Massachusetts State Parks and Beaches Face Funding Cuts

Summer is just around the corner. Soon, the Massachusetts state beaches and parks will fill with people trying to forget the miserable cold and snow of the winter of 2025-2026.

While increasing overall spending by nearly four percent, Governor Maura Healey's $63.36 billion spending plan for FY2027 calls for an 8.3 percent reduction for the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and a 2.9 percent reduction to the seasonal employee account.

I'm not sure how that will sit with taxpayers who spent billions of dollars to resettle illegal immigrants in Massachusetts by providing housing, food, medical care, and other things.

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DCR manages the 500,000-acre Massachusetts State Park System, including Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, one of the most visited sites in Massachusetts during the summer.

According to the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Mass Parks for All website, "Massachusetts parks have been badly underfunded with harmful consequences."

Barry Richard/Townsquare Media

"Over the last 15 years, state parks saw a 50 percent reduction in their budget," according to the Jamaica Plain-based MPA. "As a result, Massachusetts now ranks near last in the nation in public spending on parks."

The Growing Maintenance Backlog

"Massachusetts has a $1.0 billion deferred maintenance backlog," the group's website states. "Every person in the Commonwealth deserves adequately staffed, accessible, and well-maintained parks that provide recreation for all."

Calls to Tap the Rainy Day Fund

In a blog post on the MPA website, MPA Executive Director Doug Pizzi asked state lawmakers to consider diverting $100 million earmarked for the state's $8 billion stabilization or rainy day account to the DCR to offset the proposed cuts.

Legislative Approval Still Required

Healey's proposal to reduce the DCR budget requires approval by the Massachusetts Legislature.

A Walk Down the Pond Trail of Easton's Borderland State Park

Borderland State Park, which is located in the towns of Easton and Sharon, features 1,843 acres of land and miles of walking and hiking trails surrounding a nature and history preserve. Take a trip with us down the park’s Pond Trail, stopping to visit the 1880 Smith Farmhouse and the 1910 Ames Mansion along the way.

Gallery Credit: Tim Weisberg

See the Stone Castle Turned State Park in Connecticut

It was once the home of a famous TV actor, now Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut is a picturesque state park with amazing views and peaceful hiking trails perfect for day trips.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall