Officials Thursday announced a Massachusetts state grant award to build a new neighborhood park in the city of Springfield.
A former school playground will undergo an $850,000 upgrade to provide six-and-a-half acres of recreational and open space in the densely populated Pine Point Neighborhood. Michael Connolly, who has two children, said the closest park now is almost four miles away.
" I am excited for the kids in the community, my kids included, that they have some place in walking distance to get the energy out."
The new Balliet Park will have a spray pad, basketball court, tennis courts, soccer field and softball diamond. There also will be play structures for young children, a pavilion and picnic area, walkways and shade trees.
