Report: State parkland agency neglected
Christian Wade | The Salem News | January 10, 2022
BOSTON — The state agency overseeing security at the Statehouse and a vast swath of recreational facilities and Massachusetts parklands has been starved of resources for years, according to a new report, which calls for a major boost in funding and other reforms.
The report, released by a 15-member state commission, found that funding for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation has dropped by 16% since 2009 and remained largely flat over that time period.
This, coupled with a 25% reduction in staffing since 2009, has prevented the agency from dealing with a backlog of maintenance needs estimated at more than $1 billion in 2016, according to the report, which was compiled by the University of Massachusetts’ Donahue Center.
“Considering the state’s needs for conservation and recreation and its renewed focus on climate change, the adequacy of the DCR budget to address future needs has come into question,” the report states.
“The lack of resources also has negative ramifications in terms of DCR’s timeliness, responsiveness, capacity to execute projects, and ability to leverage resources.”
The agency — which is often called the state’s largest landowner 3 is responsible for overseeing nearly 500,000 acres of forests, beaches, parks, waterfronts, athletic fields, recreational facilities and historic resources. DCR park rangers also provide security at the Statehouse in Boston.
The report noted that pedestrian access, including accommodations for people with disabilities, “has been a problem” along DCR’s urban parkways.
“Ramps and deficient sidewalks have made segments of DCR parkways inaccessible and/or dangerous for people with mobility issues,” the authors wrote.
The agency said it has contracted with private construction companies to install hundreds of wheelchair accessible ramps and other pedestrian amenities to help bring its facilities into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.
The report also called for better communication with the public and an upgraded website that provides more details about the state’s parklands and recreational amenities.
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