HARTFORD – The cities of Bridgeport and Stamford are the recipients of $7.8 million in federal funding to develop parks in those cities, according to Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
DEEP announced Friday, Dec. 6 it 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.
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.
DEEP partnered with each of the municipalities to secure the awards. Partnerships between DEEP and municipalities to secure these awards have had a 100% success rate in 2023 and 2024, with two large-scale development projects being awarded funding in Bridgeport and Stamford in 2023 and two more approved in Bristol and Stamford in 2024.
“Great parks and safe outdoor places for our communities enhances the great quality of life we have here in Connecticut,” Gov. Lamont said. “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.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy described how the federal funds will be distributed.
“This $9 million in federal funding will help create a new park in Bridgeport and support upgrades to Rockwell, Boccuzzi, and Cummings Parks in Bristol and Stamford, giving Connecticut families more opportunities to enjoy fun outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and kayaking for years to come.”
DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes accentuated the importance of investment in parks in such Connecticut cities.
“This program is particularly important to ensure our communities impacted by both historical underinvestment and disproportional environmental pollution receive funding to improve the quality of life for their residents,” she said. “These parks will provide safe playgrounds, splash pads, recreational fields, and access to nature for thousands of youths living in these neighborhoods. We are excited to celebrate these park openings and re-openings in the years to come.”
Bridgeport’s Sliver by the River
Bridgeport is receiving $1.06 million for its project called Sliver by the River that will transform a vacant lot into a 3-acre riverside park. The park will feature a kayak launch, fishing pier, playscape, shade pavilion, terraced lawn with seating, lighting, and native plantings. This is the pilot project for Bridgeport’s initiative to create an interconnected series of waterfront parks and amenities along the 22 miles of riverfront area within the city. The city’s application was developed through a partnership with the City of Bridgeport and the Trust for Public Land, with initial input and technical support from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance group (RTCA).
“I would like to thank The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program for choosing Bridgeport as a beneficiary to a grant that will help us maximize our efforts to utilize our waterfront,” Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim said. “The Sliver by the River is symbolic of what it means to have true collaborative efforts come together to create spaces in our city that our residents can benefit from.”
Stamford’s Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, West Beach
Stamford will receive funding for two separate projects. For improvements to Boccuzzi Park, it will receive $1.8 million. Improvements 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 these repairs are needed from damage created by Superstorm Sandy. 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.
“Investing in our parks is investing in the health, well-being, and future of our communities,” state Rep. Corey Paris said. “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.”
Improvements to these parks will enhance the spaces for generations to come, according to State Sen. Patricia Billie Miller.
“Stamford’s parks, including Boccuzzi Park, Cummings Park, and West Beach, dramatically improve our quality of life and they are a big reason why our city is among the fastest-growing communities in our state,” Miller said. “I’m thrilled to see this $6.8 million investment, which will support significant improvements like new playgrounds, sports courts, and much-needed repairs.”
