The City of Fall River was one of five Southeastern Massachusetts communities awarded grants for investments in parks, open space and recreation improvements by the Patrick Administration. The PARC Program was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. Communities with up-to-date Open space and Recreation Plans were eligible to apply. Fall River received $264,691 to include the installation of new basketball courts at Abbott Court, Kennedy, Maplewood, North and Ruggles Parks throughout the City. "We've been working with our state delegation, working with our Governor to make sure that we're doing al that we can to improve our parks and playgrounds," said Mayor William Flanagan at the press event on December 2, 2014 to announce the award of the funds. Click here for a six-minute video of the announcement at North Park. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here for photos of another park improvement grant announcement. For more information about the grant, contact City Grant Writer Jane DiBiasio at 508-324-2662. (Row two photos courtesy of Jane DiBiasio)

(Top row) Mayor William Flanagan greets State Representative Carole Fiola's Aide Peter Daley and Representative Alan Silvia's Aide Clara Fallon while Community Development Agency Executive Director Mike Dion talks with Representative Silvia before the event. (Row two) City Grant Writer Jane DiBiasio, center, poses for a photo taken at the award ceremony in Brewster, MA, with Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Mavae Vallely Bartlett, 2nd from left, before Brewster Town Administrator Charlie Sumner makes some remarks. (Row three) Fall River Department of Community Maintenance Director Kenneth Pacheco talks with Grant Writer Jane Dibiasio before the Mayor offers his remarks and Maplewood Neighborhood Association President M. Earle Gaudette and Representative Silvia respond. (Bottom Row) The Mayor congratulates everyone for their contributions before Neighborhood Development and Outreach Director Perry Long holds a replica of the grant award check while Fall River Government Television Videographer Phil Sabatino gets some footage.