State Rep. Robert Fennell, a Lynn democrat, said he hopes the funds will bring dramatic changes to the park, and complete the revitalization of the area with earlier improvements to Lynn English High School and the East Lynn Little League Volunteer Park.
"It is very good news for the Lynn community that funding for this project has come through and that hopefully soon we will see some dramatic improvements to the park," he said. "I know that the mayor (Edward J. Clancy Jr.) and city officials have been working extremely hard to secure this funding and I am pleased that with the state delegation, we were able to assist in their efforts."
State Sen. Thomas McGee, D- Lynn, also said he is pleased the state awarded grant funds for the park and praised Clancy and John Kasian of the Economic and Community Development office for their hard work.
"This facility is Lynn's busiest mixed-use park and serves multiple athletic and recreational activities for all ages," he said.
Funding for the grant program was included in the Environmental Bond Bill passed by the state legislature this past year.
Cities and towns with a population of 35,000 or more year-round residents that have an authorized park and recreation commission are eligible to participate in the program.
A total of 29 out of 37 requests were funded statewide. Total allocations through this year's program for projects over fiscal years 2009 and 2010 will be roughly $7 million.
Along with funding from the state budget, the Lynn delegation and city officials in 2006 also secured a $500,000 grant through the PARC program for the demolition of Manning Bowl and the construction of Manning Field.
The Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) program, formerly the Urban Self-Help program, assists cities and towns in purchasing and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes.
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