FITCHBURG — In a round of state grants announced Monday to support outdoor recreation, Fitchburg has received $260,000 for the construction of a permanent performance space at Riverfront Park, according to a release from Gov. Maura Healey.
Healey announced nearly $10 million in grants that will support 14 projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program, which provides funding to improve parks, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and protect natural resources across Massachusetts.
“Massachusetts is the best place to live because of the communities we build and the places that bring us together,” said Gov. Healey. “Our parks, playgrounds, and open spaces are where we make memories and connect. These investments will help more communities create and protect those spaces, so everyone has a place to enjoy the outdoors.”
Fitchburg is receiving the $260,000 grant to build a permanent outdoor stage at Riverfront Park, a 1.6 acre reclaimed brownfields site along the shore of the North Nashua River in downtown Fitchburg.
The city of Worcester received a $1,000,000 grant to fund Phase I renovations of Indian Lake Beach including an accessible restroom and lifeguard building, walkways, benches, pedestrian lighting and other improvements.
The grants are administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) on behalf of the National Park Service. The grants will also support projects in Boston, Chicopee, Easthampton, Halifax, Lee, Lynn, Provincetown, Quincy, Somerville, Southborough, Springfield and Williamstown. Since the start of the program, more than $150 million has been committed to Massachusetts parks and open spaces.
“As a former mayor, I know how much work goes into maintaining parks, improving playgrounds, and making sure every neighborhood has places where people can gather,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Municipalities know what their residents need, but finding the resources to make improvements can be challenging. These grants give local leaders the funding to turn community priorities into a reality.”
The LWCF Grant Program was established by Congress in 1964 to protect the country’s natural areas, water resources, cultural heritage, and to provide recreational opportunities to all Americans. The fund invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve local history, and protect the national endowment of lands and waters without using taxpayer dollars. Any municipality with an approved Open Space and Recreation Plan, as well as the Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game, and Massachusetts federally recognized tribes, are eligible to apply for this program.
“Access to parks and open spaces is essential to our well-being, giving residents places to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We’re committed to improving these important spaces while protecting Massachusetts’ natural resources and building resilience to climate change.”
The Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund provides up to 50% of the total project cost for the acquisition, development, and renovation of parks, trails, and conservation areas.
-Office of Gov. Maura Healey
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