of recent park projects, visit the Town of Weymouth’s website at www.weymouth.ma.us/planning-community-development/pages/parks-projects.