Stamford Receives $6.8 Million For Park Improvements

STAMFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) last week announced that the cities of Bridgeport, Bristol, and Stamford are being awarded more than $9.8 million in competitive federal funding that will benefit four municipal park development projects in each city.

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

According to an announcement from Lamont's office, $1.8 million will be put toward Boccuzzi Park, which 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.

The city will resurface and expand parking lots, renovate restrooms and park maintenance facilities, install tennis/pickleball courts, a softball field and convert an unused parking lot into a playscape area.

Many of the repairs are needed due to damage created by Superstorm Sandy, Lamont's office said. The city will also add a scour wall to protect facilities from future storms, replace the eroded beach promenade, and renovate outdoor showers as well as a lifeguard storage area. The improvements will also include landscaping with native plants throughout both facilities.

"Great parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut," Lamont said in a news release. "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."

State Rep. Corey Paris (D-145) said "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," Paris said in a news release. "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."

State Sen. Patricia Billie Miller (D-27) said the city's parks "dramatically improve our quality of life and they are a big reason why our city is among the fastest-growing communities in our state."

"It is critical that we invest in preserving and enhancing these spaces for future generations," she added in a news release. "I’m thrilled to see this $6.8 million investment, which will support significant improvements like new playgrounds, sports courts, and much-needed repairs. This funding will ensure that our parks remain valuable resources for Stamford families to enjoy for years to come."

The funds are provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund – Outdoor Recreation legacy Partnership grants program (LWCF-ORLP), a nationally competitive program that provides matching grants to cities for park projects in underserved communities.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection partnered with each of the municipalities to secure the awards.

"Investing in urban parks is a no brainer," U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (CT-4) said in a news release. "They provide places for families to gather and children to play, as well as help improve air quality and lower temperatures in our cities. This nearly $8 million investment will tangibly impact people’s lives in Stamford and Bridgeport by transforming these public lands into beautiful, accessible areas of recreation where communities can come together and rejoice in all the outdoors has to offer."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said he "will continue fighting for federal investments to reinvigorate and develop Connecticut’s outdoor spaces."