Milford Park To Get Big Update After Grant Comes Through

MILFORD, MA — One of Milford's main public parks will soon get a major renovation thanks to a federal grant program.

The state last month awarded Milford $1.32 million from the Community Development Block Grant, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program administered by states that funds "community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities."

Milford resident Mitch Ruscitti, now the Hopedale town administrator, wrote the grant along with Parks Director Jim Asam and Town Administrator Richard Villani. Ruscitti asked the select board in January to examine using the CBDG program to upgrade Milford Town Park along Congress Street.

According to Villani, the grant will be used to build new ADA-compliant walkways, update fencing, add lighting and build a new basketball court and outdoor exercise center. Villani said the grant will result in "one of the most significant projects" in downtown Milford in years.

Milford's CBDG grant was part of $65 million in grants given to 72 communities across the state on Aug. 25.

Milford Town Park was also the site of a major environmental project recently. The town and the Charles River Watershed Association collaborated to build rain gardens and a large infiltration system at the park. The project will help keep contaminates out of nearby Milford Pond, which drains into the Charles River.