Feds are giving $9.8M to CT cities for parks. Here’s who is getting the money.

More than $9.8 million in “competitive federal funding” to be used for four municipal park development projects is being awarded, according to Gov. Ned Lamont and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

According to Lamont and other officials, the money is going to:

Bridgeport, receiving $1,062,454 for a project dubbed “Sliver by the River that will transform a vacant lot into a three-acre riverside park.”

Bristol, receiving $1,930,000 for “long-overdue improvements to modernize Rockwell Park, often considered the crown jewel” of the city of Bristol parks.

Stamford, receiving $6.8 million for Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, and West Beach.

“Great parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut,” Lamont said in a statement. “I thank our Congressional delegation and federal agency partners for their efforts to secure this important funding for our state. This is a great example of federal, state, and local governments working together to accomplish big things for the residents of our state.”

Lamont and DEEP, which partnered with the cities, noted the money comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation legacy Partnership grants program, “a nationally competitive program that provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities.”

DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said, also in a statement, “This program is particularly important to ensure our communities impacted by both historical underinvestment and disproportional environmental pollution receive funding to improve the quality of life for their residents. These parks will provide safe playgrounds, splash pads, recreational fields, and access to nature for thousands of youths living in these neighborhoods. We are excited to celebrate these park openings and re-openings in the years to come.”

U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Reps. John Larson and Jim Himes also praised the funding.

In Bridgeport, according to Lamont and DEEP, the park will “feature a kayak launch, fishing pier, playscape, shade pavilion, terraced lawn with seating, lighting, and native plantings. This is the pilot project for Bridgeport’s initiative to create an interconnected series of waterfront parks and amenities along the 22 miles of riverfront area within the city.”

Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said, “The Sliver by the River is symbolic of what it means to have true collaborative efforts come together to create spaces in our city that our residents can benefit from. As we work closely with local grassroots organizations such as the Trust for Public Land, our hope is that our state and federal partners will continue to maintain connections with other grassroots organizations while we all work side-by-side to provide Bridgeport residents with the amenities they deserve.”

In Bristol, significant renovations have not been made to the park in almost 20 years, and “currently many of the facilities incur massive maintenance costs to keep safe for the public. Some facilities are even on the verge of being unusable.” The award will allow the city to “renovate popular and heavily utilized amenities within the 105-acre park, including the splash park, playgrounds, outdoor pool, and bathhouse” and more.

Bristol Mayor Jeff Caggiano said, in the statement, “These funds will be used to renovate the splash park, playground, pool bathhouse, disc golf course, basketball courts and accessible upgrades to the trail system and at Fraser Little League Field. Rockwell Park is a gem, and these funds will allow us to revitalize the park to provide for our residents and future generations of park users.”

In Stamford, funding is for two separate projects. “For improvements to Boccuzzi Park, it will receive $1,811,075. Improvements will include the addition of a splash pad, the creation of a new multi-use field and event space, as well as a new dog park and basketball court. The city will also upgrade its existing children’s playground, create additional parking and install new landscaping throughout the park.” For improvements at Cummings Park and West Beach, Stamford will receive $5 million.

State Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said, “Investing in our parks is investing in the health, well-being, and future of our communities.”

“The funding for Boccuzzi Park and Cummings Park in Stamford will transform these spaces into vibrant hubs for recreation and connection, while addressing the lingering effects of Superstorm Sandy. I’m proud to support this critical investment in our city’s infrastructure and quality of life. I want to thank the Land and Water Conservation Fund and DEEP for their commitment to ensuring all families have access to safe, modern outdoor spaces.”