New splash pad opens at Donna Blake Park in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A new splash pad is opening Monday at Donna Blake Park in Springfield’s Old Hill neighborhood as the temperatures continue to rise.

Mayor Sarno joined city officials and Old Hill community members at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Donna Blake Park back in November, and now, it’s ready to be used.

Various city and state officials gathered at the park for its ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand re-opening Tuesday afternoon. Park renovations were funded through a series of grants from both state and local agencies totaling $1.1 million.

The park’s accessible and inclusive splash pad is the only splash pad in the Old Hill neighborhood and is sure to provide residents fun, and welcoming relief from the heat close to home. Besides the splash pad, redevelopments of the park include a renovated playground and picnic pavilion as well as tree plantings and landscaping to improve the city’s climate resiliency.

Mayor Domenic Sarno stated, “I am delighted to announce the re-opening of Donna Blake Park. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of the State Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant, supplemented by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, represents a significant investment in our community’s recreational infrastructure and it ties into our ongoing Legacy Trail project which uplift many important stories and parts of our history. It was an honor to join at Donna Blake Park, named for former Park Commissioner and community leader, the late Donna Blake, to unveil these renovations that will create a wonderful park experience for the residents of the Old Hill neighborhood. Donna’s legacy of community spirit and stewardship will continue to be remembered.”

Thomas Ashe, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management added, “We are thrilled to unveil the renovations and announce that the park is now open for residents to enjoy.  The new water feature will offer a nice way to cool off during this heatwave.  Renovating the park to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy is reflective of who Donna Blake was as a community leader. We hope residents when visiting here, and the other Legacy Trail parks, will not only enjoy the park features but will be inspired by their namesakes’ contribution to the Springfield community.”

Jennifer McQuade, Park Commission Chairperson stated, “The Park Commission is proud to support the work undertaken by the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management to ensure Donna Blake Park is accessible to all residents to access and enjoy the park amenities.  The commission remembers the leadership and legacy of Commission Donna Blake and is happy to support the re-opening of the park.”

A heat advisory is in effect on Tuesday, so it is the perfect day to enjoy the new splash pad at 200 Pendleton Avenue and beat the heat.

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