LYNN — A provision included in the state legislature’s fiscal year 2023 budget would allow for events and programming to be affordable for all at Frederick Douglass Park.
The provision was included in the $52.7 billion budget the legislature passed last week, which awaits Gov. Charlie Baker’s signature before becoming law, and is supported by Sen. Brendan Crighton and Reps. Dan Cahill and Peter Capano.
Crighton was made aware of the high cost for the use of the park when Nicole McClain, founder and president of the North Shore Juneteenth Association, told him that she and her organization would have to pay more than $1,500 in Department of Conservation and Recreation staffing fees to host a one-day Juneteenth celebration.
“The fees that DCR is charging for the use of smaller state parks is a barrier to community members and small nonprofit organizations, who want to activate the space and bring the community together,” said McClain. “Isn’t that what these spaces are for?”
In response to McClain’s concerns, Crighton created an amendment in the FY23 budget that prohibits DCR, who manages the state park, from charging staffing fees for events in state parks smaller than 10,000 square feet when booked by members of the public, nonprofits, and local governments. Frederick Douglass Park is an 8,142 square foot state park.
“Working with the Lynn delegation, local officials and DCR, we found a solution to ensure all can enjoy this public park without paying exorbitant fees,” said Crighton. “A one size fits all approach was simply not working to fulfill the goal of the park, which is to bring the community together and to celebrate Lynn’s rich culture and history.”
Without staffing fees, the only cost associated with booking events at these parks is a $45 special event application fee.
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said the provision is a “significant step forward” and he is thankful to Crighton for his leadership on this.
“Lowering the DCR fees on smaller state parks, like Lynn’s Frederick Douglass Park, allows our space to be open and accessible for our community to utilize and enjoy,” said Nicholson.
McClain also thanked Crighton for pushing this legislation forward, saying it will break down the barrier to entry and help make sure that these parks are being enjoyed and used as intended.
By making Frederick Douglass Park more accessible for use by residents, Ward 5 Councilor Dianna Chakoutis said it will help the park live up to its full potential and drive more people downtown.
“Many people worked hard to make Frederick Douglass Park a reality and it now has all the qualities to be a staple of our flourishing arts and culture district,” said Chakoutis.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
