PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city was awarded a $500,000 Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant to make improvements to Pontoosuc Lake Park.

 

The project will construct a shoreline promenade walkway with seating, picnic tables, an ADA pathway, and a kayak/ canoe launch will be built. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration  announced $13 million for park improvements and open space acquisitions across Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' (EEA) is awarding Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), and Conservation Partnership grants that will support 40 communities. The three programs will help municipalities and land trusts protect land for future generations by conserving 222 acres of land and improving 18 parks in environmental justice communities.  

 

"Actively investing in open space projects will make our parks more resilient and adaptable to climate change while providing quality and accessible open spaces in environmental justice communities," said Governor Maura Healey. "We are dedicated to supporting green infrastructure investments in partnership with municipalities and land trusts. These funds will provide beautiful open spaces for residents to enjoy and recreate across Massachusetts."?  

 

The PARC Grant Program was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation.  Meanwhile, the LAND Grant Program was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for natural resource protection and passive outdoor recreation. Lastly, the Conservation Partnership Grants provide funding to assist non-public, not-for-profit organizations in acquiring interests in lands suitable for conservation or recreation.