Close to $10 million in state and federal money has been spent in the last couple of years to construct or renovate parks of all shapes and sizes in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The latest project to be completed, the $850,000 renovation of Nathan Bill Park, was unveiled Thursday.
Frank Ryan, of the East Forest Park Civic Association said the neighborhood park had become rundown and trash filled more than decade ago, but no money was available until recently. He believes the restoration will help attract young families to buy homes in the neighborhood.
" The splash pad, the athletic parks,the recreation facilities, the picnic area, the parking lot, and the tennis courts are everything we could ask for," said Ryan.
Officials say by making park renovations a priority Springfield has been successful in securing grant money available through state and federal programs.
