WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-Conn.-04), and Mayor of Stamford Caroline Simmons on Tuesday announced the U.S. Department of the Interior awarded the City of Stamford a $1,811,075 federal grant to complete Phase II of the Boccuzzi Park Improvement Project in Stamford’s Waterside neighborhood. The grant will fund improvements to the park’s layout, replacements for out-of-date recreational features, and the addition of new amenities, including a splash pad, multi-use lawn area, playground and tot lot, and additional landscaping.

“The City of Stamford has spent years planning Boccuzzi Park’s transformation into a new and improved space for families to enjoy the waterfront. Thanks to local, state, and federal funding, that plan is kicking into action. This $1.8 million federal grant is a major investment in the Waterside community and will go a long way toward making sure the park is a fun, safe place for kids to get outside and play,” said Murphy.

“This significant federal grant will help enhance and expand Stamford’s Boccuzzi Park to become an even better place for Connecticut families to play, gather and spend time outdoors. This is a vital investment for Stamford and its value cannot be overstated. My colleagues and I will continue to fight for federal support to revitalize and reinvigorate our state’s outdoor recreation spaces,” said Blumenthal.

“Stamford is one of the main drivers of growth in Southwest Connecticut,” said Himes.  “And, as we look to attract more families and businesses to come to Stamford and take advantage of all we have to offer, park space is going to be a vital component. Our neighbors want greener, more livable cities and I’m glad that the Senators, Mayor Simmons, and I are all committed to advocating for these investments.  

“It is very exciting that the City of Stamford has been awarded over $1 million in federal funding through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant program,” said Simmons. “This funding will go toward completing the Phase II improvements at Boccuzzi Park, which will enhance the recreational amenities available to Stamford residents at that park. I want to thank our federal delegation – Senator Murphy, Senator Blumenthal, and Congressman Himes – for their continued support and advocacy for funds and resources to advance equity and improve our parks, trails, and recreation opportunities.”

The grant is funded through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, which enables urban?communities to?create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors?in economically underserved communities.

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