EASTHAMPTON — The city will receive a $264,500 state grant for renovations to the Nonotuck Spray Park, part of a $6.4 million state initiative to renovate public parks and expand access across Massachusetts.
The project’s main objective through the renovations to the spray park is to recapture the water used, saving the city significant amounts of money. The eco-friendly project will install new piping and a drainage system that will sanitize and recycle the water back into the pipes.
“It’s similar to how a pool works … to sanitize the water,” said Parks & Recreation Director John Mason. “It treats the water and that way we will be saving tens of thousands of dollars a year.”
The project also will remove the existing blacktop asphalt, replacing it with concrete and pervious deck surface areas, add a new shade structure with umbrellas and spray park water features that enhance American Disability Act (ADA) accessible opportunities.
The $6.4 million in grants come from the state Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). The grants will leverage an additional $10.5 million in matching funds provided by eight communities for a total investment of about $17 million in recreation projects across Massachusetts. Since the program’s inception, Massachusetts has invested more than $144 million in its parks and open spaces through LWCF grants.
“Public parks and open spaces are essential infrastructure — places where communities connect and people enjoy nature. From shade trees to accessible playgrounds, these spaces promote physical health, mental well-being and social interaction,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper in a statement. “Supporting municipalities in their efforts to build inclusive, resilient parks is invaluable to our public health and sense of community.”
At it’s Sept. 3 meeting, the Easthampton City Council unanimously approved $264,500 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) matching funds for the project. Along with the grant, the project will cost a total of $529,000 for the spray park renovations.
Additionally at the meeting, Precinct 5 City Councilor Tamara Smith proposed the idea to include an informational sign that details how the water filtration system works, as an educational opportunity for kids to learn about it. Mason said it was a great idea that will cost very little money compared to the overall scope of the project.
Mason said construction is slated for fall 2026. It is too late to start this season and he said he does not want to start construction and close the park before next summer.
This project has been on the parks department’s radar for more than two years. After a regular facility check-in, Mason found the spray park pipes were getting old and applied for the grant.
“It’s getting up there in age and a much needed overhaul,” he said, “When we assess all our properties we saw it was time for this one so we researched grant opportunities.”
Of the eight communities, Westfield is the only other community in western Massachusetts receiving funding through this round LWCF grants. The city will receive $800,000 to renovate it’s skate park to accommodate skaters with neurodivergent qualities and create wheelchair accessibility. It will be renovated with materials resistant to climate change, with an improved drainage installation system.
“I am beyond thrilled that Easthampton and Westfield have been awarded Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants to bring their visions to life through transformative, inclusive projects,” state Sen. John Velis said in a statement. “From revitalizing Nonotuck Spray Park to expanding Westfield’s Skate Park, I can’t wait to see people of all abilities enjoying these renewed and accessible recreational spaces.”
