Fall River, Taunton Get State Money For Parks

Two Southcoast communities are getting state money for park and recreation improvements.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced on Monday that Fall River and Taunton will both be receiving funds through the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program.

Fall River is receiving $217,000 for a project that will include the installation of a water feature/splash pad in two parks.

“The parklands in Massachusetts make for happier, healthier communities,” said State Representative Paul Schmid III (D-Westport), “The Baker-Polito Administration values the importance of open space and land and I thank them for providing funding opportunities to municipalities to develop and expand local parks and outdoor recreation. I am especially appreciative that the City of Fall River will now have the means to install new water features in our parks to bring in more families on hot summer days!”

Taunton is receiving $400,000 to fund the second phase of a project in Weir Village Riverfront Park that seeks to create a tree-lined riverwalk path along the river.

This funding will allow for the planting of 40 trees, the installation of picnic tables, benches, and an overlook deck and the incorporation of stormwater management.

“Taunton leaders in concert with the residents of the Weir have worked very hard to revitalize this former industrial area,” said House Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative Patricia A. Haddad (D-Somerset). “The Taunton Riverwalk project is the focal point of my district in Weir Village and I'm excited to see the Commonwealth join in partnership to infuse much-needed funds for the project.”

“Parks and recreation spaces are vital to the Commonwealth, providing our residents with necessary access to the great outdoors,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Marc R. Pacheco (D-Taunton), “Our communities wouldn’t be true communities without them. I look forward to seeing the development of the Weir Village Riverfront Park continue, and I can’t wait for the people of Southeastern Massachusetts to enjoy the area to its fullest potential.”

There are 24 communities receiving $7,259,512 in grant funding through the program which is being administered through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.