Governor Charlie Baker announced that Amherst was awarded $400,000 from the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program to design and install a playground with other amenities at Kendrick Park.
The PARC grant will enable the Town to create a new focal point in downtown that attracts families, residents, visitors, and patrons by designing and constructing a play area, walkways, seating, and tables in Kendrick Park. The project will include a design phase in Spring 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman stated, “This exciting project will provide a fully-accessible space for our community to come together, regardless of age. Taken alongside the soon to be completed Groff Park improvements, the Kendrick Park project continues the Town’s commitment to creating safe, accessible community spaces for the enjoyment of all.”
Town Council President Lynn Griesemer said, “This is a significant grant that will assist Amherst in meeting a clearly stated need for the Town. I look forward to the process of developing this important new space that will be an exceptional new asset for our children, families, and all members of the Amherst community.”
The preliminary plans are based on the work of the Kendrick Park Design Advisory Committee, which sought to activate the 3+ acre Kendrick Park with a comprehensive plan. The PARC grant addresses one portion of the plan and includes walkways, tables and seating, and an accessible playground with equipment for younger children and amenities for all members of the community. To move forward on the grant, the Town is responsible for providing a match of about $258,000 that will be sought from Town Community Preservation Act funds.
Town Manager Bockelman concluded, “We would like to thank residents, the LSSE Commission, the Amherst Business Improvement District, and the Chamber of Commerce for their support and guidance to create a play space in the downtown area. I also commend our talented Planning, DPW and LSSE staff for seeking and being awarded this highly competitive grant.”
The Town encourages the community to stay involved and will provide future opportunities for input and comments from the public.
Click here to view initial concept plan from the grant application.
Questions? Contact Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek at (413) 259-3002