Agenda Text
title
Requesting approval to dedicate the entirety of Prospect Hill Park to open space and recreational use in perpetuity.
body
Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
I respectfully request that you approve the dedication of the land known as Prospect Hill Park, located at the corner of Munroe Street and Prospect Hill Parkway, sometimes referred to as 0 Munroe Street, to open space and recreational use in perpetuity.
Prospect Hill Park was previously dedicated to open space under Section 6(f)(3) of the National Park Service, Land and Water Conservation (LWCF) Act, as a requirement of part of an earlier LWCF grant award. However, in anticipation of a possible State Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant award this fall, or in the early spring of 2018, the park must meet the state grant requirements to be dedicated to open space and recreational use in perpetuity in accordance with Article 97 of the amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, and according to M.G.L. c. 45, §14. Furthermore the City must authorize the dedication by December 31, 2017, regardless of when the grant announcement takes place. Without an affirmative municipal vote, the state grant contract cannot be awarded.
Therefore, I am requesting re-dedication of the entirety of Prospect Hill Park, which is 2.25 acres in size including the adjacent playground, to open space and recreational use in perpetuity in accordance with Article 97. Two other Board Actions related to this (appropriation of Prospect Hill Park construction costs and PARC grant acceptance) are also being submitted for your consideration at this time.
The plans for the Prospect Hill Park renovation are being developed with input from the community and Historic Preservation Commission, and upon acceptance of this PARC grant, the City may begin construction in spring of 2018. Improving our recreational facilities and ensuring residents with limited physical abilities have access to parks and playgrounds are city priorities, and the renovation of this park will significantly increase the quality of life for our residents. Dedication of this land to open space and recreation will ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy this park.
Thank you for your consideration. OSPCD staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Respectfully,
Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor