Senator Brian A. Joyce is pleased to announce that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has formally approved $1,000,000 to improve the ball fields at Houghton’s Pond in Milton. Authorization for the ball field restoration project, long championed by Joyce, was previously secured by the senator in a bond bill.
 
The fields are used by many Milton youth leagues including softball, Little League baseball, soccer, and lacrosse programs. With additional improvements and a better layout, Joyce envisions a regional facility that could host tournaments and generate economic activity for area businesses.
 
“This new ball field will be a welcome addition to the playing fields in DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “Drainage will be improved at the fields, as will traffic patterns and seating for both spectators and ballplayers. We thank Senator Joyce very much for his help and support with this project.”
 
“I am pleased that these necessary improvements will be made,” said Senator Joyce. “As a parent of five children who have all used the recreational facilities at Houghton’s, I believe these renovations will have positive social and economic effects for years to come.”
 
Joyce also praised Governor Patrick for his support of this project funding.
 
The Request for Proposal (RFP) for Houghton's Pond – Phase I includes the demolition of old tennis courts to make room for expanded field sports; a renovated ball field with accessories (bleachers, bullpens, backstops, irrigation, drinking fountain), utilities, parking and entry road improvements, drainage improvements, and plantings. The new ball field will be designed to AAU standards, but will also have built-in flexibility to allow for use by different ball leagues. Bids are due by February 17, 2010. All interested parties should contact Johnnie-Mae Cabral, 252 Causeway Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 or by phone at (617) 626-1428.
 
The overall Houghton’s Pond recreation area is nearly 25 acres in size; its amenities also include a supervised swimming beach, stocked fishing, picnic sites, four tennis courts, and three playgrounds. It is part of the 7,000 acre Blue Hill Reservation.