Tyngsborough Launches Commonwealth Places Campaign for Community Waterfront Path

$12,500 goal to win matching grant through MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places Initiative

April 25, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com

Jonathan Berk, Patronicity, 617-750-6008
jonathan@Patronicity.com

Justin Sultzbach, Town of Tyngsborough, 978-649-2300 x100
jsultzbach@tyngsboroughma.gov

MassDevelopment and the civic crowdfunding platform Patronicity have launched a new Commonwealth Places campaign with the Town of Tyngsborough for a walking trail and community gathering space. This pedestrian-friendly linear park will be on the waterfront area behind the First Parish Meeting House, near the heart of Tyngsborough. The waterfront behind the meetinghouse is overgrown and underused, and this campaign aims to reclaim the area and make it an asset for the community. Creating a natural pathway to stroll along the waterfront and installing picnic tables, benches, and light posts will allow Tyngsborough residents and visitors to enjoy the beautiful views along the banks of Lower Flint Pond.

“The Town of Tyngsborough’s vision for this waterfront park will help unlock the area’s potential and create myriad opportunities for community gathering,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. “We look forward to supporting the Town’s efforts in making this dream a reality.”

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $12,500 by June 1 at midnight, the project will win a matching grant with funds from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program. Learn more and donate at patronicity.com/FirstParishFootpath.

"The people of Tyngsborough have always been committed to the idea of a vibrant Town Center,” said Justin Sultzbach, Assistant Town Administrator. “Through this partnership with MassDevelopment and the help of generous donors and volunteers, the Footpath at First Parish Meeting House is helping us renew that commitment.”

Commonwealth Places is a collaborative initiative from MassDevelopment and Patronicity that leverages public support for placemaking projects through crowdfunding and a matching grant from MassDevelopment. The program engages residents in the development of strategic projects in their towns and cities. In June 2017, MassDevelopment announced $1 million in funding for the second year of the program, which has supported successful campaigns across the Commonwealth, from Northampton to Hyannis. Communities, nonprofits, and other entities can learn more about these successful projects, donate to ongoing campaigns, and apply at massdevelopment.com/commonwealthplaces.

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2017, MassDevelopment financed or managed 377 projects generating investment of more than $4.3 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 9,488 jobs and build or rehabilitate 1,863 residential units.