Funding announced for Gurdon Bill Park in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of Springfield is now one step closer to having it’s first bike and skate park.

The Springfield Parks Department has grown to include over 3,000 acres of open space
and over 50 neighborhood parks throughout the city. Local leaders are investing in our community by creating an accessible park for the whole family.

“It’s really important part of urban living. You need open space, you need public parks and the parks need to be welcoming,” said Congressman Richard Neal.

Yolanda Cancel and the Walk Bike Committee in Springfield have worked tirelessly for years to create a bike and skate park in Springfield. On Friday their vision came to fruition, the Gurdon Bill Park in Springfield just acquired $2 million in city and federal funding.

“Look what we did, we won and we did it. Even though we grow up in an urban sentiment every child deserves to have fun no matter they go,” said Cancel.

Luis Sacco has dreamed of this moment since he was a kid. He was always looking for a safe place to ride his bike, “When you’ve been fighting to get resources in your neighborhood for so long, it feels good to finally be heard and finally see that something is going to happen.”

Now Luis will have the chance to bring his own children to this park. The new bike and skate park will serve as a green oasis. For families all around, it’ll have a playground and splash pads but most importantly, the park includes an inclusive and accessible park for wheeled recreation.

Yolanda and Luis said that this park will help serve a great purpose in the community and reduce crime. The park will serve as a safe space and a place for all kids to just be kids.