Governor Healey has announced nearly $10 million in grants to improve parks, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and protect natural resources across Massachusetts. The funding will support 14 projects, including Barry Park in Charlestown, which will receive a $1 million grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The grants are administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) on behalf of the National Park Service. Since the start of the program, more than $150 million has been committed to Massachusetts parks and open spaces.
“Massachusetts is the best place to live because of the communities we build and the places that bring us together,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our parks, playgrounds, and open spaces are where we make memories and connect. These investments will help more communities create and protect those spaces, so everyone has a place to enjoy the outdoors.”
Rep. Dan Ryan, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, and Charlestown Neighborhood Council Chair Tom Cunha expressed their gratitude for the grant and continuing support of Charlestown recreational spaces.
“I thank Governor Healey and congratulate Mayor Wu and Parks Commissioner Fernandez Bibeau on securing the LWCF grant for Barry Playground, affectionately known as “The Oily,” said Ryan. “These funds will go a long way in continuing the extensive work being done at Barry and the Little Mystic Channel. This work will make the former industrial waterfront even more accessible with added connections and green-space for our families to enjoy.”
Sen. Sal DiDomenico said, “I am thrilled to see these critical investments transform this playground into an expansive and inclusive community asset for everyone to enjoy,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico. “My constituents in Charlestown have been tirelessly advocating for these improvements, and it is meaningful when government listens and provides the resources they need. I look forward to seeing all the children, athletes, and older adults take advantage of this redesigned park for years to come.”
Cunha said the grant “gives our neighborhood an opportunity to ensure peak park excellence.”
“I am excited that there will be funding for a park that will provide joy to Charlestown families for years to come,” added Cunha. “These enhancements are a perfect complement to the renovations being done at nearby Ryan Playground.”
Boston Parks Commissioner Diane Fernandez Bibeau said she was grateful for the state’s investment in the Charlestown park that is located on Medford Street.
“We are grateful for the state’s investment in Barry Playground and for our Charlestown neighbors who have advocated for these improvements,” said Fernandez Bibeau. “This redesign will create a more welcoming space for children and families to play, connect, and cool off in the summer, while improving accessibility and adding a fully accessible 1,500-foot walking loop around the field, elevating the existing Harborwalk.”
Barry Park Project Description
This park will be redesigned and constructed to retain and upgrade the softball field while adding shade trees, cooling features, and seating areas for viewing and community play. The project will increase accessible walking surfaces including a fully accessible 1,500-foot walking loop around the field, elevating the existing Harborwalk. It will also add spray play and misting structures; provide multi-generational fitness; add gathering spaces like terraced seating and a small plaza with game tables; increase shade and canopy; and create a small food forest.