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Press Release Date:  

09/27/07

Greenleaf Community Center Reopened

DATE:             Friday, September 28, 2007

TIME:              11:00 a.m.

PLACE:           Greenleaf Community Center, 1188 Parker Street

CONTACT:      Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director  787-6440

 

On Friday, September 28, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., Mayor Charles V. Ryan and the Board of Park Commissioners will announce the reopening of Greenleaf Community Center, located at 1188 Parker Street.

The community center located in the Sixteen Acres Neighborhood, had been closed since 2004. Due to the efforts of the Sixteen Acres Civic Association, PeoplesBank, the State Delegation, Mayor Charles Ryan and Sheriff Michael Ashe, funding was secured to renovate the facility.

Mayor Ryan stated, “The Department of Conservation and Recreation Services, PeoplesBank and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department deserve the credit in ensuring this project to completion.  The Sheriff’s Department has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars and this center is being returned back to the public."

The Greenleaf project was organized by the Springfield Parks Division and the Sixteen Acres Civic Association.  The park and building has served community organizations since 1967.  Clodo Concepcion stated, “This has been a rewarding experience.  The civic association appreciates the collaborative efforts of the Parks Division, State Delegation and the PeoplesBank and the private sector in making all of this possible for our neighborhood.


The $850,000 project encompasses both exterior and interior renovations including a new gym facility, new restrooms, offices for the Department of Elder Affairs and Park Division and a new kitchen facility which will assist in providing meals to the elderly.  Also included were site improvements, improved building access and landscaping.  The project was funded by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Mass. Department of Housing and Community Development, PeoplesBank and the City of Springfield.

Susan B. Wilson, Vice President of Marketing for PeoplesBank stated, “Since our opening about a year ago, we really feel that we have become a part of this neighborhood.  In particular, we are proud to have had the opportunity to support the renovation of this Community Center.  I would like to congratulate the City of Springfield on a job well done – the Greenleaf Community Center is truly an impressive facility. It is clear what an important role it plays in the community and how it will enhance the quality of life for all in this area.”

Patrick Sullivan stated, “The talent of John Bilodeau, Building Supervisor; Mike Norgren and Ray Rivera of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department and Rita Coppola-Wallace have risen this building to a beautiful facility that will serve both the youth and elderly in the City of Springfield.”

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