Read Time: 4 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

This week, Wildlands Trust received an anonymous grant from a private foundation to fund the initial planning and design stages of a significant revitalization project proposed for Brockton’s 700-acre D.W. Field Park. Working collaboratively with city officials, including the Mayor’s Office, and several community-based and statewide partners, the conservation organization says the proposed project will provide much-needed improvements to the well-utilized open space and recreation area over the next 5 to 7 years.

“I am extremely grateful to this private foundation for its generous investment in D.W. Field Park – a park that is frequented by a wide number of patrons from all over the Commonwealth,” said Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. “I am a strong advocate for collaboration with organizations who can help make the City of Brockton better, and I look forward to witnessing the final product of this important revitalization project.”

“I very much look forward to working with Wildlands Trust on this project,” said Superintendent of Parks Tim Carpenter. “It marks an investment in D.W. Field Park, both by making immediate physical improvements and, perhaps more importantly, it marks an investment in the future of the park through community engagement and creating an understanding and passion for the park for years to come."

The expansive green space of D.W. Field Park is very important in the densely populated City of Brockton. With seven miles of paved road for walking, running, and biking, several ponds, trails, and a 65-foot stone observation tower, it has been a valued resource for residents for nearly 100 years. However, the park has suffered considerable decay over the years, and is in need of costly repairs and maintenance.

“Having grown-up in Brockton, I have a very strong sense of how important the park is to the people of this city,” said Karen Grey, President of Wildlands Trust. “Wildlands is well-positioned to convene the partners, conduct the planning, and leverage the funding to restore the glory of Field Park.”

“Over the years, Wildlands Trust has made significant contributions to the Stone Farm Conservation Area” said City Planner Rob May. “They have been tremendous partners to the City of Brockton, assisting with overall maintenance efforts throughout the park. I am excited for them and look forward to collaborating with them on this crucial revitalization project."

The main goals of the proposed project are to improve ecological functioning within the park, address deteriorating infrastructure, upgrade recreational amenities, and provide education and outreach for youth and adults in the community. According to Wildlands Trust’s project manager Rachel Calderara, “We are embarking on a truly collaborative process that will help us create plans that reflect the community’s values, wants, and needs. This park is a pillar of life in the city, and we want all Brockton residents to feel that it is accessible and valuable.”

Wildlands Trust has been invested in the City of Brockton for over a decade, protecting and restoring 250 acres of open space at the Brockton Audubon Preserve and Stone Farm Conservation Area, coaching more than 125 Brockton High School students in the Massachusetts Envirothon program that introduces high school students to environmental issues and related career opportunities, managing community outreach for the city’s urban tree planting program (Greening the Gateway Cities), providing Brockton youth with paid service-learning positions on supervised natural resource projects, and advising community gardening, church, and neighborhood park groups interested in furthering environmental progress in the city.

Wildlands Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving land and preserving the natural heritage of Southeastern Massachusetts. The organization works to permanently protect and steward essential habitats and landscapes, including woodlands and fields, ponds, coastal areas, farmland, and river systems. Founded in 1973, Wildlands Trust is among Massachusetts' largest and oldest land trusts, whose work has led to the protection of 13,000 acres of land across a 1,500-square-mile coverage area, with over 100 miles of conservation trails for public enjoyment. Wildlands Trust is committed to establishing and improving access to nature for all people, responding to the needs and interests of cities and towns they serve. Wildlands Trust’s programs and services have been supporting equity and inclusion in the City of Brockton since 2012.