BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and Senate Majority Leader Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester) announced that $400,000 has been awarded through the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant program to support the second phase of the Coes Knife renovation project.

The funds will be applied toward the construction of a state-of-the-art playground, new support facilities, handicapped accessible walkways and a scenic overlook area. In addition, the grant will support the installation of new benches, a kiosk, new signage, utility upgrades, landscaping and a location for historical artifacts.

“This grant is an important step forward toward bringing this project to fruition,” said Sen. Moore. “I commend the hard work and effort of the Friends of Coes Pond, local officials and other advocates who have helped bring this project to the forefront. I am confident that this grant opportunity will have a tremendous impact on rehabilitating the Coes Pond area.”

Earlier this year, Moore and Chandler were successful at securing $50,000 in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget to support revitalization efforts at Coes Pond, and to rename the beach in memory of former Representative John J. Binienda, who passed away in 2014 after a long and distinguished career in the Legislature

The PARC grant program was established in 1977 to assist communities with acquiring and developing land for park and outdoor recreation purposes. The Coes Knife renovation project is one of 23 other projects that have received grant funding during the most recent PARC application round.