releases: https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/07/neal-announces-1000000-earmark-for-forest-park-horticultural-and-learning-center/
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://neal.house.gov/2026/08/07/neal-announces-1000000-earmark-for-forest-park-horticultural-and-learning-center/ | Neal Announces $1,000,000 Earmark for Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center | 2026-08-07 | 2026 | 2026-08 | Democrat | House | MA | Richard E. Neal | N000015 | neal.house.gov | neal | https://neal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Springfield, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Springfield Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Director Tom Ashe, members of the Springfield Garden Club, and local officials to announce a $1,000,000 earmark for the Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center. This allocation was made possible through Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Congressman Neal included funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill. “Forest Park is the gem of the Springfield parks system, which is why I am pleased to join Mayor Sarno and his team to announce yet another investment in this treasured landmark. I have long stressed the importance of green spaces in urban living. With today’s announcement, we are not only investing in our green spaces, but also educational opportunities for our children and a valuable driver of economic activity,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “Between the American Rescue Plan, congressional earmarking, and federal initiatives like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, I am proud of the work we’ve been able to do to maintain the stellar reputation of the Springfield parks system. From Adams Park to Calhoun Park, Blunt Park to Magazine Park, we have made meaningful investments that benefit neighborhoods throughout the city. We all have fond memories of growing up in our local park, and these investments will make sure the next generation has the opportunity to make those same memories.” Thanks to generous benefactors like Everett H. Barney and Orrick H. Greenleaf, Springfield’s Forest Park has provided over 140 years of enjoyment to the citizens of western Massachusetts and the Connecticut Valley. The 735-acre park, whose design was influenced by the prestigious architect Frederick Law Olmsted, offers a variety of recreation options and picturesque landscapes, earning the park national acclaim and generations of admiration from residents and visitors alike. Mayor Sarno states, “From the initial phase with the Horticulture Center Master Plan, to this $1 million federal earmark secured for our own City of Springfield Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center, Congressman Neal has been behind us every step of the way. I often say, ‘once a mayor, always the heart of mayor,’ especially when referring to our dedicated Congressman Richard Neal who previously served as our Springfield’s Mayor and currently is a ranking member in the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in Congress. He continues to make these projects that are important to our city’s success a priority and comes through with support from Washington.” Funding secured by Congressman Neal will help create the Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center. Partnerships and collaboration with educational institutions, community organizations, and private sector partners will allow the city to maximize the center’s impact, helping to create lasting, positive changes in the local community. The center will serve as a vibrant hub for learning, community engagement, and economic advancement. “Forest Park is a vibrant oasis in the city, and we have some serious horticulture and gardening talent here in the city that has the potential to be honed and shared,” continued Mayor Sarno. “My former, now retired, Parks Director Patrick Sullivan – who worked hard to develop the Master Plan – and I, along with our Springfield Garden Club envisioned Forest Park as a place to host major flower shows much like is done at Smith College. Flower shows and festivals are major economic drivers for hospitality, tourism, and trade. Not only that, each time I visit one of our parks, I am constantly reminded of the importance that our diverse array of green spaces has in providing a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily city life. Our Forest Park is so beautiful and the City of Springfield Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center will be a welcome addition to Forest Park and will serve the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities who visit this park for generations.” Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Director Tom Ashe states, “Forest Park is a unique and historic place, a fact made very apparent over the heavily COVID-influenced years as Forest Park remained open and saw an increase in patrons. I try to remember that Forest Park was gift to the city and the best way to show our gratitude is to continue to take good care of it and make sure everyone can enjoy it. Congressman Neal and Mayor Sarno, along with the Springfield Garden Club have been tremendous supporters of our Department’s work to maintain and expand opportunities to enjoy Forest Park. This $1 million investment in the Horticulture and Learning Center will help us bring more beauty and enjoyment to our city. The Springfield Garden Club’s plant sales and flower shows are very impressive, along with the work they do for the Festival of Flowers at the Springfield Museums. I am also consistently amazed by the terrific work our city gardeners, foresters, and horticulture experts do throughout our parks system. Our Parks especially, Forest Park, are like living art museums with some of the beautiful flowers and plants on display. We are truly grateful for the support and excited Forest Park will be home to Springfield’s Horticulture and Learning Center.” Under guidelines issued by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, members of Congress requested CDS funding for projects in their state for Fiscal Year 2026. CDS requests were restricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities were permitted to receive CDS funding. This project is one of fifteen CDS projects submitted by Congressman Neal, investing in a variety of initiatives throughout the First Congressional District of Massachusetts. ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |