Massachusetts has awarded grants across outdoor recreation projects, supporting everything from a permanent riverside stage in downtown Fitchburg to major beach renovations in Worcester.
The funding, administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) on behalf of the National Park Service through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), aims to improve local parks, expand outdoor access, and strengthen natural resource protection across the state.
Funding Highlights in Fitchburg and Worcester
In Fitchburg, a $260,000 state grant will fund a permanent outdoor stage at Riverfront Park, a 1.6-acre brownfields site situated along the North Nashua River downtown. Meanwhile, Worcester secured a $1 million grant dedicated to Phase I renovations at Indian Lake Beach. That project includes accessible restrooms, a lifeguard building, new walkways, lighting, and benches.
“Massachusetts is the best place to live because of the communities we build and the places that bring us together. 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,” said Healey in a news release.
Additional grants are supporting projects in Boston, Chicopee, Easthampton, Halifax, Lee, Lynn, Provincetown, Quincy, Somerville, Southborough, Springfield, and Williamstown.
Municipalities and Tribes Qualify for State Grants
Eligible recipients for the LWCF grants include municipalities holding approved Open Space and Recreation Plans, the Departments of Conservation and Recreation and Fish and Game, and Massachusetts federally recognized tribes. Since the program’s inception, the state has committed more than $150 million to parks and open spaces.
“Access to parks and open spaces is essential to our well-being, giving residents places to play, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. We’re committed to improving these important spaces while protecting Massachusetts’ natural resources and building resilience to climate change,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper in a news release.
