Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management

Administrative Office, Forest Park

Balliet Park Phase II Plan Set to be Unveiled

Event: Announcing Groundbreaking and Additional Grant for Balliet Park

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

Place: Balliet Park, 54 Rosewell Street, Springfield, MA 01109

Contact: Patrick J. Sullivan, Executive Director 787-6444

September 18, 2015 -Springfield, MA- Mayor Domenic Sarno, City Councilor Clodo

Concepcion, School Superintendent Daniel Warwick, Park Commission Chairman Brian

Santaniello, Executive Director of PBRM Patrick Sullivan will be announcing the

groundbreaking and an additional grant for Balliet Park. The city has worked with the

Pine Point Neighborhood Council and residents for over ten years on a master plan for

this park. The land was formally School Department property, and the School

Committee and Park Commission unanimously supported the transfer to the city as park

property earlier this year. Balliet Park, which is located on Seymour Street in the Pine

Point Neighborhood, will provide 6.47 acres of open space in a densely populated

neighborhood. Formerly a school playground and playing field, the land has always been

considered a neighborhood park for this area.

Phase II for Balliet Park, through the support of the Commonwealths PARC grant

program will include an improved ball field, open field space, landscaping, establishment

of a picnic area, improved lighting, and improved access to park entrances and walkways.

The funding through a PARC grant will allow the city to complete the necessary

renovations to transform Balliet Park into a viable neighborhood park and resource,

which will offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

The current linear design of the park will be reconditioned to create a meandering walk

through the park with pockets of play and recreation areas. The walkway will create an

inviting space and encourage park users to enjoy all the amenities the park has to offer —

to play, picnic and stay a while. Additionally, the path will provide an opportunity to

highlight Leave No Trace principles for environmental ethics, and play areas will

encourage environmental awareness with amenities that mimic natural elements.

Additional site amenities will improve the overall aesthetics and safety of Balliet Park.

The park will be accessed from the bordering streets: Plum and Pear Streets, Seymour

Avenue and Breckwood Boulevard. Visitors will be met with improved, formalized and

ADA accessible walkways. These walkways will also function as an accessible means of

travel between the neighborhoods. Other amenities will include a drinking fountain, bike

rack, trash receptacles, improved lighting and fencing, and parking.

Mayor Sarno stated, “The city is grateful to Governor Baker for providing the funding for

this project and the city is excited to begin renovations to Balliet Park. The neighborhood

council needs to be congratulated for working collaboratively with the city and patiently

waiting for this funding. The project illustrates the importance of having a master plan

ready so when grants do come available we are ready to participate in the application

process. The improvements will be a welcome addition to the Pine Point neighborhood.”

City Councilor Claudio Concepcion said, “I am thrilled for the Pine Point neighborhood.

During the past four years I attended the planning meetings to ensure that the

neighborhood receives the improvements it deserves. The new park will create a

valuable oasis for the neighborhood. The plan is well thought out and will be enjoyed by

future generations as well.”

Daniel Warwick declared, “The School Department was pleased to have a role in this

project. This land will provide quality recreational opportunities not only for the

residents but also for the students attending Balliet Middle School. This is the third

project the School Department has participated in transferring land for park purposes and

all have had a positive impact on the community.”

Brian Santaniello stated, “The Park Commission is pleased to support the efforts of the

Pine Point Council. The renovations of the former school grounds will transform this

land into a vibrant resource for the Pine Point Community.”

Patrick Sullivan said, “The Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management

has worked for over ten years on the master plan with the Pine Point community while

waiting for the right grant to be offered. Pine Point’s day has come and we are proud to

continue to work with the residents in implementing their mater plan. I would be remiss

if I did not acknowledge Yollie Nahorniak, as she was instrumental in getting the master

plan off the ground. Also, a special thanks to past president Gloria DeFillipo and the

Pine Point Council for their tireless efforts of writing letters and supporting the city’s

efforts in obtaining the grants.”

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