Senator Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody) announced today a land conservation grant for $15,120 to create a new park in Peabody. The award is administered by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and is part of the Urban Self-Help Grant Program. The funds for the program come from the Legislature's approval of the Open Space Bond Bill.

"I am very exited about a new public park for the citizens of Peabody to enjoy," said Senator Berry. "I am especially pleased that an area, which was historically an industrial site, will be used in an environmentally friendly way."

The grant will be used to help pay for 1.7 acres of land to create a fully assessable public Riverwalk Park on a site along the Goldthwaite Brook. The acquisition of land is the first phase in the goal to create the new park. The park will help mitigate the quality and quantity of water entering the brook and traveling through downtown to the North River. The development of a Riverwalk site will ensue an environmentally responsible development along this stretch of the Goldthwaite Brook, providing re-vegetation, walkways, habitat enhancement and historic information for public appreciation.