Senator Eldridge Secures $110,000 in FY22 Budget for Friends of Gardner Field in Acton

Funds will go towards renovating the park and building an accessible playground

Acton - State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton) has secured funding in the FY22 Senate Budget for Friends of Gardner Field in West Acton Village. The Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed a $47.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) after adding $63.7 million in targeted investments over the course of three days of robust deliberations. As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we have spaces in our communities for friends and neighbors to have fun and socialize safely. 

“Two years ago, the Friends of Gardner Field reached out to myself and Rep. Danillo Sena, to describe their vision of making Gardner Field in West Acton village a more accessible, welcoming, and interactive park, for Acton families. I am grateful for their vision, and was proud to partner with Representatives Sena and Gouveia to advocate for state funding for this key park renovation project in Acton, and secure a $110,000 earmark towards that goal,” said Senator Eldridge. “I am hopeful that the town of Acton can fully support Gardner Field, and I strongly encourage town elected officials to consider greater investments in recreational improvements throughout the town, in future municipal budgets. I am deeply grateful to Senate President Karen Spilka,  Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues, and all my colleagues for their support in the FY22 Senate budget.”

The Gardner Field is a green space on Massachusetts Avenue in Acton. A group of citizens who call themselves Friends of Gardner Field have been working to turn the field into a public playground and community hub. Senator Eldridge’s earmark will fund the group’s efforts to renovate Gardner Field by building an accessible public playground and a public event venue for the town, as well as for planting additional shade trees and installing seating. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the advocacy of both Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Sena throughout this process,” said Paul Swydan, President of Friends of Gardner Field. “Throughout my time in Acton, I've witnessed Sen. Eldridge tirelessly go above and beyond to help foster a great community here, and this is another shining example. We at Friends of Gardner Field are thrilled to know that he supports our efforts, and will be putting this money to good use for our community. We hope that Gardner Field will become a space widely used by the community and the venue for performances, events, farmers markets, and other activities."

Differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives last month are expected to be reconciled through a Conference Committee.

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