Renew

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation needs almost $1 billion to eliminate its backlog of deferred maintenance.

OUR GOAL

Lack of unified vision

The Massachusetts State Park System is mired in the early 20th century. Few movements have focused on the importance of open space and parks over the past century. That’s not to say there aren’t pockets of on-the-ground interest and efforts. Still, the lack of a unified vision is obscured by project-by-project initiatives that overwhelm a unified vision of what we want from our statewide open spaces and park system.

$1.0 billion deferred maintenance backlog

With a reported $1.0 billion deferred maintenance backlog, our state parks are ill-equipped to serve the Commonwealth’s citizens with free, safe, and universally accessible open space and recreational opportunities. DCR and the new administration must identify the backlog components and establish a schedule for returning the state parks to a sustainable state of functionality.

Mass Parks For All Objectives:

Continue organized efforts informing the administration and the legislature by highlighting the importance of sustainably funding DCR operations and capital spending, increasing staff, reforming the Commissioner’s Office to become more transparent, increasing hiring of underrepresented demographics, and adhering to the DCR Special Commission recommendations.

Increase the number of active DCR Friends Groups and assist in building their capacity.

  • Assist fledgling community park groups in building membership and connect with other community groups.

Use the Betsy Shure Gross Public/Private Partnership Fund and the Ann Roosevelt Universal Access Fund to assist existing Friends Groups with their match to DCR’s Matching Fund Program.

Build coalitions with aligned organizations, particularly community bike, pedestrian, and parkway groups.

  • Expand and gain funding for bike and pedestrian trails and the Parkway Master Plan to connect the Commonwealth’s state parks.