Stamford Awarded $1.8 Million For Boccuzzi Park Improvement Project

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor Caroline Simmons, U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Jim Himes announced on Tuesday the U.S. Department of the Interior awarded Stamford a $1.8 million federal grant to complete Phase II of the Boccuzzi Park Improvement Project in Stamford’s Waterside neighborhood.

The grant will fund improvements to the park’s layout, replacements for out-of-date recreational features, and the addition of new amenities, including a splash pad, multi-use lawn area, playground and tot lot, and additional landscaping.

"The city of Stamford has spent years planning Boccuzzi Park's transformation into a new and improved space for families to enjoy the waterfront. Thanks to local, state and federal funding, that plan is kicking into action," Murphy said in a news release. "This $1.8 million federal grant is a major investment in the Waterside community and will go a long way toward making sure the park is a fun, safe place for kids to get outside and play."

Blumenthal said the federal grant will help enhance an expand Boccuzzi Park "to become an even better place for Connecticut families to play, gather and spend time outdoors."

"This is a vital investment for Stamford and its value cannot be overstated," he added. "My colleagues and I will continue to fight for federal support to revitalize and reinvigorate our state’s outdoor recreation spaces."

Himes said in a news release that Stamford is a main driver of growth in Southwest Connecticut.

"And, as we look to attract more families and businesses to come to Stamford and take advantage of all we have to offer, park space is going to be a vital component. Our neighbors want greener, more livable cities and I’m glad that the Senators, Mayor Simmons, and I are all committed to advocating for these investments," he said.

The funding was given to Stamford through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program. The program enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors in economically underserved communities.

Simmons said it's "very exciting" to receive the money.

"This funding will go toward completing the Phase II improvements at Boccuzzi Park, which will enhance the recreational amenities available to Stamford residents at that park. I want to thank our federal delegation – Senator Murphy, Senator Blumenthal, and Congressman Himes – for their continued support and advocacy for funds and resources to advance equity and improve our parks, trails, and recreation opportunities," she said in a news release.

Stamford is one of 26 cities across the United States to receive this funding.