BOSTON — The state will provide $400,000 to complete improvements to the Lynn Commons.
The second phase of the project will include the restoration of the curb and walkways on the western side of the park and new benches. The project will also include new trees, trash receptacles, granite mile markers and decorative lighting.
“It is great to see that Lynn is receiving PARC funding,” said Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) in a statement. “These public dollars will be key, not only in improving the Lynn Common but also in improving the quality of life for residents of Lynn.”
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) provided the grant through the Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program.
State Rep. Lori Ehrlich (D-Marblehead) said ensuring access to green space is an important part of community development.
“These funds will go to improve the Lynn Common in appearance and accessibility for all Lynn residents to enjoy,” she said in a statement.
State Rep. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said it is essential to invest in the city’s infrastructure to provide safe public places for all to enjoy.
State Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn) thanked EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton and Lynn’s community development for continuing to rehabilitate and restore Lynn’s historic commons.
“These improvements will help to make the commons more accessible to seniors, families and the disabled,” Cahill said in a statement.
Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy was thrilled with the latest grant to advance the project.
“We just finished up the small common and the work we will accomplish on the larger common will not only complement this work but also the work that is taking place down the street at the new Market Basket site,” Kennedy said in a statement. “The entire length of the common is truly a gateway to our downtown and its rehabilitation will do a lot for not only the aesthetics of the area but also the hundreds of residents that utilize it daily.”
James Marsh, the city’s Community Development director, whose office applied for the funds, said design work will start immediately with a shovel in the ground this summer.
“We will match the $400,000 with $180,000 in community development funding bringing the total funding to more than $500,000 for this historical green space,” he said in a statement.
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PARC was established in 1977 to assist communities in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. To qualify for these grants, municipalities must develop projects that are suitable for outdoor recreation. Grants are available for the acquisition of land and the construction, or renovation of park and outdoor recreation facilities. Access by the public is required.
Earlier this year, EEA provided $730,000 to start the project.
It’s the latest effort by the city to upgrade its parks. Among the open spaces already rehabilitated include Fraser Field, Flax Pond Park, Neptune Blvd. Park and Keaney Park. The improvements complement the $1 million restoration of the Lynn Common Bandstand.